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.

Right before Thanksgiving, I spoke with Candace Bushnell, best-selling author, journalist, and television producer. I had just seen her new, one-woman show, “Is There Still Sex in the City?” in previews and consider myself one of her biggest fans.

As most know, she wrote a column for The New York Observer that was adapted into the bestselling “Sex and the City” anthology. The book was the basis for the HBO series “Sex and the City” and two movies.

Bushnell is working tirelessly bringing her show to life each day at the Daryl Roth Theater in Manhattan. The show — written by Bushnell and directed by Lorin Latarro — follows her life and career over the decades. Based on the book of the same name, she “shares her remarkable philosophy through stories of fashion, literature, sex, and New York City while pouring cosmos in Manolos. Sometimes your most fabulous character is yourself.”

For this interview, I focused on her show, which opened on November 13 in previews. Here is just a part of our conversation.

Run, don’t walk to catch her on stage.

Why were you compelled, after all these years, to bring your personal story to a live audience? What was the driving force?

This show is a culmination of my work of many years. Since 1996, I have been talking with audiences in many formats, including lectures about my experiences as a writer and a woman – and never could put it together in a way that I truly wanted. I finally found an opportunity to do that with this show. I also knew I had a major message to share about life, work, relationships, and just being a woman and wanted to take all my stories and share them onstage; but it wasn’t until now that it all came together and I had a chance to share my life, all it’s complications, victories, and challenges.

Why do you think so many women really relate to your stories, your life?

For me, it’s all about doing the best work you can do, being authentic — not shaping the material for the audience but rather being true to my own voice, feeling what I feel and then, only then, hoping the audience connects with the material. That is how I always work.

The truth is, so many women go through the same stages, children, work, and figuring out who we are. We all are navigating similar things. Was that a major goal for you in sharing your life story?

Yes, I think there is something for everyone in the show depending on where they are in life. I wanted to share my stories to demonstrate that we all may make choices, but we must keep going and roll with all the punches that inevitably come along the way.

Tell me about how female friendships have been central in your life and your work. It clearly is a major theme in the show.

The importance of female friendships can’t be overstated for women. All the things we struggle with and try to deal with in life means you need a village and friendships are a critical part of that village.

If you get divorced at age 50, like I did, you may need to reconnect with the friends you had when you were single or go out there and meet new people. Your oldest and best friends though are consistent and should be there regardless of marital status. The power of these friendships in my life have been so important in facing life’s challenges and celebrating its successes.

I know you have nothing to do with HBO Max’s “And Just Like That,” the next chapter of “Sex and the City.” How do you feel about the reboot?

I am excited to see it but yes, I am not involved with it. I think it’s great it’s coming back though and showing different ages and stages of the characters’ lives.

During the show you brilliantly demonstrated changing society, culture, and perceptions from the 1970s to the present – including even throwing out hair scrunchies to the audience as a nod to the ’80s! I especially loved that part. What is the underlying message that comes along with these seemingly innocuous hair accessories? What do they symbolize for you?

I think the scrunchie represents the freedom to not have to worry about our hair so much! I wear them every night, even now. That’s what I use to keep my hair in place.

Looking in the rear-view mirror and ahead, what do you truly hope is the one thing this show achieves?

I hope audiences and especially women realize you must always find a way forward and be true to yourself, stand up for yourself, and remember to embrace every chapter of life.

Do you still drink Cosmos?

Yes. And Earl Grey tea!

What are your plans for the holidays this season?

I always get together with girlfriends, and always Nicole Miller. That’s a tradition for me.

If there is one wish you have for your show, what is it?

I hope women are inspired to keep going and thrive regardless of the challenges that come their way. There are always new things to happen, we should dig deep, cherish our old friends, and remember, there is still sex in the city — even if it means redefining what this means at different ages and figuring out what makes it all come together. It’s symbolic for so many things that are sexy. Sex is metaphorical in the title — always has been — so many things can be sexy

“Is There Sex in the City?” was published in 2019 and takes place in New York City and a fictional place called “The Village” based on the Hamptons, where Candace has spent many months over the years writing books, tv pilots and plays, biking, cooking, and taking walks on the beach, and, of course, rolling with the punches with all her girlfriends. Tickets for “Is There Still Sex in the City?” are available through February 2022.

