LongHouse Reserve ’24: ‘Explore. Discover. Be Inspired.’ | Art / Events | Rites of Spring, March 30 & 31

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LongHouse Reserve 2024 Season

Explore, Discover, Be Inspired

More Hours, More Art, More Events

[March 14, 2024 – East Hampton, NY] LongHouse Reserve, East Hampton’s vital 16-acre sculpture garden and nature sanctuary, will open its 2024 season with its annual Rites of Spring celebration on March 30th (details below).

“This season will be our liveliest ever! We have art, performances, conversations, craft workshops, and well-being activities for the whole family”, said Director Carrie Rebora Barratt.

“LongHouse Founder, Jack Lenor Larsen, left us with the instruction to be relevant, not reverent, and we follow his lead with an exciting season of art and events, carrying out our mission of inspiring living with art in all forms. We’ve become Long Island’s largest and most community engaged open air cultural institution”.

Visitors will see new art and design works from Monica Banks, Anna Kang Burgess, Maryam Eisler, Maren Hassinger, Fitzhugh Karol, Bill King, Paola Lenti, Robert Lobe, Mark Mennin, Isamu Noguchi, Kenny Scharf, Agathe Snow, Toshiko Takaezu, Lenore Tawney, Martha Russo, performances by Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, The Iris Trio, Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company, Neo-Political Cowgirls, Young Concert Artists, and talks with Jonathan Adler, Liz Collins, Lynne Cooke, Machine Dazzle, Alastair Gordon, LongHouse curator Glenn Adamson, and more! Permanent favorites, by Buckminster Fuller, Sol Lewitt, and Yoko Ono, and renewed loans by Daniel Arsham and Ai Weiwei (to name a few), will welcome you back.

The season opens with Full Circle: Toshiko Takaezu and Friends, in conjunction with the Noguchi Museum’s retrospective of her work, both curated by Glenn Adamson. At LongHouse, the core of the exhibition are the pieces Jack acquired from his friend, Toshiko, and gifts from her to him, including the iconic Gateway Bell. Jack collected her work in depth, and regarded her as a kindred spirit. Like Larsen, Takaezu (1922-2011) studied at Cranbrook Academy of Art, making the long pilgrimage there from her native Hawai’i in 1951, an experience that began her long and distinguished career as one of America’s most influential ceramic artists. For its 2023 season, in tandem with the concurrent retrospective Toshiko Takaezu: Within Worlds at The Noguchi Museum, LongHouse will display the full complement of its Takaezu works for the first time, supplemented by key loans, including the work of other artists whose lives and careers were deeply touched by Takaezu; the pioneering fiber artist and collagiste (and another of Larsen’s principal allies) Lenore Tawney; Takaezu’s close friend and fellow Cranbrook alumna Anna Kang Burgess; and two artists who apprenticed with Takaezu, then went on to prominent careers in sculpture, Fitzhugh Karol and Martha Russo. The exhibition will be presented in the ground floor galleries of LongHouse and will be accompanied by programming throughout the summer, including a choreography performance conceived by Dana Tai Soon Burgess, talks by Glenn Adamson, Fitzhugh Karol, Martha Russo, and more. 

——————–

 

Russo will exhibit her ceramics, including klynge
and nomos. She says her work is “purposefully
obscure” and “just out of the grasp of language
and thus brings us back to our rudimentary way of
collecting information, namely, through the senses
and the body”. Russo wants her works to “get into your bones and guts, to touch on the raw, the visceral, the nerves; to murmur up through the body to make a time and place for contemplation and reflection about our basic biological humanness.”

There will be a related exhibition of giant stone sculptures by Mark Mennin (pictured left), Takaezu’s apprentice and co-teacher at Princeton University. Mennin’s monumental and expressive Portrait Heads capture the human face with exaggerated features, strong lines, and textured surfaces, playing with concave space within a boulder. The carved stone object is static and meditative in its quiet dialogue with the viewer who relates to its recognizable form. Mennin’s inverted carvings provide some extra layers of movement, interactivity, and visual illusion that are not usually associated with stone carving. 

——————————–

Monica Banks has created a series of ceramic miniature dining vignettes (pictured right) for birds to experience eating seeds and sipping water from a scaled-down version of the patio dining they see on summer days.

