The Madoo Conservancy Commemorating Milestone Anniversary During “Much Ado About Madoo”

On Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17, the majestic Madoo Conservancy will be transformed into a whimsical garden market during its annual Much Ado About Madoo, which will honor Madoo’s 50-year anniversary and the completion of the $1.1 million historic restoration of the Summer house and studio.

“We’re delighted to be celebrating out 50th anniversary in Sagaponack at this year’s Much Ado About Madoo,” said Alejandro Saralegui, Executive Director of Madoo. “As we complete our $1.1 million historic restoration of the summerhouse and studio we look forward to being a new center for creativity in this beautiful setting created by Robert Dash.”

Sasha Bikoff Interiors is presenting vintage one-of-a-kind glassware, vases and accessories. (Courtesy Photo)

The momentous celebration will kick-off with The Much Ado About Madoo Sunset Garden Party and Market Preview on Friday evening. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., partygoers will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a live auction presented by Jamie Niven that will feature extraordinary items like a painting by the late Robert Dash, and the premiere of Sagaponack Landscapes, Madoo’s first exhibition in the newly restored, ca.1740 summer studio. The party will also serve as a preview of the Garden Market which features over 25 distinguished dealers in rare plants, garden antiques, home accessories and antiques, fragrance and skincare, and men’s and women’s fashion. The vendors include Ala von Auersperg, Pointed Leaf Press, Sag Harbor Florist, Orchard Jewelry by J. Mavec, Pennoyer Newman, Madison James, Withington and Company, Mad et Len, Omorovicza, Sasha Bikoff Interiors, Panier Home, and more.

“The Hamptons has always been a home to me. Growing up I was surrounded by all kinds of flowers. Not only do I love adding floral arrangements in my projects on a dining room, coffee or side table but I also love using floral prints in my fabric, furniture and wallcoverings. Just like jewelry adds to a full outfit, plants and flowers add texture, color and natural beauty to any room,” explained interior designer Sasha Bikoff. “It means so much to be included as part of the Madoo Conservancy’s anniversary and completion of their historic garden restoration this summer. I will be selling vintage one-of-a-kind glassware, vases and accessories – perfect for a summer garden party!”

On Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Garden Market will open to the public. In addition to access to exclusive dealers of garden furniture and accessories, rare plants, garden antiques and gourmet foods, attendees can also partake in a variety of programming, starting with A Talk in the Studio, a discussion by Betsy Pinover Schiff and Barbara McLaughlin, moderated by writer Wendy Moonan, at 9:30 a.m. Schiff is a garden photographer who recently published Sidewalk Gardens of New York while McLaughlin serves as the President of the Fund for Park Avenue. The talk will take place in the newly renovated studio at Madoo with a book signing and breakfast to follow. From 3 to 5 p.m., Madoo will present Once Upon A Time At Madoo, a family program that highlights the magical art and horticulture of the Madoo Conservancy. The afternoon will also include potting plants, floral face painting, and DIY Bob Dash prints.

Writer, artist and gardener Robert Dash moved from New York City to Sagaponack, New York in 1967 and founded Madoo shortly after his move. Madoo now serves as a living tribute to its founder that seeks to educate and inspire its visitors.

Admission to the Much Ado About Madoo Sunset Garden Party and Market Preview on Friday night is $150 for members and $200 for non-members. Admission to A Talk In The Studio Saturday morning is $75 for members and $100 for non-members. Admission to Saturday’s Garden Market is free for members and $20 for non-members. Admission to Once Upon A Time At Madoo on Saturday afternoon is $100 for a family of four or $25 per person.

The Madoo Conservancy is located at 618 Sagg Main Street in Sagaponack. For more information call 631-537-8200 or visit madoo.org.