Hamptons Arts Network Launches On East End: Photos

EAST HAMPTON, NY — The Hamptons may be known for its world-famous beaches, glittering restaurants and night spots, but it's also an area rich with arts, culture and history.

And now, a new organization, Hamptons Arts Network, has been created to celebrate the area's flourishing creative community and vibrant array of cultural offerings.

On Wednesday evening at Madoo Conservancy in Sagaponack, the 19 members of the new Hamptons Arts Network held a press event to officially announce its formation, and its upcoming "THAW Fest," of The Hamptons Arts Weekend Festival, which will be celebrated at various locations around the Hamptons from March 23 through March 25.

HAN is a consortium of not-for-profit organizations working together to create a unified arts community of the Hamptons.

Speaking at the event were Guild Hall's Andrea Grover, Madoo director and host Alejandro Saralegui, and Helen Harrison, director of the Pollock-Krasner House.

According to its mission, HAN's "goal is to promote collaboration, partnerships, and shared programming among its members. As well, we advocate for the arts in the area of economic development, tourism, and education."

Member organizations include the Bay Street Theater, the Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival, DIA: Dan Flavin Art Institute, the East Hampton Historical Society, the Eastville Community Historical Society, Guild Hall, the Hamptons International Film Festival, the Hamptons Take 2 Documentary Film Festival, the LongHouse Reserve, the Madoo Conservancy, the Parrish Art Museum, the Pollock-Krasner House & Study Center, the Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center & Museum, the Southampton African American Museum, the Southampton Arts Center, the Southampton Cultural Center, the Southampton Historical Museum, the The Watermill Center, and the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center.

For additional information about HAN, click here.

Meanwhile, Discover Long Island's new off-season campaign, which launched in December, is spotlighting a line-up of winter and spring festivals to draw locals and visitors from an international canvas.

The region's annual Winterfest celebration and new The Hamptons Arts Weekend, or THAW, are expected to draw thousands during a traditionally slow period, organizers of the campaign said.

"Long Island is known for our iconic summer season, but winter is an ideal time for visitors and locals to discover the endless dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities throughout our destination at a relaxed pace and considerable savings," said Kristen Jarnagin, president and CEO, Discover Long Island. "Events such as

Winterfest and THAW ensure that there is no shortage of activity taking place on the East End and provides the perfect backdrop for a winter weekend getaway."

The 11th annual Winterfest will kick off on the East End from Thursday to March 18 and features an array of activities including wine tours, craft beverage tastings, live music performances, and more for the perfect East End getaway.

The Hamptons Arts Network, a collaboration of 19 different cultural attractions, will host the first annual THAW Festival from March 23 to 25 with special performances, workshops, film screenings, and exhibitions throughout the Hamptons, organizers said.

"Suffolk County is home to some of the best tourism assets on Long Island," said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. "These signature events are tremendous for the EastEnd and allow locals and visitors to get a true taste of Long Island's unique offerings. I encourage visitors to come out and explore Long Island's top attractions including our famed art and cultural facilities, renowned wine country, and lively downtowns."

Tourism is a $5.6 billion annual industry on Long Island and employs more than 100,000 local jobs, according to a release from Discover Long Island.

For additional info on Winterfest, THAW or for a full listing of signature events or destination information, check out Discover Long Island's website.

Photos by Richard Lewin Professional Photography, soniboy@aol.com.

Reporting by Richard Lewin.