Join artist April Gornik for a richly illustrated virtual walk-through of the Figures du Fou (Figures of the Fool) exhibition that opened on October 16, 2024 at the Louvre Museum and closed on February 5, 2025. Figures of the Fool was brilliantly curated by Elisabeth Antoine-König and Pierre-Yves Le Pogam. April will share slides, talk about the curators’ intent, and introduce her own insights and ideas. Along the way, April will invite thoughts and comments from the audience and, at the end, there will be a more formal question-and-answer period.

Figures of the Fool: From the Middle Ages to the Romantics offered a deep dive into the meaning of “the fool” in a multitude of contexts: books, illustrations of the Bible, sainthood, brothels, at court, on the battlefield, in positions of power, and in positions of poverty. Fools had an extraordinary popularity from the 13th through the 16th centuries, with new notions of the fool reignited in the public imagination during the age of Romanticism as well as at the beginning of psychology. Fools included hermits, simpletons, saints, sinners mocking courtly love, party animals, buffoons both royal and common, mad kings, seekers and seers, licentious seducers, jugglers, conjurers, and, not least of all, artists. 

The fool’s legacy has endured even into present-day art, politics, and theater. Certain streets in Paris are still referred to as Rues de la Folie, meaning “Streets of Madness,” indicating that they were or had been red-light districts. Playing cards still have jokers. And Van Gogh and his phenomenal popularity can be seen as one of our great Fools for Art. As truth-tellers to kings, fools still bear witness to the folly of human behavior. 

April 27th Query: What would you do if you knew you wouldn’t fail?

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.

Answer.
That you are here—that life exists and identity,
That the powerful play goes on,
and you may contribute a verse
-Walt Whitman

The Power of Poetry returns for the next verse! The Church is excited to invite you to join us for the third iteration of our poetry ‘read-in’ series Verse 3: I’m with the Banned, exploring poems and voices who have encountered resistance and censorship of expression. From Shakespeare to Shel Silverstein, poets  throughout history have had their poems banned, restricted, censored, or challenged. What are the grounds for the limitations of expression?  Let’s find out! Join us to give voice to poets Gwendolyn Brooks,Amanda Gorman, Shel Silverstein, Walt Whitman, Oscar Wilde and more.

This recurring program brings us together to celebrate poetry, the beauty of words, and the power of capturing the human experience through a community-driven poetry read-in. Each session features a curated selection of poems tied by a common theme. Readers are assigned a number upon arrival and read in order. Poems are not pre-selected, rehearsed, or memorized but are actively engaged with as the reader steps up to the mic. Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing that this format helps both listeners and readers feel liberated from ego and fully immersed in the poem.

We invite you to read, listen, and think about poetry in real-time in our main gallery space and join the community discussion following the read-in.

Join us for an open-studio visit with two of our current artists-in-residence, Alison Cynamon and Rayos Magos.

As an author, illustrator, and public artist, Cynamon creates work ranging from the development of storybooks and narrative drawings to the planning and design of murals and installations. Currently, her work centers on the writing and illustration of children’s books, pairing imaginative stories with playful characters and designs.

Magos, a multidisciplinary artist, draws inspiration and influence from his ethnic identity as a Chicano (Mexican American/Latinx). Working across a variety of media, he investigates symbolism and storytelling within Chicano culture in his work, blending personal narratives with universal themes to examine the past, future, and present.

Stop by anytime between noon and 2 p.m. to observe and reflect as Cynamon and Magos introduce and discuss their practices and works in progress, highlighting the developments made while in residence.

What does it mean to belong in a public space? How can we foster community involvement and participation through architecture and design? Hear the answers to these questions and more as Koray Duman and Setha Low join us at The Church for a panel discussion on the role of public space in society.

The panel was conceived of by Koray Duman, a NYC-based architect whose practice concerns public interactions with the built environment. In preparing for an extended stay in Sag Harbor as a resident at The Church, Duman began a dialogue with Setha Low, an expert on public spaces. Low is a Distinguished Professor of Environmental Psychology, Geography, Anthropology, and Women’s Studies, and Director of the Public Space Research Group at the Graduate Center, City University of New York. Together, they share decades of combined experience across the fields of cultural affairs, environmentalism, and public design.

In their talk, our speakers will highlight how strategic design can amplify human interactions, while temporary activations cultivate generosity and belonging. They will also discuss the tools and resources that citizens can use to take over (politically), enjoy (personally), and participate (culturally) in public spaces.