Sometimes the stars just align and that’s exactly what happened when the universe brought three powerhouses together to collaborate on everything from candles to cashmere. Their individual and collective creativity and shared purpose was ultimately the inspiration for Pride Month Self Love Saturday, taking place on June 11 at the inimitable lifestyle and wellness boutique, Sunshine Amagansett. Owned by the unstoppable and incessantly creative Heidi Humes, it is a place that is all about community and craftmanship.  

Tulum, considered one of the most beautiful jewels of the Mexican Caribbean, is also called “Pueblo Magico” or Magical Town and perhaps that best encapsulates how Heidi connected with Michael Angelo, veteran beauty guru, artist, and founder of the Wonderland Beauty Parlor in Chelsea. Heidi was in Tulum for a Sunshine pop-up. Always on the lookout for new things while traveling, it was while there she saw an image of a candle posted by Alessandra Brunialti, fashion doyen and founder of the recently launched, sustainable lifestyle brand, Marea Clothing. The candle, created by Michael is all about support, self-love, and acceptance. The container, a minimalist aluminum holds blue and pink wax, sometimes in a swirl. It was this art-worthy candle, that brought the three of them together.  

Talking to each of them, individually, their shared vision for products, art, purpose, and creativity was palpable. The Pride Month Self Love Saturday event beautifully captures what each of them are determined to do as artists and business owners and, most importantly, for this event. “My work is all about being authentic, following my heart and celebrating love in all forms,” says Angelo. “This event is about all these things and reaching out to individuals and the community with our collective message.” A portion of the proceeds from the day will benefit The Ali Forney Center, committed to saving the lives of LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. 

Sunshine Amagansett’s collection is housed in a beach-like house — not like most, cookie-cutter retail stores lining busy streets — it feels like a true home. It celebrates women, artisans, and all things beautiful. “My goal was for every inch to stimulate every single sense,” explains Humes. “I am a collector of personal stories from everyone and everywhere, so I bring in items and artists from all over the world so my customers can feel a personal connection.” Pride Month Self Love Saturday is a showcase for all to experience but is especially about self-acceptance and self-love no matter who you are.” 

What was especially clear was their collective commitment to making this pop-up more than the ordinary. It promises to be a tactile and meaningful experience, from the authentic, beachy location to the art and merchandise. It’s also an opportunity for customers to tell their stories, including on-the-spot Polaroids representing diversity and self-love messages.

Marea Clothing is a luxurious lifestyle brand and is all about wellness, featuring bright colors that comfort and bring hope to our lives. Marea, meaning “ocean tide” in Italian is intended to transport customers, encourage optimism, and inspire joy. “The event collaboration with Michael and Heidi made total sense for many reasons but was about the joint mission to support everyone and that really resonated with me and my brand,” said Brunialti. “I am all about comfort and color and what the Hamptons is all about.

Sunshine also features a special Back Room, where Humes features select artists who represent what the boutique is all about. For the season and June 11, the works of celebrated, Hamptons-based photographer Franz Walderdorff and Cole Caswell will be on display. Walderdorff’s Connections series reflects the ever-shifting movement of sand, water, and sky. Caswell’s work features colorful pigment prints and tintype photography. “The work of each of them, although considerably different, captures my idea of what is a modern, beautiful Hamptons environment,” said Humes.

In Tulum, you find beautiful things everywhere, in the sun, sand, and stars — it’s magic. Yet sometimes, you simply just look at your newsfeed at the right time and the stars come together in unexpected ways.

Pride Month Self-Love Saturday takes place on June 11 from 10 AM to 4 PM at Sunshine Amagansett, 303 Main Street. Click here for more information.

“Storytelling is in my DNA,” said Rebecca Hessel Cohen, founder and creative director of LoveShackFancy during an interview shortly after the opening of her new flagship Sag Harbor location. “Each LoveShackFancy piece has its own story. Consumers connect with a dress or blouse or any item then they leave the store and make their own wonderful stories — at parties, at the beach, and just living life.”

