Better Together

Dawn Watson photo

Dawn Watson photo

The current clime has been tough on pretty much everyone I know in one way or another. And regardless of our opinions, our political leanings, or even what we believe to be true, we can’t forget our common bonds. Let’s everyone agree on the fact that we all have something that we hold dear.

 To that end, it’s certainly apropos that the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill is hosting a “2017 People’s State of the Union Story Circle” tomorrow night, Friday, January 27, starting at 6 p.m. The free event is one of hundreds that are taking place nationwide, and is meant to be part of an annual civic tradition rooted in the belief that democracy is a conversation, not a monologue.

“The Story Circle aims to create a space for sharing and listening and to bring together our communities at the Parrish,” said Corinne Erni, Curator of Special Projects at the Parrish. “It is open to everyone who cares about the condition of our nation and wants to have a voice, and we encourage all members of the community to participate.”

 The People’s State of the Union Story Circle is an invitation to anyone to host a national conversation in their homes, schools, houses of worship, cultural institutions, and community centers. The concept was created by the “U.S. Department of Arts and Culture” an artists’ collective that is neither an official agency nor affiliated in any way with the federal government. The USDAC defines itself as “a people-powered movement dedicated to cultivating empathy, equity, and social imagination.”  Between January 27-February 5, 2017, hundreds of individuals and organizations across the U.S. will sign up to host Story Circles. At the Parrish, participants will join together in the Lichtenstein Theater in small circles of about eight people each to tell stories and discuss topics in a conversation facilitated by a moderator. After the Story Circles, the stories and images will be uploaded to an online platform, yielding a body of work that can be searched and shared, inspiring new ideas and new actions.

 Registration is open to all East End residents age 15 and older. No preparation is necessary. Current participants include artists, therapists, poets, veterans, educators, and community leaders. Space is limited and reservations are required. Please visit parrishart.org or email info@parrishart.org for more information and to RSVP.

Photos: Discover Watermill Day

What might be strange anywhere else is but commonplace at The Watermill Center. Lisa Tamburini photo.

More than 1,000 people showed up to check out The Watermill Center on Sunday, August 14, for its annual Discover Day.

On view at the avant-garde laboratory: more than two dozen installations and performances created for FADA: House of Madness, the 23rd Annual Watermill Center Summer Benefit & Auction, along with new work created by Watermill’s summer residency artists, and sculptures and artifacts from The Watermill Center Collection.

An annual event, Discover Watermill Day, provides a unique opportunity for visitors to see original works created by over 130 artists from more than 27 countries currently participating in The Watermill Center’s International Summer Program, a five to six week residency where participants explore and collaborate on new ideas and endeavors under the guidance of The Center’s Artistic Director, Robert Wilson.

All photos in the following gallery by Kimberly Goff.

This year, upon entering through the bamboo-lined entrance, guests encountered Jacques Reynaud’s Angels of Apocalypse, accompanied by sound installations adapted from recent recordings by Oscar nominee singer/songwriter, ANOHNI (formerly Antony Hegarty). Following Tony Piazza’s flower terraces, highlights from the day included: an exhibition of Clementine Hunter’s paintings, Marianna Kavallieratos’ four-part performance Far West, bird houses by Wilson’s long-time collaborator Christopher Knowles, a young man submerged in John Margaritis’ One Ton Tank, and The Bruce High Quality Foundation’s Manneken Pis, which offered a welcomed spritz of water from the rooftop. Guests of all ages enjoyed cotton candy from The Candy Man, face painting and temporary tattoos with Manu Halligan, hatmaking with Genevieve Neve, drawing workshops with Tea Taneski and pillow fights on the lawn with pillows from Brian O’Mahoney’s cats sleep anywhere 2. At 5:00pm, attendees gathered under the tent for an open rehearsal of Robert Wilson’s Two Oars and Turnadot, followed by a performance by gospel jazz singer Marcelle Davies-Lashley.

All photos in this gallery by Lisa Tamburini.

 

Photos: Super Saturday

Kelly Ripa photo by Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com © 2016 robwayne1@aol.com 516-676-3939

Always a shopper’s dream, this year’s Super Saturday definitely did not disappoint. The world-famous designer charity garage sale, held on July 30 at Nova’s Ark in Water Mill,  was hosted by Donna Karan, Kelly Ripa and Gabby Karan de Felice to raise funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance.

