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Hamptons.com
July 19, 2013

INTERVIEW Russell Simmons: Art For Life Hamptons A Field Of Dreams

Nicole B. Brewerby Nicole B. Brewer
in Recreation
Home Recreation

“Art For Life is a labor of love,” says one of the Hamptons most famous former residents, music mogul Russell Simmons, of the annual summer gala that has become the most star-studded event of the season – think Oscar winners Jennifer Hudson and Gwyneth Paltrow, and musicians Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey and John Legend. This year is no different with performances by Estelle, Maxwell, and Rick Ross as well as DJ MOS planned and honorees including filmmaker and philanthropist Tyler Perry, President and Artistic Director at Creative Time Anne Pasternak, Co-Founders of Demarest Films Samuel Englebardt and William D. Johnson, featured artist Rashid Johnson, and novelist Walter Mosley guaranteed to bring an A-List crowd out to celebrate and support the arts.

Art For Life 2013 honorees Anne Pasternak (center), (clockwise from top left) Tyler Perry, Samuel Englebardt, Walter Mosley, and William D. Johnson. (Courtesy Photos)

“When I was in school I had art programs and music programs. Everything I’ve done today has been because I was able to exercise creativity as a young person. Art allows people a way to dream their way out of their struggle,” says Russell. The man who would become a global icon grew up humbly in Jamaica, Queens. His father was a teacher, later a professor of Black History at Pace University, and his mother worked for the New York City Parks Department. Russell tells me, “They were also artists.”

“The reason we started Art For Life in the Hamptons,” Russell explains, “is because there are so many giving people there. Before I sold my house in East Hampton, my backyard was the space for this event and we were able to raise a lot of money and do good things for young people. Art For Life is the best party in the Hamptons.” Together with his brothers, artist Danny Simmons and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons of Run-DMC, Russell founded Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation in 1995 to “fill the gap that the disenfranchised and people of color faced in both accessing the arts and exhibition opportunities.” For the last 14 years, the family has hosted the fundraising event, Art For Life, at Russell’s East Hampton home. With the recent sale of the house came a new location, Fairview Farms in Bridgehampton, for the gala slated for Saturday, July 27, 2013.

Russell takes a minute to enjoy the night with brother Danny Simmons at Art For Life 2012. (Photo: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com)


To pull off a spectacular event for 1,000 – dressed this year in hues of “dreamy peacock, aquamarine, and amethyst” as per the invitation – and raise millions for art in the process takes a great team of dedicated people says Russell, “We have an amazing team and so many partners that come together to make the event a success. We’ve developed a broad base of friends, collaborators and supporters dedicated to addressing the issue of filling the gap that disenfranchised people face in both accessing the arts and exhibition opportunities.” That A-team includes honorary event chairs Star Jones and Michael Strahan, the evening’s host Soledad O’Brien, auction chairs Shamin Abas and Angella Forbes, and committee members including Lala Anthony, actress/model Patricia Velasquez, Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, Sara Herbert-Galloway and Barry Klarberg, model Petra Nemcova, designer Rachel Roy, and author and former “The Real Housewives of New York City” star Kelly Bensimon.

Soledad O’Brien, Tangie Murray, Danny Simmons, Mary J.Blige, Kimberly B.Davis, Tamara Mellon, Oz Mellon, and Edward Norton, with Russell Simmons at Art For Life 2011. (Photo: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com)


“My typical day in the Hamptons starts at the beach,” says Russell. “I usually meditate there for a while then head to yoga. I’ll have a vegan lunch at Babette’s then, if I have guests, its back home to hang out there with friends.”

Russell, who names Ross Bleckner, April Gornik, and Chuck Close as his favorite Hamptons artists, finds inspiration everywhere and passes on that positivity to his 2.8+ million @UncleRUSH Twitter followers, including yours truly. “What inspires me changes on a daily basis,” he says. “One day it’s Deepak Chopra and the Dalai Lama and the next it’s the selflessness of Nelson Mandela.”