Cohen founded LSF in 2013 while working as a fashion editor and after designing bridesmaids’ dresses for her own storybook wedding. Her previous career is perhaps one reason storytelling is so much a part of LoveShackFancy, but it is a convergence of so many other factors that bring the LoveShackFancy brand to life: her love of travel, romance, and all things tactile, including a lust for the lacy, vintage, and whimsical. “It was my mom’s love of vintage that ignited my passion for design, fabric, and creating,” she added. Her first retail store was a smaller space on the East End.

Cohen is always on the hunt for timeless prints, especially those from the 1800s that truly exemplify her brand. She is inspired by an endless array of these discoveries and the people and places in her life. She then reinterprets these designs to create one-of-a-kind fashions, home accessories, and all things LoveShackFancy. The company is quickly growing and now has a total of 14 locations in cities around the country.

Forming sincere bonds — connecting with customers — is just a part of LoveShackFancy’s mission and what she is all about. Cohen and her team make sure each store speaks to the community at the local level, bringing in beloved community touches unique to that city, thereby creating a true hometown experience that also transports fans to Rebecca’s world of travel, including France, England, and other destinations. Recently, for the Nashville opening, the company designed a pink music-themed storefront, capturing the city’s rich musical roots. As is representative of LoveShackFancy’s understanding of what it takes to be successful, they brought in a local artist to feature in the store.

Back closer to home in Sag Harbor, you would think Cohen and her team would find inspiration from the beach, and they do — but it goes so much further for LoveShackFancy at the new Sag Harbor location. The 2,250-square-foot, two-story location features exposed brick, natural wood, a molded fireplace, and architectural details more commonly found in an antique-filled, beloved farmhouse. “It’s all about incorporating the warmth of home in Sag Harbor and the Hamptons,” explained Cohen. There is an upstairs private salon for special events and collections and a new girls/teen line inspired by her own life. “My daughters, Stella and Scarlett, are now nine and 11,” she shared. “I see the trajectory of my life in my brand.”  

LoveShackFancy now goes way beyond its original roots and it is clear she always has her finger on the pulse of the newest trends and how to reach all age groups. “This new teen line, home collection, and collaborations with so many major brands further our bond with our A-List and celebrity followers. Fans can’t wait to see what’s next — including LSF fragrances, beauty, and activewear.” Recent collaborations include working with Hurley — a well-known surf apparel company, perfect for the season and beyond. The hottest item this summer? “Our little sequin black dress is flying off the shelves.” And LoveShackFancy vending machines are coming to college campuses nationwide.

“The Sag Harbor location is truly a destination,” added Cohen. She speaks with passion during our interview — she’s about all things romantic, and love of life.

LoveShackFancy is located at 3 Madison Street in Sag Harbor and 11 Main Street in Southampton.

It’s been a hot summer so far in the Hamptons — a whirlwind of fundraisers, live performances, and even new tequila brands are everywhere. Most of all, the East End art scene is sizzling like the temperatures outside. There are new galleries, new artists, and, of course, the annual Hamptons Fine Art Fair, which took place a few weeks ago and was twice the size of last year. 

Housed primarily in the temperature controled, 40,000 square-foot Pollock Pavilion tent, it was close to 90 degrees the day I went. I fantasized for a moment about seeing David Hockney’s, “A Bigger Splash” — a painting that cools you down just by looking at it. Hockney’s work wasn’t there — or at least I didn’t see him represented, but just about every other artist, established and emerging, was and my head was spinning. Thankfully there are many upcoming exhibits and shows to grasp it all, including the next big one in August, Art Market Hamptons, which is held August 11 to 14, in Water Mill.

Going aisle by aisle at the Hamptons Fine Art Fair, processing the talent and endless works was inspiring. Great artists in the Hamptons are not in short supply and are making waves across the globe. 

Texas-born Jumper Maybach’s work stood out among the sea of booths lining the aisles. Jumper Maybach “is a clown personae and abstract painter, and the alter ego of Ben Workman” I soon learned. When he started painting and found his newfound freedom of expression, he made sure his art spread key messages about universal love.

