A Summer of Culture at Parrish Art Museum

The Parrish Art Museum, housed in the stunning barn-style building designed by Herzog & de Meuron on Montauk Highway in Water Mill, offers enriching and entertaining arts inside and out. Of course the “backdrop” is stunning too—an unparalleled collection of contemporary and historic paintings and sculpture, the greatest collection of works by East End art legends in the world. Check out the works from the permanent collection currently on view, plus Roy Lichtenstein’s iconic sculpture at the Parrish’s entry gate. “Radical Seafaring” is a multidisciplinary exhibition, publication and program initiative that includes two-dimensional works, sculptural objects, vessels, models, film and video, off-site commissions, and boat trips around East End waterways through July 24. Look for “Unfinished Business: Paintings from the 1970s and 1980s by Ross Bleckner, Eric Fischl, and David Salle” opening July 31 and “Platform: Jonah Bokaer” opening July 9. Touring exhibitions currently on view include works by Chuck Close.

Parrish’s annual Jazz en Plein Air, curated by Richard Siegler, series returns this year. On Friday, May 27, see a performance by the Emilio Solla Tango Jazz Quartet. Solla, a Grammy nominee, has a degree in classical piano from the National Conservatory of Music in Buenos Aires and a master’s degree in jazz composition from Queens College. On Friday, June 24, pianist Lafayette Harris Jr. performs. Harris is celebrating the release of his new album Hangin’ with the Big Boys. Brazilian jazz musician Nilson Matta appears on Friday, July 29. Closing out the series is the Philippe Lemm Trio, consisting of Lemm, Jeff Koch and Angelo Di Loreto.

More music is offered at the Parrish in the form of the outdoor Sounds of Summer series. On June 3, The HooDoo Loungers perform, followed by Mambo Loco on July 1 and Winston Irie on August 5. The series ends with a performance by the Edith & Bennett band on September 2, complete with barbeque and specialty drinks available for purchase.

On Friday, June 10, head to the Parrish for PechaKucha Night Hamptons, Vol.  16. This very popular show features 20 slides presented for 20 seconds each by local artists, musicians,
gardeners, baymen, actors and other people who live creatively on the East End. PechaKucha Night Hamptons, Vol 16 is guaranteed to sell out—it sells out every time!—so call for tickets as soon as possible.

See a special reading of Men’s Lives by Joe Pintauro on Friday, June 17. Bay Street co-founders Emma Walton Hamilton and Stephen Hamilton direct and produce, respectively. The reading will be held in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the show, which is based on Peter Mathiessen’s nonfiction book about the East End fishing community.

The Hamptons Get Mortified, Vol. 3 hits the Parrish on Friday, July 3. This hilarious and fun evening features adults reading from journals and other personal items from their childhoods and adolescence. John Dorcic will host once again, with DJ Twilo spinning classic tunes throughout the evening. This event is recommended for ages 18 and up.

There are multiple opportunities to support the Parrish Art Museum throughout the summer. The Parrish’s 2016 Midsummer Party will be held on Saturday, July 9. The annual event brings together artists, philanthropists, business leaders and others in support of the museum. This year’s party will honor Barbara J. Slifka. On Sunday, August 21, bring your kids to the third annual Summer Family Party. This great event has activities for kids of all ages, food and more.

The Parrish Art Museum is located at 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill. For admission, ticket and pricing information call 631-283-2118 or visit parrishart.org.