Following the event, a public dinner will be hosted in the garden of The Church. In the spirit of activating public space and bringing together community, it will be free and open to all.

David Bunn Martine, award-winning visual artist and Curator of the Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center Museum, joins us for our April Insight Sunday. Drawing inspiration from history and reimagined perspectives, Martine’s work explores the spiritual strength and vibrancy of historical figures while stylistically staying within the realm of realism.  Martine will speak about his process, how he reimagines the world, and his purpose in selecting the historical scenes he portrays. Following the discussion there will be a Q&A with the audience.

Martine’s work The Northern Migration, a playful nod to Grant Wood’s American Gothic, is included in our exhibition Eternal Testament, on view from March 22 to June 1. (Exhibition hours: Thursday to Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Stop by the show and join us on Sunday to learn why Martine believes “art should uplift and elevate the soul and not dwell in the negative conditions of history and society.”

This special Insight Sunday is presented as a part of our current exhibition Eternal Testament, curated by Jeremy Dennis and Meranda Roberts; please click here for more information on the exhibition.

It is time to awaken your powers of stress relief and deep healing! Join wellness leader Joyce Brian, as she leads participants through a Yoga Nidra session. Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep, is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping that comes with a plentitude of health benefits.

Bringing their own yoga mats and blankets for comfort, attendees will rest on the main floor of The Church as Joyce leads them through the deeply meditative practice, taking them from waking sleep to awakened consciousness. Relieving stress and promoting self-healing, Yoga Nidra taps into the third eye and journeys from alpha state to theta state consciousness. This journey helps you access your own intuition, creativity, and abundance and allows you to be present without self-image or “I,” thereby allowing your mind to explore yourself more fully.

Please dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat, pillow, blankets, and anything else that will make you feel comfortable. Chairs will be provided for those who prefer to sit rather than lie on the ground.

Join us in welcoming back the much-loved annual Creativity Conference! Our fourth annual full-day gathering of idea-exploration and creativity in the arts and sciences features five outstanding thought leaders. Curated by April Gornik, this year’s conference welcomes an eclectic group of creative minds. Our speakers are:

CARTER BURWELL – Esteemed film-score composer
Speaking On: Why Do Films Have Music?

LUCIA JACOBS – Professor Emerita of Psychology and Neuroscience at University of California, Berkeley
Speaking On: Squirrel Economics — “How to Get Rich Like a Squirrel (Without Going Nuts)”

 PATRICIA McCORMICK – author of the critically acclaimed Never Fall Down and SOLD, and co-author of I Am Malala
Speaking On: Creativity as a Form of Resistance

SUSAN ROGERS – Behavioral neuroscientist and multiplatinum-record producer, most notably known for her work with Prince
Speaking On: Neural Underpinnings of Creativity, Mind Wandering, and Musical
Improvisation

LAWRENCE WESCHLER –  Longtime New Yorker writer, author, and Director Emeritus of the New York Institute for the Humanities at New York University
Speaking On: Art and Science as a Parallel and Divergent Way of Knowing

Meet illustrator, artist, and entrepreneur, Noelle Giddings and join us as we dive into her unique experience, exploring an artistic world of comic books, ready-for-television art, and more. Noelle is a treasure trove of insight and wisdom for young, aspiring artists! Her career trajectory has been one of a kind, leading her from comics and cartoons to roles in education and newly created positions within the entertainment industry. Come along as we explore how one woman said “yes” to opportunity and learned to pivot and transform along the way. Following the discussion there will be a Q&A.

Breaking into a male-dominated field, Noelle was one of the few female comic book artists for DC and Marvel. Spider-Man, Batman, Superman — Noelle illustrated some of the most memorable characters we know and love. She was also a founding member of Milestone Media, the first and only comic book company dedicated to creating a more culturally diverse comic universe. In addition to working in the much-loved genre, her work on animated Disney and Nickelodeon programs, including Doug, has been a source of joy for many growing up. She has created original art pieces for television and movie sets and has published children’s books and a graphic novel, too.

For fashion designer and artist Paulo Josepetti, a design is more than just a garment; it’s an expression of creativity and storytelling. Join us at The Church as Josepetti speaks on his work and learn how his upbringing and commitment to sustainability have shaped his career.

Deeply inspired by the vibrant culture of his Brazilian heritage, Josepetti seamlessly blends art and fashion, specializing in one-of-a-kind custom fabrications that emphasize individuality and craftsmanship. Throughout his practice, he remains committed to the use of sustainable materials and practices, frequently employing linen, raw silk, and other natural fibers.

