I recently had the magical experience of visiting The Leiber Collection in Springs, truly one of the best-kept secrets on the East End. My good friend, Ann Stewart, has been the director and curator for over 15 years, and she is an absolute wealth of information.
As I entered the impressive wrought iron gates, I was immediately transported to a dreamlike property where art and fashion converge in the most enchanting way. The Leibers’ Sculpture Garden is a captivating maze of interconnected paths, each leading through a distinguished variety of gardening styles. Every turn reveals something new and beautiful, and all paths converge at the magnificent Renaissance-styled Palladian structure that houses The Leiber Collection.
Inside the museum building, the extraordinary legacy of Judith Leiber comes to life. The dazzling collection of handbags and art pieces is nothing short of breathtaking, each piece telling a unique story of glamour, sophistication, and whimsical creativity. Famous for her iconic and revolutionary designs, Judith Leiber broke many barriers as she rose to the top of her field. As one of the most legendary handbag designers of all time, Leiber inspired and empowered women with her iconic designs, which are truly works of art. Her handbags have graced the pages of esteemed fashion magazines such as Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily, Harper’s Bazaar, and more. In 1976, Judith won the COTY Award, the highest honor in fashion, becoming the first woman and the first accessories designer to receive this prestigious accolade.
In 2005, Judith and her husband Gerson opened The Leiber Collection in Springs. The museum and gardens continue to share their legacy and extraordinary works of art and fashion. The Leibers envisioned their Sculpture Garden as a vibrant hub for art, music, performance, and the exchange of creative ideas, a vision that thrives through outdoor exhibitions and event series.
This year, the fifth annual Garden of Friends exhibition opened on Saturday, May 25, showcasing exhilarating new works by some of the East End’s most talented artists, including Monica Banks, Scott Bluedorn, Perry Burns, Philippe Cheng, Jennifer Cross, Eva Faye, Donna Green, Sandi Haber Fifield, Candace Hill Montgomery, Laurie Lambrecht, Jill Musnicki, Bastienne Schmidt, Sabina Streeter, Amy Wickersham, and Almond Zigmund. This dynamic outdoor exhibit honors the spirit of Judith and Gerson Leiber and their permanent collection, featuring works by friends and neighbors such as Bill King, Constantine Nivola, Hans Van de Bovenkamp, George Nama, and Ronnie Chalif, as well as contemporary artists like Margaret Garrett, Toni Ross, and Chris Kelly. The Garden of Friends embodies Judith and Gerson Leiber’s lifelong commitment to supporting the arts and fostering community.
Adding to the excitement, from Saturday, July 20 to Wednesday, August 21, The Leiber Collection is thrilled to present “Entangled,” an exhibition featuring the works of Connie Fox and William King. This captivating show includes paintings from Connie Fox’s iconic Sammy’s Beach Series, alongside William King’s delightful Sammy’s Beach-inspired sculptures. “Entangled” not only highlights the artistic brilliance of Fox and King but also honors their lasting friendship with the Leibers. As part of this series, on Sunday, August 11 at 4 PM, Scott Chaskey will read from his recent book, “Soil and Spirit, Cultivation and Kinship in the Web of Life,” adding another layer of cultural enrichment to the event. This exhibition promises to be a vibrant celebration of art, friendship, and the enduring legacy of the Leiber Collection.
The Leiber Museum is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the intersection of art and fashion, and it promises a memorable adventure for all who step through its gates. Ann Stewart’s expert guidance and deep knowledge of the Leibers’ work added an enriching layer to my experience, making it truly unforgettable. Don’t miss the chance to explore this dreamlike setting and immerse yourself in the artistic world of Judith and Gerson Leiber.
The Leiber Collection and Sculpture Garden are open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 to 4 PM and at other times by appointment. The Leiber Collection is located at 446 Old Stone Highway in Springs. Visit leibermuseum.org
