CONCERT: A Tribute to Big Mama Thornton - written, conceived, and performed by PAMELA SNEED - with live band featuring VIVA DECONCINI, MARA ROSENBLOOM, and DAVID A. BARNES
Join us for a stellar performance from poetic powerhouse Pamela Sneed! Following a sold out run at Joe’s Pub last year, Sneed’s A Tribute to Big Mama Thornton comes to The Church for a rollicking evening of music, storytelling, and a celebration of the unsung Black woman founder of rock and roll, who brought us classics like “Blue Suede Shoes,” and “You Ain’t Nothing but a Hound Dog.”
Written and conceived by Sneed, A Tribute to Big Mama Thornton is a cabaret performance that sees a live band weaving together monologue as Sneed sings, speaks, and celebrates the life and music of Willie Mae Thornton’s. With an eye toward restorative justice, this performance gives credit back to Thornton’s musical legacy and is a valuable educational asset. Sneed is joined by band members Viva DeConcini (musical director) Mara Rosenbloom, and David A. Barnes.
Still, Small Voice at The Church: A Monthly Gathering for Reflection and Contemplative Sharing
July 26th What is the relationship between freedom and equality?
Still, Small Voice draws its name from the idea of the "still, small voice" within—a quiet, inner voice that guides us in moments of reflection. This monthly gathering, started in 2023 as an artistic experiment, now returns as a community-led practice with rotating facilitators. It invites participants to engage in silent reflection and thoughtful sharing, centered around a question about creativity, community, and being human. We forever ever grateful for Nanao Anton & Erling Hope for their contributions, inspirations, and commitment.
This is a space to hear your and others’ authentic voices & own it in community, free of judgement or reaction, as necessary
This is not group therapy, a study group, a political action group or Quaker Meeting.
Please review our Community Values before attending.
The 6th Annual CELEBRATING CREATIVES OF COLOR: Art Show, Art Sale, and Book Signing
The 6th Annual Celebrating Creatives of Color returns and for the third time will be hosted at The Church! The event showcases creative artists and authors of color from Sag Harbor and beyond, providing an opportunity for them to display their work and interact with art and literature enthusiasts and collectors. All artwork and books will be for sale.
Proceeds from the donated entry fees will help support The Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreation Center and The Church. Likewise, artists will donate 10% of their total sales to support the community organizations.
This year, we are excited to announce the CCC is part of a weekend long celebration of Black Culture with the Apollo, CAAPA, and the National Black theater. We are also excited to offer special programming as part of this annual celebration!
10:30 AM – 12 PM: RSVP today and join us for special programming featuring Harriette Cole, author & lifestylist, Muriel Monik Johnson, storyteller & artist, ReShonda Tate, author of The Queen of Sugar Hill & With Love From Harlem. All books will be available for purchase and to be signed after remarks. Following the authors, Nanette Carter will be presented with the Living Legend Award. Then join us as we welcome esteemed academic and author Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr. The author of We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For and Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lesson for Our Own, sits down with ABC News Anchor and correspondent Linsey Davis, to share insight and inspiration. Space is limited – RSVP in advance today!
Purchase a grab-and-go treat from Deanna Smith, the party perfectionist, and linger to enjoy all the fair has to offer!
Visual Artists to include Patrick Earl-Barnes, Elyse Beavers, Jamel Carroll, Andrew Caynon, Karim Chambers, Earlene Cox, Jeremy Dennis, Shimoda Donna Emmanuel, Faith Evans, Laura Gadson, Beverly “Bebe” Granger, Garry Grant, Judith Henriques-Adams, Rod Ivey, Jennifer Ivey, Muriel Monik Johnson, Donna Ladson, Collette McGuire, Shawn Rhea, Andrew Worrell, and Sheniqua Young (Shea Design)! List in formation.
A warm wave of gratitude to the event organizers and Village of Sag Harbor residents from the Sag Harbor Hills and Ninevah Communities: Beverly Granger, Victoria Pinderhughes, Paula Taylor, and Olivia White. Their efforts have helped revive and refresh the Historically Black Beach Communities’ history of supporting local charities through the arts.
WELLNESS MONDAY: 10 Minutes to Better Health with NADIA ERNESTUS
Local gut health expert and nutritionist, Nadia Ernestus, returns for another Wellness Monday focused on gut health, hydration, and more! Ernestus welcomes participants to a hands-on approach to their health by offering four simple, science-backed habits that can dramatically improve health when practiced consistently – and can be done daily in just ten minutes or less! Gain new awareness of hydration as a foundational health tool. Reset in a guided meditation that you can practice at home. Practice the simple movement-based exercise that does it all. And learn the fast and delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
As a bonus, participants will be treated to the benefits of fermented foods, partaking in a live tasting at the end of the program. In a world where health advice often feels overwhelming and time consuming, this workshop provides a realistic approach. Each of the habits take ten minutes or less to do and will send attendees home with the skills they can use to revolutionize their daily habits.
