LongHouse Reserve Presents ‘Rites Of Spring’

Spring has arrived. The gardens of LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton will fill with spectacular displays of flowering trees and daffodils, and on Saturday, April 28, the property will open for its 28th season with “Rites of Spring.” New works of art by Wendell Castle, Jun Kaneko, Joseph Walsh, Young Jae Lee, and Will Ryman have been installed for the 2019 season.

This unique outdoor museum and arboreta, created by Jack Lenor Larsen — a noted textile designer, author, and collector — is one of the most popular cultural destinations on the East End, located in Northwest Woods.

Artist Ryman will make his LongHouse debut with a towering, site-specific “Rose” installation on the LongHouse Pyramid Plateau. His rose sculptures present the romanticized symbol of beauty and perfection, while at odds with their exaggerated size, hand worked quality, and the missing petals at the base. His work reveals the imperfections and temporary nature of all things.

“Rites of Spring” will also display “Vessels,” an exhibition of ceramics by noted artist Jae Lee. Walsh, a furniture designer from Cork, Ireland, has created a wall shelf for LongHouse, titled “Enignum Shelf XXXVI.”

Kaneko’s “Dango” is a gift to LongHouse from the Judith and Gerson Leiber Foundation and will take center stage in the Edward Albee Amphitheater. A bronze bench by Castle, who has created unique pieces of handmade sculpture and furniture, will invite visitors to relax in the gardens.

The “Rites of Spring” opening will be held from 1 to 5 PM. The exhibit will be on display through October.

LongHouse Reserve is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 1 to 5 PM, in May and June, and other days by appointment. In July and August, the grounds are open Wednesday through Saturday from 1 to 5 PM. Admission is $15, $10 for seniors, and free for LongHouse members, children under 12, and high school and college students with student ID. Visit www.longhouse.org.

jessica@indyeastend.com