Water Mill - The morning sun shone brightly on a day that will forever change the artistic landscape of the Hamptons as ground was broken at the site of the new Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill.

State Senator Ken LaValle, State Assemblyman Fred Thiele and Congressman Tim Bishop in friendly conversation prior to the Parrish ground breaking in Water Mill.

An event so monumental and long anticipated that dignitaries from every level of government were in attendance including Governor David A. Paterson, Congressman Timothy Bishop, State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle, State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. and Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst.

During his remarks Governor Paterson said, "Today we are breaking ground on a new era for the Parrish Art Museum, and adding a new thread to our state's cultural tapestry. I'm confident that it will be a guiding light for future artists whose work will inspire us to think and to feel in the way that only great art truly can."

Congressman Bishop added, "The Parrish Art Museum has long been the cornerstone of the cultural and intellectual vibrancy of Eastern Long Island and with this spectacular new facility that role will only be enhanced and accelerated."

Governor David A. Paterson addressing attendees surrounded from left to right by Alexandra Stanton, Dorothy Lichtenstein, Norman Peck, Terrie Sultan, Congressman Tim Bishop and Southampton Supervisor Anna Thorne-Holst.

Along with the politicians were members of the museum staff, board of trustees and significant patrons. Museum Director Terrie Sultan noted, "This will be a watershed moment not only for the Museum, but also for the community. The new Parrish will offer the entire region and beyond expanded opportunities for seeing, experiencing, and learning about art through our collection of more than 2,600 works, and temporary exhibitions. With this new building, the Parrish will take its rightful place as a major museum and a center for cultural engagement."

Other museum dignitaries who spoke at the groundbreaking ceremonies included Norman Peck, Treasurer of the Parrish and President of the Peter Jay Sharp Foundation; Dorothy Lichtenstein, Trustee and Secretary of the Parrish Board of Trustees and widow of artist Roy Lichtenstein and Alexandra Stanton, Vice President of the Parrish Board of Trustees. Numerous other Parrish trustees were in attendance, along with representatives of Bridgehampton National Bank that is providing the funding for the construction.

Rendering of the new Parrish Art Museum designed by renowned architects Herzog and de Meuron. (Courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron)

The new museum is slated to open in the spring of 2012 and several politicians commented on not only the artistic aspect of the construction but also the economic impact with the creation of sorely needed jobs in the community. The new Parrish Art Museum will cost $25 million with 70 percent of the funds already raised by the museum's building campaign.

Designed by world-renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron, the new Parrish will be a horizontal structure nestled discreetly in the landscape mirroring the potato barns that once populated the entire East End. Consisting of two parallel wings joined by a central circulation spine running the length of the building, the new facility will be nearly twice the size of the existing museum. The 34,500 square-foot museum will feature more than 12,000 square feet of pristine and flexible gallery spaces with some 4,500 square feet for special exhibitions and 7,500 dedicated to installations of the Parrish's important permanent collection. A series of north facing skylights will allow for natural, northern light to be evenly filtered throughout the galleries.

Water Mill's gain may be Southampton Village's loss, but it is clear that there are no losers in regard to the cultural and artistic impact the new museum will have on the quality of life on the East End. Already 113 years old, the next century for the Parrish Art Museum looks bright and richly bathed in northern light.

For more information go to www.parrishart.org.