Art At The Ark For Project MOST

Project MOST will host “Art at the Ark,” an auction and cocktail party, this Sunday, June 24, from 6 to 9 PM at Nova’s Ark Project in Water Mill. Benefits will go toward the not-for-profit, which creates afterschool programming for children and their families in the East Hampton community at the John Marshall Elementary and Springs Schools.

This year’s live auctioneer is Lucas Hunt. There is also a virtual auction for those who cannot attend. The event will feature a live DJ, and hors d’oeuvres and cocktails provided by Amagansett Wine & Spirits, Channing Daughters, East Hampton Wines and Liquors, Montauk Brewing Company, Nick and Toni’s, and Elegant Affairs.

The art exhibit is organized by Arlene Bujese and includes more than 40 pieces from artists such as Calvin Albert, Will Barnet, Deborah Black, Scott Bluedorn (see article elsewhere in this week’s Indy), Stephanie Brody-Lederman, James Brooks, Darlene Charneco, John Crimmins, Elaine de Kooning, Audrey Flack, April Gornik, Giancarlo Impiglia, Gerson Leiber, Hans Van de Bovenkamp, and Dan Welden.

Additional works have been donated by Drawing Room Gallery, the Leiber Collection, Wallace Gallery, as well as collectors and the artists themselves.

Experiential items included in the auction are six tickets to EMP Summer House on July 26, a two-night stay at Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina, one week at Multi Sport Camp Sportime in Amagansett in June or August, a Mary’s Marvelous basket, and others.

Special honoree this year is musician Inda Eaton. “I live in Springs and can see the difference that Project MOST makes in the neighborhood. And beyond the love and attention given to all participants, the programming is thoughtful and creative. I’m honored to be honored by Project MOST.  My first reaction was that it was too soon for an award . . . there’s so much more work to do,” said Eaton.

In 2017, Project MOST focused on programs of Arts and Culture, Health and Wellness, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), iGrow Summer Learning, and Student Leaders Are Mentors and Family. The New York State Grant received during the MOST 2017 to 2018 year was a primary grant of $237,500 for elementary programs, which ends this spring. The second grant of $137,500, for Springs School third to eighth graders, ends in August 2019 and it is uncertain if there will be a renewal.

Project MOST’s goal is to raise $250,000 by the conclusion of this spring season, and an additional amount of $150,000 for 2019, totaling $400,000, to secure the ongoing afterschool programs and rid reliance on the New York State grants altogether. Other opportunities to help are by sponsoring a student at $2000, allowing that child to attend programs for one school year, or sponsor a student leader for $5000, a high school or college student mentoring in the Project MOST program for one year, during which the student will also receive college and career counseling.

Tickets are $175 per person. Nova’s Art Project is located at Castle Barn on 60 Millstone Road in Water Mill. Visit www.projectmost.com.

@NikkiOnTheDaily
nicole@indyeastend.com