“Art is my way of taking experiences of sadness and transforming them to happiness,” he shared. Hearing his personal story of triumph over trauma was like being thrown into a mesmerizing movie about a remarkable personal evolution. In fact, I soon learned that a documentary, “The Jumper Maybach Story,” had been produced after he was dubbed “the Jackson Pollock of the 21st century” while exhibiting in Dubai for his first show in 2013, and then in 2015 and 2017 at the prestigious Alliance Française. It was there that he received the film opportunity. His art will soon be found everywhere with collaborations for eyewear, rugs, and more. It was Jumper’s “Infinite Candy” abstract that first captured my attention, but I slowly found myself gravitating to his art with words. “Can’t Fix Stupid” speaks to the current times of political uprising. “Hate No More” clearly sends the message that hate must stop. A portion of every sale of his work goes to stopping intolerance.

I first discovered the artist Sandy Cohen at one of my favorite galleries in Sag Harbor — the Stella Flame Gallery. Her work is powerful, sending universal messages while making you smile at the same time. Not an easy feat. “My artwork is inspired by personal experiences and influenced by the good, the bad and the ugly of humanity and the world around us. My pieces are meant to evoke feelings and thought. My piece ‘Gay AF’ was one of the most photographed paintings in the Hamptons Fine Art Fair. It depicts Dumbo the elephant with these words written across the canvas. It’s intended to be playful but bold,” said Cohen. The innocent image of the loved character Dumbo juxtaposed with this message impacts everyone who sees it. Meeting a few times, when I asked about her work, she said it is, “constantly evolving and transforming but the constant is the truth to self. I use my artwork to shed light on controversial issues. I welcome the opportunities to push the boundaries and create my own rules.”  

Sandy loves her Hamptons’ collectors and says that they are really, for her, an eccentric, extended family. Sandy has a studio in Water Mill and has exhibited works with RJD Gallery as well as Stella Flame. She doesn’t stop sharing her work and messages and is currently showing at galleries in St. Barths and Vienna. Most recently Sandy has been sharing works in the form of NFTs.

I walked into Loves Gallery in Southampton early in July, on the way home from the beach. Drawn to the informal, yet attractive gallery, the bright colors would make anyone would want to stay. You are greeted by the effervescent owner and artist, Jennifer Contini-Cunningham and it makes you feel like you are home. Cantini-Cunningham is larger than life and makes a point of representing local, emerging artists in a carefully curated, yet anything goes, way. Raising her kids here, the East End community is her family. Her story makes you believe in karma as we discussed her work. Her gallery, the former UPS store in Southampton, came to life when she met UPS owner and photographer, Marianne Barnett who specializes in black and white photography. “The name of my gallery is important because it is all about representing artists that need a home and supporting these great talents,” she explained.  Jennifer is constantly out there, finding new talent and everything about her work and gallery is about love and support. “If it wasn’t for Marianne, I wouldn’t even be here,” she added.

Karyn Mannix’s booth, Karyn Mannix Contemporary, caught my eye with her paintings of books, all in a pile, with words that represent varied meanings. 

“My work incorporates my inner thoughts, hopefully showing my sense of humor, while telling the viewer a story. I love being a storyteller. I have worked as an art dealer for nearly 20 years and have seen it all. Of course, books are art all by themselves. I guess I have more to say than the text in the actual book which is why I created these pieces,” said Mannix. “‘Art and the written word are a direct form of what lies between thought and expression.’ This is a quote by Lou Reed, that I tweaked. He is one of the world’s best storytellers. Being an avid book collector, one day I looked at a pile of books and I began to relate them to ex-boyfriends, so I added their names with messages to try to find the humor in tough situations. Everyone can relate to that,” she added. The book series are grouped into categories. After “Boyfriends” came “Its Only Rock n Roll,” “Femme Fatale,” “When I Hang Out with Artists,” “East End (Bonac),” “Cookery,” and so on. There are 10 in the series as of now.

Sometimes, just like the seemingly simple beauty of everyday objects, things come together perfectly. “The cube is at the same time a symbol of simplicity and complexity,” said Erno Rubik, creator of the famous Rubik’s cube. This sentiment also epitomizes how all the pieces came together for this year’s Hamptons Fine Art Fair taking place later this month from July 13 to 16 at the Southampton Fairgrounds. 

It just so happens to showcase the historic Astor Place Cube as a “spinning” centerpiece of the show. The iconic sculpture is on loan and was transported from New York City for display at the multi-day event. Ironically, it is the perfect symbol of how life, and even art shows, evolve and unexpectedly results in simple perfection, even if it leaves you spinning as the famous sculpture does. Pablo Picasso’s work will be front and center with the largest display of important Picasso works ever assembled in the Hamptons, presented by London-based Shapero Modern.