Still, Small Voice at The Church: A Monthly Gathering for Reflection and Contemplative Sharing
August 23rd - What’s so funny?
Still, Small Voice draws its name from the idea of the "still, small voice" within—a quiet, inner voice that guides us in moments of reflection. This monthly gathering, started in 2023 as an artistic experiment, now returns as a community-led practice with rotating facilitators. It invites participants to engage in silent reflection and thoughtful sharing, centered around a question about creativity, community, and being human. We forever ever grateful for Nanao Anton & Erling Hope for their contributions, inspirations, and commitment.
This is a space to hear your and others’ authentic voices & own it in community, free of judgement or reaction, as necessary
This is not group therapy, a study group, a political action group or Quaker Meeting.
Please review our Community Values before attending.
CALL FOR VENDOR APPLICATIONS: The 6th Annual HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET
Calling all makers, artisans, artists, and tinkerers! We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Holiday Makers Market is now accepting submissions from prospective vendors. If you are a weaver, potter, designer, woodworker, jewelry designer, or a designer or retailer of other marvelous artisanal objects, we’d love to hear from you!
Our annual market features a curated selection of more than a dozen unique artisans and makers, offering our community a selection of home goods, clothing, jewelry, and more.
Interested in being considered as a vendor? Read below and apply!
All Applications must be received before 5 PM – September 13th to be considered. Late / incomplete submissions will not be considered.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE APPLYING:
Vendors must be able to present both days of the market to be considered
Goods that are made or designed on the East End and/or are handcrafted will be given priority
Vendors must be equipped with their own Point of Sale
Vendors who are not incorporated entities (S-Corp, LLC, and INC.) may be subject to sign an additional liability waiver
ABOUT THE VENDOR SPACES
All vendors are responsible to bring their own: Tablecloth(s), merchandise, supplies, and point of sale
ONLY ONE VENDOR PER SPACE – vendor spaces are not to be shared by multiple vendors
There will be NO WALL SPACE available
All vendors will be designated a space in our main gallery for this year’s market. Upon invitation to the curated market, vendors will be offered one of three possible spaces:
8’ x 5’ Vendor Space - $150 - ONE (1) 8 foot table provided
8’ x 10’ Vendor Space - $300 – TWO (2) 8 foot tables provided
16’ X 5’ Vendor Space - $300 – TWO (2) 8 foot tables provided
Applicants should indicate on their submission their space preference(s). Selection preferences do not guarantee an invitation to that size of vendor space. Vendor space availability will be communicated in acceptance emails.
Still, Small Voice at The Church: A Monthly Gathering for Reflection and Contemplative Sharing
June 28th What can you do for your country?
Still, Small Voice draws its name from the idea of the "still, small voice" within—a quiet, inner voice that guides us in moments of reflection. This monthly gathering, started in 2023 as an artistic experiment, now returns as a community-led practice with rotating facilitators. It invites participants to engage in silent reflection and thoughtful sharing, centered around a question about creativity, community, and being human. We forever ever grateful for Nanao Anton & Erling Hope for their contributions, inspirations, and commitment.
This is a space to hear your and others’ authentic voices & own it in community, free of judgement or reaction, as necessary
This is not group therapy, a study group, a political action group or Quaker Meeting.
Please review our Community Values before attending.
SPECIAL DISCUSSION & Exhibition Opening Reception of THIS LAND: Considering the American Landscape
The Church invites you to a very special opening of our Summer Exhibition THIS LAND: Considering the American Landscape. Sit down with our Guest curators Donna De Salvo and Seph Rodney, as they discuss their curatorial perspectives of the show. Joined in conversation by The Church’s Executive Director Sheri Pasquarella, the group will explore the impetus for the show and their responses to the query “What is the American Landscape?” Learn how they navigated their curatorial decisions, the major themes of the show, and how these themes are explored through the works of art in the exhibition. Following the discussion, guests will be led upstairs to the main gallery for the first look at the summer Exhibition.
De Salvo and Rodney have conceived of a transhistorical exhibition that explores artistic responses to the American landscape both at its inception and today, reflecting our nation’s 250th anniversary.
Featured Artists include: Jeremy Dennis, Thomas Doughty, Asher B. Durand, Cristina Fernandez, April Gornik, Leslie Hewitt, Sky Hopinka, An-My Lê, Zoe Leonard, Richard Mayhew, Charles Henry Miller, Kent Monkman, Mary Nimmo Moran, Thomas Moran, Arcmanoro Niles, James Perkins, Albert Pinkham Ryder, Lucy Raven, Anastasia Samoylova, Meg Webster, selections from Hudson River School paintings and works on paper related to Dan Flavin, and a contribution from the Center for Land Use Interpretation.
