Julian Schnabel And Donna Karan To Be Honored At LongHouse Reserve’s Summer Benefit

LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton will host its annual Summer Benefit on Saturday, July 20 on the gorgeous grounds of the magnificent sculpture garden. The evening will celebrate filmmaker and painter Julian Schnabel, who will be honored with the LongHouse Award, while fashion designer and philanthropist Donna Karan will be fêted with the Leadership Award.

Schnabel’s latest film At Eternity’s Gate, which stars Willem Dafoe, has earned several nominations for both Dafoe and Schnabel. His paintings, sculptures and works on paper have been highlighted worldwide, and for his spectacular solo exhibition at the Musee d’Orsay, he curated works by Cezanne and Van Gogh to hang alongside his own.

Karan, who founded Donna Karan New York, DKNY, and Urban Zen, has not just been a leading force in the fashion industry, she’s also created a “philosophy of caring” through the Urban Zen Foundation, which is “dedicated to the combination of mind, body and spirit while preserving the wisdom of ancient culture.” She also works with The Haiti Artisan Project to provide guidance to artists and raise awareness to the global market.

“As Julian Schnabel said at the Benefit screening of his movie, ‘LongHouse is a beautiful place. If I went out that’s where I’d go and a few of my friends will be there to play,'” Dianne Benson, LongHouse President, shared. “To elucidate, on July 20 Julian and two of his bigger -than -life white sculptures will be there; Donna Karan our leader ship awardee will be there with her friends Calvin Klein, Ross Bleckner, the Yees and of course her wonderful daughter, Gabby — who is donating an over the top Tutto meal to our auction and Donna a super $2,500 shopping spree at urban Zen; the inimitable Laurie Anderson is performing for her friend, our Honoree Julian Schnabel, as is Benjamin which is a name you may not yet have heard but once you see him, you will never forget.”

The Summer Benefit will commence at 6 p.m. with a reception, music, and auction. At 8 p.m., there will be a sit-down dinner and honors celebration, and the evening will commence with an after party at 10 p.m. LongHouse’s idyllic grounds will be enhanced with exceptional installations that were specially curated just for the gathering. The evening will also feature a special performance from artist Laurie Anderson.

Summer Gala Benefit’s Chairs are Dorothy Lichtenstein and Neda Young, while Honorary Chairs include Bill T. Jones and Bjorn Amelan, Andrew Saffir and Daniel Benedict, Dale and Leslie Chihuly, Gabby Karan De Felice and Gianpaolo De Felice, Helmut Lang, Fern Mallis, Vito Schnabel, Robert Wilson, Axel Vervoordt, Larry Warsh, and Coleen Saidman Yee and Rodney Yee.

The Benefit Committee encompasses Dianne B., Dr. Stacey Collé, Nick Martin, Mia Ljungberg Nevado, Selena Rothwell, and Wendy Van Deusen.

“Tickets still available for this art studded event at LongHouse.org. Do not miss it. Carissa’s The Bakery is providing dessert like you have never seen before,” Benson added.

Tickets to the LongHouse Summer Benefit start at $1,250.

LongHouse Reserve is located at 133 Hands Creek Road in East Hampton. For more information, call or visit www.LongHouse.org.