EXHIBITIONS | CREATIVITY | HISTORY | RESIDENCY
PAST EVENTS
Affordable Community Housing Convening
may 19, 2022 I 9:30 AM
TICKET: $35
A DAy-Long Convening
The Church was pleased to host an Affordable Community Housing Convening at The Church in Sag Harbor. The East End is grappling with a housing shortage and a crisis of affordability. To unpack this complex issue, The Church brought together community leaders, legislators, developers, and financial industry to explore some of the key issues at stake. The convening reviewed current efforts to address affordability in the East End, discuss solutions developed in similar communities nationally, and address the role the cultural community can play in these efforts.
The Affordable Community Housing Convening was sponsored by Community Capital Management and co-organized by the Blue Rider Group at Morgan Stanley.
SARA COCHRAN AND ERIC FISCHL IN CONVERSATION
may 8, 2022 I 5:00 PM
AN AFTER HOURS EVENT
A conversation between our Co-Founder Eric Fischl and Chief Curator Sara Cochran, where the two took a deep dive into all the details and intricacies of our current exhibition Empire of Water.
The exhibition includes 47 artworks by 44 artists in a variety of mediums including painting, photography, sculpture, and digital work, bringing together established and emerging artists in the area and from across the globe.
Watch Sara and Eric's Conversation now!
ross bleckner in conversation on his work
may 5, 2022 I 6:00 PM
Ross bleckner in conversation
with Eric Fischl
Ross Bleckner in conversation with artist and The Church co-founder Eric Fischl. The two had a lively conversation about Ross's extraordinary work featured in our Empire of Water exhibition, Here Is the Ocean, This Is Moonlight.
Ross has been evoking emotion and elegy in his beautifully abstract work since the 1980s, and has addressed with great compassion the AIDS epidemic, loss itself, and the passage of time. He and Eric have known each other since the 1970s at Cal Arts, and have remained good friends.
Watch Ross Bleckner's talk now!
OVER 100 ARTISTS
We raised over $100,000 for Ukraine on April 30th, thanks to artists' generosity, our partner galleries, Grenning, Keyes Art, Kramoris, and Sara Nightingale, and the outpouring of support from the bidding
and buying public.
Wine for our reception was kindly provided by Wolffer Winery and Channing Daughters Winery.
Earth Equity Round Table
APRIL 24, 2022 I 2-4 PM
Led By Edwina von Gal
Edwina von Gal of the Perfect Earth Project led an EARTH EQUITY* program at The Church in honor of Earth Day, with an introduction by Carl Safina and a panel of professionals, Sag Harbor Mayor James Larocca, and others involved in trying to make our lives healthier and more sensible while making sure that those who deal with our landscapes (our own backyards!) are protected from toxins and pollution.
Watch the Round table now!
Empire of Water TOUR
APRIL 24, 2022 I 10:30 AM
Eric Fischl
Eric Fischl, co-curator of Empire of Water, led an inspiring tour in situ of the exhibition, talking about its complexity, diversity and ingenuity. Look for the last tour, to take place on May 8, 2022 in the form of an "after hours" tour. Reception included!
A Conversation with Bill GOldstein
APRIL 22, 2022 I 6:00 PM
artist-in-residence Bill Goldstein
The Church was pleased to host a conversation with author and current artist-in-residence Bill Goldstein! Goldstein spoke on his current work, a biography about Larry Kramer, the playwright, novelist, activists and one of the founders of the Gay Men's Health Crisis, the world's first HIV/AIDS service organization. In his talk Goldstein concentrated on Kramer's initial calls to community activism in 1981 and 1982, as the scope of the epidemic became clearer, and on Kramer's time living and writing (and acting up) in Sag Harbor and East Hampton in the 1980s and 1990s.
Watch Bill Goldstein's talk now!
Empire of Water TOUR
APRIL 17, 2022 I 10:30 AM
Led By Chief Curator
Sara Cochran
Given the effects of climate change, the global need for clean water, and the specific issues on the East End of Long Island the topic of water is timely and important. The Church will explore this subject through the mediation of contemporary artists in the exhibition and a diverse series of related programs.
The exhibition includes 47 artworks by 44 artists in a variety of mediums including painting, photography, sculpture, and digital work, bringing together established and emerging artists in the area and from across the globe.
KNOWledge Friday With Lisa Field
APRIL 15, 2022 I 6:00 PM
The Church was pleased to host our monthly Knowledge Friday lecture series with Sag Harbor legend Lisa Field — owner and protector of the infamous Sag Harbor Variety Store and up until recently, the president of the Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce. Anyone who has spent time in Sag Harbor as a child holds memories of the Variety Store more affectionately known as the five and dime. Lisa spoke to us about place and community, and how the Variety Store has for years been in spirit and fact one of the principal anchors of our village.
Watch Lisa Field's talk now!
first annual
creativity conference
March 12, 9-6:30PM
The Church was pleased to announce the first annual Creativity Conference, a full-day program of lectures and socializing with a group of six creative thinkers across widely different fields. Curated by Mark W. Moffett and Melissa Wells, the program was a stimulating event as these fascinating innovators from the arts and sciences discussed their expertise in an intimate setting. The day concluded with a cocktail reception, giving guests the opportunity to socialize with the lecturers at the end of an insightful and inspiring day of talks.