SUMMER DINNER THEATER: An Evening with MARTHA WAINWRIGHT
The moment you have been waiting for is her! The Church is thrilled to announce our inspirational annual tradition returns: a benefit event that is easy on the speeches and heavy on the brilliance. Showcasing yet another exceptional performer, this year’s Summer Dinner Theater benefit welcomes Martha Wainwright to the stage in her only area performance this summer!
Joining the likes of Candace Bushnell (2023), Martin Short (2024), and Laurie Anderson (2025), Wainwright has been invited due to her outstanding, heartful yet entertaining, command of song and stage. “We are thrilled that Martha is headlining this year’s benefit – our first to feature a musical act. Our summer benefit helps fund a broad range of our commitments to art and community, and she perfectly embodies inspirational levels of creativity, vision, and execution.”
Born into music royalty, the daughter of folk legends Kate McGarrigle and Loudon
Wainwright III and sister to the highly acclaimed, genre defying singer Rufus Wainwright, Martha grew up in a world filled with incomparable musical legends Anna McGarrigle, Leonard Cohen, Suzzy Roche, Richard and Linda Thompson, Emmylou Harris and struggled to find her voice in a milieu in which every drama was refracted through song. Then, in 2005, she released her critically acclaimed debut album, Martha Wainwright, which containing the blistering hit which the Sunday Times called one of the best songs of the year. That release, and the albums that followed, such as Come Home to Mama and I Know You’re Married But I’ve Got Feelings Too, showcased Martha’s searing songwriting style and established her as a powerful voice to be reckoned with.
AND THAT’S NOT ALL…
New this year: we’ve added a COCKTAIL HOUR ONLY ticket for those wishing to contribute the community love of the event, which includes another fantastic performer: Inda Eaton! The beloved, East End-based singer-songwriter will appear live for a set during our cocktail hour. Sorry - cocktail hour tickets do not provide access to the Wainwright performance. However, ticket holders for the dinner theater receive access to both the Inda Eaton cocktail hour and the Martha Wainwright headlining performance!
All proceeds benefit our year-round exhibitions, programming, and artist residency, making The Church a vital source for inspiring
SAG HARBOR IN FOCUS: Photography Exhibition, Contest, and fashion show
Rescheduled from the 5/28 date.
Celebrate the return of Sag Harbor in Focus, the beloved photo exhibition featuring work by Pierson High School students, returning for its tenth year! And raise another glass as we welcome back the Pierson High School students who participated in The Church’s 2026 Fashion intensive workshop facilitated by Mary Jane Marcasiano and supported by the Reutershan Education Trust. The evening begins by applauding the fashionistas as they model their 2026 fashion line in our garden then moves inside to honor the winners of this year’s photography exhibition. The evening concludes with a reception! This year we are honored to have acclaimed photographer Linda K. Alpern as the judge for the photography contest.
Still, Small Voice at The Church: A Monthly Gathering for Reflection and Contemplative Sharing
May 31st Query: Where, in the real world of the everyday, do you find inspiration, and how does the inspiration affect your thoughts and actions? (thank you to SSV collaborator Barbara Burke for the query).
Still, Small Voice draws its name from the idea of the "still, small voice" within—a quiet, inner voice that guides us in moments of reflection. This monthly gathering, started in 2023 as an artistic experiment, now returns as a community-led practice with rotating facilitators. It invites participants to engage in silent reflection and thoughtful sharing, centered around a question about creativity, community, and being human. We forever ever grateful for Nanao Anton & Erling Hope for their contributions, inspirations, and commitment.
This is a space to hear your and others’ authentic voices & own it in community, free of judgement or reaction, as necessary
This is not group therapy, a study group, a political action group or Quaker Meeting.
Please review our Community Values before attending.
POSTPONED: SAG HARBOR IN FOCUS: Photography Exhibition, Contest, and fashion show
Tonight’s Opening of Sag Harbor in Focus is postponed.
In light of recent tragic events, we have decided to postpone tonight’s opening reception for the Student Exhibition.
Our hearts are with the families, friends, students, teachers, administrators, and all those who are grieving. We hold the Pierson and Sag Harbor communities in our thoughts and extend our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
The Student Exhibition is a celebration of the creativity, talent, and spirit of our young people. Tonight, we instead pause to honor the importance of community and to care for one another.
We will announce a new date for the opening reception soon. Thank you for your understanding and compassion.
