Filtering by: “Talks & Thinkers”
Still, Small Voice at The Church: A Monthly Gathering for Reflection and Contemplative Sharing
Jun
22

Still, Small Voice at The Church: A Monthly Gathering for Reflection and Contemplative Sharing

June 22nd Query: What does it mean to be fully alive?

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.

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2X2: Artist Talk with DANIEL FIRMAN and APRIL GORNIK & Artist Demonstration with PATRICK VILLAS with technical explanation by EDWINA VAN DER HAEGEN
Jun
22

2X2: Artist Talk with DANIEL FIRMAN and APRIL GORNIK & Artist Demonstration with PATRICK VILLAS with technical explanation by EDWINA VAN DER HAEGEN

Our first program for The Ark exhibition explores the process and technologies used for two of the exciting works in the show – one of which uses the latest technologies in sculpture making (3D printing), and the other a demonstration of one of the most historic sculpture techniques (the ‘lost wax’ technique featuring the use of clay hand-modeling for casting bronze). Even more thrilling – the two artists come from Europe, here only briefly for the opening of the exhibition. A rare opportunity all around!

Artist Daniel Firman wants to talk about the elephant in the room… the elephant. Friman’s Le Sommeil en Forêt (The Sleep in the Forest), a life-size sculpture of an elephant, can be seen balancing on its trunk front and center in The Ark. This sculpture was made via a special 3-D printing process and printed specifically for this exhibition. Fresh flown in from overseas, Firman invites audiences to an inside look at his creative process and what it took to bring this colossal figure to life. Firman will be joined in conversation by The Church co-founder April Gornik. Following his discussion there will be a brief Q&A with the audience.

 

Then, with the quiet stealth of a jungle cat, artist Patrick Villas invites the audience to witness a live sculpting session in our studio space. The sculptor of Monumental Walking Panther, 2021, and Cheetah, 2006, which are both included in The Ark, will present a live demonstration of his process while Edwina Van der haegen offers a technical explanation of what is occurring. Following the demonstration there will be a Q&A with the audience.

Join us for this very special event. Space is limited so get your tickets early and avoid the waitlist!

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DE-MIST-IFYING the FORECAST: A Long Island Weather Discussion with ISLANDWIDE WEATHER - a collaboration with the SOUTH FORK NATURAL HISTORY MUSUEM’S YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALISTS SOCIETY
Jun
27

DE-MIST-IFYING the FORECAST: A Long Island Weather Discussion with ISLANDWIDE WEATHER - a collaboration with the SOUTH FORK NATURAL HISTORY MUSUEM’S YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALISTS SOCIETY

Glen Johnson and Don Golde are two reliable “go-to” dudes known as Islandwide Weather. They know a thing or two about the weather, specifically Long Island weather. And they want you to know too! Find out what’s in store for us weather-wise this summer as we get the local forecast, hear the predictions for hurricane season, and learn how to glean insights from meteorological data in real-time. With over 80,000 local followers, the duo prides itself on being a reliable source for local weather updates and an active agent in community building. Following the discussion have all your burning meteorological questions answered during the Q&A.

The program is a special collaboration with the South Fork Natural History Museum’s Young Environmentalists Society (SOFO YES), and The Church is grateful for the efforts of Mare Dianora in helping to make this partnership come to life.

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Pulling it All Together: ERIC FISCHL & AMY SILLMAN in conversation, with JORDAN CARTER - in collaboration with Dia Bridgehampton
Jun
29

Pulling it All Together: ERIC FISCHL & AMY SILLMAN in conversation, with JORDAN CARTER - in collaboration with Dia Bridgehampton

There is a certain degree of magic required in curation, be it curating other people’s work or composing your own work and vision for an upcoming exhibition. To celebrate the concurrent opening of two mammoth shows, The Ark at The Church and Amy Sillman: Alternate Side (Permutations #1-32) at Dia Bridgehampton, artist/curator Eric Fischl joins renowned artist Amy Sillman in dialogue, discussing their respective shows and the process of putting them together. The collaborative program invites audiences to inquiry and insight as the two artists share their perspectives and values in determining thematic choices, inclusion, and overall vision, while doing a deep dive into two of this summer’s great East End contemporary art exhibitions. The pair will be joined by Jordan Carter, Curator and Co-Deapartment Head, Dia Art Foundation, who will moderate the dialogue and offer his own insights into the process. Following the discussion there will be a Q&A with the two.

