Guild Hall’s Summer 2023 Programs

In celebration of the grand reopening of its museum, public spaces and gardens, Guild Hall has released the details of a summer lineup of programs both at the museum and offsite.

The season will be anchored by two exhibitions in the newly renovated galleries. “Renée Cox: A Proof of Being,” a 30-year career overview organized by independent curator Monique Long, includes a selection of the artist’s most well-known and celebrated photographs and a new immersive video installation. The exhibition, on view July 2 through September 4, traces the evolution of Cox’s practice through a series of performative self-portraits, demonstrating the ways in which she has reclaimed art historical themes to explore notions of womanhood, beauty, and agency.

“Leo Villareal: Celestial Garden” will open on August 5 and run through October 15, and will feature a monumental light sculpture composed of an array of LEDs over 10 feet high and 30 feet wide. The artwork comes alive with perpetually evolving forms created by using custom software that orchestrates the compositions. An audio soundscape accompanies the visual display, along with artist-designed zero-gravity furniture.

In terms of Guild Hall programming, fan favorites are back, including the beloved culinary series “Stirring the Pot” with New York Times food and wine writer Florence Fabricant on select Sundays in July and August, and Hamptons Dance Project at Fireplace Lodge from August 18 to 20. Several enlightening talks will take place in the galleries and gardens this summer, including a conversation between Renée Cox and Deborah Willis, Ph.D. on July 9; author Carmela Ciuraru and Katie Couric will chat about Ciurau’s new book “Lives of the Wives” on July 17; and architecture critic Paul Goldberger and architect Charles Renfro will discuss East Hampton’s Blue Dream House on August 24.

A festive Family Day is scheduled for August 7, including a Celestial Garden-inspired art project in the Boots Lamb Education Center and a Silent Dance party in the Frieda and Roy Furman Sculpture Garden. Guild Hall and Bel Canto Boot Camp’s Resident Artist Series welcomes Cuban-American soprano Lisette Oropesa, who has become one of her generation’s most sought-after lyric coloraturas, for a recital at St. Luke’s Hoie Hall on August 12.

The popular Clothesline Art Sale, one of the most beloved and affordable art traditions in the Hamptons since its inception in 1946, will take place on Saturday, July 22. Works submitted by the creative community will range in price from $75 to $3,500, with all proceeds split 50/50 between the artists and Guild Hall. Those interested in participating can register at guildhall.org/clothesline.

Finally, the annual Summer Gala will honor Guild Hall trustee Ken Wyse on August 4, starting with cocktails at Guild Hall followed by a seated dinner at Mulford Farm, plus a surprise performance and dancing by DJ Mick.

The full schedule of programs and events can be found at guildhall.org/events. Guild Hall’s galleries and Louise & Howie’s Coffee Bar will be open Thursday to Monday, noon to 5 p.m. Gallery admission is free. Guild Hall is at 158 Main Street, East Hampton.

July 2 to September 4 – “Renée Cox: A Proof of Being”

Sunday, July 9, 1 p.m. – Renée Cox in Conversation with Deborah Willis, Ph.D.

Wednesday, July 12, 11 a.m. – Open Class: Jacob Jonas the Company

“Stirring the Pot” with Florence Fabricant:

Sunday, July 16, 5 to 7 p.m. – Tequila & Tacos at Estia’s with Chef Colin Ambrose and Robert Simonson, Estia’s Little Kitchen, Sag Harbor

Sunday, July 30, 11 a.m. – 35 Years of Nick & Toni’s with Toni Ross, chefs Joe Realmuto and Jonathan Waxman, Nick & Toni’s, East Hampton

Sunday, August 6, 11 a.m. – Sip & Shuck at Rosie’s with Seamore’s, Rosie’s Amagansett

Sunday, August 13, 11 a.m. – De Gustibus with Chef Jarrod Huth of Canoe Place Inn & Cottages, Guild Hall, East Hampton

Monday, July 17, 7 p.m. – “Lives of the Wives” Book Talk: Carmela Ciuraru in Conversation with Katie Couric

Saturday, July 22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Clothesline Art Sale,

Friday, August 4, 5 to 10 p.m. – Summer Gala Honoring Ken Wyse, Guild Hall and Mulford Farm, East Hampton

August 5 to October 15 – “Leo Villareal: Celestial Garden”

Monday, August 7, 3 to 6 p.m. – Family Day

Thursday, August 10, 6 p.m. – Masterclass: Lisette Oropesa Coaches Guild Hall & Bel Canto Boot Camp Resident Artists, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, East Hampton

Saturday, August 12, 5 p.m. – Opera Recital: Lisette Oropesa and Bel Canto Boot Camp, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, East Hampton

Friday to Sunday, August 18 to 20, 6 p.m. – Hamptons Dance Project V, Fireplace Lodge, East Hampton

Thursday, August 24, 7 p.m. – Paul Goldberger and Charles Renfro Discuss the Blue Dream House

Saturday, September 2, 7 to 10 p.m. – End of Summer Silent Disco Dance Party in the Garden

Monday, September 18, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Annual Maidstone Golf Club Outing