LongHouse Reserve’s MidSummer Dream Benefit Honors Mary Heilmann and A.M. Homes
LongHouse Reserve, a captivating haven for art and nature enthusiasts, recently hosted its much awaited Annual Summer Benefit. The event served as a delightful tribute to the profound artistic legacy of renowned artist Mary Heilmann and the literary genius of A.M. Homes. Gala Chairs Dianne Benson, Cindy Sherman, and Robert Wilson, along with Art Chairs Pamela Willoughby and George Negroponte, welcomed a stellar lineup of guests, including Alice Aycock, Candace Bushnell, Rosanne Cash, Renee Cox, Bill T. Jones, Laurie Lambrecht, Sophie Chahinian, Robert Longo, Lisa Perry, and G.E. Smith, among others, for an unforgettable evening themed MidSummer Dream.
Immersed in Wonder: An Enchanting Evening
Guests were welcomed into a whimsical world of wonder as they traversed sand dunes, setting the stage for the magic ahead. Pop-up performances delighted attendees at every turn, with stilt walkers, musicians, dancers, a horse rider, and even a merman gracefully gliding through the pool. Trapeze aerialists and acrobats roamed the lush gardens, adding to the surreal ambiance that only LongHouse Reserve could create.
Art at Every Turn: A Visual Feast
The entire sixteen acre grounds of LongHouse Reserve became an open canvas for artistic expression. Wyatt Kahn and Fitzhugh Karol, both in attendance, showcased new works, sparking conversation and inspiration throughout the evening. The event also featured impressive loans from prominent artists Daniel Arsham and Ai Weiwei, adding an international dimension to the already diverse collection. LongHouse’s permanent works, including pieces by Buckminster Fuller, Sol LeWitt, and Yoko Ono, among others, proved equally awe inspiring.
Empowering Education: A Night of Philanthropy
The evening was not only a celebration of art and literature but also a genuine philanthropic endeavor. The art auction, featuring works by visionary artists such as Laurie Anderson, Cindy Sherman, and Kiki Smith, among others, raised funds to support education initiatives at LongHouse Reserve. With a continued commitment to nurturing creativity in all its forms, the organization remains dedicated to inspiring both children and adults alike.
Carrying on Jack Lenor Larsen’s Vision
The late LongHouse founder, Jack Lenor Larsen, was a visionary who believed in embracing the new and the unconventional. His legacy continues to guide LongHouse Reserve, propelling it from a private residence into a fully public institution with expanded days and hours. Nina Gillman, the Board President, eloquently recalled Jack’s own words, to be relevant, not reverent, as the driving force behind the organization’s continued progress.
Honoring Mary Heilmann: A Journey Through Colors
A.M. Homes introduced honoree Mary Heilmann, praising her work as an invitation to luxuriate in the present moment. Heilmann’s paintings, reminiscent of catching a perfect wave, seamlessly merge chaos and tranquility into artistic mastery. Her vibrant, expressive creations resonate deeply with those who view them, cementing her status as an artist of genuine significance.
A.M. Homes: Where Art Meets AI
In an intriguing blend of art and technology, Laurie Anderson introduced A.M. Homes’s exploration of talking trees through artificial intelligence. Homes’s unique perspective and intense curiosity find expression in this work, as she delves into the evolving world of AI. She has spoken of being fascinated by the technology’s tendency to produce a mix of the moronic and the profound, an unpredictability that continues to inspire her to embrace this new creative frontier.
A Legacy of Beauty and Inspiration
What continues to distinguish this event is how directly it channels its founder’s original spirit into every detail of the evening. Jack Lenor Larsen’s influence on A.M. Homes’s early life serves as a reminder of just how deeply art shapes perception and nurtures creativity, a thread that ran through every performance, installation, and conversation held on the grounds that night.
A Journey Forward: Embracing Change
LongHouse Reserve’s journey from strength to strength reflects its fearless embrace of change, a spirit inherited directly from its founder. With Dianne Benson leading the way, the institution continues to evolve, deepening its engagement with the community, expanding programming, and attracting an ever growing circle of supporters.
An Evening to Remember: A True MidSummer Dream
The Summer Benefit at LongHouse Reserve transcended the boundaries of a typical gala. It was an evening of dreams, beauty, and the celebration of artistry. From the enchanting performances to the awe inspiring artworks, each moment stood as a testament to the enduring power of art and literature to shape our lives, enrich our souls, and bring us together in joyous harmony. The event’s resounding success, raising more than $650,000, reaffirms LongHouse Reserve’s mission to foster creativity and leave a lasting impact on generations to come.
