Antonella Bertello moves fast. She loves fast cars, fast boats, and meticulous service. When it’s time to slow down, though, she only needs to step into her award-winning oasis, The Baker House 1650 in East Hampton. Since 2004, she has been the visionary and creative force behind this iconic property. 

“When I first saw the property, I was surprised how I connected immediately,” she shared. Talking to Bertello, it became apparent that when she feels something and knows it is right in every aspect of her life, she forges ahead. When she first set eyes on the property and the vintage door that led the way to the patio, it was love at first sight. She went forward with perseverance and expertise in real estate, design, and sales and didn’t look back.

The word “iconic” is often thrown around carelessly. Every so often, a new person, artwork, or collaboration comes to life, and the word truly applies. In this case, a new collection from fast-growing home décor innovator TilePix and renowned ceramicist and designer Jonathan Adler is unquestionably iconic.

If walls could talk. In this case, they do.

TilePix recently announced its first official “Icon” collaboration with Adler. A Shelter Island resident, he is beloved for his iconic lips and dreamy druggist-inspired graphics, flowers, and head-turning Atlas faces. This was no small feat for TilePix, which was determined to make Adler’s glamorous, well-known designs and timeless motifs available to everyone. 

The “lightbulb” moment for the wall décor company came during a creative brainstorm when the team sat down to talk about dream collaborators for the brand’s “Icon” collection launch. 

“Jonathan Adler was on the top of the list,” shared Kelsey Kroning, director of marketing at TilePix. “The ‘Icon’ collection is a whole other level for us to bring high-end design and art available to everyone for the first time. We already have a fun collection that supports and empowers up-and-coming artists, so this was about working with true artistic icons.”   

As a big Jonathan Adler fan, like so many, I wanted to find out why this glamorous designer was equally excited about bringing his work to walls in this new way. “‘More, more, and more’ are my three favorite words,” he shared. “This collection has so many of my favorite patterns and motifs, and with their technology, my designs can be in more, more, and more homes — a win-win.”

Curious about Adler’s thinking on the collaboration overall, his response only reinforces this unexpected but ideal alliance. “I have never seen anything as cool as this company’s hanging system to take the guesswork out of arranging art,” he said. Adler and his husband, Simon Doonan, split their time between places on the East End and Palm Beach. He believes that a well-designed space can make you feel at home anywhere. In the post-Covid world we all live in, this new collaboration makes perfect sense as people work from multiple places, often just for a short-term stay. It has never been just about luxury for Adler. Creating unique and glamorous designs that embody every individual’s personality and style is just as important. 

Talking with Kroning, she shared the company’s passionate commitment to innovation and design, which is analogous to Adler’s enthusiasm. Perhaps that is another reason why the universe, coupled with hard work and creativity, brought them together to launch the “Icon” collection. Kroning, a marketing guru who has worked with revered brands, is resolute in bringing home more and more wall décor options for DIYers. “It’s about launching new products that are in sync with their lives at every stage and for every moment,” she said.

It was clear that this wasn’t about bringing new products to life for just any reason. There was a distinct sense that this was about accessibility and adding a little happiness to individual spaces. The brainstorm that launched this dream “Icon” alliance was inspired by a realization and understanding of where the world is now and how people live in 2024. Whether working remotely, traveling, nesting, or renting a temporary home, consumers are navigating an increasingly complicated world and creating environments that bring smiles and serenity when they walk in the door. 

I asked Kroning her about her passions, including her favorite artists and designers. Of course, Adler was at the top of the list. “I am not a natural DIYer,” she said. “Maybe that is why I personally love this new collection.”

As the TilePix hanging instructions indicate, just peel, stick, and hang, and you can be surrounded by all things Jonathan Adler. Magnetism might allow you to hang your new Adler prints easily on your wall, but it also accurately describes the personalities involved in this project.

Jamee and Peter Gregory, generous trailblazers in philanthropy for the arts, are the recipients of this summer’s Champion of Arts Award at the 11th annual Southampton Arts Center Gala on August 17.

Jamee and Peter are two people who seemingly never slow down. Gregory, a former financial advisor at Morgan Stanley, has been passionately committed to the arts for decades. Jamee, a popular style-maven and beloved author, works with Gregory as a team, tirelessly focusing on furthering art, culture, and the community on behalf of the center and other causes.

“We are focused on bringing all the things we love about New York City, art, music, and culture to the town of Southampton and the East End overall,” said Jamee. Now full-time residents of the East End, their years of dedication to the arts in New York City are undoubtedly a significant contribution to the Southampton Arts Center.

This year’s SummerFest takes place during “Couples Squared,” an exhibition, guest-curated by Phyllis Tuchman, is a unique showcase that delves into the dynamic interplay between creative partners, presenting a diverse array of paintings, sculptures, and photographs that span the spectrum of artistic expression.

“There was and is still a void in town in terms of creating a sense of community that is accessible to everyone,” said Jamee. “Working with the board and Christina Strassfield, director of the center, we were determined to bring the venue to new heights, a place that represents all the arts — from music to fine art and family events… Not everyone has ventured inside the center since the reincarnation of the space since we took over. That is our primary goal.”

Executive Director Christina Strassfield, who worked for Guild Hall for 29 years, brings undeniable experience to SAC. She thinks outside the box and embraces the freedom and creative possibilities presented by the venue.

“The timing was right for me to make a move,” she said. “This is a place that gives me the freedom and the ability to bring art in every form to the community all year. From books, film, and music, I am committed to bringing everyone a wide range of programs and exhibits to the Hamptons.”

For Christina, it’s about flexibility and energy. “I can bring any exhibit or performance to the center, from emerging artists to young musicians to unexpected talent. That freedom aligns with my mission to make art, culture, and talent accessible and available to everyone as they walk in town and just want to come in.”

SummerFest, one of Southampton’s most highly anticipated events of the summer season, will take place from 6 to 10:30 PM. Starting with a cocktail reception with a wide range of great chefs and restaurants on the East End, the evening continues with a seated dinner, dancing, and entertainment.

Audrey and Martin Gruss, Karen and Richard LeFrak, Simone and David Levinson, and Hilary and Wilbur Ross co-chair the gala. Co-hosts for the event are Anne and Keith Barish, Gigi and Harry Benson, April Gornik and Eric Fischl, Kim Heirston, Chris and Richard Mack, Fern Mallis, Bill Manger, Margo Nederlander, Zibby and Kyle Owens, Nicole and Allen Salmasi, Stefano Tonchi, Marcy and Michael Warren, and Bettina Zilkha.