Ashawagh Hall is hosting two exciting events this August. First, The Springs Improvement Society’s 51st Annual Springs Artists Invitational Exhibition will be on display from Friday, August 3 through Sunday, August 12, while the 86th Annual Fisherman’s Fair can be seen on Saturday, August 11.
“There’s going to be over 100 artists displaying their pieces at the historical Ashawagh Hall, which has served as a venue for artists and the community for over 100 years,” noted Carol Mohlenhoff about the Springs Artists Invitational Exhibition.
The highly anticipated Invitational Artists Exhibition includes young artists from both the South Fork and North Fork, as well as newer artists that are making their professional debut.
“The event will be curated by Scott Bluedorn, a leading local artist and he has selected over 100 artists from the East End’s vibrant art community to exhibit at the Invitational,” Mohlenhoff shared.
An opening reception will take place on Friday, August 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. There will also be a Curator’s Tour with Scott Bluedorn on Sunday, August from 12 to 2 p.m.
All proceeds will support the maintenance of Ashawagh Hall by Springs Improvement Society (SIS) and the Society’s scholarship program.
Back in 1909, the Springs Improvement Society purchased Ashawagh Hall for just a dollar. The Society named it Ashawagh, the Native American word for “place where two roads come together,” Hall because their hope was to create a community center in Springs, and it’s location is where Fireplace Road meets Old Stone Highway. The site, which had previously been the original Springs School, is recognized as a historic building.
“Ashawagh Hall is a community meeting place which has a rich history,” Mohlenhoff added. “We have hosted over 50 years of artists exhibitions and continue to host several cherished annual events including Fisherman’s Fair, Members Art Show, Artists Invitational and Lights of Love.”
The Annual Fisherman’s Fair began as a community exchange for the local fishermen to sell their catches and for the local women to sell handmade clothing as well as baked goods – similar to a farmers market.
An entirely community run event, the focus has always been to be a family country fair that incorpores the modern world.
This family friendly event will have fun activities such as shell painting, treasure chest decorating, spin art and the popular fish print using real fluke and flounder.
There will be food available for purchase including corn, hot dogs, clams and drinks with vendors serving seafood, beer and many other options.
There will also be a SIS merchandise as well as music provided by various East End talents throughout the day.
The fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ashawagh Hall is located at 780 Fireplace Road in East Hampton. For more information about both events, visit ashawagh-hall.org.