Seven women with a passion for art and literature, all residents of the Sag Harbor Hills, Azurest, and Ninevah communities, came together three years ago to plan an art show and book signing, now in its third incarnation.
Andrea Cottman, Beverly Granger, Gwen Hankins, Victoria Pinderhughes, Jennifer Segre, Paula Taylor, and Olivia White will host Celebrating Creatives of Color on Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. at the intersection of Harbor Avenue and Harboy Place in Sag Harbor Hills.
It arose from a conviction that while eastern Long Island, and especially Sag Harbor, has been a haven for artists and writers, many of them have had limited opportunities to interact and share their creative efforts with the general public.
"Our art show and book-signing event is more than just a physical exhibition; it is a platform for empowerment, representation, and inspiration," according to its website. "By supporting and appreciating the artwork and books on display, you contribute to a movement that recognizes and values the immense contributions of artists and writers of color."
This year's participants are Saleem Abdal-Khaaliq, Linda Anderson, Nancy Brandon, Akili Buchanan, Martin Butler, Michael Butler, Greta Chapin-McGill, Linsey Davis, Jeremy Dennis, Ms. Granger, Amy Henriques, Judith Henriques-Adams, Michael Jelks, Judy Jenkins, Djassi DaCosta Johnson, Barry Mason, Paula Nailor, John Pinderhughes, Victoria Pinderhughes, Paula Rainer, Beverly Nunes Ramsay, Ermani Silva, Kamoy Smalling, and Sharon Van Liempt.
Michael Butler, a self-taught Sag Harbor artist whose works often depict "imagined realities" of a historical nature, said, "Community art shows are really important and crucial to keeping artistic dialogs alive. . . . They pull people together that you may not have seen in a while, educate about fine art, and provide exposure to a variety of artists."
Included will be painters, photographers, jewelry-makers, ceramicists, and writers.
As in years past, 10 percent of sales benefit a charity of the hosts' choice. This year's recipient is the Southampton African American Museum, which originally functioned as a virtual museum, holding programs at various venues in Southampton Village, until 2021, when it opened its brick-and-mortar site in a former Black barbershop.
Other community sponsors are the Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center, The Church, and the Eastville Community Historical Society.
A donation of $5 has been suggested. If it rains, it will take place on Sunday from 2 to 6.
