photo Megan Whitmarsh and My Barbarian  “Tourists From The Future” photo by Rosalie Knox
One of the Hamptons best secrets is a secluded cultural oasis where some of the most amazing emerging artists from all over the world gather to experiment and collaborate.  And guess what?  You’re invited.
The Watermill Center was founded by Robert Wilson to provide a living laboratory where artists in residence could explore new ideas in a unique environment.  Tucked away on the back roads from Southampton, the six acre …

This is the see and be seen event to kick off the Hamptons Social Season of 2012.  Mingle at the Parrish Art Museum fundraising event with artists, socialites, and moguls.  There will be a live band by Todd Barrie Music, delectable hors d’oevres donated from Sant Ambroeus, a bargain silent auction with everything from designer accessories to local business services, and an open bar featuring delicious specialty drinks, free wines from Niche Import Co., martinis by Glacier Potato Vodka and Southampton Public …

Labor Day is time to play.  For everyone who has spent hours at their computer or inside an office or cursing Irene because you are still using baby wipes for a shower this is your chance to blow it out.  HipHamptons gives you pure pleasure permission.  Here are a few of our favorite things.

Exhibit running from August 21 through October 9, 2011
Artists Choose Artists is the Parrish Art Museum’s second juried exhibition celebrating artists on the East End and the dynamic relationships that unite the area’s creative community. For this exhibition, seven distinguished East End artists served as jurors, each making two selections from 200 online submissions and subsequent studio visits. Artists Choose Artists will include painting, sculpture, photography, and video.

If you haven’t been over to the programs at Robert Wilson’s Watermill Center you are missing some of the best and most creative talent from around the world.  Always fascinating, these cutting edge artists who are either in residence to work on new projects or visiting for lectures thrill and delight and stretch the imagination.  Be sure to make reservations as these are highly in demand evenings.  Thursday August 11 the magnificent Eric Fischl reveals his creative process.

Bryan O’Leary at 4 North Main Street Gallery
Come check out the new works by this very talented artist. 
August 4 – 9 from 1p to 6p Daily
Opening Reception Friday August 5th from 5 – 9pm
1 North Main Street, Southampton 631-283-2495  www.4northmaingallery.com

One of the great pleasures in life is having a true local bookstore you can visit and ask “Read anything good lately?” and they can tell you everything from children’s books to beach reads to biography to historical gems.  Canio’s Book Shop in Sag Harbor at Main Street retains the personal touch.  It is a true literary gathering place with readings from authors and poets.   Along with a calendar of authors they also display work from local artists .
Rob Calvert’s art work “Summer’s Time” new works on paper …

One of the defining cultural institutions in Southampton, the Parrish Art Museum brings out the Hamptons glitterati for its annual Midsummer Party with a mix of leaders in the art, fashion, and business world honoring the Parrish Art Museum’s Founding Partners.   The tent was aglow with its soothing silver scheme for the dapperly dressed crowd which morphed into the hot dance party After Ten.

In its fourth year ArtHamptons has become a major fixture of the international fine arts scene.  With 60 galleries from 10 countries exhibiting post war and contemporary art, ArtHamptons offers the connaisseur and novice alike a vast array of interesting works to view and purchase.
Gallery owners and artists are on hand to discuss the works so seek them out.  Also check out the special events such as film screenings, book signings, and special receptions. 

Honoring the Founding Partners of the New Parrish Art Museum
Here’s where sophistication meets serious summer fun.  A highlight of the social season, the Parrish Art Museum’s Midsummer Party attracts the well –heeled crowd who wish to support one of the Hamptons most important cultural institutions.  The social who’s who includes illustrious artists, writers, media figures, and leaders of business and finance.  And for the younger jet set, the After Ten Party is illustrious.  More than one high power couple have met under …

The Hamptons benefit season is upon us and Memorial Day weekend kicks off with the Planned Parenthood fundraiser on Sunday May 29th with Heat Wave which we hope will inspire Mother Nature to turn up the temperature here on the East End.  Held at the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club, this is a not to miss event with a Silent Art Auction from major name artists like Ross Bleckner, Eric Fischl and April Gornik and Pop Up Boutiques from your favorite designers …

 
One of the highlights of the Hamptons art viewing season is the Big Show at The Silas Marder Gallery in Bridgehampton with over 50 artists displaying their work on three 8 x 10 canvases.  The variety and creativity from emerging and established artists is a visual pu pu platter to sample.  An added bonus this year is a series by artist Michelle Suna titled Japan 3.11.11 which honors the Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Disaster.  The opening reception on Saturday May 21 from 5 – …

If you ever thought you had a bit of Pollock of DeKooning in you, now is your chance to follow in a long East End tradition of launching great artists.  Kudos to the Parrish Art Museum and the established artists who are participating in Artists Choose Artists where East End emerging artists can apply to be chosen for a program where they will be mentored by and exhibited with some of the Hamptons most accomplished artists.  No nationally televised humiliating public acts required.

New Year’s is about ritual whether it is toasting at an intimate dinner with the one you love or the hottie you just met under the disco ball.  Being in a committed relationship when it’s only until midnight is manageable for anyone.  Putting your best foot forward on New Year’s day may mean plunging it into an icy ocean to raise money for a good cause.  You can head to a jazz brunch for hair of the dog or you can also put that energy into …

LIGHTS!
 The East End is famous for its natural light but romantics will appreciate the villages’ megawatts holiday lights.  If you’re looking for your Rudolph moment (Valentino that is) take advantage of the romantic display of lights:

Before you sink into a tryptophan, family overload, I ate so much my button burst off my pants and almost blinded the Pug coma, get up and head out to enjoy all the Hamptons have to offer this holiday weekend.  ’Tis the season to receive… um to give.”