Josepetti is an artist-in-residence at The Church from March 27 – April 9, 2025.

March 23rd Query: What are you willfully ignorant about?

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.

In grand commemoration of the opening of Eternal Testamenton Saturday, March 22, co-curators Jeremy Dennis and Meranda Roberts have created an electric series of events that will inspire, delight, and inform all on the topic of the show. The run down is:

5 PM – 6 PM PANEL DISCUSSION WITH JEREMY DENNIS, MERANDA ROBERTS & DENISE SILVA DENNIS: Join us on our studio level for as co-curators Jeremy Dennis and Meranda Roberts, co-curators of the show are joined in conversation by artist Denise Silva Dennis. The trio will dive deeper into some of the themes, intentions and inspirations for the show, providing guests a unique opportunity of insights before seeing the show. The exhibition invites audiences to “reconsider their perceptions of Eastern Long Island in a way that positively engages with Indigenous history and the land we occupy,” according to the Curators. Following a brief Q&A

6 PM – DRUMMING PROCESSIONAL WITH JEFFREY PEGRAM: At the end of the panel discussion, we will be led up to the exhibition via a performance by contemporary Native TSALAGI Nation (Cherokee) Singer and Composer, Jeffry Pegram. Nominated for various indigenous music awards and a historian of Native American culture, the multitalented speaker and lecturer invites all people into the gallery to reflect, contemplate, and expand their awareness.

6:30 –ELISA HARKINS PERFORMANCE:Elisa Harkins (Cherokee, Muscogee) will present a 15-minute performance of Indigenous hymns and hand-drum songs, transforming the former church — on the homelands of the Montaukett and Shinnecock Nations — into a site of Indigenous presence and resistance. Rooted in language revitalization and Indigenous musical traditions, her work challenges the church’s colonial history of forced assimilation while amplifying themes of sovereignty and reclamation central to Eternal Testament. By filling the space with Indigenous sound, Harkins unsettles historical narratives and invites audiences to reconsider their relationship to land, spirituality, and power.

Why exactly are Tom’s typewriters special, and how did Simon’s audacious vision for the installation come to life?  Join Joe Jagos, The Church’s exhibition coordinator, and Liam Huberty, project research assistant, for a spirited walk-through and lively dialogue that goes behind the scenes of Some of Tom’s Typewriters. Mounting this exhibition required the expertise of Jagos and Huberty, who will share their profound knowledge of the typewriters on view as well as insights into the meticulous planning of the show. Come gain a deeper insight into the machines’ fascinating history and the process of exhibition productions. After the discussion, there will be a Q&A.

Give our regards to Broadway, Walter Bobbie! Join us for Knowledge Friday as we traverse the creative landscape of an award-winning writer, thespian, director, visual artist, and South Fork resident. We invite young actors, musical-theater students, and anyone with a love of theater to “be in the room” to learn from an indispensable source of experience, knowledge, and wisdom.

Learn how embracing the risk of failure –– the risk involved in success –– led Bobbie to create his own opportunities rather than waiting for one to arise. Understand how and why his 28-year run of Chicago on Broadway and the closure of one of his early productions immediately after opening night are both successes in his eyes. Gain insight into his writing process and his knack for navigating successful collaborations. Discover why “spontaneity is the unimagined part of success” and why the greatest teacher of all is simply being in the room and practicing your craft. Come get your questions answered during our Q&A at the end of the presentation.  

Take a deep dive into Some Odes with Sheri Pasquarella, The Church’s incomparable Executive Director. The intimate exhibition explores the work of visual artist Sam Messer and highlights the collaborations and inspirations drawn from friends and fellow creative forces Paul Auster, Eleanor Gaver, Denis Johnson, and Sharon Olds. It is also a direct result of the collaborative dialogue between Messer and Pasquarella. Attendees will receive a guided tour of the exhibition and a revealing look into the process by which it came to be. After the tour, there will be a Q&A.

“If we are to preserve culture, we must continue to create it.” -- Johan Huizinga 

From rehabilitation to restoration to public acquisition, the act of preservation requires inspiration and vision. It communicates the values of a culture it looks to preserve, as well as creating standards of culture in the process. It is itself a creative act. 

We invite you to explore architecture and design from this perspective with Jess Frost, executive director and co-founder of the Arts Center at Duck Creek in Springs, Matilde Guidelli, curator and curatorial department head of the Dia Art Foundation, and Lee Skolnick, architect and renovator of The Church. Using their respective institutions as examples, the participants will illuminate the art of preservation.

