The Eric Firestone Gallery has been a staple on Newtown Lane in East Hampton for 16 years, displaying significant yet under-recognized artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. Since its beginnings, the gallery has expanded to New York City and West Palm Beach. We spoke to Eric to learn more.
What originally drew you to opening a gallery in East Hampton?
My family and I wanted to be closer to New York, and we had spent several summers in East Hampton before making the move. We were drawn not only to the natural beauty of the area, but also to its remarkable artistic history. There is a long tradition of artists living and working here, and it felt like a place where we could raise our daughter while also becoming part of a community that values creativity and culture.
How has the East Hampton art scene evolved since you first became part of it?
The visibility of the arts on the East End has grown tremendously. Institutions like the Parrish Art Museum, now in its Herzog & de Meuron-designed building, along with Guild Hall, LongHouse Reserve, and the Pollock-Krasner House, have helped create a vibrant cultural landscape. During Covid, many galleries established a presence here, which added new energy and audiences. At the same time, what makes the East Hampton art community special is its continuity. The history remains very much alive, and the newer initiatives work in conversation with that legacy rather than replacing it.
When visitors walk into the gallery for the first time, what do you hope they feel?
I hope they feel a sense of discovery. Art should invite curiosity, and I want people to feel comfortable walking through the door, regardless of their background or level of familiarity with art. The best experiences often begin when someone encounters something unexpected and feels free to spend time with it.
How do you see the relationship between art, place, and community?
To me, they’re inseparable. Art grows out of place, and communities are shaped by the people and ideas that gather around it. If you’re going to be part of a community, you have to be accessible and engaged. That means creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to participate, connect, and feel welcome.
What first sparked your interest in art?
My interest began when I was a child taking classes at the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami. A few years later, I remember seeing Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Surrounded Islands in Biscayne Bay. It was a transformative experience. Seeing something on that scale made me realize that art could completely change the way you look at the world. It opened my mind to the idea that anything is possible, and it taught me to remain receptive to art in whatever form it takes.
