Arts & Culture Year In Review

10.  Arlene Bujese become first curator-in-residence at The Southampton Cultural Center

Arlene Bujese, the founder/director of the Arlene Bujese Gallery in East Hampton, became the first curator-in-residence at The Southampton Cultural Center. Bujese continued as an art dealer and guest curator after closing her East Hampton gallery in 2007.

9.  Crowds pack BookHampton's first Winter Lecture Series

Crowds packed in East Hampton during the free Winter Lecture Series held from January through April. Speakers included authors and college professors, many who teach at Stony Brook Southampton. Topics included The Aztec Empire, Black History, climate change, environmental design and more.

8.  Glenn Horowitz Bookseller closed in East Hampton

Glenn Horowitz Bookseller quietly closed its East Hampton location this winter. However, books continue to be sold at the 36 Newtown Lane space. moved into the space from its former second story location across the street. Glen Horowitz Bookseller may return for the summer season, according to several bookseller sources. Its New York City store continues.

7.  Art Hamptons Expanded and Scope Hamptons Ditched

Art Hamptons moved from the Bridgehampton Historical Society grounds to Southampton Town's Sayre Park in Bridgehampton for its third art fair held in July. The fair was held in a 5,200 square foot modular building—the approximate length of two city blocks. In contrast, SCOPE Hamptons bowed out at the last minute and vowed to return in 2011. Scope Hamptons was last held in Wainscott in 2008. 

 6.  Whitewash Studio's Performance Art Festival

Whitewash Studio had its first season at 249 Main Street, Second Floor, Amagansett. One highlight was a week-long performance art festival--The Eden Project--held nightly on the front lawn. It drew hip hop dancers, musicians and other creative types to create art by moving on canvas with paint-covered feet, hands and other body parts. It wrapped up on Aug. 1 with an exhibition of the art created. The Eden Project was created by artist-curator Molly Weiss of Sag Harbor and Manhattan.

5.  East Hampton Performance Artist Unveiled Latest Work

East Hampton performance artist Maria Pessino premiered her latest work, "The Lost Lesson," in July at Karyn Mannix Contemporary in Southampton. The one-woman show drew inspiration from the life of Spanish teenager Hildegart Leocadia Georgina Hermenegilda Maria del Pilar Rodriguez Carballeira (1914-1933). Hildegart was a product of eugenesics and grew into an intellectual and first-generation Spanish feminist.  Her dramatic life was paired with sexual life advice. "The Lost Lesson" was written by playwright Joan Marie Moossy.

4.  Godfathers of Graffiti Converged in East Hampton

opened its East Hampton gallery. Its summer graffiti show, Down By Law, created a splash here, in New York City and beyond. It featured old school graffiti artists Blade, Coco 144, Dondi White, Zephyr, DAZE and more. Many of the artists attended the opening. To add attitude, the opening included a box truck painted by Blade parked alongside the Newtown Lane gallery.

3.  International artist created a site-specific installation at Guild Hall

International artist Barbara Kruger created a site-specific exhibition at Guild Hall that launched in August. Her solo show, Plenty, encompassed all three galleries. The art included a looping video, prints and paintings. The main gallery featured walls and ceiling wrapped in black and white text. Kruger is known for her layered art of words and images. Plenty was on view from Aug. 14 through Oct. 11.

2.  Alec Baldwin Performed at the John Drew Theater

Alec Baldwin performed for the first time at Guild Hall's John Drew Theater this summer. Baldwin appeared with Sam Underwood in "Equus." Playwright Peter Shaffer rewrote some of the script during rehearsals at Guild Hall. The play ran from June 8 to July 3. "Equus" was directed by Tony Walton.

1.  Montauk had its first Music Festival

The Montauk Music Festival had its first four-day festival in May. The festival featured over 70 bands performing in around 20 restaurants in Montauk. There were benefit concerts, free concerts, young musician spotlights and plenty of talent. The second annual festival will feature more bands and venues. It's planned for May 12-15, 2011.