Tickets are limited so please purchase in advance to avoid the waitlist.

To view The Ark, curated by Fischl please stop by The Church during exhibition hours, Thursday-Monday, 11 AM – 5 PM. To View Amy Sillman: Alternate Side (Permutations #1-32), please stop by Dia Bridgehampton at 23 Corwith Avenue, Bridgehampton, NY during exhibition hours Friday – Sunday, 12 PM – 6 PM. Both exhibitions are free and open to the public.

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BRUCE NAUMAN in conversation with ERIC FISCHL
Jul
6

BRUCE NAUMAN in conversation with ERIC FISCHL

The Church is honored and grateful to present a rare discussion with the legendary multidisciplinary artist Bruce Nauman. Joined in conversation by The Church co-founder and visual artist Eric Fischl, Nauman and Fischl will speak about art and process, touching on the themes present in Nauman’s work that is included in our summer exhibition, The Ark, curated by Fischl.

Working in nearly every artistic medium, thoughtfully refusing to adhere to rigid artistic distinctions, and sometimes creating new genres while completing his work, Nauman is an indispensable source of insight and a model of artistic authenticity and integrity. This rare opportunity, as Nauman seldom speaks about his work and creative process, promises to be a celebratory event of profound revelation.

Nauman’s work 2 plaster foxes head to foot with plaster can and hammer, 2024 is part of our summer exhibition The Ark, and can be experienced during our exhibition hours, Thursday through Monday 11 AM – 5 PM.  To learn more about our exhibition and to check out the exhibition checklist, please visit our exhibition page here.

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SPIDER COUPLE: A Psychoanalysis of Animal Imagery in LOUISE BOURGEOIS’s work with PHILIP LARRATT-SMITH and JAMIESON WEBSTER
Jul
13

SPIDER COUPLE: A Psychoanalysis of Animal Imagery in LOUISE BOURGEOIS’s work with PHILIP LARRATT-SMITH and JAMIESON WEBSTER

“You learn for yourself not for others, not to show off, not to put the other one down learning is your secret, it is all you have, it is the only thing you can call your own. nobody can take it away…” – Louise Bourgeois, Louise Bourgeois: The Return of the Repressed: Psychoanalytic Writings.

In a unique pairing to discuss a one-of-a-kind artist, Philip Larratt-Smith, esteemed curator, writer, and Curator of The Easton Foundation, which administers the legacy of Louise Bourgeois, joins in dialogue with Jamieson Webster, clinical psychoanalyst, teacher, and writer who has published work on Bourgeois and many other artists. The two will examine Spider Couple, 2003, Bourgeois’s iconic 12-foot sculpture featured in our exhibition The Ark. They will also expand their discussion to include the symbolic use of animal imagery prevalent in late artist’s profound body of work. There will be a Q&A following the discussion.

One of the most important and influential contemporary artists of the last century, Lousie Bourgeois is a fearless diver into the psychological realm. Over several decades, the artist plunged into the depths of her own psyche, fueling her creative process with heightened introspection, cathartic examinations of early childhood trauma, and more. Her use of personal symbolism, recurring motifs,  and psychological release within her work created a unique stylistic dimension and a distinctive symbolic code. This code, though highly personal and individualized, has helped to capture the complexity of human experience and emotion, creating a collective sea of understanding around it.  Join us as we submerge into Bourgeois’s world and perhaps contemplate our own introspective reality and its role in the creative process.

Louise Bourgeois’s work Spider Couple is on view on our outdoor deck adjacent to our mezzanine level during our exhibition hours Thursday – Monday, 11 AM – 5 PM. In addition to being the first time The Church will use the outdoor deck as part of the exhibition, it also marks the first time one of these celebrated works will be shown at an arts institution on the East End. We invite you to stop by and see a little web of history as it’s being made.

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WELLNESS MONDAY: Identifying Trauma and Eliminating Blocks with BRAHNA YASSKY
Jul
14

WELLNESS MONDAY: Identifying Trauma and Eliminating Blocks with BRAHNA YASSKY

What is blocking you from being happy, leading a full life, and moving you forward? No stranger to healing, Brahna Yassky, painter, and author, who is trained in art therapy invites you to find out in this Wellness Monday. Using healing techniques that she herself has used, Brahna welcomes you to look at the world in a different way. Using an intense focus on a particular object, art, and writing, participants will uncover memories, sensations, and emotions that are tied to their wellness.

