“We are extremely pleased to provide access to our entire community to Guild Hall, one of the region’s finest arts institutions,” expressed Howard C. Bluver, President and CEO of Suffolk County National Bank. “This year marks the 125th Anniversary of SCNB, and I cannot think of a more suitable gift from SCNB, founded in 1890 to serve the local community, than to provide free admission to Guild Hall.”
Thanks to a charitable contribution by Suffolk County National Bank (SCNB) and Donald and Barbara Zucker, Guild Hall will now offer free year-round Museum admission to every exhibition and opening reception through April 2016. “We are grateful to SCNB and Donald and Barbara for helping us provide free Museum admission for this first year,” said Ruth Appelhof, Executive Director. “Guild Hall is thrilled to make a fine art experience easily accessible to all. Research shows that by eliminating the barrier of paid admission, we will be able to reach and attract more people to experience the arts, including those visiting the area who might not have been to Guild Hall.”
The East Hampton-based Museum has several exciting exhibits coming up, including the Artists Members Exhibition featuring artwork from over 400 local artists from throughout Long Island. The month of June will bring self-portraits by many East End artists, as well as selections from the permanent collection, and the works of Hal Buckner. “Roy Lichtenstein: Between Sea and Sky” is expected to debut in August and will be on view through Monday, October 12th.
“From Lichtenstein to the locally cherished Artists Members Exhibition and Student Arts Festival, we extend an invitation to all to enjoy the museum shows at Guild Hall,” said Bluver. “It is our hope that the free admission initiative will result in a wider Guild Hall audience, including local residents and visitors that have not yet experienced one of our most treasured resources.”
Guild Hall is located at 158 Main Street in East Hampton. For more information, call 631-324-0806 or visit www.guildhall.org.