WELLNESS MONDAY: TranscenDANCE with KVETA “KIKI” HAJKOVA
Lose yourself to the music and the movement with Kveta “Kiki” Hajkova, our first Wellness Monday leader of the year! Using movement as a healing modality, Hajkova invites participants to immerse themselves in a liberating, free-form dance program and to dance “until they disappear.” Tapping into the spiritual and working to release emotions trapped in the body, use music and movement to cultivate the transformative energy force within. No prior dance experience necessary; this program is designed for all skill levels.
Participants should dress comfortably and bring their own water bottle. Participants should also bring their own yoga mat, blanket, or cushion to use to ground in the space before and after dancing. Chairs will be provided for those who are unable to sit on the ground.
Monotype Printmaking - February INTRO
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an INTRO session, there are no prerequisites to attend.
Writing From Art with Star Black: Poetry, Prose, and the Lyric Essay
Explore the possibilities of creative writing and develop new connections between visual art and the written word! Led by published poet and scholar Star Black, this two-session literary workshop will focus on the idea of ekphrasis, an Ancient Greek term meaning “the use of detailed description of a work of visual art as a literary device.” Inspired by the works featured in Martha Graham: Collaborations, participants will generate a series of creative texts detailing their unique experiences of selected pieces in the exhibition. Poets, writers, and anyone fascinated by the interweaving of art and literature are welcome to attend, with no prior writing experience required.
Monotype Printmaking - February ADVANCED
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an ADVANCED session for participants who have taken attended a minimum of TWO Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking sessions at The Church.
MOVEMENT WORKSHOP FOR TEENS: Martha Graham’s Heretic (1929) with OLIVER TOBIN
Learn from expert, Oliver Tobin— former Teens@Graham Director and curator of Martha Graham: Collaborations – who invites teens with a love for movement to explore Graham’s 1929 choreographed work Heretic. This participatory workshop is open to teenagers of all dance backgrounds and experience levels. Participants will be introduced to the Martha Graham Technique and explore embodied storytelling through movement in the main gallery, surrounded by the iconic history and legacy presented in the exhibition.
Programmed in tandem with the exhibition, this workshop celebrates International Women’s Day, Sunday, March 8th. Join us in honoring Martha Graham, who devoted her life and body to the arts, sought power and liberation for women through dance, and, through collaboration, forged a legacy that transformed the landscape of contemporary dance.
Participants should dress comfortably and bring a water bottle. Socks or bare feet are recommended for movement. No other materials are needed.
WELLNESS MONDAY: Healing Breathwork with CÉLINE ANTOINE
Breathe and reconnect to the pure intention of your heart with Céline Antoine, our March Wellness Monday leader and certified breathwork guide. In this intensive 90-minute Healing Breathwork class, participants will mindfully engage their breath using a potent technique called circular breath. Participants will be lying on the ground and must bring their own yoga mat and 1 to 2 blankets/throws/or beach towels for the practice.
This technique helps relieve stress and anxiety while releasing emotions stuck in the body. Healing Breathwork allows participants the opportunity to gain deep insights and experience profound breakthroughs and can often lead to a powerful and transformational experience that resonates in the body well after the session has ended.
In the words of Tich Naht Hanh, “breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness.”
This class is not recommended if you have heart problems, unmedicated high blood pressure, glaucoma or detached retina, or if you are pregnant.
Monotype Printmaking - January ADVANCED
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an ADVANCED session for participants who have taken attended a minimum of TWO Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking sessions at The Church.
Monotype Printmaking - January INTRO
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an INTRO session, there are no prerequisites to attend.
Monotype Printmaking - December ADVANCED
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an ADVANCED session for participants who have taken attended a minimum of TWO Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking sessions at The Church.
Monotype Printmaking - December INTRO
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an INTRO session, there are no prerequisites to attend.
Fiber to Form: Papermaking & Botanical Printmaking with Kaitlin Pomerantz & Samuel Havens
Have you ever wanted to make your own paper to use in your own art? Join artist and materials researcher Kaitlin Pomerantz and Samuel Havens, master printer and Workshop & Residency Manager at The Church, for an introductory workshop on the practices of hand papermaking and botanical printmaking. Over the course of two 3-hour sessions, participants will be guided from fiber– the raw plant matter that forms the material basis of paper– to form– creative surface design made using various flora and the monotype printmaking process.
Monotype Printmaking - November ADVANCED
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an ADVANCED session for participants who have taken attended a minimum of TWO Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking sessions at The Church.
Monotype Printmaking - November INTRO
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an INTRO session, there are no prerequisites to attend.
Ekphrastic Writing with Marian Mitchell Donahue & Mira Johnson
Explore the possibilities of creative writing and develop new connections between visual art and the written word! Led by writers Marian Mitchell Donahue and Mira Johnson, two resident alumnae of The Church, this literary workshop will focus on Ekphrasis, an ancient Greek term meaning “the use of detailed description of a work of visual art as a literary device.”
Monotype Printmaking - October ADVANCED
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an ADVANCED session for participants who have taken attended a minimum of TWO Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking sessions at The Church.
ARTS. CREATIVITY. EDUCATION: An Open House for Educators and Administrators
Calling all Educators, Superintendents, and School Administrators!
Join us for a special Open House designed to support East End students and educators. Attendees will learn about existing arts enrichment opportunities for schools and students, as well as how to apply for our new ACE (Arts, Creativity, and Education) Pilot Program for the 2026 school year. Five selected applicants will be awarded a $5,000 budget each to support a yearlong arts education partnership with The Church.