In this hands-on workshop participants are asked to bring with them an object that has great significance to them (or a photo if the object cannot be moved), their own art supplies (sketchbook, pencils, watercolors, paintbrush), a notebook, and a pen. Through Brahna’s guidance, you will spend your time during the workshop drawing or painting the object and/or activating your language center as you write about the object. There will be an opportunity to share your thoughts and reflections on your work.

In 1982 Brahna was literally on fire. This accident resulted in Brahna’s arduous and painful healing journey. This journey and the path to her success are documented in her book Slow Dancing with Fire – A Memoir of Resilience. Brahna will read a passage from the book that illuminates how she learned to see differently. The author and artist welcomes you to learn from her experience, engage in community, and chip away at the things holding you back so you can bloom in your wellness. Copies of Brahna’s book will be available for purchase.

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INSIGHT SUNDAY with BRYAN HUNT
Jul
20

INSIGHT SUNDAY with BRYAN HUNT

Natural forms and space are at the heart of Bryan Hunt’s sculptures and paintings. The creative explorer joins us for a very special Insight Sunday and invites the audience to an intimate dialogue centered on Ceta-II the wood, synthetic fabric, and steel sculpture included in The Ark. Is it a bird wing? Is it a tentacle? Is Ceta short for Cetaceans, otherwise known as a marine animal like a whale, dolphin, or porpoise? Is it a space creature infiltrating the animal-laden vessel? There is only one way to find out! Ask the man directly. Come with questions and leave with insight at our first Insight Sunday of the summer.

 To view Ceta-II stop by during our exhibition hours, Thursday-Monday 11 AM – 5 PM. The exhibition is free and open to the public. To learn more about The Ark, visit our exhibition page here.

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THOMAS DEININGER in conversation with ERIC FISCHL
Aug
9

THOMAS DEININGER in conversation with ERIC FISCHL

It’s time to talk about perspectives and perceptions with artist Thomas Deininger. Deininger, whose art is a direct response to consumer culture and a call to action toward social-spiritual responsibility and evolution, will be joined in conversation by The Church co-founder and The Ark curator, Eric Fischl. The two will discuss Deininger’s work Pigeon on the Giacometti, 2024, which is included in the exhibition and will dive into Deininger’s creative process, his use of found objects, and how his work advances his values. Following the discussion the audience is invited to a Q&A with the artist and curator.

To view Deininger’s perspective-bending sculpture, that changes upon where you are standing in relation to it, stop by during our exhibition hours, Thursday – Monday, 11 AM – 5 PM. For more information about The Ark, including exhibition dates, please visit our exhibition page here.

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INSIGHT SUNDAY with MONICA BANKS
Aug
17

INSIGHT SUNDAY with MONICA BANKS

Monica Banks invites you to an inside look at the process and inspiration behind her work Restless Things, 2024, which is included in The Ark. Drawn to contrast and dissonance, Banks’s porcelain sculptures of dead birds and insects reference the delicate beauty and tragedy found in birds and small winged creatures. For Banks, “birds are everything,” and her work contains a deep sense of spirituality and hope that she considers “essential in all of us corporeal beings.” Join us for an intriguing discussion followed by a Q&A and leave with insight into the world of birds and winged things, as well as the artist’s unique approach to the traditional technique of porcelain.

 To explore Bank’s work stop by during our exhibition hours Thursday-Monday, 11 AM – 5 PM. More information about The Ark can be found by visiting our exhibition page here. Our exhibition is free and open to the public, no RSVP necessary.

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THE MATTHIESSEN TALKS: Bridging the Worlds of Spirit, Art & Activism with CHIEF OREN LYONS & SHANE “BIZHIKI NIBAUIT” WEEKS - in collaboration with THE PETER MATTHIESSEN CENTER
May
31

THE MATTHIESSEN TALKS: Bridging the Worlds of Spirit, Art & Activism with CHIEF OREN LYONS & SHANE “BIZHIKI NIBAUIT” WEEKS - in collaboration with THE PETER MATTHIESSEN CENTER

“If our time on earth is to endure, we must love the earth in the strong, unsentimental way of traditional peoples, not seeking to exploit but to live in balance with the natural world.”
 — Peter Matthiessen, from Indian Country

We are honored to welcome Chief Oren Lyons and Shane “Bizhiki Nibauit” Weeks as the inaugural speakers for The Matthiessen Talks, a new collaborative series dedicated to exploring the profound relationships between humanity and nature. This series, inspired by the legacy of the late Peter Matthiessen — author, explorer, naturalist, and Zen Roshi — aims to bring together voices who share his commitment to environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and spiritual harmony.

