DISPATCH - AUG 7, 2013
EAST HAMPTON, NY-
LongHouse Reserve was transformed into a site-wide art performance during its summer gala "White Night" held on July 20, 2013. Guests--all donned in white--moved about the grounds sipping cocktails, perusing art and enjoying a dance performance by Elisa Monte Dance and music by renowned saxophonist and founding Philip Glass Ensemble member Dickie Landry.
"White Night" honored internationally acclaimed Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, architect legend Richard Meier and the late Lisa de Kooning, who was an avid supporter of LongHouse Reserve and a patron of the arts.
The summer benefit unveiled two new sculpture installations. Alice Aycock's work is part of a larger installation planned for 2014 for Park Avenue in New York City. Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads: Gold" by Ai Weiwei was also presented for the first time. The work presents 12 golden animal heads with each represents one of China’s ancient zodiac. The reproductions mimic originals that were installed at the imperial summer home of Emperor Qianlong, according to LongHouse Reserve.
During dinner, celebrated Iranian singer/composer Sussan Deyhim performed to a backdrop of video projections. White Night honoree Richard Meier was introduced by artist Frank Stella, who is a long-time friend of Meier. Honoree Ai Weiwei was not able to attend in person but made a special video appearance to greet dinner guests.
The sold-out gala raised $420,000 for the non-profit organization.
The artistic community was out in force to celebrate and support LongHouse Reserve. Attendees included textile designer and LongHouse Reserve founder Jack Lenor Larsen attended the event. So did modernist painter Frank Stella, playwright Edward Albee, American artist Alice Aycock, American artist Jack Youngerman, and avant-garde director and artist Robert Wilson.
Attendees also included Dorothy Lichenstein, photographer Bill Cunningham, the late Lisa de Kooning’s daughters Isabelle, Emma and Lucy de Kooning Villeneuve, author and socialite Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Alice Weil Judelson, Fabiola Beracasa and Jason Beckman and many others.
Following is a look at some of the people, performances and artworks that made "White Night" memorable.
Geige (wearing a dress of her own design made of paper, chicken wire and lights) and David Silver (her father). Photo by Kimberly Goff.
Newly-installed Ai Weiwei sculpture installation. "White Night" atmosphere. Photo by Owen Hoffmann for Patrick McMullan. Image courtesy LongHouse Reserve.
Jack Lenor Larsen, Founder of LongHouse Reserve, in a playful moment. Photo by Kimberly Goff.
Ceramicist Bob Bachler, Mary Blake and painter Barbara Groot. Photo by Pat Rogers.
"White Night" atmosphere. Photo by Patrick McMullan. Image courtesy LongHouse Reserve.
Dianne Benson, President of the Board, LongHouse, Reserve. Photo by Kimberly Goff.
Architect Lee Skolnick with newly-installed sculpture by Alice Aycock. Photo by Kimberly Goff.
Detail of sculpture by Alice Aycock. Photo by Kimberly Goff.
Julie Stone and Jay Schneiderman, Suffolk County Legislator. Photo by Kimberly Goff.
Corset dresses and ceramics. Photo by Kimberly Goff.
Artists Mary Heilmann and Liz Markus. Photo by Kimberly Goff.
Author CY Wilder, Peter Olsen, and Suzanne LaFleur. Photo by Kimberly Goff.
Dance performance by Clymene Baugher and Prentice Whitlow for Elisa Monte Dance. Photo by Kimberly Goff.
Dance performance by Clymene Baugher and Prentice Whitlow for Elisa Monte Dance. Photo by Kimberly Goff.
Dance performance by Clymene Baugher and Prentice Whitlow for Elisa Monte Dance. Photo by Kimberly Goff.
Architect Richard Meier and "White Night" Honoree. Photo by Kimberly Goff.
Simone Hossack, Tina Maria Birch, and Yuta Powell. Photo by Patrick McMullan. Image courtesy LongHouse Reserve.
Steve Gould, Bonnie Grice of WPPB Radio and curator Elena Prohaska Glynn. Photo by Kimberly Goff.
Dinner Atmosphere. Photo by Patrick McMullan. Image courtesy LongHouse Reserve.
Sussan Deyhim performs. Photo by Owen Hoffmann for Patrick McMullan. Image courtesy LongHouse Reserve.
Sussan Deyhim performing. Photo by Pat Rogers.
Artist Frank Stella presented some of the buildings designed by architect Richard Meier during the introduction of his long-time friend. Meier credited Stella for encouraging Meier's efforts as a painter during his Honoree speech. Photo by Pat Rogers.
BASIC FACTS: The Longhouse Reserve is located at 133 Hands Creek Road, East Hampton, NY 11937. www.longhouse.org.
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