Celebrate the return of Sag Harbor in Focus, the beloved photo exhibition featuring work by Pierson High School students, returning for its tenth year! And raise another glass as we welcome back the Pierson High School students who participated in The Church’s 2026 Fashion intensive workshop facilitated by Mary Jane Marcasiano and supported by the Reutershan Education Trust. The evening begins by applauding the fashionistas as they model their 2026 fashion line in our garden then moves inside to honor the winners of this year’s photography exhibition. The evening concludes with a reception! This year we are honored to have acclaimed photographer Linda K. Alpern as the judge for the photography contest.
COUP AT THE KENNEDY CENTER: A View From Inside - FRANCESCA ZAMBELLO, Artistic Director of the Washington National Opera, In Conversation with SALLY SUSMAN, Advisor, Advocate, and Best-selling Author
Welcome, Francesca Zambello! The lifelong opera expert, known for being at the top of her field and for her esteemed leadership as the Artistic Director of the Washington National Opera (WNO) joins us for an intriguing presentation and dialogue. Zambello recently made headlines when she pulled the company from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, its home venue since 1971.
Zambello shares her reflections of this experience with Sally Susman, the best-selling author of Breaking Through: Communicating to Open Minds, Move Hearts and Change the World and valued Board Member of The Church. Following the dialogue the two will host a Q&A with the audience.
Screening of the Short Film WOMEN LAUGHING - Women Cartoonists of The New Yorker - followed by Panel Discussion with Directors LIZA DONNELLY & KATHLEEN HUGHES, and Cartoon Editor EMMA ALLEN
Lights. Camera. Laughter! Come join us for a delightful screening of Women Laughing,a short filmabout the women cartoonists of The New Yorker, by directors Kathleen Hughes & Liza Donnelly. Following the screening, Emma Allen, The New Yorker’s first female cartoon editor, join the directors to discuss the film and host a Q&A with the audience. Lynn Sherr joins the ladies as moderator.
Inspired by Donnelly’s acclaimed book Very Funny Ladies and her own experience as a longtime New Yorker cartoonist, the film looks at how far women have come in a field historically dominated by men. This exploration includes speaking, laughing, and drawing with a diverse group of remarkable women cartoonists of the iconic magazine.
The film features intimate conversations with some of the most celebrated and groundbreaking cartoonists at The New Yorker: Roz Chast, Emily Flake, Sarah Akinterinwa, Liana Frank, Amy Hwang, Bishakh Som, and more. It also highlights the long tradition of cartoons and their critique of political systems, the way they address societal hypocrisies and absurdities, and how they express concerns and changing values of a culture.
While The New Yorker welcomed women artists in its first issue, the world has not always embraced what they had to say. Women Laughing looks at how women have had to struggle to make their voices heard, by examining the lived experience of women cartoonists and how their work is a valuable way to chart political and societal movements over time. It is a timely look at how women are using humor today to change the narrative.
This screening has been programmed in tandem with our exhibition A Thousand Words: Photography at the New Yorker. Stop by during our exhibition hours Thursday – Monday | 11 AM to 5 PM or visit our exhibition page to learn more.
ARTISTS & MAKERS NIGHT
Calling all makers, creatives, artists, and writers! Bring your supplies and join us for a casual and no-pressure environment to make art together. A reimagined Late Night Open Studio, Artists & Makers Night invites creatives of all types to gather and make art together alongside our current artists-in-residence, Francisco Graciano, Kariny Padilla, and Cate Pasquarelli. Visit their studios to see their work, gain inspiration, and chat about process. Passionate about fostering creativity in its space and establishing an oasis for creative inspiration and connection, The Church welcomes you to break out of your solitary studio and make art with others!
CONCERT: Melodies with Michael - performed by Ross Student - MICHAEL J. COPPOLA
Michael J. Coppola, a multifaceted performer and Senior at Ross School, joins us at The Church for a special one-of-a-kind evening of songs and stories designed to delight, inspire, and lift our spirits. Melodies with Michael is an intimate concert that journeys through a range of musical styles, from beloved musical theater classics to contemporary pop favorites. Hear favorites like “Out There” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame and “Somewhere” from West Side Story and more! Featuring a curated selection of songs and artists that have shaped his voice and passion, Michael invites the audience into his world, sharing not only the music he loves, but the personal experiences and artistic growth behind it. Michael is joined by collaborative pianist Amanda Jones.
From a duet with Kristen Chenowith to a solo performance at the Birdland Jazz Club, Coppola’s budding career is beyond impressive and speaks to his commitment to his craft. Join us as we extend a warm The Church welcome to an incredible member of the East End and continue our celebration of creativity and community.
The Fourth Annual SPRING JUBILEE!