Chief Oren Lyons and Shane Weeks will each share brief presentations before engaging in a thought-provoking dialogue about generational perspectives, shared values, and the wisdom passed down through their respective cultures. They will later be joined by Rex Lyons, son of Chief Oren Lyons, who will serve as a bridge between the two generations. The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A, moderated by Alex Matthiessen.

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TALKING ABOUT ART: 10 PAINTINGS
May
25

TALKING ABOUT ART: 10 PAINTINGS

Do you enjoy digging deeper and uncovering meaning in art? The Church’s Executive Director, Sheri Pasquarella, and the artist Wayne Gonzales invite you to join them as they build a dialogue around ten specially selected paintings that date from distant centuries past through the contemporary era. Pasquarella and Gonzales will present one-another with five paintings — which will only be revealed as the event unfolds. The pair will then spontaneously examine, discuss, and appreciate the ten paintings individually, engaging the audience with a fun conversation designed for art-appreciators of all levels of experience, whether new to art criticism or aficionados. Join the conversation! What paintings do you think will be revealed?  (Insider tip: It will not be Self Portrait by Vincent van Gogh!)

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Still, Small Voice at The Church: A Monthly Gathering for Reflection and Contemplative Sharing
May
25

Still, Small Voice at The Church: A Monthly Gathering for Reflection and Contemplative Sharing

May 25th Query: who do you think you are?

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.

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WITNESS AND RESISTANCE: Asserting Indigenous Presence in Eternal Testament with JAIME T. HERRELL
May
24

WITNESS AND RESISTANCE: Asserting Indigenous Presence in Eternal Testament with JAIME T. HERRELL

Join us for a special discussion with Jaime T. Herrell, an independent curator and education program developer, as she examines the intersection of her curatorial work and the themes of resistance, witnessing, and reclaiming space that are alive and vibrant in Eternal Testament.  Herrell will take a deeper dive into a few works: Natalie Ball’s You Usually Bury the Head in the Woods Trophy Head, James Luna’s Take a Picture with a Real Indian, Marie Watt’s Placeholder (Horizon), and Cara Romero’s Last Indian Market.

 Following the in-depth look at the works, Herrell will engage the audience in a thoughtful and interactive discussion, inviting a conversation that asks attendees to think beyond land acknowledgement. How do we support Indigenous artists, land sovereignty, and Indigenous futurism in tangible ways? 

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INSIGHT SUNDAY with ADRIENNE TERRY
May
18

INSIGHT SUNDAY with ADRIENNE TERRY

Join us in welcoming Adrienne Terry, visual artist and community advocate, as our Insight Sunday speaker for May. Terry will expand on the process behind Dreamcatcher, a dreamcatcher that goes beyond the traditional and that is included in our spring exhibition, Eternal Testament.  Terry will explore the techniques used to etch symbols and motifs, elaborate on her choice of materials, and examine the tools she has used and some she is currently experimenting with. Following the discussion there will be a Q&A.

Symbolizing Terry’s deep connection to her Shinnecock roots and incorporating communal and personal narratives, Dreamcatcher puts a spotlight on material usage — featuring shells, feathers, and wampum pieces — and depicts the Shinnecock seal. Going beyond a traditional dreamcatcher, the work serves as an educational tool and is an act of cultural preservation.

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.

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Shinnecock 101 with Rev. Holly Haile Thompson
May
17

Shinnecock 101 with Rev. Holly Haile Thompson

“May our paths lead us to a time when we shall live together in Peace on Good Mother Earth.”

Join the Rev. Holly Haile Thompson, the first Indigenous woman to become Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church,USA,  as she follows the tradition laid down by her mother, Elizabeth “Chee Chee” Thunderbird Haile. Having often accompanied her mother to give presentations at local schools, Thompson continues the tradition of educating the community on the history of the Shinnecock Nation, on whose land we gather.