“This year everything just fell into place,” said Rick Friedman, executive director of the show. “So many things serendipitously aligned to make this year’s show the largest, most outrageous show to date.” 

There are 130 gallery displays in three large pavilions and 800 represented artists so attendees should bring their stamina. During your visit you can enjoy cocktails at the Museum Bar, one of three bars at the show, which is certainly going to be a hot spot.

It’s not just the size of the show worth noting, but the complex simplicity of all the layers working together. The show uniquely combines culture, collectibles, diversity, education, and entertainment all in one place. It was challenging to cull through everything on tap for the show and undoubtedly attendees will feel the same way. “Great art is never done, it’s just abandoned,” Van Gogh once said. This is exactly how guests will feel when they leave, satisfied but knowing there is more they could have experienced. Leave at least two days for the show. 

Neil Anthony Edwards

Neil Anthony Edwards is a former NBA basketball player and up-and-coming artist with a unique style that jumps from the canvas. At 6’ 10” tall, he is hard to miss and so is his work which is bold and experimental. “I was honored to be chosen as part of the coveted Artist in Residence program at the show,” said Edwards. “I was told it means I am on the cusp of being a household name.” “Mara Au Natural” is one of the highlights that will be on display, a result of a collaborative piece with Grammy-nominated composer and renowned artist Ella Spira. Edwards creates his work in complete silence — a far cry from the din of fans in a sports arena. Art, like sports, require discipline and passion. His early years also impact his work. Brought up in Far Rockaway,  both beauty and violence are reflected in “Lilith” and “Race.” Then, going to a whole other place is the “Creation of The Suit,” a painting featuring the image of Superman, demonstrating what Superman’s iconic superhero suit would look like as it was created. If you have a chance to talk to Edwards at the show, be ready to meet a true superhero. Just look for the tall guy next to Superman.

Andrew Cotton 

Mixed media edgy brilliance is the best way to describe Cotton’s work featuring rock stars and abstract explorations with subtle yet powerful messages about life, love, and everything in between. Full disclosure, I discovered Cotton last year and own a piece he made for me featuring rock favorite Stevie Nicks. See his work and others in the Mazlish Booth in the De Kooning pavilion.

Candice CMC

Donuts. Who would imagine such a simple, well-known sweet treat can find a home on large-scale canvases creating mind-blowing art? Candice CMC’s pieces consist of hundreds of sharply focused doughnut images, arranged by the artist according to tone, colors, and intensity to create iconic portraits. She takes all the photographs herself and then brings famous images to life. From Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka to Marilyn Monroe you can’t help being drawn to her work. Her newest piece, “Donuts at Tiffany’s” is an homage to Audrey Hepburn and inspired by the actress’s famous role in the 1961 film, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” “I love the challenge of creating a portrait using only doughnuts as my palette,” she said. This past winter she had her first museum exhibition. Her work hangs in corporate and private collections worldwide.

Ceravolo

Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Alice Cooper are just three of the famous people that own Ceravolo’s paintings. Often called “the rock and roll painter” by the media, Ceravolo’s art splashed on the scene after he was commissioned to create five large-scale paintings of iconic rock stars for the lobby of the Palladium Theater in New York City.  Jackson Browne, Neil Young, and other greats took over the walls. From that moment, Ceravolo hasn’t looked back. His larger-than-life oil and acrylic paintings always feature cultural icons in unusual situations. Both the work of Candice CMC and Ceravolo are represented by the well-known Ardt Gallery founded in 1983. Take time to visit the husband and wife owned gallery if for any reason you can’t make it to the show.

Daniel E. Zamore

Jumper Maybach (aka Ben Workman) is an artist who is all about love, acceptance, and supporting emerging artists who share his mission to spread love and end hate and intolerance in the world. One of these artists, Daniel E. Zamore, is making his Hamptons Fine Art Fair debut under the warm embrace of Jumper’s booth. A multidisciplinary artist, his work tells a story through his experience in media, illustration, photography, and sound art. His work themes vary from the fantastic and whimsical to the eerie, depicting moments rich in wonder and possibility. “My work is inspired from many things, from childhood books to punk rock culture,” said Zamore. “The pops of color in Warhol and Lichtenstein’s work and so many other influences.” Other emerging artists, including Pepe Serna, John Douglas, and Hanniel Levenson are all being shown, truly demonstrating how Jumper wraps his arms around new talent. Jumper’s love and art is also currently wrapped around a Mercedes Benz in Southampton, the ultimate luxury love hug.  