Enjoy light refreshments, connect with fellow educators, and meet our co-founders April Gornik and Eric Fischl, as they share the founding vision for The Church and its mission to inspire creativity on the East End.
Event Highlights:
Program overview with Executive Director Sheri Pasquarella
Learn how you district can benefit with Casey Kleister-Meyer, Operations Manager
Explore possibilities with Kristen Santori, Programming and Communications Manager
Tour our facilities and explore workshops with Samuel Havens, Workshop & Residency Manager
Q&A and Feedback Session
Food, beverage & Conviviality!
Registration is free. Space is limited.
This event is specifically designed for educators and school leaders –please share with anyone who may be interested.
Let’s inspire creativity together!
Monotype Printmaking - October INTRO
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an INTRO session, there are no prerequisites to attend.
Stop Motion Animation with Laura Bellmont | Ages 13-18
FOR YOUTH AGES 13 – 18
Become an animator for the day! Join Laura Bellmont of The Little Animation Studio for an introductory workshop on the art and process of stop-motion animation. Working with professional equipment and software, participants will have the opportunity to design and produce their own short films that can be screened, downloaded, and shared again and again.
Stop Motion Animation with Laura Bellmont | Ages 8-12
FOR CHIDLREN AGES 8 - 12
Become an animator for the day! Join Laura Bellmont of The Little Animation Studio for an introductory workshop on the art and process of stop-motion animation. Working with professional equipment and software, participants will have the opportunity to design and produce their own short films that can be screened, downloaded, and shared again and again.
Monotype Printmaking - September ADVANCED
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an ADVANCED session for participants who have taken attended a minimum of TWO Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking sessions at The Church.
Monotype Printmaking - September INTRO
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an INTRO session, there are no prerequisites to attend.
Monotype Printmaking - August ADVANCED
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an ADVANCED session for participants who have taken attended a minimum of TWO Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking sessions at The Church.
PRACTICAL WISDOM with HOWARD MARKS
Howard Marks, the legendary co-founder of Oaktree Capital and a Board Member of The Church, will share his unparalleled practical wisdom and 56 years of experience in the world of investing. Known for his direct and insightful manner, Marks will explain core components of the financial world, providing an accessible opportunity for our whole community to gain a thorough understanding of the investment process and how economics is currently shaping the world around us. There’ll be plenty of time for your questions!
Native American Zoomorphic Pinch Pots with Tony Valderrama
Join environmental artist and educator Tony Valderrama for an afternoon workshop that blends culture, art, wildlife, and music. In this one-hour session, participants will be guided through the basic techniques of working with clay as they create their own unique pinch pots, personalized in the shape of their favorite animals. As pinch pots were one of the most basic forms of Native American ceramics, Valderrama will also discuss Native American culture, incorporating flute music and artwork samples inspired by his indigenous Taino roots.
Monotype Printmaking - August INTRO
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an INTRO session, there are no prerequisites to attend.
Writing From Art with Star Black: Poetry, Prose, and the Lyric Essay
Explore the possibilities of creative writing and develop new connections between visual art and the written word! Led by published poet and scholar Star Black, this two-session literary workshop will focus on the idea of ekphrasis, an Ancient Greek term meaning “the use of detailed description of a work of visual art as a literary device.”
Inspired by the works featured in The Ark, participants will generate a series of creative texts detailing their unique experiences of selected work in the exhibition. Poets, writers, and anyone fascinated by the interweaving of art and literature are welcome to attend; no prior writing experience needed.
Monotype Printmaking - July ADVANCED
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an ADVANCED session for participants who have taken attended a minimum of TWO Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking sessions at The Church.
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.
Monotype Printmaking - July INTRO
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an INTRO session, there are no prerequisites to attend.
BITTEREST SWEET - Open Call for Participants
On Friday, June 19th, from 1:00-3:00PM, individuals of all ages are invited to join artist Annemarie Waugh at The Church for a drop-in workshop crafting small terracotta sculptures for inclusion in Bitterest Sweet, 2025, a site-specific installation at Sylvester Manor.
Dedicated to the enslaved Africans, indigenous Manhasset Indians, and Irish and English indentured servants who lived, worked, and died at Sylvester Manor, this installation features the shape of the Nkyinkyim ‘twisting’ symbol of the Adinkra, representing the Gyaman people of Ghana and the Côte d'Ivoire. Inside the symbol, a series of terracotta clay sculptures will be placed, each handcrafted by members of the community.
All necessary tools and materials will be provided.
Monotype Printmaking - June ADVANCED
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an ADVANCED session for participants who have taken attended a minimum of TWO Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking sessions at The Church.
Monotype Printmaking - June INTRO
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an INTRO session, there are no prerequisites to attend.
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.
Monotype Printmaking - May ADVANCED
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an ADVANCED session for participants who have taken attended a minimum of TWO Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking sessions at The Church.
Monotype Printmaking - May INTRO
New sessions of Open Studio – Monotype Printmaking are here! In response to increased popularity and demand, we are excited to announce that there are now 2 different levels for the program: INTRO and ADVANCED. This is an INTRO session, there are no prerequisites to attend.
Workshop: Intro to Beading with Tohanash Tarrant
Join artist Tohanash Tarrant and learn the basics of beading! During this 90-minute workshop, Tarrant will offer technique and tips while guiding participants through the steps to design and fabricate a beautiful beaded necklace of their own. In addition to the instructional portion of the workshop, Tarrant will also share examples of her own designs, providing an exclusive look into her work and process.
