A Look Into The Mind Of An Up-And-Coming Artist: Hamptons Museum Presenting Annual Student Exhibit

With Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Willem de Kooning, Frank O’Hara, Andy Warhol, Jean Stafford and Thomas Moran among those that picked the Hamptons as their seaside oasis, it’s only natural that the lucky ones who grow up here also use its beauty as inspiration.

Each January through April, an eager group of budding artists proudly display their masterpieces at a prestigious Hamptons museum. Starting Saturday, January 16th, students from public, private and home schools in Amagansett, East Hampton, Montauk, Wainscott, Bridgehampton, Shelter Island, and Sagaponack will have works showcased in Guild Hall’s 23nd Student Art Festival and the 12th Annual Student Film Project.

“For over twenty years, The Student Art Festival has helped nurture and encourage talent on the East End,” noted Ruth Appelhof, Executive Director of Guild Hall. “This event celebrates the artistic pursuits of our local young people by exhibiting their work in museum galleries and staging their performances in a professional theater.”

The exhibit kicks off with the Student Arts Festival Part I, Grades K-8, featuring pieces from kindergarten through 8th graders, which opens on January 16th. A public reception will be held on Sunday, January 31st from 2 to 4 p.m., with the Amagansett School Chorus, Amagansett School Recess Drama Club, East Hampton Middle School Dance Team and individual musicians performing in the John Drew Theater.

“We salute all their teachers who inspire, nurture and continue to cultivate the creative process,” added Appelhof.

In an effort to continue to foster the creativity of the talented East End youth, Guild Hall is hosting complimentary open studio weekends featuring “do it yourself” craft projects in the Boots Lamb Education Center, every weekend until February 21st. During the classes, artists can pick their medium of choice and then create a piece independently, with all the materials and instructions provided free of charge.

The Student Arts Festival Part II, Grades 9-12 will debut on Saturday, March 5th with the opening reception taking place on Saturday, March 12th from 2 to 4 p.m. with student performances in the theater. The high school show is on view through Sunday, April 3rd.

Guild Hall is located at 158 Main Street in East Hampton. For more information, call 631-324-0806 or visit www.guildhall.org.