Friday August 6
Jill Lynn & Co Art Opening
6p to 9p
Aside from the beautiful custom made jewels from designer Jill Lynn you can check out the artwork of Grant Haffner and Dana Bell.
Jill Lynn & Co., 66 Jobs Lane, Southampton.
 
Phao Thai Kitchen – Chill Lounge
This great thai restaurant turns up the heat – body heat that is with music all weekend. 
Project Vibe is Friday from 10 pm – 1am with a $10 cover
Saturday is DJ Cana from 10:30pm – 2am
Sunday is Reggae at …

SATURDAY JULY 31
Clothesline Art Sale
9 am to 4 pm
A vast array of artists display and sell their art work at Guild Hall.  Discover the next Pollock in the making.
Guild Hall 158 Main Street, East Hampton, www.guildhall.org 631-324-0806.

LongHouse Reserve Book Signing and Music In the Gardens
5:30 p
This Saturday, July 31st, LongHouse Reserve will host THREE exciting events in its 16-acre East Hampton sculpture garden – the worldwide release of Jack Lenor Larsen’s LongHouse by Molly Chappellet, a preview of this year’s second art …

This past Saturday, party-goers and art lovers alike converged in Shinnecock Bay for an enchanting Vernissage at the private Southampton home of Peter Felfe. For the third summer in a row, New York artist Annika Connor and her production company, Active Ideas Productions, has collaborated with Mr. Felfe to put together an annual summer art show that doubles as a lavish party celebrating both emerging artists and the summer season.

 
If ever there was a supernatural sense of time and space it is the experience of the annual gala at the LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton, this year entitled Excentrica with donations supporting its mission to exemplify living with art in all forms.
Alexandra Munroe’s description of the LongHouse Award honoree Laurie Anderson, “She shares a shimmering knowledge here and now of the universe,” perfectly described not only the performance artist but the whole evening.

All of the stars have aligned in a vortex of Hamptons events this weekend which gives new meaning to “there’s something for everyone.”
 
Thursday July 8 – Sunday July 11
ArtHamptons
With 95 galleries from all over the world, the people watching is as much fun as perusing the incredibly diverse post-war and contemporary art work.  For the avid collector or art nubie there is a feast for the eyes and for the mind with various lectures, book signings, and chances to meet the artists …

 
photos courtesy of Rossa Cole
Despite the local lack of rain, “There’s no draught of talent,” stated juror and king of exterior decorating John Danzer of the garden desginers competing in Planters On & Off The Ground III and Open Bowls at the LongHouse Reserve sculpture gardens last Saturday in East Hampton. 

Saturday June 26 
It’s one of those weekends with too many fun Hamptons events.  With the warm weather, the full moon, and the full docket of activities HipHamptons picks out a few favorite Hamptons events for the weekend.

Something bold and beautiful is in the air, and it’s not just the scent of Melody Parfume roses blooming early this year.  Amateur grillers go boldly forth with lighter fluid and undercooked chicken.  Ex husbands and wives join forces to travel to the Hamptons together so they can take advantage of the HOV lane.  Whole teams from Price Waterhouse debate the magic number for the price of lobster salad.  Farmers markets re-open with the anticipated return of mushroom man, pickle Pete, and …

 
Harborfest in Sag Harbor which runs from Sept. 11 – 13 is a hallowed local tradition which lets you know front and center that you are lucky to be in a maritime village with a rich history. How many times have you walked by historic buildings or cemeteries or heard something about a famous author who lived here. Now is your chance to find out.

The first Labor Day took place in New York in 1883 and was a “workingmen’s holiday.” with a parade to exhibit “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations.”  For everyone out there who has been busting their butt all summer, now is the time to express your own personal Hamptons esprit de corp and set up your perfect holiday.  We have the best of the weekend laid out here for you to enjoy, no permission slip required.  …

Where else can you meet female icons Candace Bushnell and Barbara Walters, taste morsels from chef Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin, eat rasberries picked moments before from the field, and do yoga with your dog?  It has to be a weekend in the Hamptons.
Friday August 7
Fridays at Five – Author Steven Gaines
Take the time to enjoy this witty author whose Hamptons’ and world views always entertain, giving you a glimpse into the true inside stories of the rich and famous, or infamous …

Bring your black card.  Art Hamptons July 9 – 12 is displaying over $200 million in modern and contemporary art for sale under the big top at the Bridgehampton Historical Society.  That would be like putting five mansions on Meadow Lane under the same roof.  In troubled economic times those who invested in art and Hamptons real estate are looking pretty.  Get ready to invest or at least see amazing art in your own Hamptons back yard.

In a place where grocers have retired off selling the Jackson Pollock print given to them to cover the cold cuts bill, you would be remiss not to learn more about the East End’s up and coming artists.  The Artists Alliance of East Hampton presents their annual Artists Studio Tour July 9 – 11.  Visit artists in their natural habitat.  Ask them about their creative process.  Peak in their medecine cabinets.  Buy their art. 
You will find painters, sculptors, photographers, illustrators, solar etchers, and …