 

Reverend Thompson will discuss the meaning behind words, dances, and music — “things that are living” —  and create an environment of understanding, dispelling ignorance and creating a bridge between cultures. Thompson invites audiences to consider “the lives, the humanity, the past” of the Shinnecock people and how they are “intrinsically related to anything that happens in our territory.” After her talk, there will be a Q&A.

This unique program 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.

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CHIÉ SHIMIZU: Artist Talk and Demonstration
May
14

CHIÉ SHIMIZU: Artist Talk and Demonstration

Join us for an artist talk and process demonstration with Chié Shimizu. Primarily a sculptor, Shimizu examines the human condition through representations of figure and form, creating lifelike sculptures that portray individuals frozen in various states of movement and emotion. Each figure is meticulously sculpted in clay, then cast with plaster, painted by hand, and adorned with textures, designs, and objects reflective of a life story.


In her presentation, Shimizu will discuss the evolution and development of her practice, from early inspirations to recent and ongoing works. Following a slideshow, Shimizu will illuminate her process, sharing exclusive insight into the sculpting, molding, casting, and hand-painting behind each piece. The event will conclude with a Q&A.

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WELLNESS MONDAY: Indigenous Plant Medicines of the East End with CHENAE BULLOCK
May
12

WELLNESS MONDAY: Indigenous Plant Medicines of the East End with CHENAE BULLOCK

Join us for a day of discovery, connection, and empowerment through the nature in our own backyard! We invite you to an enriching Wellness Monday led by Chenae Bullock, a knowledgeable and passionate licensed indigenopathic practitioner from the Shinnecock Nation. Participants will be immersed in the rich traditions of indigenous plant medicine, focusing on the unique flora native to our region.

A hands-on experience, this Wellness Monday offers attendees the opportunity to engage with several indigenous plants, including cedar, white pine, sassafras, mullein, and sweetgrass. These plants have long been valued for their medicinal properties and cultural significance. Participants will learn about their uses and get a chance to prepare them, learning how to utilize these plant medicines in a meaningful way.

 

We invite those who are looking to deepen their understanding of indigenous healing practices, cultivate skills in plant medicine, and to connect with the natural world to this inspiring and educational experience.

This special Wellness Monday 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.

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BOOK TALK with JILL BIALOSKY author of THE END IS IN THE BEGINNING
May
10

BOOK TALK with JILL BIALOSKY author of THE END IS IN THE BEGINNING

We are delighted to welcome Jill Bialosky, acclaimed editor and writer of History of a Suicide and Poetry Will Save Your Life, back to The Church to discuss her latest publication, The End Is the Beginning: A Personal History of My Mother. This profoundly moving elegy is a brave and compassionate examination of the life and death of Jill’s mother, told in reverse order from burial to birth. After reading from the book, Jill will be joined in conversation by Executive Director Sheri Pasquarella to discuss the impetus for the memoir, illuminate audiences to the stylistic choice of reverse storytelling, and more. The floor will then be open to questions from the audience. Following the program, there will be a book signing with the author. The event commemorates the book’s release from Washington Square Press on May 6th, 2025.

The End Is the Beginning begins with Iris Yvonne Bialosky’s death in an assisted-care facility on March 29, 2020 — an event compounded by the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented Jill from being with her mother in her final moments and kept her from attending her funeral. Jill then takes readers on a journey backward through time, exploring the many nuances of Iris’s life in ways that are simultaneously celebratory, elegiac, and probing. The book is a poignant reminder that we are all the sum of our experiences and illuminates Iris as a multidimensional, fascinating woman who raised four daughters on her own.

Join us Mother’s Day weekend with a book that traces’ one daughter’s inextricable bond to her mother, join in her compassionate celebration of Iris’s life, and help frame the portrait of healing through remembrance and understanding.

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KNOWLEDGE FRIDAY with NADA BARRY
May
2

KNOWLEDGE FRIDAY with NADA BARRY

How well do you know Nada Barry? Join us in giving a warm welcome to our latest Knowledge Friday Speaker! A pillar of the Sag Harbor community, deeply involved in its success, spirit, and integrity — as well as, of course, being the proprietor of the beloved Wharf Shop on Main Street — Nada is an easily recognizable and beloved Sag Harborian. Presenting the “adventures of a life well lived,” Nada will tell all, sharing autobiographical anecdotes and her zest for life. Following the discussion there will be a Q&A.