M.S. Rau

“M.S. Rau, from New Orleans has the most jaw-dropping gallery at the fair,” said Friedman. Showing the top European impressionists and modern art, the planned display features all the masters, including Monet, Picasso, Renoir, Matisse, and Van Gogh. The largest booth, this 1,200-foot space is more like a museum with intense black walls as a backdrop and even an information desk. You may just forget where you are as you discover new ways of looking at some of the most famous paintings in the world. “It’s like the Metropolitan Museum is coming east for the weekend,” added Friedman.

Opening Night

The VIP Opening Night Vernissage benefiting Guild Hall will celebrate the start of the fair on July 13. Sponsored by Rivage Bal Harbour and The Residences at Six Fisher Island and hosted by Luxe Interiors + Design, it is a much anticipated and glamorous evening.

Tea Dance & LGBTQ+ Fundraiser

On Bastille Day, July 14, the mid-summer Tea Dance & LGBTQ+ fundraiser will be held at VIP Krasner Café. The colorful and artful celebration will bring together the LGBTQ+ community to benefit the Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer Foundation. The festive and distinctive Francophile theme will feature light bites and champagne cocktails. The event will also feature a blue-chip art silent auction.

2023 Hall of Fame

On July 15, five artists chosen by the fair committee will be inducted into the Hamptons Fine Art Fair 2023 Hall of Fame, presented by Weill Cornell Medicine. Local artists, Fay Lansner (Keyes Gallery, Sag Harbor), Cornelia Foss (MM Fine Art, Southampton), Tony Rosenthal (T. Rosenthal Art, Southampton), John Ferren (Findlay Galleries, New York), and Hans Van De Bovenkamp (RL Studios, Charlotte) will be saluted, with their art available for acquisition at the event and throughout the fair.

Shapero Modern

Shapero Modern, which is based on Maddox Street in the heart of London’s Mayfair, will showcase a significant selection of works on paper by Pablo Picasso at Booth 206-207. This year marks the monumental 50th anniversary of the death of the great Spanish-born artist and Shapero Modern will join forces with the Hamptons Art Fair to bring Picasso to the Hamptons. Along with Picasso, Shapero Modern will have fine art editions of American Pop heavyweights including Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, as well as Abstract Expressionists Helen Frankenthaler and Sam Francis and the Father of Minimalism: Frank Stella.

Bonner David Galleries

Bonner David Galleries showcases the contemporary work of several of their finest artists. Just days after his latest show opens at their New York location, abstract artist Max Hammond will exhibit many recent works based on his poetic inspirations from nature. Figurative artists Michael Carson, Ron Hicks, Melissa Peck, Joseph Lorusso, and Peregrine Heathcote will display new works while Shona sculptor Peter Gwisa’s sensual stone and glass artist Simon Waranch will display three-dimensional art. The rich palette of Francis Livingston brings to life urban scenes, while hyper-realists John Schieffer and Jane Jones complete the more realistic vantage point. Finally, abstract colorists Gail Morris and Quim Bove round out this initial exhibition. 

Schinkel Fine Art

Schinkel Fine Art in 2016 opened a contemporary conceptual art gallery in the former Moross House Museum located in the oldest brick dwelling in Detroit. This National Historic Property, found in the heart of Detroit, focuses on mid-career artists including mother and son team, Linda Schinkel Rodney and Theodore Michael Schinkel. The artists create with original processes and currently have an artist residency at Cranbrook, an internationally renowned center for art, education, and science, in Bloomfield Hills, MI. National and international exhibitions include: Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Detroit, Tuscany, and London. Schinkel Fine Art, which will showcase at Hamptons Fine Art Fair, focuses on industrial yet refined work at the intersection of old world techniques and 21st century technology. The mother and son artist team’s work blurs abstraction and representation revealing nuanced perspectives and layered connections where “The medium is the message.” — Marshal McLuhan.

