Art Southampton finishes the season of major Hamptons art fairs next week with more than 85 galleries and thousands of attendees, all gathered for the love of fine art.
Now in its second year, the five-day event maintains a strong focus on contemporary, 20th and 21st century work, which will be spread out in the 100,000-square-foot pavilion. The space will feature a VIP lounge and curated projects, both inside and out, on the property behind the Southampton Elks Lodge.
An opening VIP preview will benefit the Southampton Hospital on Thursday, July 25. The kick-off event will allow participants to get first dibs on the most coveted works, as well as time to socialize and network with like-minded guests. Art Southampton’s luxury sponsor House of GRAFF, which is known for carrying “the most fabulous jewels in the world,” will present a brilliant display of elegant jewels and stones during the preview.
Photographer Jerry Schatzberg will also be on-site during Thursday’s preview signing his books: Fashion 1950s and Paris 1962.
The fair’s advisory committee has vetted all galleries and work in Art Southampton in order to maintain consistent quality throughout the many dealer booths and with each individual piece by exhibiting artists. Art Southampton is presented by Art Miami, which has a history of presenting tasteful top-tier offerings.
Along with those from New York City and the Hamptons, artists and galleries on view hail from cities around the country and the world. Participating local dealers include Vered Gallery in East Hampton, Bridgehampton’s Peter Marcelle Gallery and Kathryn Markel Fine Art, McNeill Art Group and Keszler Gallery from Southampton and Birnam Wood Galleries and Gallery Valentine from East Hampton.
One of 2013’s hottest local (and international) art stars Eric Fischl is curating a New York Academy of Art alumni art exhibition at the fair this year, and all work will be sold to benefit the Academy. Fischl and artists in the show are hosting a special cocktail party and exhibition tour on Saturday, July 27 from 5–7 p.m. Bring your copy, or buy Fischl’s bestselling memoir, Bad Boy: My Life On and Off the Canvas and the author will sign it!
“We are honored that the prestigious New York Academy of Art has chosen to partner with Art Southampton and exhibit works by their renowned alumni, curated by one of our country’s foremost artists, Eric Fischl,” Art Southampton Show Director Nick Korniloff said.
Earlier on Saturday, Raphael Mazzucco is signing copies of his book Raphael Mazzucco Collected Art starting at the Rosenbaum Contemporary Booth.
Andy Warhol, “Mao,” Courtesy Gallery Valentine
East Hampton’s Gallery Valentine is also presenting a special exhibit featuring the work of late Pop Art king Andy Warhol. A VIP cocktail party and panel discussion will coincide with the show from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 26. Drop by and hear Warhol experts share their knowledge, including former Interview magazine editor and author of Holy Terror: Andy Warhol Close Up, Bob Colacello; renowned filmmaker and director of Andy Warhol Lana Jokel; Factory superstar Ultra Violet and Christina Strassfield, chief curator at Guild Hall.
The Art Southampton pavilion will offer unique ambiance and design, whether visitors attend the special schedule of events or simply enjoy the plenitude of exhibiting galleries.
Visit art-southampton.com for a full list of galleries and artists as well as ticket information. Art Southampton, 605 County Road 39 in Southampton, is open 12–7 p.m. Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28 and 12-5 p.m. on Monday, July 29. Day passes are $15 and multi-day passes are $30.
Robert Polidori, “Le Triomphe de Saturne en Salle les Campagnes Militaires,Versailles, Courtesy Nicholas Metivier Gallery
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