Over Memorial Day Weekend, Art & Soul: Hamptons curated a soulful event consisting of four events including an Art Walk, VIP Brunch, Art Exhibition, and Sipping Experience. The event was attended by artists, art curators and collectors, business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, and the cultural elite of the Hamptons. The series of events supports and connects artists with art curators, collectors, and supporters.Â
ART & SOUL: Hamptons was created by Yaya Reyes to celebrate influential and emerging BIPOC artists living in the Hamptons.Â
Event 1- Art Walk
The Art Walk kicked-off the unofficial weekend of summer with the first stop at the Southampton African American Museum (SAAM), founded by Brenda Simmons. SAAM is currently featuring international contemporary artist Demarcus McGaughey, who has a residency through July 22, 2023.
The art walk’s second stop featured the Southampton Arts Center (SAC), showcasing A MOMENT IN TIME: ICONIC IMAGES BY HARRY BENSON through July 15, 2023.
The third and final stop of the art walk was at Hidden Gem NY – a home decor and lifestyle boutique, owned by sisters Tanya Willock and Temidra Willock-Morsch.
Event 2- VIP Brunch
ART & SOUL: Hamptons hosted a SOLD-OUT brunch at 75 MAIN on their private outdoor patio. Some of the Hamptons’ and NY’s socially connected Black and Brown women were in attendance.
Demarcus McGaughy gave a special presentation, gifting guests his limited-edition print of ‘Cool Cat,’ a mixed-media collage.
He created the original painting during his Fall 2022 Artist Residency at Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio on the Shinnecock Reservation.
Event 3- Art Exhibition
The Art Exhibition was held at Raindrop’s Café, a cozy event venue owned and operated by members of the Shinnecock Indian Nation. Featured art included original artwork by: Alvin Clayton-Fernandes, Errin Whitaker, Tohanash Tarrant, and Kim Wright.
Guests met all the artists in a space rich with the Shinnecock Nation’s history and contribution to the Hamptons community.
Event 4- Sipping Experience
The day wrapped up with a sipping experience at Raindrop’s Café, featuring an organic wine bar sponsored by Ettore Wine.
SOVANY sponsored flavored sparkling water, and Poppin Patties, owned by Deana Smith, catered Native American bites.
A 360 camera and an LED light photobooth, sponsored by VBA the Media Group, added fun and entertainment for guests.
Gift Bags
Guests also walked away with tons of luxury swag bag products.
Luxury Gift Bag Sponsors include Borghese, StriVectin, EVE LOM, CAUDALIE, BIONOVA, Imperial DAX Company, and Andrew Fitzsimons. Additional sponsors include NatureLab Tokyo, Daily Dose, SELECT by Curaleaf, Wendy Williams Med Spa & IV Drip Bar, and SOVANY.