An Evening of Art and Community in New York
New York, NY (May 11, 2026) – LongHouse Reserve hosted its annual Artist’s Cocktail reception to announce plans for its upcoming Summer Benefit, Beautopia, taking place on June 27. Hosts Greg McCarthy and Peter Bickford welcomed more than 80 guests to their Fifth Avenue residence for the special evening celebrating art, community, and philanthropy.
Now in its third year, the pre-gala reception gives LongHouse Reserve Board members the opportunity to personally meet and thank the artists contributing works to the annual benefit auction.
“One of the greatest pleasures of recent weeks is getting to know all the different artists that bring so much joy to LongHouse,” said Lara Sweeney, the newly appointed Executive Director of LongHouse Reserve. “More than 60 artists are contributing to our gala auction.”
LongHouse Reserve Board President Louis Bradbury praised Sweeney’s early impact on the organization.
“Lara only started about a month ago, but already she has brought such energy and enthusiasm to LongHouse,” he said. “As we look ahead to this year’s gala and the future of the gardens and programs, it’s exciting to have her helping lead this next chapter for the organization.”
Beautopia Theme Celebrates Nature and Creativity
Gael Towey, Gala Co-Chair and Board member, shared details about this year’s event theme and honorees.
“Utopia is the party theme this year,” Towey said. “It reflects the way nature and art communicate in the garden. This year’s honorees, both of whom are here tonight, are artist Sean Scully, recognized for his contributions to contemporary abstraction and whose sculpture is currently on view at LongHouse, and Bruce Horten, recognized for his decades-long commitment to our organization and the arts.”
Raisa Lopez-Rhoden, Gala Co-Chair and Board member, emphasized the importance of the annual benefit to LongHouse Reserve’s mission.
“Our benefit is our largest fundraiser at LongHouse,” she said. “It’s an important event for the community, helping us reinvest in our gardens.”
Artists Featured in the Benefit Auction
Board members attending the reception included Nicholas Apps, David Fink, Michael D. Jones, and Peter Olsen, alongside many of the artists participating in the gala exhibition and auction.
Works by a distinguished group of artists will be featured during the benefit, including John Alexander, Ross Bleckner, Scott Bluedorn, Mary Boochever, Stephanie Brody-Lederman, Philippe Cheng, Liz Collins, Renée Cox, David Kennedy Cutler, Barbara Dayton, Peter Dayton, Michael De Feo, Christopher Robin Duncan, Sandi Haber Fifield, Robin Gianis, Nina Gillman, Jim Gingerich, Philip Guston, Melinda Hackett, John Haubrich, Alice Hope, Nicholes Howey, Fitzhugh Karol, Alex Katz, Donghwan Kim, Gaston Lachaise, Laurie Lambrecht, Christa Maiwald, Mica Marder, Mark Mennin, J. Oscar Molina, Jill Moser, Robert Motherwell, Eileen O’Kane Kornreich, Jill Platner, Dalton Portella, Gabriele Raacke, Marko Remec, Cheryl R. Riley, Ugo Rondinone, Alexander Russi, Adrian Schachter, Kenny Schachter, Bastienne Schmidt, Sean Scully, Bruce Sherman, Drew Shiflett, Jonathan Shlafer, Janice Stanton, Hiroko Takeda, Bill Tansey, Aurelio Torres, William Tucker, Vadis Turner, Claire Watson, Jeff Lion Weinstock, Lucy Winton, Jason Bard Yarmosky, and Almond Zigmund. Additional artists are expected to be announced.
For tickets and additional information about Beautopia, visit: LongHouse Reserve Beautopia Summer Benefit
About LongHouse Reserve
LongHouse Reserve is a 16-acre public sculpture garden and cultural destination in East Hampton founded by artist and textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen. Established in 1975, LongHouse was created as a living example of how art, nature, design, and daily life can coexist harmoniously.
The property features preserved native landscapes, curated plant collections, and more than 60 outdoor sculptures. LongHouse Reserve has become a center for art, wellness, and education, encouraging visitors to experience art within natural and domestic settings.
Larsen later expanded the property with a modernist residence inspired by the 7th-century Shinto shrine at Ise, Japan. The home was designed in collaboration with architect Charles Forberg and built by Joe Tufariello, further reflecting Larsen’s vision of LongHouse as a place for creativity, contemplation, and community engagement.
For more information, visit LongHouse Reserve Official Website
