Elizabeth Fiore Hamptons Summer City Guide
Welcome to APAA’s summer series celebrating the intersection of travel and art around the world. This new collection spotlights insider perspectives from our global membership, as we invite members to share personal guides to their cities—highlighting favorite restaurants, bars, things to do, and, most importantly, local art.
Next up, APAA advisor Elizabeth Fiore takes us to the Hamptons. Art, food, and hidden gems — here’s where you’ll want to spend your days out East.
East Coast Exhibitions
My Life Has Been A Tapestry
at Onna House
Onna House is exclusively dedicated to women-identifying artists and designers. This exhibition brings together 12 contemporary textile artists, including the late Avis Collins Robinson.
Set within a beautifully restored 1960s Japanese-modernist home, Onna House invites you into a lived space, offering the chance to view art within an organic, domestic setting rather than a sterile gallery space.
On view through September 1, 2025
After 20 years, the Fireplace Project is showcasing its final exhibition at The Springs gallery space. Celebrate the longest open gallery in the Hamptons as they transition the Project fully to their new space in Hudson, NY - opened in June 2024.
There have been over 80 exhibitions in their 20 years of operation, including the work of more than 300 artists. It is unlikely that the artists will be seen in the same exhibition space ever again.
Bruce Sherman: Bonsai and Spirit Rocks
at The Arts Center at Duck Creek
Bruce Sherman reimagines bonsai trees and spirit stones, traditionally Japanese forms tied to contemplation and nature, by sculpting them in ceramic. These aren't direct imitations but reinterpretations that feel alive, thoughtful, and quietly mysterious.
The show is held in a small, rustic building on a quiet piece of historic land - not a traditional gallery space, it is more personal and connected to nature, allowing for reflection, slow looking and deep thinking.
On view through September 28, 2025
Ida Ekblad, Erin & Sam Falls, Pali Cornelsen: Song of Chloris
at Galerie Sardine
Located at the tip of town and off the beaten path, Galerie Sardine is housed inside a historic 1700s farmhouse where the gallery’s founders - Joe Bradley and Valentina Akerman - actually live. The work is shown right alongside their books, couches, and kitchen table, making everything feel personal, natural, and refreshingly unpolished.
On view through September 8, 2025
Must-see Museum Shows
Upside Down Zebra
at The Watermill Center
Features children’s drawings from the Rhoda Kellogg International Child Art Collection alongside works by contemporary artists created in dialogue. The largest exhibition ever mounted at Watermill. The founder of the Watermill Center - Robert M. Wilson - passed away on July 31, and I am struck by his work ethic and the legacy he has left behind. He continued to work and create until his final days.
On view though February 15, 2026
Joel Mesler: Miles of Smiles
Joel Mesler’s installation recreates his office and studio, complete with works by peers in his collection. It breaks down the barrier between artist and audience - casual, engaging, and unfiltered.
On view through October 26, 2025
Sean Scully: The Albee Barn, Montauk
at The Parrish Art Museum
Sean Scully’s exhibition zeroes in on the summer of 1982 in Montauk, when Scully immersed himself in nature while living and painting in a rustic barn. For the first time since they were painted, 15 of these original works are displayed right near the site that inspired them.
On view through September 21, 2025
Shirin Neshat: Born of Fire
at The Parrish Art Museum
Shirin Neshat’s exhibition is a must-see as it has been over 20 years since her last museum exhibition in the area. Her return is both long-awaited and timely. Part of the exhibition houses Neshat’s personal collection, with work by Marina Abramović, Robert Longo, and others, bringing her influences, collaborations, and cultural networks into view.
On view through September 1, 2025
Coastal Cuisine
Swifty’s at the Hedges East Hampton
74 James Lane, East Hampton, NY
Spectacular food and atmosphere
Saint Ambroeus
66 Newtown Ln, East Hampton, NY
Timeless elegance
Sag Pizza
103 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Wood-fired pizzas and fresh pastas
Hidden Gems
Serene Greene Farm
3980 Noyack Rd, Sag Harbor, NY
Spectacular food and atmosphere
ID Hot Yoga
3 Railroad Ave, East Hampton, NY
Work out in their heated flow studio.
Villa Italian Specialties
7 Railroad Avenue, East Hampton, NY
For the freshest mozzarella
Neo Studio by Jean Yves Legrand
25 Madison St, Sag Harbor, NY
Antique shop, great lamps
Love Binetti
17 Washington St, Sag Harbor, NY
Great dress shop