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: Aida Turturro attends OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: Christy Turlington attends OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: Donna Karan attends OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: Gabby Karan de Felice attends OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: June Ambrose attends OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: June Ambrose attends OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

June Ambrose photo by Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com © 2016 robwayne1@aol.com 516-676-3939

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: Kelly Bensimon attends OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: Kelly Ripa attends OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

Kelly Ripa, Audra Moran photo by Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com © 2016 robwayne1@aol.com 516-676-3939

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: Kristen Taekman attends OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: Judith Giuliani and Rudy Giuliani attend OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: Molly Sims attends OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: Star Jones attends OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

Veronica Varekova photo by Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com © 2016 robwayne1@aol.com 516-676-3939

The “Rolls Royce of garage sales” included a one-of-a-kind designer garage sale, kids’ carnival and activities, a luxury raffle and gourmet treats. Plus there was all the awesome discounted merchandise–from nearly 150 prominent participants including: DKNY, Ralph Lauren, VINCE., Bonpoint, Henri Bendel, MILLY, Shoshanna, Theory, alice + olivia, Brooks Brothers, Kiehl’s Since 1851, L’AGENCE, Calypso St. Barth and SoulCycle. For the ninth consecutive year, the “Designers A to Zoe” booth curated by Rachel Zoe will feature a compilation of pieces from her favorite luxury designers including Aurelie Bidermann, Calvin Klein, Diane Von Furstenberg, Erin Fetherston, Giambattista Valli, Jenni Kayne, Lanvin, Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, Pam & Gela, Rachel Zoe Collection, Roberto Cavalli, Sergio Rossi, Stella McCartney and Temperley London.

New to Super Saturday NY was the Lifestyle Marketplace, curated by Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice, which consisted of unique finds in clothing, accessories and home goods. Also for the first time, Suite 1521, an exclusive luxury fashion destination in Manhattan, had a booth selling ready-to-wear and accessories from some of their favorite brands including ADEAM, Anya Hindmarch, Ashish, David Koma, Edie Parker, Giles, Giulietta, Markus Lupfer, Mary Katrantzou, Olympia Le-Tan, Peter Pilotto, Preen, Rialto Jean Project and Rodarte.

In addition to shopping luxury brands at deep discounts for a great cause, OCRFA’s Super Saturday NY attendees enjoyed psychic readings with Betsy Wahmann, floral crown making with B Floral and Brancott Estate’s Flight Song wine bar and hair salon, and tray passed service from FIJI Water. Kids enjoyed arts & crafts and special performances at Camp Divalysscious and a visit to Space East for the hottest video games.

The luxury raffle included prizes from designers including Charlotte Olympia, Manolo Blahnik, Lorraine Schwartz, Gucci, Coach, POLOGEORGIS Furs, Barneys New York and Seaman Schepps and experiences donated by RIPPED Fitness, F-Factor, the New York Football Giants, 27 Hampton Salon, Fred Marcus Photography and Kidville, among others.

 

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: A view of B Floral Flower Crowns during OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: Jeremy Penn paints during OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: A view of the Ferris Wheel during OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: A view of the Kids Carnival during OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: Shoppers wait on line during OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

Rachel Zoe Booth – Jae Austin,Gina Barodin, Suzanne DeLisi photo by Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com © 2016 robwayne1@aol.com 516-676-3939

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: A Shopper attends OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: A shopper attends OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: A view of the Ferris Wheel during OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: A general view of atmosphere OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: The Urban Zen booth at OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

WATER MILL, NY – JULY 30: A general view of atmosphere during OCRFA’s 19th Annual Super Saturday NY Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice on July 30, 2016 in Watermill, New York. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for OCRF)

photo by Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com © 2016 robwayne1@aol.com 516-676-3939

All photos by Nick Hunt for Getty and Rob Rich for Society Allure.

Embed from Getty Images

 

Photos: Larry Scott Shindig

Event planner Lawrence Scott hosted a summer gathering at his home in Water Mill this past Saturday to showcase his unforgettable signature style. I just love the cool vibe.

Notable attendees Included: Michael Strahan, Chris Wragge, Rosanna Scotto, Dr. Jed and Terri Kaminetsky, Richie and Lisa Kirshenbaum, Gary and Donna Segal, David Edelstein, Debra Halpert, Dr. Paul and Diana Frank, Ann Frank, President of NY Mets Saul Katz and wife Iris Katz, Neville Dawson and Louis Ruggiero. At the A-List gathering, guests mingled whilst enjoying poolside hors d’oeuvres and champagne served by waiters dressed in “Keep Calm and Live like Larry” tees. Scott’s one-of-a-kind soirees,  known for their approach in going “from the ridiculous to the sublime,” have benefitted  Make–A–Wish, The Feinstein Institute, Live Out loud, Forward Face, City Of Hope, and MS, to name a few. Now I want to live like Larry!

