Updated: July 11, 2009, 11:34 pm

24th Annual Artists Studio Tour Spotlights Preview Exhibit

Tour Runs July 3 to July 12

By Edward Callaghan

Painting by Rosalind Brenner, participating studio tour artist in the 24th Annual AAEH Artist Studio Tour. Images courtesy of artists and AAEH

East Hampton - The 24th Annual Artists Studio Tour of the Hamptons, slated for July 9, July 10 and July 11, spotlights a special Artist Alliance of East Hampton (AAEH) Members Exhibition July 3 through July 12 at Ashawagh Hall, on Springs Fireplace Road in East Hampton, offering previews of works by participating studio tour artists.

Brochure announcing this year's AAEH Artist Studio Tour.

The Opening Reception for the Members Show will be held on July 3, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For the 24th year, over 30 members of the AAEH will open their studios to the public for a unique experience of observing the artists in their studios and their creative process. One of the largest studio tours in the Northeast and recognized as the "Best Art Event in the Hamptons," the tour draws hundreds of visitors from the tri-state area and even internationally.

One of the most famous art communities in the country, the Hamptons has seen the likes of William Merritt Chase, Thomas Moran, Willem de Kooning and Roy Lichtenstein to present day artists April Gornik and Eric Fischl open their studios to the community throughout the years. The AAEH Studio Tour nods to that tradition, "This summer tour provides an exclusive opportunity to visit the studios, homes, and gardens of established and exciting emerging artists," said Phyllis Hammond, artist and President of the AAEH, and Phyllis would know, as a well respected artist her studio has been on the tour for many years.

The 24th annual Artists Tour of the Hamptons is dedicated to the spirits of artists and Artist Alliance members Norman Mercer, Claus Hoie, and Elizabeth Delson.

A three-day tour pass is $60 for two, allowing visitors access to the studios on the tour, admission to a special Artists and Patrons Reception on Saturday, July 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Ashawagh Hall, and attendance on Sunday, July 12, at a special bonus free lecture at 1 p.m. to be provided by Golden Artist Colors, also at Ashawagh Hall.

Artist Roy Kinzer will introduce the vast potential and versatility of acrylics. Exciting new products, such as Digital Mixed Media, which allows the merging of digital printing with paint, will be demonstrated and free samples and literature given out. With one ticket, two tour patrons can go at their own pace, for one day or all three; visit some or all of the studios in any order that is convenient. The studios will be open each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Proceeds from the Studio Tour will support AAEH's programs and members services.

Sculpture by Phyllis Hammond, President of AAEH and participating studio tour artist.

The special members show will include works by AAEH members as well as all of the Studio Tour artists, so that visitors can browse the art, meet the artists and choose the studios they want to visit in advance of their self-guided tour selections. One of the most exciting parts of a self-guided tour such as this is deciding where to begin. Studios are located across the Hamptons - from Southampton to Amagansett, and from Sag Harbor to East Hampton, so it's easy to find a starting point nearest you.
Tour guests can also check out the tour website at www.artistsstudiotour.org and browse through the list of participating artists including Ruth Rogers Altmann, Ted Asnis, Nicole Bigar, Ann Brandeis, Rosalind Brenner, Rob Calvert, Michael Cardacino, Philippe Cheng, James DeMartis, Bernice Faegenburg, Barbara Groot, Salvatore Gulla, Phyllis Hammond, Jana Hayden, Jim Hayden, Anne Holton, Michael Knigin, Joan Kraisky, Kimberly McSparran, Mark Mulholland, Irina Ourusoff, Mark Perry, Alyce Peifer, Cheryl Riley, Gene Samuelson, Frank Sofo, Joe Strand, Ursula Thomas and Mark Zimmerman to find the artists they would be most interested in visiting.

"The Tour is an important fundraiser for the Artists Alliance and the tax-deductible ticket helps fund art classes and scholarships for local students among other good causes," said Hammond. "It is also a perfect way to discover and enjoy the beauty of the Hamptons." The Hamptons thrives as an artists community where artists, dealers, and patrons gather year-round to explore creativity and find inspiration in this wondrous place, the Studio Tour is a chance unlike any other to be part of it all.

A vital part of the tour is the interaction between tour guests and the artists. The chance to ask artists direct questions about their work outside of a gallery setting is a wonderful opportunity for collectors and art aficionados alike. The tour also provides participating artists with the opportunity to receive feedback from potential patrons. Artwork will be available for sale at each studio.

The Members exhibition will be held at Ashawagh Hall, on Old Stone Highway and Springs Fireplace Road, in the historic heart of The Springs. Gallery hours are 12 noon to 6 p.m. daily. Admission to the members exhibition is free.

Artists Studio Tour tickets for two persons at $60 per couple can be purchased at Ashawagh Hall, all Bookhampton stores in Amagansett, Southampton, East Hampton and Sag Harbor; Golden Eagle in East Hampton; Mixed Media in Amagansett; Sylvester & Co. in Sag Harbor or from the AAEH on line at www.ArtistsStudioTour.org or 631-324-2225 fax 631-324-1922 or info@aaeh.org.