The Luxury Pavilion

The Luxury Pavilion is truly an exhibit within an exhibit that takes you beyond art on canvas. Featuring major luxury sponsors such as USB New York Wealth Management, Luxury Bazaar, and others one of the highlights are rare items from Heritage Auctions, a lead sponsor, and major Hamptons presence. Heritage will showcase pieces from across 46 collecting categories, including fine jewelry, contemporary prints by Andy Warhol and Keith Haring and sports collectibles. Luxury handbags will undoubtedly be a big draw. Perhaps the biggest attraction will be actor Alan Alda’s dog tags and combat boots from the cultural phenomenon TV show, “M*A*S*H” being auctioned to benefit the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University.  The lot will be open for early bidding on HA.com starting on July 5 prior to the July 28 auction. Heritage is at booth 118 in the Pavilion so talk to them about appraisals and your own collections. 

The Laurent Collection

The Laurent Collection, a bespoke boutique dedicated to showcasing globally sourced, exquisitely handmade artisan lighting, will participation in the upcoming Hamptons Fine Arts Fair. The Laurent Collection will be showcased in the Luxury Pavilion as guests enter and leave the fair. Founded and curated by Nancy D. Georgs, the Laurent Collection is an exclusive repertoire of hand-made and hand-blown glass creations made in New York that exude a mid-century modern vibe. It stands as a testament to her relentless global exploration and distinctive taste. “My vision for the Laurent Collection is a platform that unites people through the universal language of art and sustainability,” Georgs said. “Every piece we curate is a love letter to the hands that made it and the planet that nurtured it. ‘See the light, let’s unite.’ That’s our mantra and our mission.” Join Georgs at the Fine Arts Fair’s Luxury Pavilion to experience the Laurent Collection’s curated masterpieces in person. Each piece will serve as a shining beacon of the Collection’s dedication to elevating and celebrating the convergence of global artistry, sustainable practice, and luxury living.

Astor Place Cube

One of the city’s most popular landmarks, the iconic “Astor Place Cube,” will be exhibited at HFAF. Guests can spin and take unique selfies with the 15 ft. “Alamo” cube, which was created by the late Southampton-based sculptor Tony Rosenthal.

The British Are Coming

David Hockney and Bridget Riley are featured in “The British are Coming” exhibit, curated by Blond Contemporary, devoted to the UK art legends. The show brings together works by both artists, from the beginning of their careers in the 1960s to today.

Cuban Art

This exhibit, presented by Alex Rosenberg Fine Art in collaboration with The American Friends of the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba nonprofit, features seven leading Cuban artists. It portrays the beautiful and diverse demographic of the island. The gallery featuring these talented artists is owned by Carole Rosenberg who won a landmark court case that opened the doors for Cuban art to be shown in America. Artists include Belkis Ayon, Yoan Capote, Roberto Fabelo, Ever Fronseca, Manuel Mendive, and Esterio Segura.

A Tribute To Norman Rockwell

The “Dugout” is just one of the seminal images in Americana that will be on display as part of a large collection of Saturday Evening Post covers at the illustrated Gallery featuring 18 of Norman Rockwell’s iconic paintings that served as covers for the famous news magazine. This exhibit showcases 40 magazine covers in total, painted by Rockwell as well as Christian Leyendecker, John Ford Clymer, Maxfield Parrish, and more.

Lobby Club Room

Take a break on a mid-century chair and watch the action in the elegant Lobby Club Room gallery being hosted by Davidoff of Geneva and designed by Stella Union. This is the perfect place for people watching according to show organizers. 

Blue-Chip Black Art

Blue-Chip Black Art — this museum-level exhibit, curated by Bill Hodges Gallery, features many leading African American artists, from the mid-20th century to current day. Artists include Norman Lewis, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Kara Walker, Sam Gilliam, Willie Cole, and more.

Dinosaur Art

A new category at the show, this is your chance to meet Max, presented by Doug Miller of Green River Stone. The 50-million-year-old 10-foot crocodile is making a big splash this year featuring dinosaur bones embedded in art. Dinosaur fossil fans who also love art won’t be disappointed.

