Second Art Fair Opens in Bridgehampton

Just when you thought it was all over…a new art fair opens bringing more art, more galleries and another art fair experience to the Hamptons.

artMRKT Hamptons opens with a benefit preview party on Thursday, July 14. The fair continues through July 17. artMRKT is being held on the Bridgehampton Historical Society’s grounds adjacent to Montauk Highway. This is the same grassy area ArtHamptons began its fair four years ago.

artMRKT Hamptons is presenting modern and contemporary art. Around 33 galleries from the United States are participating in the fair. Artists pull from the Long Island, national and international pools.

Many galleries are based in New York City’s various gallery districts. Having Hamptons galleries in the fair makes it possible to see, within walking distance, excerpts of exhibitions in East Hampton, Southampton, Shelter Island and Water Mill.

There may be a slight undercurrent of Brooklyn vibe to the fair: artMRKT founders Max Fishko and Jeffrey Wainhause are based in Brooklyn. Fishko is a third-generation Manhattan gallery family. Wainhause hails from the business world.

Fishko believes there are enough art lovers to fill two art fairs in Bridgehampton, he said. The Hamptons attracts New York City art fans (and others) who are relaxing instead of working, Fishko said. Down time may allow for art viewing that’s not as possible while juggling work and life, he said.

Exhibiting galleries include Black & White Gallery/Project Space in Brooklyn; 101 exhibit from Miami, FL; Museum Works Gallery from Chicago, IL and others. For a full line-up, see www.art-mrkt.com/hamptons.

Leila Heller Gallery from New York will have work inside the fair tents and on the grounds. They are presenting the site-specific artwork, “Billboard” by sculptor Alexis Laurent. He is based in San Francisco, CA.

“Billboard” appears like a “U-shaped wall” and stretches 15 feet long, 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide, according to Leila Heller Gallery. It was constructed with steel boxes housing more than 1,000 plants and has windows to allow gazing through the structure, according to the gallery.

artMRKT Hamptons is the second of a trio of art fairs debuting this year for artMRKT. A fair was held in San Francisco in May. Another will be held in Houston in October.

artMRKT Hamptons will be held from July 14 to 17 at the Bridgehampton Historical Society grounds. An opening night preview on July 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. benefits Southampton Hospital. A VIP Preview Party immediately follows from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets for the benefit are $100. Fair tickets are $15 per day or $25 for a three-day pass.

On Saturday, a Premium Rum Tasting with art fair walk-around will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The event is open to VIP pass holders in the VIP Lounge.

pat rogers

Pat Rogers is a freelance writer specializing in arts and culture on Long Island. When not going to art openings or interviewing actors or musicians, she’s looking for the next interesting story.