Some museum galleries downplay local artists, but not Guild Hall in East Hampton. Now in its 73rd year, its Clothesline Art Sale will host the work of 400 artists — most of them residents of the East End — on Saturday. Open with free admission from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can purchase paintings, drawings, collage, and small sculptures as well as jewelry and furniture in a Makers Market, in the Cheryl and Michael Minikes Garden.
With its dedicated local focus, the Clothesline Art Sale is the event that Jennifer Brondo, Guild Hall's general manager, credits with transforming her conceptions about art. When asked if she had always had a passion for serving the community, Ms. Brondo replied that she always knew she had a love for theater but has developed a passion for community events through her work at Guild Hall. The Clothesline Art Sale is an example of the kind of event that Guild Hall has taught her to love. It serves not only to build publicity for local artists, but to give community members the opportunity to own the next great work of art for a price between $75 and $2,200.
Because Guild Hall and artists each take 50 percent of profits from the sale, the Clothesline Art Sale raises money both for local artists’ future projects as well as Guild Hall’s popular programs, many of which offer free admission. The event is very valuable to the East Hampton community, as shown by the orange countdown banner on Guild Hall’s website and its place as Ms. Brondo's favorite day of the year. While the Clothesline Art Sale is free to attend, there will be opportunities to make donations to Guild Hall throughout the day.