April 27, 2013 Wilfred Joseph

The beauty of Long Island has attracted generations before us. The vastness of the sea can make us reflect on the meaning of our lives and our place in the universe. At least, it had that effect on some of the greatest abstract and landscape artists of our time. If you enjoy expressionism, go see the LongHouse Reserve (133 Hands Creek Road, East Hampton).

Black Mirror, water feature by Ray Smith & Assoc. at the LongHouse
Black Mirror, water feature by Ray Smith & Assoc. at the LongHouse

The grounds include a large garden and sculpture park with works by Buckminster Fuller, Dale Chihuly, Willem de Kooning and Yoko Ono. Founded by the textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen (who still lives there, according to employees), the reserve’s nearly 16 acres are open to the public Wednesdays through Saturdays during the summer. Good news for you: the LongHouse is uncrowded, despite the magnitude of the works housed there.
Nearby is the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center (830 Springs-Fireplace Road, East Hampton). Famed abstract artist Jackson Pollock and his wife, Lee Krasner, also an abstract expressionist artist, bought it for $5,000 in 1946 and turned into their home and studio. Visitors must wear booties to enter the barn because the floor is still splattered with the  paint that Pollock dripped and flung for his masterpieces. Some of his paint cans are still there. It is must-see for the expressionist art fan.
Leave some time to stop by the Guild Hall (158 Main St. East Hampton). Many artists who settled in the Hamptons showed their work in this gallery. Performances and exhibits of all kinds are held here over the summer. See what’s happening when you’re coming to the Hamptons on the Guild Hall website.

Lodging for your Hamptons Visit

We have four bright and airy guestrooms, with AC, luxurious whirlpool tubs, flatscreen TVs and a private deck off the Champagne Suite. We also provide afternoon refreshments, on-site parking and in-house spa services. If that isn’t enough –  you can walk to the beach from our bed and breakfast.