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 second stop during the art walk was at the Southampton Arts Center (SAC), where A MOMENT IN TIME: ICONIC IMAGES BY HARRY BENSON can be viewed 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.
There was a special presentation by Demarcus McGaughy, who gifted guests with his limited-edition print of ‘Cool Cat’, a mix media collage print of his uncle John Crenshaw (brother of his grandmother).
Demarcus created the original painting during his Fall 2022 Artist Residency at Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio located 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 had the opportunity to meet all of the artists in a space filled with a rich history of the Native American Shinnecock Tribe’s contribution to the Hamptons community.
Event 4- Sipping Experience
The day wrapped up with a sipping experience held at Raindrop’s Café, with an organic wine bar sponsored by Ettore Wine (produced in California), flavored sparkling water sponsored by SOVANY, and delicious Native American bites catered by Poppin Patties, owned by Deana Smith.
A 360 camera, as well as a LED light photobooth, was sponsored by VBA the Media Group, which added some fun and entertainment for the 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, Andrew Fitzsimons, NatureLab Tokyo, Daily Dose, SELECT by Curaleaf, Wendy Williams Med Spa & IV Drip Bar, and SOVANY.