The Buds are blooming, the birds are singing, and The Church is welcoming you to its Fourth Annual Spring Jubilee! This family-fun day celebrates spring, creativity, and community and has a little something for everyone. Enjoy interactive exhibition activations, specifically designed for kids and their families. Get hands-on during our Creativity Bubble with loads of arts and crafts activities that will spark creativity and fill your day with joy. Grab lunch from K-Pasa and Sen out in our garden. Take a stroll through The Sag Saturdays: Off Main Market on our main floor, a new feature that brings together some of Sag Harbor’s wonderful makers and entrepreneurs.
KNOWLEDGE FRIDAY with BILLY BALDWIN
Sag Harborian Billy Baldwin not only draws inspiration from our village, he sweetens it with his gift of storytelling! The author of twelve children’s books, screenplays, creator of a successful cookie company, and all-around treasured community member joins us for May’s Knowledge Friday. Currently adopting his stories into animated shorts and movies, Billy has an irresistible spark of imagination. Hear how his unlikely journey from a Manhattan based cookie company led to a life of continuous creativity, including the journey of becoming a writer with dyslexia. Billy is joined in conversation by Steve Hamilton, co-founder of Bay Street Theater.
And true to his spirit of giving back to the community, the altruist promises to bring cookies for the audience to enjoy! Likewise copies of Billy’s books will be available to purchase, with proceeds to benefit The Church.
A COMMUNITY DINNER
Join us for a festive, casual dinner to close out our 5th birthday weekend! In just five short years, The Church has been a site of gathering for artists, community, and creative souls of all ages. To celebrate all the good times we’ve shared thus far – and to kick off the many more to come – we invite you to break bread, raise a glass, and celebrate the joy of coming together as a community to share a meal together.
Dinner will be a family-style buffet located on our studio floor, catered by the incredible Saaz Indian Cuisine ! A cash bar will be available. Space is extremely limited, so be sure to reserve your ticket now!
An Evening of SAG HARBOR HISTORY & SEA SHANTIES with East End Native DAVID CATALETTO & The Bonac Shanty Crew
Local educator David Cataletto brings his passion for and knowledge of the history of our region to an exciting & invigorating presentation on the history of Sag Harbor. Building upon his popular talks about East Hampton, Cataletto turns his focus to our wonderfully dynamic town. From whaling to the Watch Case, come for this rare opportunity to learn about our beloved village, created specially by David in honor of The Church’s fifth birthday.
The program resonates richly with our mission of fostering creativity on the East End and honoring the living legacy of Sag Harbor’s history as a makers’ village. To top off the occasion, Cataletto will lead a round of sea shanties with the Bonac Shanty Crew, a community band dedicated to reviving a regional tradition – with gusto!
Still, Small Voice at The Church: A Monthly Gathering for Reflection and Contemplative Sharing
April 26th Query: What is “Nature,” now that we- our effects, our influence, and our effluence - are everywhere?
Still, Small Voice draws its name from the idea of the "still, small voice" within—a quiet, inner voice that guides us in moments of reflection. This monthly gathering, started in 2023 as an artistic experiment, now returns as a community-led practice with rotating facilitators. It invites participants to engage in silent reflection and thoughtful sharing, centered around a question about creativity, community, and being human. We forever ever grateful for Nanao Anton & Erling Hope for their contributions, inspirations, and commitment.
This is a space to hear your and others’ authentic voices & own it in community, free of judgement or reaction, as necessary
This is not group therapy, a study group, a political action group or Quaker Meeting.
Please review our Community Values before attending.
BLUEGRASS: Songs & Stories from BLOODLINE with Musician and Award-Winning Author LEE CLAY JOHNSON
The church is thrilled to welcome Lee Clay Johnson! The award-winning author of Nitro Mountain is joined by his family of bluegrass musicians for a unique evening of music and storytelling. Weaving together music and excerpts from his second newly released novel, Bloodline ( April 2026, Panamerica), Johnson is both entertaining and illuminating, deepening the connection to the landscape of the novel. Following the unique performance there will be a Q&A with the author and musician.
Set deep in rural Tennessee, Bloodline explores a generational saga of mendacious transformations. The mesmerizing dark comedy is an exploration of masculinity run amuck and the celebration of femininity’s strength and resolve. It is an honest examination of the burdens of heritage & history and the journey of reclamation.
GET TO KNOW US: Behind The Scenes at The Church - A Celebration of 5 Years
On the happy occasion of our 5th birthday, we invite you to meet the team here at The Church that makes it happen – to get to know a little bit more about each member of the team, and to gain insights into how things work and the role each plays. Stick around after the talk to help us celebrate the momentous occasion by singing a sweet Happy Birthday to our oasis of creativity and enjoy a delicious birthday cake.