Nada was born in England in 1930 and arrived in the United States just before the onset of World War II. Her life has taken her around the world on various daring journeys, from her years sailing the Caribbean to the time she traveled with her family through Mexico City in a Winnebago, and her stories are rich with experience, wit, and laughter. She has co-founded a school and dedicated herself to the needs of the South Fork’s young people, and her experience at the Wharf Shop has been most rewarding. At 94, she is an indispensable source of insight, intrigue, and inspiration. Join us as we learn from a local legend who knows a thing or two about creativity — and how to harness it in your everyday life.

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APRIL’S FOOL: April Gornik Discusses “Figures du Fou”
Apr
27

APRIL’S FOOL: April Gornik Discusses “Figures du Fou”

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. 

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Still, Small Voice at The Church: A Monthly Gathering for Reflection and Contemplative Sharing
Apr
27

Still, Small Voice at The Church: A Monthly Gathering for Reflection and Contemplative Sharing

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.

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THE POWER OF POETRY: Verse 3 - I’m with the Banned
Apr
26

THE POWER OF POETRY: Verse 3 - I’m with the Banned

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.

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Open Studios with Alison Cynamon and Rayos Magos, Artists-in-Residence
Apr
26

Open Studios with Alison Cynamon and Rayos Magos, Artists-in-Residence

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.

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Spaces of Generosity: Activating Public Space through Community and Design
Apr
25

Spaces of Generosity: Activating Public Space through Community and Design

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.

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INSIGHT SUNDAY with DAVID BUNN MARTINE
Apr
20

INSIGHT SUNDAY with DAVID BUNN MARTINE

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.

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WELLNESS MONDAY: Welcome to Yoga Nidra with JOYCE BRIAN
Apr
14

WELLNESS MONDAY: Welcome to Yoga Nidra with JOYCE BRIAN

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.

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The Fourth Annual CREATIVITY CONFERENCE: A full-day program of lectures and exchanging ideas with a group of visionary thinkers
Apr
5

The Fourth Annual CREATIVITY CONFERENCE: A full-day program of lectures and exchanging ideas with a group of visionary thinkers

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

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KNOWLEDGE FRIDAY with NOELLE GIDDINGS
Apr
4

KNOWLEDGE FRIDAY with NOELLE GIDDINGS

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.

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Artist Talk with Paulo Josepetti
Mar
28

Artist Talk with Paulo Josepetti

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.

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Still, Small Voice at The Church: A Monthly Gathering for Reflection and Contemplative Sharing
Mar
23

Still, Small Voice at The Church: A Monthly Gathering for Reflection and Contemplative Sharing

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.

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Special Opening for ETERNAL TESTAMENT to include a PANEL DISCUSSION, DRUM PROCESSIONAL, and PERFORMANCE
Mar
22

Special Opening for ETERNAL TESTAMENT to include a PANEL DISCUSSION, DRUM PROCESSIONAL, and PERFORMANCE

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.

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After Hours for Some of Tom’s Typewriters with Joe Jagos and Liam Huberty
Mar
9

After Hours for Some of Tom’s Typewriters with Joe Jagos and Liam Huberty

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.

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Knowledge Friday with Walter Bobbie
Mar
7

Knowledge Friday with Walter Bobbie

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.  

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After Hours for Some Odes with Sheri Pasquarella
Mar
1

After Hours for Some Odes with Sheri Pasquarella

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.

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PRESERVATION AS A CREATIVE ACT:  with JESS FROST, MATILDE GUIDELLI, and LEE SKOLNICK, moderated by PAUL BENTEL, PH.D. a collaboration with PRESERVATION LONG ISLAND and the SAG HARBOR HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Feb
23

PRESERVATION AS A CREATIVE ACT: with JESS FROST, MATILDE GUIDELLI, and LEE SKOLNICK, moderated by PAUL BENTEL, PH.D. a collaboration with PRESERVATION LONG ISLAND and the SAG HARBOR HISTORICAL MUSEUM

“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.

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WORD: Connection
Feb
22

WORD: Connection

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.

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INSIGHT SUNDAY with MILA TINA
Feb
16

INSIGHT SUNDAY with MILA TINA

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.

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WELLNESS MONDAY: Intro to Jin Shin Jyutsu with SUSAN REMKUS-DENIS and MARIA MAIER
Feb
10

WELLNESS MONDAY: Intro to Jin Shin Jyutsu with SUSAN REMKUS-DENIS and MARIA MAIER

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.

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