The conversation will be moderated by Paul Bentel, a practicing architect, professor at Columbia University, architectural historian, and preservation advocate who will bring a unique and unifying voice to the dynamic discussion. Representing Preservation Long Island, Bentel is a long-time board member and until recently the chair of the Historic Preservation Committee. Following the presentation there will be a Q&A.

WORD, the program that celebrates the written word as an art form and challenges writers to share works that resonate with an anchoring theme, returns for its fourth iteration, WORD: Connection. WORD brings together writers, storytellers, and performers for an evening of presence, performance, and reflection. In this iteration the curated writers have been asked to respond to the query: how do we make connections?

In an evening curated by writer and editor, Drew Zeiba, the notable writers Hanna Baer, Tom House, Angie Sijun Lou, and Nora Treatbaby, will focus on contemplations of the query, examining the how, what, and why of connection and connectivity, diving deep into the theme and its permutations and insinuations. A program co-created by former Programming Manager Talena Mascali, WORD honors the legacy of Sag Harbor as a welcoming home for artists, writers, and creatives while celebrating the power and range of the written and spoken word.

The reading will offer café table seating (limited tables available that seat four guests), and regular seating behind, with some treats served and others available for purchase.

Mila Tina invites you to get in touch with your intrinsic fabric of feminine energy and existence and explore the multidimensionality of your identity through the lens of her creative expression.

For this month’s Insight Sunday, the interdisciplinary artist will present her short film Mujer Luna and guide a dynamic exploration of its themes. Well-known throughout the East End as a musician and drummer, and for her rhythm and movement workshops, Mila Tina in Mujer Luna expands upon the inspiration at the root of all her work: the legendary women and archetypes of femininity that reside within all people. The presentation will be followed by an audience Q&A.

Mujer Luna, translating to “moon woman,” is a gentle nod to the Moon as a symbol of feminine identity. Mila Tina’s work is an expression of liberated emotions, a catalyst for transformation, and an exploration of the grounds that connect us deeply to ourselves and to others. Join us as we learn about this beautiful project that is the epicenter of her multifaceted artistic practice and vision.

Join us as we awaken our body’s natural ability to harmonize using the ancient Japanese practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu with wellness leaders Susan Remkus-Denis and Maria Maier. The pair will give a brief presentation about the origins and basic components of the practice, outlining why it is an effective and ideal approach for healthcare professionals and self-care seekers alike. After the presentation, attendees will apply the technique while relaxing with the sounds of crystal singing bowls.

Join Eric Fischl as he muses on three archetypes for emotional and aspirational conditions that all cultures ponder through art: Heaven, Hell, and the Garden. Speaking specifically about the visual arts of Western art history, Eric’s lecture will explore how shape, color, line, gesture, pattern, and scale — the language an artist chooses to express feelings, thoughts, dreams, etc. — can be further explored within the dimension of these three classic motifs.  “The archetypes of Heaven, Hell, and the Garden are handy generalizations for the exploration of ways to look at individual works of art though, albeit a little silly,” Eric notes. Come explore works of art (in projection) and hear Eric’s musings and interpretations of a wonderful array of paintings and drawings from the past 700 or so years.  

This program is supported by the Fund for Community & Education at The Church

Come hungry for knowledge! Ryunosuke “Jesse” Matsuoka, Restaurateur of Sen and K Pasa, joins us for our first Knowledge Friday of the year and invites you to explore the “Brotherhood of the Traveling Palate.” Hear how sitting down at a table with a family for true local culture and cuisine, immersion beyond the standard tourist favorites, shaped his understanding and appreciation of diverse culinary art and etiquette. Learn how this knowledge has helped him to open several successful restaurants of varying cultural cuisines. Experience his journey to becoming a sake expert and founder of the American Sake Association. Find out, once and for all, what the diet of a Sumo wrestler looks like and what it takes to prepare. After the discussion, there will be a Q&A with the renaissance man of restaurants.

A Sag Harbor resident and current owner of the beloved Sen restaurant on Main Street, Jesse has a passion for all things culinary that began when he was a kid growing up in both Japan and Hawaii. He is an East Ender, but his appetite for cultural culinary curiosity has led him on off-season adventures around the globe., deepening his appreciation for the culinary arts and giving him a unique perspective and taste.

