Hamptons Architectural Lecture To Feature Architects Who Serve Humanity

“We wanted to dedicate this session of Architectural Sessions to talking about and acknowledging architectural projects that are motivated by a sense of service,” said Maziar Behrooz, moderator of Architectural Sessions at the Parrish Art Museum. “An excellent way to do this is to examine the remarkable careers of two women, an architect and a philanthropist, in addition to those of a few local architects.”

On Friday, January 23rd at 6 p.m., the Parrish Art Museum is teaming up with AIA Peconic to present a continuation of their popular Architectural Sessions. PRO BONO: Architects Who Serve Humanity will focus on architects who volunteer their time toward charitable causes. Architect Maziar Behrooz, AIA, will lead the conversation, which will feature New York-based architect Sharon Davis and artist/philanthropist Jane Walentas.

Davis designed the Women’s Opportunity Center for female survivors of war in Kayonza, Rwanda, which was commissioned by the Washington D.C. non-profit organization Women for Women International. The Center, which opened in 2013, serves as an educational and community institution where female survivors of war and their families can seek support. The Women’s Opportunity Center, provides services for up to 300 women and also is intended to also function as a model of small-scale sustainable architecture.

Walentas founded the Brooklyn non-profit organization Jane’s Carousel and supervised the restoration of the historic landmark to its original 1922 conditions and specifications. She also led the creation of its pavilion along New York’s East River. Following the project which was spearheaded by Walentas and lasted over twenty-five years, Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park opened to the public in 2011. Walentas also founded Friends of Jane’s Carousel, dedicated to the preservation of the historic landmark. The carousel now sits in a commissioned pavilion designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect, Jean Nouvel.

Admission is $10 or free for Parrish members, children, and students.

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