BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY.- Art Hamptons concluded its 9th edition, reporting strong attendance and sales. Returning for the second time to a private estate in Bridgehampton, the Hamptons’ longest running fair demonstrated its strength as a leading modern and contemporary art fair, drawing crowds of roughly 6,500 attendees throughout the weekend. In its first year under the leadership of Urban Expositions, the 2016 edition included a significant number of returning exhibitors – with nearly 70% returning from previous years, alongside new exhibitors, including a contingent of Cuban galleries. Art Hamptons 2016 closed on a high note Sunday, with the majority of exhibitors reporting robust sales, and guests enjoying the luxurious location behind the hedges on the private estate grounds of Maria and Kenneth Fishel - amongst some of the most exclusive real estate the Hamptons has to offer.

Ultimately, Art Hamptons demonstrated significant activity for art collecting in the Hamptons. Nearly all of the 56 international exhibitors reported strong sales, citing acquisitions by many New York collectors. John Andrulis of Urban Gallery, Philadelphia, noting the sale of a large acrylic, oil and resin canvas by Dana James to a Manhattan collector who resides on Central Park South. Emmanuel Fremin Gallery sold close to $100,000 and had one of the first sales of the fair with Antoine Rose’s “Spiagge Bianche Study”, also noting the sale of a Panda Sculpture from Taiwanese artist Hung Yi, (whose work will be on display in Times Square for the City of New York in September) and about 10 more paintings and sculptures. Bert Van Zetten of Villa del Arte Galleries, Spain, also described great sales success and enthusiastically proclaimed “We have done this fair since the beginning and are looking forward to coming back again next year!”

Art Hamptons has demonstrated a long standing spirit of philanthropy, and this year was no exception. The Opening Night benefited both LongHouse Reserve and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation. “We are very grateful to Art Hamptons for their continued support for our work," said Samuel Waxman, M.D., Founder and CEO of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation. "Marion and I, along with Maria and Kenneth Fishel, are proud to be on the Art Hamptons Host Committee and greatly appreciate being named a beneficiary of the opening night preview." Dianne B., President of LongHouse Reserve Board additionally stated, “The spacious setting with its many amenities was a boon to exhibitions, while the ambitious gathering of international galleries gave Art Hamptons the sophisticated atmosphere of a world-class art fair. LongHouse was pleased to be a participant in this exciting production.”

The presence of Premier sponsor Sotheby’s International Realty was a highlight at the fair, with Regional Manager Frank Newbold taking part in the welcoming remarks and ribbon cutting ceremony prior to the First Look and VIP preview on Thursday, June 23. Adding to the luxury experience of the fair, Supporting Sponsor Porsche was onsite with a host of luxury vehicles, creating a perfect welcome for guests entering the fair, while the Roche Bobois designed VIP lounge established a dynamic setting for much of the fair’s special events and programming, including Saturday’s insightful panel, Cuban Art Today, a discussion on the societal, cultural, and economic changes in and outside of Cuba during the last couple of decades, presented by Galeria Habana, Cuba. Carole Rosenberg, President of American Friends of the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba - building cultural bridges between the U.S. and Cuba for 16 years - noted, “It was a great pleasure to be a cultural partner of Art Hamptons and work with Luis Miret, director of Galeria Habana to present a Spotlight exhibition Artchipelago, (because every artist is an island) featuring Cuban Contemporary Art. We had an excellent response and many of the works we selected found new homes in the tri-state area”.

Many programming events were location-specific to Art Hampton’s East End locale, with LA-based curator Peter Frank and artist and educator Ariene Bujese leading tours of the fair; and Helen Harrison (Director of the Pollock-Krasner House and Studio), Christina Strassfield (Museum Director and Chief Curator, Guild Hall), Dawn Watson (journalist and photographer) and moderator Pat Rogers (Publisher and Managing Editor, Hamptons Art Hub) engaging in a panel discussion about the historical and contemporary draw of the Hamptons for artists. Catering to the strong Cuban contingent at the fair, Cuban Art Today was a highlight of the exhibitor-based programming. Carole Rosenberg, President of American Friends of the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba stated, ‘Our presentation, Cuban Art Today with artist, art historian and educator Tonel drew a large and interested crowd. We are all delighted to have had the opportunity to share the Cuban art scene with so many visitors to Art Hamptons”. Other events, including book signings, presentations by artists and galleries, and the discussion “Artful Living: Passionate Pursuit or Investment – or Both?” addressed acquiring artwork and curating a collection.

Reflecting on this year’s fair, Vice President of Art Group, Urban Expeditions, Donna Davies recognized the positive and contributive place Art Hamptons has created in the Hamptons and beyond as the longest running art fair in the area. As Donna Davies notes, “Urban Expeditions was extremely happy to participate in Art Hamptons this year and pleased to note the positive reception the fair holds with both local and international exhibitors and collectors”.