Photos from ‘Thirty Squared’ Opening

The Water Mill Museum made a great call when it decided to put on a “Best Of Thirty Squared” exhibit this year. I hear that the opening on Saturday, June 25, was jam-packed, and with good reason. The show has a vast variety of regional art, from abstract to realism, small to wall-sized, paintings, photography and mixed media.

True to its name, this “Best Of” art show is full of really wonderful work. Participating artists include: Mary Anne Bennett, Dana Little Brown, Sally Breen, Kimberly Goff, Aubrey Grainger, Patricia Hadley, Anna Jurinich, Ann Lombardo, Anthony Lombardo, Keith Mantell, Lynn Matsuoka, Anita Kusick, Lucille Berrill Paulsen, Steven Romm, Joanne Rosko, Bonnie Ruben, Elizabeth Rundquist, Carisa Skretch, Eileen Dawn Skretch, Sonia Stratford, Mary Stubelek, Bob Sullivan, Pamela Thomson, Maureen Travers and John Wolff. Stop in and check it out between now and when the show closes on July 17. Buy a piece of art while you’re at it. You’ll be glad you did. Proceeds from art sales benefit the Water Mill Museum.

 

Photos by Kimberly Goff. Yay Kimberly!

 

Swimwear Inspired by Art

Hollie Wataman poses with models wearing her most current creations. Dawn Watson photos

I just heard on the radio yesterday that 33 percent of Americans would rather have oral surgery than go swimsuit shopping. While I think that might be extreme, I recognize and understand the reasoning behind the thought. For those who hate heading to the beach for fear of finding nothing to wear, Hollie Watman has a solution for you. The Water Mill-based designer has introduced a line of swimwear and poolwear that is inspired by art and that even grownups can wear and feel pretty in. Here are a few pix I snapped at a launch party she threw at her house last night, Saturday, June 25.

Super pretty floral frocks. Photos by Dawn Watson

Hollie Watman. Dawn Watson photos

Checking out the party. Photos by Dawn Watson

Beth McNeill and Jeff Muhs. Dawn Watson photos

Venus Williams Hits the Roof in the Hamptons

Venus Williams photo by Richard Lewin

Tennis superstar Venus Williams stopped by 100 Crescent Avenue in Water Mill on Tuesday, June 21, to check out the only residential rooftop tennis court on the East End. Before heading off to upcoming matches at Wimbledon and in Rio (that’s where the summer Olympics will be held this year), she posed with fans, wielded an oversize racquet, talked about design, and took a trip through Holiday House Hamptons with Founder Iris Dankner and HC&G Publisher Pamela Eldridge.

Many of the designers participating in this years fundraiser were also at the $18 million, 13,000-square-foot home, which Ms. Williams said housed the best showhouse she had ever seen. Of course her contribution to the fundraiser, open through July 26, might’ve played a part in her decision. Ms. Williams’  V*Starr Interiors lounge–which  features outdoor furniture in cool grey and blue hues accented with bright pops of color reminiscent of Rio and colorfully patterned custom pillows made from her athletic line EleVen’s new Prism fabric, created especially for the Showhouse– are located upstairs and adjacent to the tennis court. While visiting, the tennis ace, a 22-time Grand Slam title holder, also presented a limited edition dress exclusively designed by her in USA Olympic Colors that she will wear in Rio at the Summer Games to contribute to the more than $1 million Holiday House has already raised for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The special dress, limited to a run of 500,  comes framed, accompanied with a hand-written note from Venus, a gold pendant and certificate of authenticity and is being auctioned off onsite.

Venus Wiliams photo by Richard Lewin

Iris Dankner, Venus Williams, Pamela Eldridge. Richard Lewin photo

Iris Dankner, Venus Williams and Marianne Howatson. Richard Lewin photo

4. Venus joined by Barbara and Jose Ruiz. Richard Lewin photo

Iris Dankner and Venus Williams. Richard Lewin photo

Mingling on the court. Richard Lewin photo

9. Colette Sabins of The Rug Company, Venus Williams, Rosie Byford of The Rug Company and C&G Media Group CEO Marianne Howatson. Richard Lewin photo

Venus Williams with Tyrone Davis. Richard Lewin photo