This celebration provides an opportunity to gather and celebrate community and the rare opportunity perspective on the successful inner workings of an arts institution. From a crawling infant to a tumbling toddler, to now a child ready to take on the world, The Church has evolved, grown, and built its own living legacy in the heart of Sag Harbor. Here’s your opportunity to learn from the team that continues to make it all happen, and to demystify the typically opaque intrigues of arts administration. Following short introductions by each of the members of our team there will be a Q&A with the audience, where your questions will be welcomed and fielded by the appropriate member of the staff.
Hear from: Samuel Havens, Workshop & Residency Manager; Joseph Jagos, Exhibition Coordinator; Johnnoy Johnson, Production Assistant; Madeline Maxfield, Visitor Engagement Associate; Casey Kleister Meyer, Operations Manager; Sheri Pasquarella, Executive Director; Ariel Ransom, Administrative Assistant; Kristen Santori, Programming and Communications Manager; and Whodi Warjeko, Event Assistant. Visit our About Us Page to learn more!
An extensive body of work that has been ongoing since 1997, The Infinity Series brings together compositions Armstrong has made through a unique process of photographing found images with a camera’s focusing ring set at infinity, rendering a completely new image that is extremely out of focus. Armstrong creates new worlds, hovering between real and fantasy, where things are just beyond our grasp. In this world, the viewer is unable to fully resolve the image. Armstrong believes that the “psyche momentarily derailed” by this is what frees the viewer to respond emotionally.
ARTISTS & MAKERS NIGHT
Calling all makers, creatives, artists, and writers! Bring your supplies and join us for a casual and no-pressure environment to make art together. A reimagined Late Night Open Studio, Artists & Makers Night invites creatives of all types to gather and make art together alongside our current artists-in-residence, Bunni Brown, Kylee Snow, and Daniella Williams. Visit their studios to see their work, gain inspiration, and chat about process. Passionate about fostering creativity in its space and establishing an oasis for creative inspiration and connection, The Church welcomes you to break out of your solitary studio and make art with others!
The Fifth Annual CREATIVITY CONFERENCE: A full-day program of lectures and exchanging ideas with six creative thinkers
Our much-loved and highly anticipated annual Creativity Conference returns! Now in its fifth year, this full-day celebration of bold thinking in the arts and sciences brings together visionaries who are truly celebrated in their fields whose work has shaped conversations and expand the boundaries of creativity. Curated by April Gornik, this conference once again offers a rare opportunity to intimately learn and engage with remarkable thinkers and makers in one mind-expanding day! Join us for an unforgettable gathering of insight, inspiration, and creative exploration - don’t miss the chance to experience these extraordinary voices up close.
Our distinguished speakers are:
PAUL BINGHAM – Author & Professor Emeritus, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, SUNY Stony Brook
Speaking On: Uniquely Human Creativity Is An Evolved Property We Now Understand
HARRIETTE COLE – Award-winning lifestyle expert and advice columnist. Author of How to Be, former editor-in-chief at Ebony magazine, and recipient of the Women of Excellence Award
Speaking On: Making Confidence Your Superpower
TOM JUNOD – two-time National Magazine award-winning Esquire writer and journalist
Speaking On: The Secrets of Creativity: Secrets
GEORGE MAKARI – Historian, Psychiatrist, Best Selling Author, and Director of the DeWitt Wallace Institute of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell
Speaking On: Imagining Strangers: Xenophobia, Then and Now
SUSAN RUBIN – 30+ Year Math Education Veteran and Math Student Teacher supervisor at Columbia University
Speaking On: Bringing Creativity into the Math Classroom
SUSAN WHEELER – Multi-award-winning Poet, Princeton University Professor Emerita, and author of Record Palace, Assorted Poems, and Meme
Speaking On: Noodling and Ambition
Still, Small Voice at The Church: A Monthly Gathering for Reflection and Contemplative Sharing
March 22nd Query: When should you trust your gut? (And when should you not?)
Still, Small Voice draws its name from the idea of the "still, small voice" within—a quiet, inner voice that guides us in moments of reflection. This monthly gathering, started in 2023 as an artistic experiment, now returns as a community-led practice with rotating facilitators. It invites participants to engage in silent reflection and thoughtful sharing, centered around a question about creativity, community, and being human. We forever ever grateful for Nanao Anton & Erling Hope for their contributions, inspirations, and commitment.
This is a space to hear your and others’ authentic voices & own it in community, free of judgement or reaction, as necessary
This is not group therapy, a study group, a political action group or Quaker Meeting.
Please review our Community Values before attending.
