More than 100 artists from across the country and beyond will showcase original work at the third annual East Hampton Art Affair, returning to Herrick Park June 28–29.
The free outdoor event offers visitors a rare opportunity to meet the artists behind the creations and explore one-of-a-kind pieces ranging from sculpture and glasswork to fine jewelry and painting.
“This is a very strictly juried art festival so first and foremost it is top quality art,” said Elaine Laurent, show director and events director for Howard Alan Events.
“It’s beautiful art, stunning art in every medium and every category of art—from every type of painting, glasswork, sculpture, beautiful jewelry and even some pottery and clay work,” she said. “But it's all going to be handmade, and all of it is represented by the actual artist that created the work.”
The event is designed to provide attendees with direct interaction and insight from the artists, offering a closer look at the stories and processes behind each piece.
The park will be arranged so each artist has an individual gallery-style space. Laurent said this layout allows visitors to engage more personally with both the artwork and the creators.
“We are big on aesthetics, and we want you to feel like you’re in their galleries,” she said. The conversations that ensue build a strong connection between the artist and the work, which ties in with art as “an emotional purchase.”
Laurent said artists often go beyond the show experience by visiting buyers’ homes to assist with display, or by previewing spaces to determine whether a piece is a good fit. Many are also open to commission work.
While the show highlights artists from the East Hampton area, it also includes national and international participants.
The art affair will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Some attendees preview the event on Friday or browse the online look book to plan ahead.
Located at 67 Newtown Lane, the venue offers ample parking and proximity to luxury shopping and dining.
“East Hampton is such a unique little area,” Laurent said. “They have some of the most wonderful shops—super high-end shops. They have some very elite restaurants, so I think it’s kind of fun to go there for the afternoon, stroll through the art show, grab some lunch, do some shopping and go back to the show.”
The event is held in partnership with the East Hampton Rotary to help raise funds for the organization’s charitable work.
A similar show will be held in Bridgehampton on Fourth of July weekend, from Friday, July 4, through Sunday, July 6. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Artists will transform the lawn of the Bridgehampton Museum, located at 2368 Montauk Highway, into an open-air gallery in support of the museum.
Both events are free and open to the public.
“We really encourage people to come out,” Laurent said.