Complementing its recently opened exhibition “Clearing The Air,” Southampton Arts Center has scheduled a number of artist talks, tours, workshops, films and live performances for the month of October. These events highlight and strengthen the exhibition’s theme of art as a means for therapy, escape, distraction, elevation and reflection.
Here’s what’s on deck for October:
Live: John and Alice Coltrane Tribute Concert — Friday, October 8, 7 p.m.
In collaboration with Hamptons Jazz Fest, a special evening of music and discussion centered on the progress and mission of the Coltrane Home will feature an all-star ensemble. Following a panel discussion moderated by Coltrane scholar and music historian Ashley Kahn, saxophonists Ravi Coltrane and Joe Lavano, vocalist Michelle Coltrane, and harpist Brandee Younger will perform.
Wellness: Sound Meditation — Saturdays, October 9 and October 23, 10:30 a.m.
A soothing, deeply relaxing and immersive sound meditation led by bowl master and meditation DJ Daniel Lauter.
Film + Panel: “Doctrine of Discovery” — Monday, October 11, 5 p.m.
In celebration and recognition of National Indigenous People’s Day, Southampton Arts Center presents a screening of the documentary “Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code,” with Blossom Sustainable Development, Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties Inc. and Shinnecock Nation. The film tells the story of how little-known Vatican documents of the 15th century resulted in a tragic global momentum of domination and dehumanization. Throughout the film, there will be pauses for discussion with Pete Hill of NACS and Meesha Johnson of Blossom Sustainable Development.
Film: “Attica” — Sunday, October 17, 4 p.m.
In collaboration with Hamptons Doc Fest, Southampton Arts Center will present a sneak preview of the documentary “Attica.” This unnervingly vivid dive into the 1971 Attica prison uprising from Emmy-winning director Stanley Nelson sheds new light on the enduring violence and racism of the prison system and highlights the urgent, ongoing need for reform 50 years later.
Talk + Workshop: “The Wonder of It All with Alice Momm” — Saturday, October 23, 12:30 p.m.
“Clearing The Air” exhibition artist Alice Momm will host a talk on her walking and working process and nonhierarchical approach to materials. The program will continue outside with a stroll on the arts center grounds where, guided by Momm, participants will have the opportunity to gather and create their own mementos from the day and to take away an appreciation for the transformational possibilities of creative connections with the nonhuman world that surrounds us.
Film: “Imber’s Left Hand” with Hamptons Doc Fest — Sunday, October 24, 4 p.m.
A documentary of artist Jon Imber’s courageous and sometimes darkly humorous response to a death sentence — a diagnosis of ALS. The film traces his life, his career, and his adaptations, switching from painting with his right hand to his left, and then to both hands held at his waist as the degenerative condition progresses. Adversity only makes him more determined to paint, and paint he does — Imber creates more than 100 portraits in a four-month span. A panel discussion will take place prior to the screening.
Toast to the Artists: “Clearing The Air” — Friday, October 29, at 6 p.m.
Southampton Arts Center will celebrate “Clearing The Air” with a public opening reception. Exhibition curator Jay Davis and some of the artists will also be in attendance. Complimentary beverages will be served. Registration is required.
Talk: Curator-Led Exhibition Tour — Saturday, October 30, 11 a.m.
“Clearing The Air” curator Jay Davis, artist and curator of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Ambulatory Care Arts Program, will lead a tour of the galleries. Following an unprecedented year of COVID-19, political divide, racial and social strife, and injustice, the exhibition examines the healing and transformative power of the arts. This thoughtful exhibition features regional and national artists who turned to the arts to overcome health and personal challenges, and those who regularly work in the healing art space.
Live: Aima Saint-Hunon — Saturday, October 30, 7 p.m.
Multidisciplinary artist Aima Saint-Hunon will lead a concept art performance titled “I Am: The Unity of The Sacred Femininity and Masculinity.” The main theme of the performance is the imperial encounter of the inner marriage of female power and sacred masculinity. The performance and the artworks aim to offer a reflection sweeping the viewer towards the highest realms of the spirit.
Southampton Arts Center is at 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton. For more information or to register for programs, visit southamptonartscenter.org. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test is required for all events in the theater. Masks are required.