James Lane Post presents the “East End Community Spotlight” series, highlighting non-profit organizations doing work on the East End. To submit a non-profit organization to be featured in this series, email info@jameslanepost.com.
The Church in Sag Harbor is an art center created by artists Eric Fischl and April Gornik to celebrate art, creativity, and community. We spoke with Executive Director, Sheri L. Pasquarella to learn more.
Can you tell us about your organization?
The Church is a multi-discipline art center established in 2019 by artists Eric Fischl and April Gornik to celebrate art, creativity, and community. Housed in a deconsecrated 19th-century church, our doors opened in April 2021. Our mission is to “foster creativity on the East End of Long Island and to honor the living history of Sag Harbor as a maker’s village.” Core activities include art exhibitions, concerts and performances, events, workshops, and an artist’s residency. Over 15,000 people join us each year for our diverse offerings, which include 3-4 annual exhibitions, weekly live events or educational programs, to visit the artists of our residency program, or to experience our beautiful architecture. Our beautiful garden and library of arts and the humanities, as well as our main building, are all free and open to the public 5 days a week all year round.
Talk about the importance of this work on the East End.
We are keeping alive the history of art making on Eastern Long Island – a history that goes back to the very founding of the region by our Native ancestors, through the famed Abstract Expressionists at mid 20th Century, and including the diverse artists of all media who continue to live and work here today. Through collaborations with our community partnerships that include many of our community’s most important social services and educational organizations, we are ensuring that people of all ages, backgrounds, beliefs, and ability can connect to creativity in their own life. We are also making the global local, by bringing hundreds of artworks and artists from around the world to Sag Harbor, and exploring their work alongside the many talented artists based right here on the East End.
How can the East End community get involved?
Join us for any of the events that suit your fancy! We program broadly – from street dance collectives to classical music and everything in between. Or just drop by the space the next time you are in Sag – we love making new friends. You are sure to make a discovery that will make you delighted and inspired.