Southampton - Unless you are living under a sand dune, or perhaps didn't have a full tank of gas to battle the outrageous traffic, you may have attended so many events this past weekend that you will undoubtedly need at least a week to recover before starting all over again next weekend because Happy Hamptons Fun with an artistic flair is well underway!

Ultra Violet and Taylor Mead enjoy the evening. (Lisa Tamburini)

Kicking off the see and be seen (and this event's goal was actually for the purpose of looking - at art that is) was the Opening Night for ArtHamptons, the fourth annual international art festival founded by Rick Friedman, who was of course dashing about, with the always lovely Cindy Lou Wakefield and her adorable puppy 'Fairfield Porter.' Advertised as "4,000 works by 500 artists represented by 77 galleries from 10 countries" (the highest influx from across the pond), as well as introducing photoHamptons for the first year with a fresh focus on fine art photography, Thursday night's launch was packed with enough art, sculpture, artists, gallery owners and guests to fill more than a few museums! There is assuredly numerous folks to thank for such a wonderful four-day event, but in particular, Karyn Mannix, Lisa Tamburini, and Andrea Gurvitz who were working tirelessly to make sure everyone had a wonderful experience.

Many local and non-exhibiting artists who turned out to show their support for ArtHamptons, as well as view some rather impressive and beautiful gallery and artist offerings were Daria Deschuk, Sam Rivers; head of the Larry Rivers Foundation David Joel, Bobbie Braun, Terri Kennedy, Charles Waller, Kris Warrenberg, Joe Strand, Frank Roccanova, Joan Kraisky, Bobbie Braun, and many, many more. Artists of the theatre kind - Broadway producers - Bonnie Comley and Stewart Lane were on hand as well, and everyone had a great time chatting with 60s icons Ultra Violet and Taylor Mead who kept listeners enthralled with tidbits on Andy Warhol and the poetry mecca that is the Bowery in Manhattan.

Designer Berry Brown And Parrish Art Museum Director Terrie Sultan enjoy the annual Parrish bash. (John Wegorzewski)

The northeast premiere of the short film "Full Circle: Before they Were Famous," featuring both Violet and Mead, is a documentary that "Chronicles the astonishing journey of the images taken by fine art photographer William John Kennedy in the early 1960s of Robert Indiana and Andy Warhol with their iconic works." Both Violet and Mead were on hand to conduct book signings as well.

Violet revealed "Andy was a devil and an angel, such a dual personaltiy - he simply hypnotized all of us." Commenting on how important it is to stay abreast of the changes in art, she revealed "I have always used light, focusing on the 'Big Bang' theory - hence my name, but digital photography and the use of computers has made it so fascinating and offers such vast opportunities, that I really enjoy what is available now that simply did not exist years ago." Promoting her new book she urged guests - "If you really want to know - read the book."

Mead, now 86, offered "I didn't start living until age 70, and I still read poetry once a week in the Bowery." Asked for his assessment of the crowds at ArtHamptons, Mead relayed "This is the way it should always be for artists."

Hopefully everyone who was present on Thursday took the time (I know I did) to go back each day to ArtHamptons to truly view and absorb some tremendous and exceptional art offered by many fine galleries, and if you were there on Saturday, you probably observed brothers Russell and Danny Simmons who conducted a book signing and could not have been more gracious to a legion of fans and photographers!

Artists Zita Davisson and Gary Lawrance. (John Wegorzewski)

Be sure to keep checking Hamptons.com for further extensive video coverage of ArtHamptons.

Let's see - we are up to Saturday? Well, after ArtHamptons, many headed to the Love Heals, the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education gala, where guests gathered to support this most worthy organization, which for more than 10 years has raised substantial funds to educate people about AIDS. In addition to playing a few carnival games (the ring toss was great, and thanks Grant for the umbrella and prizes even though I never actually scored a point!), as well as gobble up pulled pork, burgers, Nathan's hot dogs, summer salads, and other tasty delights, as well as sip Chandon wine - this "California Sparkling wine pioneer draws on its French heritage and the casual sophistication of California to create vibrant sparkling wines that redefine tradition." Guests at Love Heals were able to sip Chandon sparkling Brut Classic and the delicious Chardonnay. A huge shout-out of thanks to Jenna Lipkin with Chandon who kindly offered seats at their table to both myself and Hamptons.com Executive Publisher Nicole B. Brewer to rest our weary legs after a day of dashing here and there and everywhere. Many will be spotted sipping Chandon this week at the artMRKT festival as well.

For more photos on Love Heals event, click here societyallure.com/Hamptons/12thAnnual-Love-Heals-Luna/17993424_FRfkTr

Russell Simmons also made the scene at Love Heals. (Rob Rich)

If you still had enough fuel (in your body and car) it was off to the After 10 party at the Parrish Art Museum. Under a tent that was just jaw-dropping with its tasteful and magical decorations, those previous weary legs suddenly hit the dance floor with others to show (and learn) some new moves to the fantastic tunes that kept everyone on their feet. Always an annual favorite, it was equally delightful to finally meet my email pal, PAM's Mark Segal, who is as sweet as the wonderful desserts that were offered.

Sunday brought nostalgic sounds from Grand Funk Railroad, who performed at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. They truly are 'An American Band' who did come to town to help us all party down - old favorites performed with refreshing energy and vigor from very talented musicians and vocalists who hit every note and chord.

These are merely a few of the events that kept everyone hopping so until next week[end] - Rest up and Gas up - as Hamptonites seem to have mastered the artful dodge of sleeping!

Jerrold Gertz and Carol Gertz, parents of Alison Gertz at Love Heals. (Rob Rich)