Step inside The Church in Sag Harbor on June 21 from 6 to 7:30 PM to witness its latest transformation as “The Ark” opens its doors for its first public viewing. The 2025 Summer exhibition, curated by Eric Fischl, refers directly to the myth of the Deluge: an event of such apocalyptic scale, forewarned, unheeded, and unstoppable, that it appeared it would be the end of all life on earth. However, through human resourcefulness, will, and compassion, the Great Flood marked a new beginning — a do-over, a rebirth. Composed solely of animal sculptures by over 40 international artists of the last century, the exhibition looks closely at man’s relationship with animals, nature, and self. The exhibition will be on view through Monday, September 1.
Artists Featured in “The Ark” include Monica Banks, Louise Bourgeois, Rembrandt Bugatti, Deborah Butterfield, Joan Brown, Maurizio Cattelan, Thomas Deininger, Jim Dine, William Edmondson, Angus Fairhurst, Daniel Firman, Elizabeth Frink, Jean-François Gambino, Brendan Hemsmondhalgh, Nicola Hicks, Bryan Hunt, Jörd Immendorf, Ryan Johnson, William Kent, William Kentridge, Sherrie Levine, Sarah Lucas, Kate MccGwire, Allan McCollum, Mentawai people, Bruce Nauman, John O’Reilly, Charles Ray, Germaine Richier, Jane Rosen, Susan Rothenberg, Claudette Schreuders, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Kiki Smith, Anthony Theakston, Nichola Theakston, Catherine Thiry, Rosemarie Trockel, William Tucker, Patrick Villas, and Daisy Youngblood.
In celebration of The Church’s collaboration on The Ark Community Project, there will be a simultaneous opening at The Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum. Stop by The Whaling Museum between 5 PM and 7:30 PM for snacks, drinks, and their signature Dark and Stormy cocktail, and take in the exhibition. The marine animal-themed show, curated by Dave. O., features sculptures and paintings immersed in the whale soundscape and includes work from 13 artists. Artists featured include Patton Miller, Scott Bluedorn, Isadora Capraro, Georgia Suter, Jim Gingerich, Franco Cuttica, Forrest Gray, Nick Whelan, Kevin Ink, Loren Eiferman, and Cayce Adams.
All works of art will be for sale, and a silent auction, with a chance to bid on the community-built Ark, will be live. Admission for the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum’s Annual “Calm Before the Storm” Party is free with a suggested donation of $50. Donations benefit the Whaling Museum and may be made here.