Russell get a smooch from daughter Ming Lee at Art For Life 2010. (Photo: Colin Graham)


What’s next for Russell? “I relocated to Los Angeles full time to spend more time with my kids [Ming Lee Simmons and Aoki Lee Simmons with former wife Kimora Lee Simmons]. I also recently launched my YouTube original content channel, ADD. ADD Video will be a platform for online users to celebrate and explore some of the coolest lifestyle projects with great access to current and rising stars across entertainment, music, fashion, sports, and film – all with a different take on the news.”

Over the years Hamptons.com has been proud to support Art For Life as a media partner, and will do so again this year. During those years Russell has told me time and time again that he “wouldn’t be here without art.” I am sure that the many children and young people who have benefited from the enrichment they received at the various Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation programs over the years would agree.

You can be part of “Art For Life” by purchasing tickets or bidding in the online auction that includes experiences with Magic Johnson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Robin Thicke, LL Cool J, One Direction, and Lyor Cohen on Charity Buzz.

Guests at Art For Life 2013 will be treated to performances by Estelle, Maxwell, and Rick Ross. (Courtesy Photos)

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October 29 @ 06:30 PM - October 29 @ 07:30 PM
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Aperitivo (Sunset Cocktails)

October 30 @ 05:00 PM - October 30 @ 08:00 PM
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A Season in Sound: A Look at the Year to Come

October 30 @ 06:00 PM - October 30 @ 07:00 PM
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Wine & Cheese Class at Wölffer

October 30 @ 06:00 PM - October 30 @ 07:30 PM
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30 Designers Featured In 2013 Hampton Designer Showhouse