MEMBERS APPRECIATION MORNING with Eric Fischl, April Gornik, and Sheri Pasquarella
Calling all members! With a well of gratitude, we would like to invite you to our beloved tradition: The Church Members Appreciation Morning. Join us downstairs in the studio for bagels and coffee, chat with other members, and share your insights with Sheri Pasquarella, our Executive Director and other members of our leadership and team. After breakfast, stay for a tour of the exhibition! We are honored to serve this community and are deeply appreciative of the enthusiasm our members bring to our exhibitions, events, and workshops, and the care and attention they show our artists-in-residence. Thank you, members!
The Church’s Second Annual INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY SHOUT OUT & DANCE PARTY
International Women’s Day Shout Out & Dance Party returns for a second year of saluting inspiring women from our community with a soul-stirring, sole-lifting community celebration. Come one and all for a dance-filled evening of jubilation while raising a glass to some of your favorite friends, family, and neighbors.
This year we’re giving a shout out to:Bonnie Cannon - Executive Director of Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreation Center, Cindy Capalbo- Founder and Organizer of Sag Harbor Helpers, Elizabeth Cataletto – Art Teacher at Pierson Highschool, Pamela Greinke - Founder and Executive Director of Hope & Resilience Long Island, Meghan McGinley Arnone, PhD – Director of Education & Grants Management at Sag Harbor Cinema, Elka Rifkin – Co-Founder of ACCESSforALL.
The good vibes continue as the salutees pay it forward by shouting out their own celebrant. Respect. The gift that keeps on giving.
All of this amidst a fun community social featuring DJ Henry Eau who spins genre-fluid tunes of old and new dance favorites, in addition to a specialty cocktails (cash bar) and snacks. Come for the shout outs, stay for the party.
The 2026 International Women’s Day theme is #GivetoGain and emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. Whether giving donations, knowledge, resources, visibility, advocacy, or all the other countless ways we can offer support, opportunities increase. “When women thrive, we all rise.”
Rise with us as we spotlight and celebrate women in our community who give their time, hearts, and dedication so that others may benefit. Salute their achievements with movement, celebration, and the joy of community. Let’s dance!
Still, Small Voice at The Church: A Monthly Gathering for Reflection and Contemplative Sharing
February 22nd Query: How much is enough?
Still, Small Voice draws its name from the idea of the "still, small voice" within—a quiet, inner voice that guides us in moments of reflection. This monthly gathering, started in 2023 as an artistic experiment, now returns as a community-led practice with rotating facilitators. It invites participants to engage in silent reflection and thoughtful sharing, centered around a question about creativity, community, and being human. We forever ever grateful for Nanao Anton & Erling Hope for their contributions, inspirations, and commitment.
This is a space to hear your and others’ authentic voices & own it in community, free of judgement or reaction, as necessary
This is not group therapy, a study group, a political action group or Quaker Meeting.
Please review our Community Values before attending.
WORD: Identity - An Evening Celebrating Writers and the Written Word
WORD returns! Celebrate the written word as an art form in this recurring program that invites writers to share works that resonate with an anchoring theme. In its fifth iteration, WORD: Identity, presents a curated selection of writers, poets, and storytellers for an evening of presence and reflection as we meditate on the word “identity” and its many shapes and forms.
Curated by writer, educator and founding director of Hamptons Pride, Tom House, the program welcomes writers, Jeremy Dennis, Ariel Ransom, Christine Sampson, and Lora Tucker to the space to share their contemplations on Identity.
The reading will offer café table seating (limited tables available that seat four guests), and regular seating in rows behind the tables. Stop by our concessions ahead of the performance to purchase a drink or a snack and settle in for an evening of intellect, inquiry, and creativity.
Still, Small Voice at The Church: A Monthly Gathering for Reflection and Contemplative Sharing
February 1st Query: What are you waiting for?
Still, Small Voice draws its name from the idea of the "still, small voice" within—a quiet, inner voice that guides us in moments of reflection. This monthly gathering, started in 2023 as an artistic experiment, now returns as a community-led practice with rotating facilitators. It invites participants to engage in silent reflection and thoughtful sharing, centered around a question about creativity, community, and being human. We forever ever grateful for Nanao Anton & Erling Hope for their contributions, inspirations, and commitment.
This is a space to hear your and others’ authentic voices & own it in community, free of judgement or reaction, as necessary
This is not group therapy, a study group, a political action group or Quaker Meeting.
Please review our Community Values before attending.
EXPRESS NEWSGROUP PRESENTS: EXPRESS SESSIONS - The Evolution and Preservation of Downtown Sag Harbor
Please Note this is not a The Church program. This program is presented by Express Newsgroup and hosted at The Church.
As Sag Harbor's business district continues to evolve a public conversation is being planned to examine what these changes will mean.
