On the evening of August 17th, 2024, the Southampton Arts Center (SAC) hosted the ninth annual SummerFest Gala. This annual event, now a staple of Southampton’s social calendar, has become synonymous with elegance, philanthropy, and a deep commitment to the arts. The 2024 gala was a particularly special occasion, as it honored Jamee and Peter Gregory with the prestigious Champions of the Arts Award for their exceptional leadership in the Southampton community and their unwavering dedication to SAC. The event was a resounding success, raising over $700,000 to support SAC’s year-round programming, ensuring that the arts will continue to thrive in the Hamptons for years to come.
Attending on behalf of The Untitled Magazine, Indira Cesarine, editor-in-chief, joined 355 distinguished guests, including SAC board members, notable supporters, and luminaries of the art world. The evening began with a captivating cocktail reception, where guests were treated to culinary delights from some of the finest East End establishments. The array of offerings included tantalizing small plates from Amalfi, Bamboo, Clamman, El Verano, Golden Pear, Hampton Events and Gifts, Hamptons Catered Affairs, Party Perfectionists, Saaz, and Shippy’s. As attendees sipped on Aphrodise, they mingled under the soft glow of the setting sun, the perfect prelude to an evening dedicated to celebrating art and community.
One of the highlights of the reception was the opportunity to explore Couples Squared, a groundbreaking exhibition guest-curated by the renowned Phyllis Tuchman. On view at SAC through September 14th, the exhibition delves into the inspiring dynamics between couples, both past and present, who have influenced and motivated one another. The exhibition, which includes an array of artistic expressions from various couples—husbands and wives, partners, and creative duos—offered a profound reflection on how love and collaboration can drive artistic innovation. For many guests, this exhibition was a poignant reminder of the very connections that SAC seeks to foster within the community.
As twilight descended, the guests transitioned to the garden, where a sumptuous dinner by Acquolina awaited. The garden, adorned with twinkling fairy lights and elegant pink floral arrangements, provided a magical setting that perfectly complemented the evening’s significance. The atmosphere was one of warmth and intimacy, with the beauty of the surroundings mirroring the heartfelt celebrations of the evening.
Among the notable attendees were cultural icons and community leaders such as Roberta Amon, Ann and Keith Barish, Candace Bushnell, Heather Borstein, Sylvia Hemingway, Kim Heirston, Jane Holzer, Heather Ibrahim-Leathers, Elyn Kronemeyer, Joan Morgan McGivern, Fern Mallis, Chris and Richard Mack, Mayor Bill Manger, John Paulson and Alina de Almeida, Fairley Pilaro, Aima Raza, Ugo Rondinone, Jane Rosenblum, Kara Ross, Peter Thomas Roth, Nicole and Allen Salmasi, Siamak Samii, Rebecca Seawright, Jean Shafiroff, Ramona Singer, J. Whitney Stevens, Christina Strassfield, Paul Travis, Stefano Tonchi, Helena and Rob Vahradian, Paula Viscogliosi, Marcy and Michael Warren, and Bettina Zilkha. Their presence underscored the deep connections between SAC and the broader Southampton community, highlighting how the arts serve as a vital thread in the fabric of this vibrant village.
The evening took on a particularly meaningful note as Southampton Mayor William Manger Jr. took the stage to present a proclamation to Jamee and Peter Gregory. His words were a fitting tribute to the couple’s dedication to the arts and the community. “Whereas the Village of Southampton wishes to recognize Jamee and Peter Gregory for their generous commitment to the Southampton Arts Center and our entire community,” he began, “and whereas Jamee and Peter brought to Southampton a desire to share their fondness of cultural things by way of supporting the mission of the Southampton Arts Center, SAC, which has committed to community building through the arts.” The proclamation was a testament to the impact that Jamee and Peter Gregory have had on Southampton, not only through their support of SAC but also through their broader efforts to enrich the cultural life of the community.
Jamee Gregory’s acceptance speech was a heartfelt tribute to her and Peter’s longstanding love affair with Southampton. “My husband, Peter, first brought me here in 1971, and when I saw Southampton, it was love at first sight—the incredible light that has inspired artists for hundreds of years, the pristine beaches, the lovely homes, and a welcoming community. It was magic,” she reminisced. Her words resonated deeply with those in attendance, capturing the essence of what makes Southampton not just a place, but a cherished haven for art and culture. Although Peter Gregory was unable to attend the event, Jamee shared his sentiments with the guests, reflecting on how the cultural landscape of the Hamptons has evolved since his first visit in 1949. “When I first came to the Hamptons in 1949, there were two cultural institutions between Montauk and Bellport: the Guild Hall where you had occasional summer stock productions, and the Parrish where you had Samuel Parrish’s permanent collection. How things have changed over the years. We have been very lucky to have a vibrant cultural life in the Hamptons,” she read from Peter’s remarks.
The evening was marked by stellar performances from Tony Award-winner Adrienne Warren and Broadway star Jessica Vosk. Their electrifying acts left the audience in awe, a fitting finale to a night dedicated to the celebration of artistic excellence. The performances were not just a showcase of talent but a reminder of the transformative power of the arts—one that SAC has championed since its inception.
The funds raised from this year’s SummerFest Gala will enable SAC to continue its mission of community building through the arts. With four world-class exhibitions and 150 diverse programs offered annually, SAC remains a beacon of culture in the Hamptons, enriching lives through film, music, dance, theater, children’s events, talks, wellness programs, and workshops. With over 45,000 visitors each year, SAC’s impact on the local community and beyond is undeniable. The organization’s efforts not only foster artistic expression but also support local businesses, contributing to the overall vitality of the Southampton village.
Reflecting on the evening, The Southampton Arts Center, under the guidance of supporters like Jamee and Peter Gregory, will continue to be the heartbeat of the community—a place where art, culture, and community converge to create something truly magical. “SAC has become the beating heart of our community, offering programs for everyone from the youngest to the age of people like us. There’s energy pulsing from this building,” Jamee Gregory had remarked earlier in the evening, a sentiment that echoes the spirit of SAC’s mission.
For more information about Southampton Arts Center, visit southamptonartscenter.org or follow them on social media @southamptonartscenter.
