Bridgehampton - ArtHamptons 2010 was a tremendous success for galleries, artists, viewers and, in particular, founder and executive director, Rick Friedman, who has again managed to fuse art and the business of art into a cohesive, enjoyable and comfortable setting.

Artist Hans de van Bovenkamp.

The event, now in its third year, was held over a three day period last weekend at Sayre Park in Bridgehampton - the tent was larger, the works were larger, there were more galleries and attendees (almost a 40 percent increase over last year) - and hopefully larger sales and recognition for all those involved in this endeavor that is about art, artists, galleries and, most importantly, the avenue Friedman has provided for viewers to absorb, appreciate and access what the art world offers, beginning with a stunning 30,000 square foot Sculpture Garden/Hospitality Park with a sculpture by Hans de van Bovenkamp "The Sagg Portal" greeting guests at the entrance.

ArtHamptons is, as it should be, considered one of the top fine art fairs in the country. In 2009, over 5,000 art enthusiasts attended, and this year 93 domestic and international galleries from six countries and 35 cities participated - the largest number of galleries ever in the show. Among the first time participants were galleries from Russia, Argentina, Spain and eight galleries from Korea, as well as from the U.K. Locally, seven Hamptons area galleries participated.

Ruth Vered of the Vered Gallery in East Hampton and Ruth Appelhof, Executive Director of Guild Hall.

With more than 600 artists being represented, the works ranged from post-war to contemporary, with approximately 7,000 art works valued at $300 million available for sale. In addition to paintings, works on paper, photography and prints, ArtHamptons offered mixed media, "outside" and "found" art works, glass art, ceramics and l'objects d'art as well, from the masters to important contemporary offerings. Prices were reasonable and purchasers were certainly accommodated. Last year's event generated $10 million in art sales

Bridgehampton gallery owner Silas Marder with artist Dennis Murphy.

This year, internationallly-recognized artist Donald Sultan, a Sag Harbor resident, received the Lifetime Achievement Award honoring excellence in the visual arts by an artist who has shaped the art scene in New York City and beyond. The Mary Ryan Gallery presented a one-person exhibition of his work including large-scale paintings, drawings and original prints, which marked the first time in nearly 15 years that there has been a solo presentation of Sultan's work in the Hamptons. Past recipients of the award included Will Barnett and Jane Wilson.

Commenting on ArtHamptons Friedman stated "We see the vibrant ArtHamptons sales last year and the most recent New York and London auctions with a sell though rate over 90 percent of the lots offered as auspicious signs for the art world."

The ArtHamptons exhibitors included such notable galleries as Art Link International, DC Moore, Waterhouse and Dodd, Forum Gallery, Mary Ryan Gallery, June Kelly Gallery and Throckmorton Fine Art who exhibited investment-level artwork from an international array of modern and contemporary artists such as Stella, Rauschenberg, de Kooning, Dufy, Sultan and Rauzier.

Artist John Matos, known as "Crash" with his work.

New trends in art were also represented, including graffiti artist "Crash" (b. John Matos), a pioneer of the Graffiti art movement, whose work was exhibited in a solo booth by Art Link international. In the 1970s he spray painted murals on New York City trains and by the 1980s he had exhibits throughout the U.S.

Michael Schatz beaming at his purchase of the two pieces above his head.

ArtBklyn, a new component of the fair, dubbed "The Hamptons Meets 'The Burg,'" featured galleries from Brooklyn's Williamsburg and DUMBO, which have grown into internationally-known art locations where cutting-edge art is launched.

ArtHamptons also conducted conferences that provided art collectors valuable insights and advice on building an art collection, including 14 practical seminars featuring world experts in specific topics, including top gallerists and art world experts such as Henry Buhl, Louis Meisel, Lisa Dennison, and Jamie Drake, as well as tours of private art collections in the Hamptons. Sessions were geared for both beginner and experienced collectors, and moderated by Benjamin Genocchio, editor in chief, Art & Auction and former art and culture critic for The New York Times.

Friedman and Wakefield with Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree artist Donald Sultan in front of one of Sultan's works on view.

Meet and greet artists and book signings were also held, including Donald Sultan, John 'Crash' Matos, Hans de von Bovenkamp, Bill Armstrong, Susan Wides, Luc Leestemaker, Dolly Moreno, John Henry, and D. Frederick Baker with co-author Carolyn Lane and Robin Chase, granddaugther to William Merrit Chase, Helen Harrison and Constance Ayers Denne, Elliott Erwitt, John Gruen, Marika Herskovic, Sue Kwon, Ellen G. Landau, Diane McManus Jensen, Klaus Ottman, John Torreano, and even Dan Rattiner was on hand.

There were many famous and bold faced names who attended ArtHamptons this year as well, however, the real names were those of the artists and art work that was on display.

Friedman keeps it real and contriburted to the Hamptons in other ways as well, with proceeds from the Opening Preview Party on Thursday that benefitted East Hampton's LongHouse Reserve, and on Saturday all door proceeds went to the Bridgehampton Historical Society.

Bravo to Friedman and all those that ensure that this event continues year after year, and kudos and thanks to both the artists and galleries that continue to impress, surprise and move those who appreciate all art.

For more information on ArtHamptons go to www.arthamptons.com.

Plenty of bold faced names were in attendance (in one manner or another).

Finally, it should be noted that ArtHamptons was a carbon neutral event for the first time this year through a partnership with Belgrave Trust, a social enterprise dedicated to providing innovation driven solutions to climate change. Employing a diversified, actively managed portfolio of carbon offset projects, Belgrave Trust will account for - and offset - emissions resulting directly from ArtHamptons, including facilities, hospitality, transport, and on-site energy usage. A web-based membership community, The Belgrave Trust, www.belgravetrust.com, leverages the transformative power of global markets to provide the most efficient and effective way for businesses and individuals to live carbon neutral.