East Hampton - The Springs Improvement Society and the Art Committee for the Springs Invitational announce the details of the upcoming 44th Annual Artists of The Springs Invitational Exhibition, to take place from August 5 through August 21 at Ashawagh Hall, in the historic heart of Springs in East Hampton. This year's guest curator, Esperanza León has selected over 100 artists of the East End, many who have participated in and supported the show for several years, along with a number of new names that we are pleased to include in this edition of the renowned show.

The Springs Invitational has a long and dynamic legacy as a community-driven art exhibition. Begun in the 1950s, in the heyday of the Abstract Expressionists who made Springs their home, the exhibition at the time was a one-day sale of art works contributed by artists such as Ibram Lassaw, Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, and Willem de Kooning, to help raise money for the Springs Improvement Society (SIS). That endeavor grew and contributed the funds to build the gallery space at Ashawagh Hall in the early 1970s. The exhibition continues to flourish with community spirit and bestow monies to the SIS and the Scholarship Fund established for Springs students, in addition to offering a special opportunity for local artists to exhibit and sell their work.

In addition to the art show and sale, with its regularly scheduled Opening Reception on Friday, August 5, this year the Art Committee has organized several special events to complement the two-week exhibition. On Thursday, August 4, a Benefit Preview and wine reception will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ashawagh Honors will recognize the distinguished and dedicated support given to Ashawagh Hall and the SIS throughout so many years by Ernestine Lassaw, Jean Hoffmann, and Abby Abrams. A $25 donation will be requested at the door.

The following Thursday, August 11, at 7 p.m., we will host Ashawagh Speaks, an evening of poetry and performance featuring some of the exhibiting artists, including Stephanie Brody-Lederman and Anne Sager ($10 donation to attend). On Saturday, August 13, the always well-attended Fisherman's Fair as usual coincides with the show and will offer a variety of activities and entertainments for the entire family; attendance is free. Finally, on the last Saturday, August 20, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. León will lead a Curator's Tour of the Invitational; this event is also free and open to the public. All events take place at Ashawagh Hall.

A percentage of the sale of the artworks along with all other donations will go to the Springs Improvement Society for Ashawagh Hall and the SIS Scholarship Fund.

For further information contact Beth Meredith at beth@mrs-meredith.com or Esperanza Leon at info@artsolar.com or 631-907-8422.