ArtHamptons, the largest art fair on the East End New York, was born into a community hungry for it.
The culture of the Hamptons has been formed, in part, by the broad strokes of the Abstract Expressionist movement. Rick Friedman, president of ArtHamptons and an East End resident, became an avid art collector about 10 years ago and was struck by the historical and cultural significance of the area. As his collection grew and his preferences took shape, Friedman noticed that many of America’s most treasured artists had a connection to the Hamptons.
“It started to hit home,” said Friedman, “that some of the most famous artists in American history, and certainly of the 20th century, lived in the neighborhood. It was startling to see, and I thought it was really special.”
As he collected de Koonings, Pollocks and Krasners, Friedman felt he was not only buying a piece of history, but also a piece of home. Then he discovered Hamptons Bohemia, a book by Helen Harrison, director of the Pollock-Krasner House. He was moved by the images, stories and relationships of the artists and poets who played and worked here in the 50s, 60s and 70s. He thought the link between international significance and the local community would make this a prime setting for an art fair. Thus ArtHamptons was born.
ArtHamptons Exhibition
