LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton celebrated its community of artists — past, present, and future — at its annual Summer Benefit, on July 23. The event was titled ONWARD, after a favorite expression of its founder Jack Lenor Larsen. LongHouse spread couches, canopied beds, rugs, and chairs throughout the garden under the stars, with five buffets bosting everything from poké bowls to a raw bar. The art auction was the centerpiece, while multiple bands kept 300 revelers dancing till nearly midnight.
“Having so many of the talented makers of our new artworks with us is in keeping with LongHouse’s tradition of honoring makers,” said executive director Carrie R. Barratt.
“LongHouse is so fortunate to have such a wealth of talent and support in our community,” said co-president Dianne Benson.
“You could feel the love and support in the air” added co-president, Nina Gillman.
Among the artists attending were Cheng Tsung Feng, Steven Ladd, Moko Fukuyama, and Fitzhugh Karol. Other work on the property for the first time included Bjorn Amelan’s sumi ink paintings and Alexander Polzin’s “Parthenope” alongside permanent installations by Yoko Ono, Buckminster Fuller, and Willem de Kooning.
Guests included Alice Aycock, Tony Bechara and Desiree Von la Valette, Halim Bulos, Stacy Engman, Edwina von Gal, Dakota Jackson and RoseLee Goldberg, Anna Kulinova, Nathan Lane and Delvin Elliott, Stewart Lane and Bonnie Comley, Laura Lobdell, Fern Mallis, Jean Shafiroff, Leann Pei, Harry Santa-Olalla, Lee Skolnick, Barbara Slifka, David White (Mr.StarCity), Robert Wilson, stylish sister duo Tanya and Temidra Willock, and Victoria Wyman, as well as LongHouse Reserve Board of Trustees, Sherri Donghia, Dr. Derick George, Ayse Kenmore, Mark and Elizabeth Levine, Deborah Nevins, Peter H. Olsen, Suzanne Slesin and Michael Steinberg, and James Zajac.