30 Designers Featured In 2013 Hampton Designer Showhouse

  • Dust off your favorite witch’s hat and opt for a paddleboard instead of a broom for Paddle Diva & Wych’s Bloom’s inaugural Witches Paddle on Wednesday, October 29, from 4–6 p.m. at Paddle Diva (10 Boat Yard Rd., East Hampton, NY). A portion of the proceeds will go to the Surfrider Foundation’s Eastern Long Island Chapter and its efforts to protect the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches through dedicated activism. ⁠
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We’ve all seen Witches Paddles grace our social media feeds, and now you can partake in the spooky fun! This tradition combines Halloween vibes with the healing power of nature as you glide and take in the beautiful Three Mile Harbor views.⁠
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Gina Bradley excitedly shared, “I am thrilled to be hosting this at Paddle Diva’s permanent location inside Swan’s Marina (formerly Vanderveer’s). This kind of paddle has been on my mind for many years, as I’ve seen them in all parts of the world, and it looks so cool seeing all the witches gracefully gliding along the water. This is particularly exciting because we’ve joined forces with Wych’s Bloom, a local herbal apothecary brand, and Surfrider to raise money and awareness for ocean and clean bay initiatives that are crucial for our waters on the East End of Long Island.”⁠
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“As an herbalist, Samhain, or Halloween, offers a special occasion for me to celebrate the healers who came before us to teach the wisdom of the plants in our region. I had seen people gathering for Witches Paddles all over the country, and as a surfer, I connected instantly with these events. When I texted Gina the idea, she was immediately in. That’s what I love about the women on the East End—they’re always up for an adventure,” shared Wych’s Bloom owner and Surfrider Foundation board member Christina Winters.⁠
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Join us in taking part in this one-of-a-kind event! Craft a witch’s outfit and set sail at the inaugural Witches Paddle for a great cause.⁠
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@paddlediva @wychs_bloom⁠
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#witch #witchespaddle #paddlediva #hamptons #halloween #easthampton⁠
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  • Check out the top Hamptons events this weekend!⁠
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🍎 Wölffer’s Cider Fest⁠
📅 Sat, Oct 25 | ⏰ 2–5PM⁠
📍 The Wine Stand, Sagaponack⁠
Sip cider, enjoy live music, games, and lobster rolls!⁠
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🍦 Buddhaberry’s Spooktacular Costume Party⁠
📅 Sat, Oct 25 | ⏰ 2–4PM⁠
📍 Buddhaberry, Southampton⁠
Bingo, trivia & costume prizes galore!⁠
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👻 Haunted Village⁠
📅 Sat, Oct 25 | ⏰ 11AM–4PM⁠
📍 Southampton History Museum⁠
Ghost stories, pumpkin carving & trick-or-treating!⁠
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🧙‍♀️ CMEE’s Halloween Bash⁠
📅 Fri, Oct 24 | ⏰ 4–6PM⁠
📍 CMEE, Bridgehampton⁠
Spooky crafts, games & costume contest!⁠
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🎬 The Horror Show at Sunset Theater⁠
📅 Oct 24–30⁠
📍 Westhampton Beach⁠
7 nights of scary movies 🍿⁠
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🎧 Halloween Silent Disco Dance Party⁠
📅 Sat, Oct 25 | ⏰ 7–10PM⁠
📍 Guild Hall, East Hampton⁠
3 channels, endless grooves—disco, funk & more!⁠
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🐾 Canines in Costume at LongHouse Reserve⁠
📅 Sat, Oct 25 | ⏰ 10:30AM–12:30PM⁠
📍 East Hampton⁠
Dress up your pup + enjoy treats & fun!⁠
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🎃 Bridgehampton Halloween Parade⁠
📅 Sat, Oct 25 | ⏰ 10–11AM⁠
📍 Hampton Library, Bridgehampton⁠
Trick-or-treat parade down Main Street!⁠
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🎸 The Cherry Bombs at The Stephen Talkhouse⁠
📅 Fri, Oct 24 | ⏰ 8PM⁠
📍 Amagansett⁠
Rock out all night! 🤘⁠
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🌲 Enchanted Forest Trail⁠
📅 Oct 25–26 | ⏰ 12–1:30PM⁠
📍 Quogue Wildlife Refuge⁠
Costume walk + crafts + games!⁠
⁠
🥁 Annual Ragamuffin Parade⁠
📅 Sun, Oct 26 | ⏰ 1PM⁠
📍 Sag Harbor⁠
Parade fun for all ages + pets!⁠
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🐶 Little Lucy’s Annual Pet Parade⁠
📅 Sat, Oct 25 | ⏰ 1–4PM⁠
📍 Agawam Park, Southampton⁠
Prizes, live music & celebrity judges!⁠
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🕸️ Solé East’s Halloween Party⁠
📅 Sat, Oct 25 | ⏰ 8PM⁠
📍 Montauk⁠
Win a free weekend stay for best costume!⁠
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🍁 Centro’s Fall Festival⁠
📅 Sun, Oct 26 | ⏰ 12–5PM⁠
📍 Hampton Bays⁠
Pumpkin decorating, drinks & local vendors!⁠
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🔗 Click link in bio for more events at Hamptons.com⁠
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#hamptons #halloween #pumpkins #scarymovies #southampton #sagharbor #easthampton #costumes
  • East Hampton’s streets came alive with wagging tails and smiling faces for ARF’s 32nd Annual Stroll to the Sea Dog Walk. Families, friends, and their dogs gathered at the historic Mulford Farm, where the morning kicked off with vendors, photo ops, custom merchandise, contests, and prizes.

