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East End Arts Celebrates Creativity and Community at Annual Summer Soirée on August 29, 2026, 6 to 9 p.m.
A fundraising celebration to support arts education, exhibitions,
and cultural programming across the East End of Long Island.
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East End Arts & Humanities Council (EEAC) invites the community to its annual Summer Soirée on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., for an evening celebrating the power of the arts while raising critical funds to support the organization’s year-round programs serving artists, students, and audiences throughout the East End. This year’s benefit is presented by sponsors Andy Tarshis & Joyce Beckenstein and The Corey Foundation.
Held at Strong’s Water Club & Marina in Mattituck, 2255 Wickham Avenue, the Summer Soirée is East End Arts’ signature summer fundraiser, bringing together artists, collectors, business leaders, philanthropists, and community members for an unforgettable waterfront evening on the North Fork. Strong’s is the gracious Host Sponsor for the second year. Patron Sponsors include Peconic Landing, the Joe and Hellen Darion Foundation, Laurie Lauterbach, and Frank Lentini & Cheryl Molnar. Community Sponsors include Riverhead Building Supply, Glynis Berry & Hideaki Ariizumi, Treiber Farms, and Riverhead Rotary. Friends of the Arts Sponsors include the Family of Allene S. Carey, John & Beth Wittenberg, Family of Mary Burliuk, Schrader/ Smith Giving Fund, Mike Mclaughlin & Larry Merritt, and Anonymous. Elite Guest Sponsors include Allen Kraus, Shelter Island Homecare, and Vishakha Desai. The Times Review group is the event’s Media Sponsor.
This year’s celebration will honor the memory of Frederic Cohen, a longtime EEAC donor and former Board member, for his outstanding contributions to the arts and the East End community. This special tribute includes presenting the 2026 Linda Rie Cohen Rising Star $10,000 Award to winner Henry Broidy, a 17yo multi-instrumentalist from Hampton Bays who was selected by committee amongst over forty applications. Henry and EEAC’s Head of Music Chris Jones are preparing a special performance. EEAC has facilitated this unrestricted merit award for Fred in honor of his late wife since 2022 and presented it at the Summer Soirée for three years.
Summer Soirée guests will enjoy an evening of live entertainment, dancing, exceptional food and beverages, creative activities such as printmaking and poetry, live art, and opportunities to connect with fellow supporters of the arts, all while helping ensure that East End Arts continues to expand access to creative experiences for people of all ages.
“Every year, the Summer Soirée reminds us how deeply the arts enrich our community,” said Wendy Weiss, Executive Director of East End Arts. “The generosity of our guests and sponsors makes it possible for us to provide arts education for children, exhibitions for emerging and established artists, scholarships, performances, and cultural programs that inspire creativity and strengthen our region. It is the event that creates what’s next.”
Proceeds from the event directly benefit East End Arts’ mission to build and sustain a vibrant arts community through education, exhibitions, music, public programming, and support for artists across Long Island’s East End.
Founded in 1972, East End Arts & Humanities Council has served as a cornerstone of the region’s cultural life as the third oldest arts organization on the East End. Through its Art & Music School, professional galleries, performance programs, public art initiatives, and community partnerships, the nonprofit organization reaches tens of thousands of residents and visitors each year.
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Event Information
East End Arts Council Summer Soirée
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: Strong’s Water Club & Marina, 2255 Wickham Avene, Mattituck, NY
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at eastendarts.org.
Sponsorship and ticket payments may also be made by check payable to:
East End Arts Council
206 Griffing Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901
Event is rain or shine.
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East End Arts & Humanities Council
East End Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives through the arts. Based in Riverhead, New York, the organization provides arts education, exhibitions, performances, public programs, and creative opportunities that connect and inspire communities across the East End of Long Island.
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