Mostly Motherwell

Abstract expressionist Robert Motherwell was a prolific painter, printmaker, collagist, as well as a writer, editor, theorist, and educator who is included as one of the most original and influential artists of his time (1915-1991). This curated exhibit features a selection of paintings, works on paper and collages, anchored by the dramatic 80 x 96 inch canvas, “Untitled (Figure in Doorway),” Motherwell lived in East Hampton from 1944 to 1952.

Werner Drewes

“Werner Drewes: Pioneering American Abstraction” is a solo exhibit on display, curated by the William Havu Gallery, that features artist, printmaker, and teacher Drewes, one of the founders of American Abstraction.

Main Prospect 

Hungry? There are endless food choices, including a food truck from Main Prospect restaurant in Southampton. Lunch and dinner are served each day of the show until closing.

With reporting by Jessica Mackin-Cipro.

Stella Flame is a creative disruptor. Her gallery, now located in an airy, sunlit, two-story space in Bridgehampton, is the perfect venue for Flame to continue to bring many creative worlds under one roof, including jewelry, art, sculpture, and now, film. The mezzanine was almost tailor-made for screenings and that is exactly why she collaborated with MAGO, renowned artist and filmmaker to curate and launch the “Creator Projection Series.” 

All the critically acclaimed films in the series have some connection to the Hamptons, the world of art, and tastemakers on the East End. Including both short documentaries and feature length films, the series kicked off a few weeks ago with the iconic film, “On the Nature of Art: The Work of Miles Jaffe.” Each screening is followed by a behind the scenes Q&A with select special guests associated with the film.

“One of the main reasons I moved the gallery from Sag Harbor to our new space is to literally have the room to bring all of my passions and activations to life,” said Flame. “I love artists whether they are creating jewelry, sculpture, or expressing creativity on the screen or a canvas. I want to have a gallery that brings all these worlds together.”

To understand the true genesis of the new film series, it was no surprise to learn Flame was a Cinema Studies major. Her love for the art of film goes back to her early studies. “It seemed like a natural progression for me to bring film to my world in an intimate way,” she added.

Working with longtime friend, MAGO, the two creative powerhouses brainstormed with some popcorn and Prosecco and identified a carefully selected series of films that met certain criteria, including ties to Flame’s work as a designer and gallerist, and ideally, a set location on the East End. “We wanted to share both my life, gallery, and experiences in the Hamptons,” said Flame.

From the award-winning film “Pollock” (December 15) to the documentary on Dan Gasby, and his late wife, the iconic B. Smith, “Sag Harbor,” (February 9, where Gasby will be speaking) the line-up represents filmmakers and tastemakers from the area. 

“I was working in the locations department for Tom Dolby’s ‘The Artist’s Wife,’” explained MAGO of the next film that will be screened on November 17. “He asked me if I was an artist and to see my portfolio and before I knew it my art was featured throughout the film in the dining room scenes.” MAGO’s friendship with Tom continues to this day. “To see my art in a film featuring Bruce Dern and Lena Olin was an incredible milestone for me.”

The film is an emotional look at artist Richard Smythson’s memory loss and its impact on those around him. It’s also partially inspired by his parents’ marriage. Dolby shared that making the film, shot in New York City and East Hampton, was alternatively extremely emotional but, at times, filled with joy. 

“I loved seeing Lena and Bruce’s characters as a mature couple who love each other deeply despite the chaos that surrounds them. The emotional heart of the story felt like a tribute to what my parents experienced, both in the prime of their marriage and in the challenges leading up to my father’s death,” said Dolby.

“Jack, Larger than Life” is based on the late Jack Lenor Larsen, founder of the renowned LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton, known for its collections, gardens, and sculpture – all intended to inspire a creative life will screen on January 19. Esperanza Leon, Director of Education at LongHouse will take part in the Q&A.

“Jack travelled the globe and brought all of his ideas and creativity to create LongHouse, a sanctuary for creative life,” said Carrie Rebora Barrett, the director of LongHouse. “LongHouse Reserve’s mission is to provide a getaway from the ordinary, the conventional.”

“It’s all about going beyond what people think art galleries are all about,” said Flame. “I have an ongoing love affair with the people I know, including old friends and new friends and I intend to keep showcasing art on every canvas for the East End.”

Anyone who meets Stella Flame would not be shocked by her continued growth and breaking the boundaries each day as she runs her gallery as a labor of love. Series dates in March and April will be announced.

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.