The Springs Improvement Society's 49th Annual Springs Invitational Art Exhibit opened to a crowd on August 5, 2016 at Ashawagh Hall in Springs, located outside of East Hampton Village. This year's edition was curated by artist Nicholas Tarr who selected artists throughout The Hamptons, extending the artist pool of invites for inclusion in the show.
Typically, the Springs Invitational centers on showcasing artists from East Hampton and the surrounding areas as a homage to both Ashawagh Hall's storied artist history and its present as a venue providing artists with a constant home to self-host exhibitions. Historic artists who have presented art on the walls include Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, James Brooks and many others.
This year, the Invitational honored artists Margaret Kerr, Adrienne Mim, Alexander Russo and Athos Zacharias for their long standing devotion to making art. Also honored was Ellie Becker for her years of service to the community. Exhibition programming included live music, film and poetry readings held on the first two weekends of the show.
The Opening Reception drew the Hamptons artist community out in force with a crowd made up of artists and supporters of the area visual art scene. The Springs Invitational is a fundraiser for the Springs Improvement Society who manages and maintains Ashawagh Hall, a beloved spot for artists to exhibit their work outside of the traditional Hamptons gallery circuit.
Continue scrolling to see some of the exhibiting artists and scenes from the Opening Reception of the Springs Invitational. The show continues through Sunday, August 21, 2016.
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Tracy Harris. Photo by Tom Kochie.
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Artist and Springs Invitational Curator Nick Tarr. Photo by Tom Kochie.
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49th Annual Springs Invitational Art Exhibit. Photo by Tom Kochie.
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David Slater. Photo by Tom Kochie.
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Eric Ernst with wife Sarah and daughter Haden. Photo by Tom Kochie.
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49th Annual Springs Invitational Art Exhibit. Photo by Tom Kochie.
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Sage Cotignola. Photo by Tom Kochie.
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Ann Chwatsky. Photo by Tom Kochie.
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49th Annual Springs Invitational Art Exhibit. Photo by Tom Kochie.
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Elaine Grove. Photo by Tom Kochie.
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Will Ryan. Photo by Tom Kochie.
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Elyse Grant. Photo by Tom Kochie.
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49th Annual Springs Invitational Art Exhibit. Photo by Tom Kochie.
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Amy Ernst. Photo by Tom Kochie.
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Scott Bluedorn & Meghan Barnes. Photo by Tom Kochie.
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49th Annual Springs Invitational Art Exhibit. Photo by Tom Kochie.
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BASIC FACTS: The 49th Annual Springs Invitational Art Exhibit remains on view through August 21, 2016. Ashawagh Hall is located at 780 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton, NY 11937. www.ashawagh-hall.org.
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