LONGHOUSE RESERVE HONORS SEAN SCULLY AND BRUCE HORTEN AT ANNUAL “BEAUTOPIA” SUMMER BENEFIT
LongHouse Reserve welcomed more than 300 guests to its annual Summer Benefit, “Beautopia,” on June 27, bringing together artists, collectors, philanthropists, and supporters in East Hampton for an evening celebrating the intersection of art, nature, and community. This year’s benefit honored internationally acclaimed artist Sean Scully and philanthropist Dr. Bruce Horten while raising funds to support LongHouse’s educational and public programs, stewardship of its renowned sculpture gardens, and the preservation of founder Jack Lenor Larsen’s home.
Art historian Joachim Pissarro presented Scully with his award, recognizing the artist’s longstanding contributions to contemporary art. Reflecting on his connection to the East End landscape, Scully remarked, “I’m very inspired by nature. It’s a very similar story to Picasso and Matisse, who started out in dirty old Paris, toughing it out, and when they became successful they moved to the South of France. What I’ve done is move out here.”
LongHouse President Louis Bradbury presented Dr. Bruce Horten’s honor, recognizing his decades-long commitment to both medicine and the arts. Bradbury highlighted Horten’s distinguished career as a medical pathologist and his lasting support of cultural institutions alongside his late partner Aaron Lieber, noting their shared dedication to making art and music accessible to broader audiences.
The evening also marked an important milestone for LongHouse Reserve under the leadership of new Executive Director Lara Sweeney. Addressing attendees, Sweeney reflected on her first months with the institution, describing LongHouse as “more than an arts center, more than a garden,” emphasizing its role as a place where education, creativity, healing, and community come together. She spoke about the organization’s free school programs, its support of artists, and the impact the gardens have had on visitors, including veterans living with PTSD.
The event’s immersive “Beautopia” theme was brought to life by Gala Co-Chairs Raisa Lopez-Rhoden and Gael Towey, who transformed the grounds with vibrant floral-inspired décor, seasonal cuisine, and colorful installations throughout the property. Lopez-Rhoden, who celebrated her own wedding at LongHouse five years ago, reflected on the organization’s importance to the East Hampton community and the collective effort required to sustain its mission.
Guests included artist Renée Cox, photographer Laurie Lambrecht, trend forecaster Faith Popcorn, artist Bastienne Schmidt, architect Lee Skolnick, Edwina von Gal, The Untitled Magazine’s Indira Cesarine, along with LongHouse trustees, collectors, patrons, and supporters from across the art and design worlds.
A centerpiece of the evening was LongHouse’s annual art auction, organized by Dianne Benson, featuring works by an extensive roster of contemporary and modern artists. Highlights included pieces by Daniel Arsham, Ross Bleckner, Liz Collins, Michael De Feo, Philip Guston, Alex Katz, Esther Mahlangu, Robert Motherwell, Ugo Rondinone, Sean Scully, Ai Weiwei, Jack Youngerman, and many others, reflecting the institution’s broad engagement with established and emerging voices across contemporary art.
Founded by artist, collector, textile designer, and weaver Jack Lenor Larsen, LongHouse Reserve spans 16 acres of gardens and outdoor sculpture in East Hampton. The property features more than 60 permanent works alongside rotating installations by internationally recognized artists, offering visitors an environment where landscape, architecture, and contemporary art coexist. As LongHouse continues to expand its public programming and preservation efforts, the annual Summer Benefit remains one of its most important fundraising events, supporting its mission to inspire living with art in all forms.
Photos courtesy Getty Images, and BFA.