“I think, to a poet, the human community is like the community of birds to a bird, singing to each other. Love is one of the reasons we are singing to one another, love of language itself, love of sound, love of singing itself, and love of the other birds.” -- Sharon Olds

The Power of Poetry returns. After a warmly received inaugural program, Verse 1 – The Sag Harbor Saints, The Church is excited to invite you to join us for the second iteration, Verse 2 – An Ode to Some Odes, as we explore the voices of three acclaimed poets: Paul Auster, Denis Johnson, and Sharon Olds.

This Program is supported by Cathleen McGuigan and David Berridge and the Friends of the Fund for Visual Arts

John Pinderhughes found love behind the lens of a camera in the mountains of Ethiopia during a summer college trip with Operation Crossroads Africa over 50 years ago. He has been capturing moments ever since. Join us for the first Insight Sunday of the new year as John shares with us the special story behind the portrait of his beloved grandmother, his “gum-gum,” taken on her first trip to Africa.

Grab a popcorn and join us for a screening of California Typewriter, the 2016 American documentary film directed by Doug Nichol. Considered a “nostalgic love letter to the typed word from enthusiasts and experts alike,” the film explores, celebrates, and honors the mechanical object believed to summon the creative spirit while also documenting the struggles of the typewriter-repair shop of the film’s title, California Typewriter. Sadly, the shop closed in 2020 after 70 years of service.

A meditation on creativity and technology, the film features typewriter enthusiasts Tom Hanks, John Mayer, Sam Shepard, and David McCullough. The film also includes artist Jeremy Mayer, author and  Xavier University philosophy professor Richard Polt, the unique and inspiring Boston Typewriter Orchestra, and more.

Popcorn and light refreshments will be sold at our concession stand. A limited number of signed copies of Richard Polt’s The Typewriter Revolution will also be available for purchase.

Ring in the new year with seasoned Reiki Master KAREN MEYER, assisted by STEPHANIE JOYCE on the gong, as we learn the fundamentals of Reiki. Learn why Einstein’s words “Everything is vibration” and “Everything is energy” are the language of Reiki practitioners worldwide.

Learn the basics of Reiki and experience it hands-on, discover the healing power of sound, the healing properties of instruments such as the gong, the crystal singing bowl, and tuning forks, and redefine scent as vibration as we examine the special properties of different essential oils. Then, immerse yourself in the deep relaxation of a sound bath with a guided meditation.

Simon Doonan invites you to memories, musings, and mimosas!

Join us as we sit down for a dynamic discussion with the renowned creative director as he explores the stories and inspirations that added a dash of whimsy and nostalgia to our winter exhibition, Some of Tom’s Typewriters. Inspired by the presence of typewriters in films, moved by the serendipity of his parents meeting around the typewriter, and driven by his incredible knack for storytelling, Doonan adds a special dimension to the exhibition.

An acclaimed creative director, Doonan offers the audience an opportunity to peek into the inner creative workings of design as he discusses his initial sketches, the visual impact of added display elements, and more! Following the discussion, Doonan will have a brief Q&A with the audience.

Those with specialty tickets will then be invited down to our studio level for mimosas and small bites. Copies of Doonan’s latest book will be available for purchase and signed during the reception downstairs.

Query: What is the Human Being?

In the style of a traditional Quaker meeting, each iteration of Still, Small Voice will center around an organizing question about creativity, community, and being human in the 21st century. The format of the meeting is unprogrammed and anchored in silence, but receptive to the insights of all participants. It is a space grounded in humanistic pluralism and is welcoming and open to all. Facilitated by former Quaker clerk Erling Hope, the series will be held in The Church’s library.

By popular demand! Join us for an encore presentation of April Gornik’s recent talk about the landscapes of Egon Schiele, which she presented at the Neue Galerie in NYC in November. The lecture includes images and insights into landscape painting and as a contemplation of nature and the landscape at large. Gornik will focus on both Schiele’s contemporary context and the artists he may be likened to in our more recent context in the decades following his untimely death.

Violinist and composer Michelle Ross invites you to join us at The Church for a behind-the-scenes look into her creative practice and unique process of composing. During this special event, Michelle will offer insight into her latest composition – an in-progress piece for solo violin and mixed ensemble – and discuss how improvisation, electronics, handwritten notations, poetry, and performance all play a role in her work. The presentation will feature a selection of handwritten scores, excerpts of audio, and a live performance by Michelle.

A protégée of the legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman, Michelle’s compositions have had world premieres at the Lucerne Festival, Tanglewood Music Center, and Oregon Symphony’s Open Music. She has also performed as guest concertmaster with a range of ensembles including the Orchestre de Paris, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, London Symphony Orchestra, and more.