@arfhamptons 

#arf #hamptons #community #mainbeach #adoptdontshop❤️
  • Last Saturday, Wölffer held its annual harvest party at its scenic vineyard in Sagaponack. The annual fest brought together friends, families, and wine lovers to toast the season and harvest behind every bottle of Wölffer wine.⁠
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📸: Cameron Burton⁠
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Check out the full gallery at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
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#wolffer #hamptons #wolfferwine #harvestparty
  • From Hollywood red carpets to Milan exhibits and Hamptons fashion shoots, Filbert Kung has photographed the world—but it’s his quiet, unguarded, and attentive nature that reveals the artist behind the lens.⁠ @filbert_kung 
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I met Filbert Diego Kung at a Grey/Ven fashion event in Amagansett last summer. He’s one of those rare photographers who instantly puts you at ease—calm, composed, and naturally good at making anyone feel like they belong in front of his lens. Had I known then just how in-demand Filbert is in the fashion and photography world, I probably wouldn’t have asked him to snap a few shots of me goofing off on the red carpet. But maybe that makes me a model? Either way, it was my first glimpse of how effortlessly he captures people as they are. In my case, goofy-but-make-it-chic.⁠
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Since then, I’ve seen him popping up around the Hamptons, often between flights to LA, Miami, or wherever the next big editorial or campaign takes him. Originally from the Philippines, Filbert has spent over fifteen years building a career that bridges Hollywood red carpets, high-fashion editorials, and fine art portraiture. ⁠
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Read the interview at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
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⁠#photographer #photography #hamptons
  • From fall festivals to concerts, a lot is happening in the Hamptons this weekend! ⁠
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Check out the top Hamptons events this weekend!⁠
⁠
🎃 Fall Festival at Good Ground Park⁠
📍 Hampton Bays | 🗓️ Fri, Oct 17 | 🕓 4–6PM⁠
Bring your pre-carved pumpkin & compete for prizes! Games, food truck, costume parade & more!⁠
👉 Link in bio⁠
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🍷 Wölffer’s Candlelight Fridays⁠
📍 Sagaponack | 🗓️ Fri, Oct 17 | 🕓 4–7PM⁠
Live music, seasonal pairings & cozy vibes 🍁⁠
👉 Link in bio⁠
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🖼️ Like No One: Michael McDowell Exhibition⁠
📍 East Hampton | 🗓️ Oct 17–19⁠
🎉 Opening reception: Sat, Oct 18 | 4–8PM⁠
Fine art lovers, don’t miss this!⁠
👉 Link in bio⁠
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📚 BookHampton: Caroline Sutton in Conversation⁠
📍 East Hampton | 🗓️ Sat, Oct 18 | 🕕 6PM⁠
Nature meets literature in this insightful author talk.⁠
👉 Link in bio⁠
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👟 Shelter Island Fall 5K Run/Walk⁠
📍 Shelter Island | 🗓️ Sat, Oct 18 | 🕚 11AM–2PM⁠
Run/walk for a cause—supporting Breast Cancer Awareness 💗⁠
👉 Link in bio⁠
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🏛️ 32nd Annual Landmarks Luncheon⁠
📍 Maidstone Club | 🗓️ Sat, Oct 18 | 🕦 11:30AM–2:30PM⁠
Hosted by LVIS, spotlighting the history of East Hampton’s Freetown.⁠
👉 Link in bio⁠
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🍂 Amber Waves’ Oktoberfeast⁠
📍 Amagansett | 🗓️ Sat, Oct 18 | 🕑 2–5PM⁠
Seasonal dishes, live music, dancing & games 🎶⁠
👉 Link in bio⁠
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🎻 BCM Autumn: Brooklyn Rider⁠
📍 Bridgehampton | 🗓️ Sat, Oct 18 | 🕔 5–6:30PM⁠
A powerful string quartet performance you won’t want to miss.⁠
👉 Link in bio⁠
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🍷 Cab Franc Forward Winemaker’s Dinner⁠
📍 Shelter Island | 🗓️ Sun, Oct 19 | 🕔 5PM⁠
Multi-course dinner + Cab Franc pairings = 🍽️🍇 perfection⁠
👉 Link in bio⁠
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✨ So much happening this weekend — which event are you heading to first?⁠
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#hamptons #fall #fallfestival #shelterisland #5k #wine #winedinner #amberwaves #wolffer
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