Southampton Arts Center’s SummerFest Gala: A Celebration of Community and Art

On Saturday, August 17th, Southampton Arts Center will host their 9th annual SummerFest Gala on the SAC grounds at 25 Jobs Lane in Southampton from 6:00 – 10:30 p.m. 

The gala began and continues with the benefit of Southampton Arts Center’s mission in mind, which is to “develop community building through the arts.” SAC expands upon their mission by noting, “We present and produce inspiring, inclusive, socially and regionally relevant programs across all disciplines – welcoming, connecting, and collaborating with the diverse members of New York’s East End community and beyond.”

This anticipated summer gala event will honor Peter and Jamee Gregory with the Champion of the Arts Award in recognition of their leadership in the Southampton community and their dedication to Southampton Arts Center. They have been long-time supporters of the Center, since its inception, and they love being involved with the community and the arts.

Jamee Gregory is the renowned author of two interior design books titled New York Parties: Private Views and New York Apartments: Private Views. She spoke about what being honored with this award means to her and her husband, Peter, noting, “We are deeply appreciative of the SAC for acknowledging our contribution to the arts in Southampton.”

Jamee was also a contributing editor to the highly esteemed Elle Décor and Architectural Digest. She has always had an eye for fashion and has chaired several major galas. She discussed her background in the arts, which ultimately led to her dedicated involvement with SAC. She says, “I majored in French and minored in Art History at Vassar and studied 19th century painting with Sarah Lawrence College in Paris. I grew up visiting the Art Institute of Chicago with my parents and taking art classes there. Peter’s family had a long tradition of music and visual arts. They lived in Paris, Berlin, and Moscow, and were friends with some of the great artists of the 20th century. They collected Impressionist paintings. He is involved with the Metropolitan and Frick Museums in Manhattan.” Jamee and Peter’s affiliation with the arts all over the world is longstanding and deeply rooted, and they have become an integral part of the art community on the East End.

Jamee explained that they are now residents out East and says, “We enjoy the programming all year long. From lectures, to exhibitions, to puppet shows and theatre, the center enriches the community.”

She went on to explain how much she is looking forward to this year’s SummerFest Gala, saying, “The SummerFest is the highlight of the summer season! It is such fun sampling the delicious food of the area’s best restaurants in the garden. The dinner is magical, with beautiful decor, terrific entertainment and dancing. I love being outside, under the stars, with a real cross section of our village. Everyone is welcome and the evening is a true celebration.”

This year’s SummerFest Gala will begin with a cocktail reception where a prominent quartet from The Mannes School of Music will be featured. The reception will offer delicious tastings from a selection of East End restaurants and shops that include Amalfi, Bamboo, Clamman, El Verano, Golden Pear, Hampton Events and Gifts, Hamptons Catered Affairs, Party Perfectionists, Saaz, and Shippys. Attendees will be treated to performances by Broadway Stars Adrienne Warren and Jessica Vosk. 

A dinner catered by Aqualina will follow, along with a DJ from the Untouchables and a surprise live performance where attendees can take the dance floor.

Another highlight of this year’s SummerFest is that it will take place during the Couples Squared exhibition, guest curated by Phyllis Tuchman and on view now until September 14th. The exhibition focuses on couples’ past and present, including husbands and wives and partners, who inspire one another. Every couple that is presented in the exhibition was brought together by art, and it includes many featured artists who are highly talented and world-renowned.

The proceeds of the event allow SAC to continue their mission to develop community through the arts, and they are able to provide 4 world-class exhibitions and 150 programs annually. SAC also welcomes over 45,000 visitors who enjoy film, music, dance, theater, children’s events, talks, wellness programs, and workshops annually. Not only do the programs at Southampton Arts Center continue to enforce the mission, but they also help to support local businesses and allow the East End villages and towns to thrive.