Please note, the Creativity Conference was not recorded as some speakers discussed current ongoing research.
Breakfast
Generously donated
by
Goldberg's
printaganza
with master printmaker
dan welden
The Church was pleased to host Printaganza, a monotype printmaking workshop, with master printmaker Dan Welden. Each monotype is unique, a fine art print that is typically painted on a flat plate and then run through a press so that the image is embedded into the paper. They are extraordinarily rich and show the "hand" of the artist. A ticket covered all materials, the assistance of five skilled printmaking assistants and the tutelage and expertise of Dan Welden.
Printing Press donated by Sean & Tamara McCarthy.
JOHN AVLON: LINCOLN AND THE FIGHT FOR PEACE
MARCH 4, 6:30pm
The Church was thrilled to present author, pundit, and Sag Harbor resident John Avlon to speak on his new, widely-praised, and important book LINCOLN AND THE FIGHT FOR PEACE. Described by the publisher as "A groundbreaking, revelatory history of Abraham Lincoln’s plan to secure a just and lasting peace after the Civil War—a vision that inspired future presidents as well as the world’s most famous peacemakers, including Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, Jr. It is a story of war and peace, race and reconciliation."
Watch john avlon's talk now!
REFLECTIONS ON DEBUSSY:
An intimate performance and conversation with Bruce Wolosoff
FEBRUARY 27, 2:00PM
The Church was pleased to host Reflections on Music’s program featuring composer-pianist Bruce Wolosoff for an intimate Sunday afternoon piano performance and conversation: Reflections on Debussy. Bruce provided an insider’s look at some of the most popular works for piano by one of his personal favorite composers, Claude Debussy. Wolosoff says, “Debussy found inspiration for his music in paintings, in poetry, in other music, and in the natural world around him. I can think of no better subject for a Reflections program, and no better place to present this program than The Church in Sag Harbor.”
Watch Bruce Wolosoff's Performance now!
JANE MARTIN:
THE CURIOUS EYE
februarY 26, 4:00PM
Jane Martin will discuss her current work from the series ‘Distant Lands’ on view in the Clear Out to Sea exhibition. Martin will also present and discuss other work in several mediums including painting, photography, video stills, as well as excerpts from video installations and films. Forces of nature have been an enduring theme in her work: water, fog, tornados, and the female form. Obsessed with nature’s power, Martin is drawn to its diverse qualities: its awe-inspiring force, its sensual and feminine nature, its depth, and mystery.
Watch jane martin's talk Now!
SALLY GALL: AERIAL
februarY 19, 4:00PM
Recently Sally Gall came to The Chruch to discuss her series ‘Aerial’ on view in the Clear Out to Sea exhibition. Images of laundry hung outdoors to dry, representations of a domestic chore, are transformed into abstract bursts of color and delight. Gall has said of the work, “What started as an exploration of humanity and an appreciation for the most basic of activities, hanging laundry to dry, has expanded into an exploration of the abstract and otherworldly. Ordinary identifiable objects become mysterious, strange, outside the human realm. An element of eros is added as I am literally looking up someone’s skirt.”
Watch sally gall's talk now!
Padrãos
Roundtable conversation
February 12, 4:30PM
This conversation was a verbal and visual collaboration between Chicago-based artist Dr. Leslee Stradford and renowned scholar Herman Bennett—exploring the historical importance of the Padrão, its significance in the modern world, and its impact to come.
Watch the padrãos roundtable conversation now!
Padrãos
Artist's reception
February 5, 4:30-6:30PM
This exhibition—a verbal and visual collaboration between Chicago-based artist Dr. Leslee Stradford and renowned scholar Herman Bennett—explores the historical importance of the Padrão, its significance in the modern world, and its impact to come. A reception for the exhibition will take place on Saturday, February 5 at 4:30 PM. Free to the public.
Jenn Freeman and
Alexander hammer
Is it Thursday yet?
Choreographer Jenn Freeman and Director Alexander Hammer screened a trailer and discussed their upcoming documentary on receiving a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder as an adult.
Is It Thursday Yet?
Jenn Freeman and Alexander Hammer
Watch jenn freeman's discussion and performance now!
les ballet afrik
open rehearsal
The public was invited to come watch the rehearsals of the collaboration with Works & Process LaunchPAD “Process as Destination” at The Church.
New York Is Burning
Les Ballet Afrik with Omari Wiles
Watch les ballet afrik performance now!
Paris is burning screening at sag harbor cinema
The Sag Harbor Cinema in collaboration with The Church hosted a screening of the ballroom documentary Paris Is Burning with an introduction by Omari Wiles of Les Ballet Afrik.
knowledge Fridays:
John hatleberg
The worlds best counterfeiter of famous diamonds spoke about his work making exact replicas of gems for their owners or guardians, and more!
Watch john hatleberg's knowledge friday Now!
roomful of teeth performance
Roomful of Teeth is a vocal ensemble founded in 2009 by Brad Wells. Its stated mission is to "mine the expressive potential of the human voice".
roomful of teeth workshop
The day after their performance at The Church, participants were able to learn from the pros in a workshop with Roomful of Teeth.
