Annual Spring Fling Soiree To Support Parrish Art Museum’s Educational Offerings

They say April showers bring May flowers and, for East Enders, it also brings a Hamptons highlight: the Parrish Art Museum’s annual Spring Fling community celebration, fundraiser, and networking event. Taking place at the Museum on Saturday, April 16th from 7:30 to 11 p.m., attendees will enjoy an evening of art, music, mingling, scrumptious bites, cocktails, and a unique quest for clues throughout the galleries.

“Support of Spring Fling makes a tremendous impact on the Parrish’s ability to create, enhance, and offer vital programs for the community,” said Christine Curiale, who is co-chairing the 2016 event with Maryanne Horwath and Laura Wynne.

Along with dancing to live tunes from Noiz Entertainment, noshing on hors d’oeuvres by Southampton Social Club, and sipping on wine and cocktails featuring Mamont Vodka, courtesy of Niche Import Co., guests may venture through the Museum’s galleries on a mission to solve the evening’s popular art scavenger hunt. The investigators that figure out the series of riddles the quickest will leave with a special prize.

The Spring Fling’s silent auction will showcase a plethora of fascinating items and services that were donated by the East End business and professional community. Highlights include a 16-person golf outing at Hampton Hills Golf & Country Club followed by a reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres; VIP passes to the Hampton Classic Horse Show; a sunset sailing trip for six people in Sag Harbor; two one-week summer camp sessions at Sandy Hollow Day Camp; a one-week 2016 summer camp session at Future Stars; a half-day fluke charter for six people; and many additional gift certificates for products and services from Hamptons shops, and spas, restaurants.

“In addition to the many creative programs the Museum offers the entire community, a new initiative, Access Parrish, provides an invaluable learning and social opportunity for two underserved groups: children with Autism spectrum disorder and adults with Alzheimer’s,” Curiale added. “With the help and support of our amazing East End community, the Parrish will continue to serve as your center for the arts and provide Access for many diverse groups.”

Proceeds from the evening supports the Parrish’s educational offerings. (Photo: by Tom Fitzgerald and Pam Deutchman / www.society-in-focus.com)

Spring Fling was established during the 1990s, and the soiree raises $100,000 per year, all of which supports the Museum’s education programs, like their newly developed Access Parrish, a program for children on the Autism spectrum and adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia, as well as their care givers. The Parrish, which is the East End’s oldest cultural institution, also presents several School Collaborations throughout the year, including Museum educator-led tours, studio activities, and unique programs developed in collaboration with regional educators; After School Art workshops; school vacation programs; weekly Open Studios; bi-lingual family tours; and the annual Student Exhibition in February that features student artwork from over 30 regional elementary, middle, and high schools.

Tickets to Spring Fling are $200 and $150 for Members. Tickets purchased after Monday, April 11th are $225.

Parrish Art Museum is located at 279 Montauk Highway in Water Mill. For more information, call 631-283-2118 or visit parrishart.org.