As Sag Harbor's business district continues to evolve at a breakneck pace - with multiple longtime establishments sold, listed for sale, or rumored to be on the market - a public conversation is being planned to examine what these changes mean for the village's future. This forum will bring together a panel of local stakeholders to discuss recent and proposed property transactions, redevelopment pressures, and efforts to preserve space for independent, mom-and-pop businesses. Topics are expected to include high-profile properties such as 2 Main Street, the former 7-Eleven site and The Corner Bar, and broader concerns about long-term trajectory of Main Street.
This Express Sessions event will change up the normal structure of Express Sessions by starting at 4:30 p.m. and not including lunch. In lieu of lunch, an hour of wine-and-cheese networking will be held following the panel discussion.
The ticket price structure is as follows: Tickets for subscribers to 27east.com, The Sag Harbor Express or The Southampton Press are $10. The nonsubscriber ticket price is $64 and includes an annual subscription to both 27east.com and your choice of The Sag Harbor Express or The Southampton Press delivered to your home weekly.
Any questions can be addressed to sessions@expressnewsgroup.com or by calling 631-725-1700 and asking for Ellen M-F 10am to 4 p.m.
DRAWING MEETUP with artists JACKIE HOVING and NORM PARIS
Bring a sketchbook, graphite or colored pencils, and/or pens and have a seat in the Main Gallery of The Church for a communal drawing salon led by artists and art professors Jackie Hoving and Norm Paris! This recurring program celebrates our fall exhibition Here & There: The Church’s First Churchennial while also honoring The Church’s commitment to fostering creativity on the East End. Flex your creative muscles as you draw the people around you, the space, or something that catches your eye in a meditative experience of observing and being present.
Norm, a professor at Rhode Island School of Design, and Jackie, a professor at Pratt Institute, met as students in Sam Messer’s Yale Norfolk Summer School of Art program. It was there the couple spent time in Sam’s “drawing happenings” and were inspired by his belief in community and bringing people together through drawing.
In alignment with The Church’s vision for a creative community, the Drawing Meetups invite participants of all skill levels to a laid-back environment with a communal spirit. Tables and chairs will be provided and participants are also welcome to find a space within the exhibition for a solo meditative drawing journey. Some graphite pencils and 8x11” paper will also be provided, though participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies. Charcoal, paints, and markers are not permitted in these sessions.
Please note that this is a causal drawing session and not a class.
Still, Small Voice at The Church: A Monthly Gathering for Reflection and Contemplative Sharing
December 29th Query: Why are you here?
Still, Small Voice draws its name from the idea of the "still, small voice" within—a quiet, inner voice that guides us in moments of reflection. This monthly gathering, started in 2023 as an artistic experiment, now returns as a community-led practice with rotating facilitators. It invites participants to engage in silent reflection and thoughtful sharing, centered around a question about creativity, community, and being human. We forever ever grateful for Nanao Anton & Erling Hope for their contributions, inspirations, and commitment.
This is a space to hear your and others’ authentic voices & own it in community, free of judgement or reaction, as necessary
This is not group therapy, a study group, a political action group or Quaker Meeting.
Please review our Community Values before attending.
COMMUNITY HOLIDAY PARTY
Get your holiday vibes on and come spread good cheer at The Church’s second annual Community Holiday Party! Come together for light bites, drinks, music, and the spirit of the season! We are grateful to center and celebrate our community. Connect with people you know, meet someone new, sing along with your favorite holiday tunes!
Thank you to Sen and Page for their generosity of supplying light bites for the evening!
It takes a village. “We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.” – Herman Melville.
DRAWING MEETUP with artists JACKIE HOVING and NORM PARIS
Bring a sketchbook, graphite or colored pencils, and/or pens and have a seat in the Main Gallery of The Church for a communal drawing salon led by artists and art professors Jackie Hoving and Norm Paris! This recurring program celebrates our fall exhibition Here & There: The Church’s First Churchennial while also honoring The Church’s commitment to fostering creativity on the East End. Flex your creative muscles as you draw the people around you, the space, or something that catches your eye in a meditative experience of observing and being present.
Norm, a professor at Rhode Island School of Design, and Jackie, a professor at Pratt Institute, met as students in Sam Messer’s Yale Norfolk Summer School of Art program. It was there the couple spent time in Sam’s “drawing happenings” and were inspired by his belief in community and bringing people together through drawing.
In alignment with The Church’s vision for a creative community, the Drawing Meetups invite participants of all skill levels to a laid-back environment with a communal spirit. Tables and chairs will be provided and participants are also welcome to find a space within the exhibition for a solo meditative drawing journey. Some graphite pencils and 8x11” paper will also be provided, though participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies. Charcoal, paints, and markers are not permitted in these sessions.
Please note that this is a causal drawing session and not a class.