Banks shares, “I’m trying to imagine the birds’ point of view, I’m experimenting with what they might be curious about, and how I might inspire in them the delight they create in me while observing them.” They will be placed throughout the garden as the season goes on.

In June, Italian furniture designer Paola Lenti, celebrating 30 years of creation, will transform spaces across LongHouse with vibrant, contemporary, comfortable furnishings that offer respite from the summer sun. Each area (concept photo below) will feature natural woods, rich textures, organic color palettes, as well as weather-resistant fabrics and eco-friendly fibers, which are not only visually striking but also durable and sustainable.

LongHouse invites you to three celebrations; Spring Dreamweaver Garden Brunch (June 1) where locals will be honored for their contributions to the Hamptons community; Summer Benefit (July 20), themed IMAGINE honoring Kenny Scharf with a special tribute to Yoko Ono; and Fall Landscape Luncheon (September 7) honoring Mary Miss.

————————

The Larson Salon Series continues, moving from Manhattan (talks with Michael Arad, Calvin Tsao in March) to East Hampton, featuring talks with Glenn Adamson with Martha Russo (March 30), Machine Dazzle (May 5), Liz Collins and Lynne Cooke (June 15), Jonathan Adler (June 23), Christine Coulson (June 29), Rue Matthiessen with Nina Raeburn (July 14), as well as Maryam Eisler in conversation with Shirin Neshat and Mickalene Thomas moderated by Max Blagg (August 22) and Eric Fischl, Harper Levine, Joel Mesler, and Sheree Hovsepian (August 28). Artist and author talks, in collaboration with BookHampton, will be added throughout the season.

Maryam Eisler will be the subject of a 10-day exhibition of photographs and video stories from her book, Confined Artists – Free Spirits: Portraits & Interviews from Lockdown 2020 (August 22 – September 1). “As a sanctuary and place of respite during the pandemic, and founded as a place for artist conversations, LongHouse welcomes Maryam Eisler and looks forward to reprising her myriad of conversations from lockdown”, said Carrie Barratt.

Our Long Island Modern lecture series also continues with esteemed historian Alastair Gordon discussing the compelling rich history of modern design on the East End, including talks about architects Charles Forberg and Norman Jaffe.

Performing arts will be an integral part of the season, with an Earth Day concert by the Iris Trio (April 13); the Neo-Political Cowgirls will present Andromeda’s Sisters at their 8th Annual Arts and Advocacy Event (June 15); a performance from Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company (June 16); a recital under the stars with pianist Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner in honor of Jack Lenor Larsen’s birthday (August 3); and a series of classical musical evenings with Young Concert Artists (August 11, 18, 25).

LongHouse is devoted to creativity and making. On weekends, visitors will find art-making materials in the pavilion, special projects in collaboration with The Shine Studio, painting lessons with Barbara Thomas, and many workshops.

Garden tours on weekends are offered by experts on trees, plants, flora and fauna, even composting, and this year includes walks with Scott Chaskey, Chris Gangemi, and Paul Wagner.

Well-being offerings at LongHouse, led by Jason Amis, include Yoga and Walking Meditations for members. Monthly Sound Bathing with Adriana Barone and weekly Tai Chi with Kathy Henderson, as well as Kendama Meditation with Juan Yanez.

Come, Sit, Stay: Dog Days are monthly romping mornings for dogs and their families, and LongHouse welcomes anyone who would like to be with our canine companions for a frolicking good time.

LongHouse is open 12months of the year.

This Fall in the Pavillion will be a display of Afghan-Canadian artist Hangama Amiri, who combines painting and printmaking techniques with textiles, weaving together stories based on memories of her homeland and diasporic experience. The autumn colors are spectacular and the garden lights up with festive wonder during LongHouse Illuminated, with performances by Neo-Political Cowgirls. Weekends in December will celebrate the holiday season in community, with treats and an artist market.