Printaganza
Art by remarkable artists from a monotype workshop led by Master Printer Dan Welden culminated in an exhibition and silent auction benefitting The Church
learn more about
printaganza now!
Third bird
show and tell
Works & Process LaunchPAD “Process as Destination” at The Church presented:
Third Bird
Libretto by Isaac Mizrahi
Music by Nico Muhly
Choreography by John Heginbotham
Knowledge Fridays kicked off on November 19th with five-time Emmy Award winning writer, director, and producer Bill Persky, who will speak on television and what it has become – from the 50’s to today.
Watch bill persky's lecture now!
tour of the church with
lee skolnick
Award-winning architect Lee Skolnick toured groups for a behind-the-scenes look at how The Church project came to fruition. Highlights included an introductory presentation on the process of converting this historic building into a vibrant new cultural center, plus a guided insider’s tour of the facility led by Mr. Skolnick.
John kamitsuka performs: Music in johan sebastian bach's home
Mr. Kamitsuka performs regularly throughout the United States, South America, Europe, and Japan. He has played at prominent New York City venues such as Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, the 92nd Street Y, Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, and for the first time The Church! Kamitsuka performed several pieces from composers such as Johan Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven.
TWO PERFORMANCES OF ADELAIDE MESTRE'S TOP DRAWER
Narrated in story and song, TOP DRAWER is the tale of the daughter of a Cuban refugee as she searches for her father’s piano that was left behind when he fled in 1960. With sentiment and laughter, she chronicles her life with her mother; a thrice-married, opera-singing socialite with impossible top-drawer standards, and her father, a gay, Cuban, manic-depressive concert pianist. TOP DRAWER will make you laugh, weep and maybe even... sing.
world premiere
Bruce Wolosoff-
Sara sant'Ambrogio in concert
REFLECTIONS IN MUSIC presented the world premiere of Requiem for the Planet and Paradise Found for cello and piano, presented by composer, pianist and Artistic Director Bruce Wolosoff with cellist Sara Sant'Ambrogio.
SEeing happiness
A collaborative project between the artist P. Maurides and The Explorers Program – an arts engagement initiative for adults with varied needs and abilities developed by the East End Special Players.
ROAD RAVE:
A Community Traffic Jam with Laurie Anderson
We hosted a ROAD RAVE with Laurie Anderson, who conducted a group of cars in a beautifully organized cacophony car-horn orchestra. The percussionists play on car parts.
Video by Nick Whelan, smiles by all!
hamptonsjazz fest at The church
From July through September 2021, the first Hamptons Jazz Fest presented more than 50 concerts at venues from Southampton to Montauk, including six wonderful concerts hosted by The Church.
In Conversation With: Curators from MoMA & The Church
Co-curators of ROAD RAGE Eric Fischl, co-founder of The Church, and Sara Cochran, welcome Andrew Gardner, one of the curators of AUTOMANIA and Curatorial Assistant in the Department of Architecture and Design at MoMA for an in-depth discussion about why cars, and why now.
Moby Dick Marathon Reading
Harborfest returned to The Church for the annual Moby-Dick Marathon Reading on September 10th. Sponsored by Canio’s Books, this marathon was the first of its kind.
In Conversation With:
Alice Aycock
Passers-by were stunned when Alice Aycock's great work Twister Grande (Tall), 2019 was installed at The Church. Alice spoke about her practice.
In Conversation With:
Liz Cohen
The inventive, surprising, audacious work from Cohen's BODYWORK series was the topic of her lecture at The Church.
In Conversation With:
Robert Rubin & Alastair Gordon
Noted art critic and writer Alastair Gordon interviewed Robert Rubin, collector, scholar, preservationist and film historian in a dynamic and wide-ranging talk from cars to art to preservation.
Car rally clubs visited The Church parking lot during the Road Rage show. A highlight was the last handmade Silver Cloud Rolls Royce from 1965, with its original paint job, driven its proud owner.
TOM BROKISH:
SPOON CARVING
DEMONSTRATIONS
Facilities Director Tom Brokish wowed supporters, onlookers, and the general public in the summer of 2021 with his masterful demonstrations of how wooden spoons are made, with great insight and humor. An introductory video of his process was made by filmmaker Nick Whelan.
In Conversation With:
Eric Fischl
Co-founder and acclaimed artist Eric Fischl spoke on his curated show ROAD RAGE. Fischl's talk was dynamic, funny, smart and warm.
In Conversation With:
Don Lemon
The Social Justice Committee of Temple Adas Israel, in partnership with The Church, was proud to welcome Sag Harbor resident Don Lemon, host of CNN Don Lemon Tonight for a virtual book event in celebration of his book, This Is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism.
IN cONVERSATION:
JANET EILBER AND
ERIC FISCHL
Janet Eilber was interviewed by Eric Fischl in a free-wheeling conversation about art and dance in February, 2021. Ms Eilber is the Martha Graham Dance Company's Artistic Director. The interview was available on IGTV.