LongHouse nurtures a profound connection and appreciation for both the arts and the environment, firmly believing that the fusion of nature and art possesses the transformative power to inspire, provoke thoughtful reflection, and elevate the human spirit. This commitment is embodied in the philosophy of our founder, Jack Lenor Larsen, who envisioned the marriage of creative expression and the serenity of the natural world as a force capable of uplifting and transforming lives.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

RITES OF SPRING – OPENING WEEKEND

Saturday March 30, 2024

————
10:30am – 12:30pm Come, Sit, Stay: Dog Day

10:30am – 12:30pm Members Morning, early access including Create a Spring Basket hands-on activity for families with The Shine Studio

12:30am – 2:00pm Fashion a Spring Headdress with Neo-Political Cowgirls 

In this workshop you will conjure the transition to spring through a mindful, creative ritual using nature to adorn a head ornament. Guided by Kate Mueth, Artistic Director of Neo-Political Cowgirls, you will create and take home a unique headdress inspired by the magical costumes NPC are known for. Bring a piece of ephemera or a personal token to add among the LongHouse flora in your project to represent wishes, goals, or remembrances. Suggested for ages 12 and up, as child-unfriendly tools will be used.

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm LongHouse Talk with Glenn Adamson and Martha Russo on Full Circle: Toshiko Takaezu and Friends 

————————

Sunday March 31, 2024 

————
10:00am – 11:00am Walking Meditation with Jason Amis (Members Only)

10:30am – 12:30pm Members Morning

11:00am – 12:00pm Kendama Meditation with Juan Yanez

Discover and Explore New Art in the Gardens Agathe Snow, Out of the Storm
Bill King, Kontest
Robert Lobe, Dryad

Monica Banks, Bird Happenings at LongHouse

————————
Look for new exhibitions and installations, such as works by Toshiko Takaezu and Isamu Noguchi, part of Full Circle: Toshiko Takaezu and Friends, and Monica Banks’ Bird Happenings, miniature porcelain vignettes nestled in various places throughout LongHouse Reserve for the birds (and visitors) to experience and enjoy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LONGHOUSE RESERVE

Nestled within the idyllic landscapes of East Hampton, Longhouse Reserve is a sanctuary in a 16-acre integrated environment where the arts and nature converge, creating a haven for those seeking inspiration and serenity. Our unique venue offers curated gardens and outdoor art installations that invite individuals to embark on a journey of discovery, connecting with the beauty that surrounds us.

LongHouse Reserve was created by artist, collector and world-renowned textile designer and weaver Jack Lenor Larsen (1927-2020) with a mission to inspire living with art in all forms.

Over the past two years, LongHouse has transitioned from a founder-led to board and staff-led public institution, serving the community with vast open space, programs in art, nature, and wellness, providing a sanctuary for Long Island and beyond. The sculpture garden, featuring more than 60 outdoor works—including permanent collection works by Buckminster Fuller, Yoko Ono, Toshiko Takaezu, and Willem de Kooning, and seasonal loans from artists such as Maren Hassinger, Kenny Scharf, Isamu Noguchi, and Ai Weiwei—encourages exploration and contemplation for new and repeat visitors alike. As of this year, the garden is fully open to the public for education and enjoyment, with a next chapter of activating Larsen’s home (a modernist structure based on the Shinto Shrine at Ise) and displaying his extensive craft and design collections.

The mission of LongHouse Reserve is to inspire living with art in all forms. The LongHouse vision is to serve as a living case study of the ever-changing interactions between nature, people, and art. The collections, gardens, art, and programs reflect world cultures and foster a creative life. Core values of creativity, resilience, and sustainability spell out LongHouse’s intentions in the years ahead. LongHouse puts its visitors first with a pledge to inspire creativity, offering a place for respite and community in a garden that will forever flourish without chemicals or harm to nature. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TO VISIT LONGHOUSE RESERVE:

LongHouse Reserve is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 12:30pm until 5pm. A Membership allows you to visit throughout the season, and come early on Saturday mornings starting at 10:30am. General admission is $20, with half price tickets for seniors, and no charge for veterans, active-duty personnel, children under 12, and students with valid school/college ID.

More information is available at www.longhouse.org.

———————————

Visit AAQ Portfolio / Landmark: LongHouse Reserve / 2016

=================================================================== 

AAQ / Resource: Christopher Jeffrey Architects

___________________________________________________