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Updated: June 7, 2009, 4:48 am	Share    Print    Email

The Hamptons are hopping again! On Tuesday two of the East End's most prominent advocates for social justice Gail Furman and Julie Ratner hosted an intimate reading and discussion of Kerry Max Cook's recently released memoir, "Chasing Justice", his chilling firsthand account of the over twenty years he spent on death row for a crime he did not commit. Cook was on hand to personally recount the frightening details of his incarceration and the failure of the judicial and prosecutorial system.

Rick Friedman, Jorge Sosa, and Cindy Lou Wakefield at the Hamptons Home and Garden Show night at the Southampton Publick House. Photo by John Wegorzewski

He spoke of his struggles against all odds to free himself from an incompetent justice system that would not let go despite mounting, overwhelming evidence of his innocence. Telling his Kafka-esque tale without bitterness, Cook reminded the audience of each individual's abilities to overcome even the most enormous adversity by believing in themselves. A powerful message indeed.

Among those applauding the author was veteran director Bob Balaban. Balaban had worked with Kerry on the critically acclaimed drama "The Exonerated" which featured his story among those of other innocent victims of our highly imperfect criminal system. In the crowd filling Furman's art filled living room listening raptly were actor Fisher Stevens, Paul Nugent, Jim McCloskey, Alessandra Di Blasio and more.

On Thursday evening, the team behind the eagerly anticipated Hamptons Home and Garden Show held a kickoff cocktail reception for exhibitors and sponsors at Southampton Publick House. Founder Rick Friedman shared with guests exciting information about new features for this year's spring show slated for May 4, 5, and 6.

Steven and Michael Clark at Crossroads Coffee House. Photo by Katrina Lovett

This year, they have added several new pavilions to be mounted on the Southampton Elks Fairgrounds including a Green Hamptons Pavilion sponsored by WALK 97.5 that will showcase green products and ways to live more eco-friendly. There will also be a Real Estate Investors Pavilion and the Outdoor Luxury Living Expo. Talking up the event were Hamptons.com's Vanessa Leggard and Kim Covell media sponsors once again, Jill Rodriguez, Rose Begg and Jeff Gross of NY Spaces, Margo Bishop, Bill and Kathleen Kuzmack, Tom MacNiven, Laura Scott, Guillaume Dupre of Spirit of France, Matt Austin, Lynda Packard, Nick Nicolino and Victoria Collett.

Friday night, it was off to the Presbyterian Community Center in Springs for Crossroads Coffee House. Springs General Store and Crossroads Music combined their efforts to bring together this night of local music talent, with proceeds going to help local charities.

While coffee houses are usually known for the chance to meet and catch up with friends, the audience sat enthralled in their seats as headliner Celestial and other classical and jazz musicians took turns onstage. Refreshments donated by the Springs General Store were a big hit as we made sure to try some of the fresh popcorn and sodas, or for the genuine coffee shop experience, coffee and tea. The only thing missing was the occasional hiss of the latte machine, though it would have distracted from the great music.

This was the second Coffee House, the first having featured local youth musicians, and we hope Crossroads comes back for more!

Darlene Carneco and Brent Timbol at Good Conscience. Photo by Katrina Lovett

Bringing the best of the art and philanthropy worlds together on the East End, Good Conscience celebrated their opening show in their new gallery in Southampton. Curator Lynn Dunham's large graphical abstracts hung throughout the gallery giving splashes of bold primary color and shape. Especially impressive were the groupings of canvases hung together, the paint flowing from one panel to the next in bright blues that made reminiscent of the water and warmer weather.

The other big conversation starter of the evening was Good Conscience's idea of helping to connect donors with causes that might not otherwise get attention on the web. Interest was especially piqued by the idea of automatic contributions through payroll. We pay our phone bill, mortgages, and everything else automatically these days over the Internet - why not balance that with some automatic donation karma every month? Gary Glanz was on hand to explain the business model and answer any questions. Rick Jordan, Phil Keith, Andrew Godfried, and Laura Lions were also spotted soaking up the art.

Christine Lennon, Jean Luc, and Geraldine French at the Have a Heart Community Trust winter benefit. Photo by Katrina Lovett

Saturday evening, Have a Heart Community Trust held their Annual Gala fund raiser at JL East Bistro in East Hampton. The main dining room and bar were packed wall to wall. The silent auction positioned across the room from the bar provided the perfect path for circling the room and stopping to chat with Christine Lennon, Geraldine French, Suzanne Wolfson, and JZ Holden. Host Jean Luc made sure to chase down the elusive tray of delectable tuna tartar on nori chips that were not to be missed, though all of the delicious hors d'oeuvres were a big hit.

After chatting it up and grabbing a drink, it was time to check out the silent auction, where the Sharon Gio handbag and diamond necklace from Rose Jewelers caught a bit of attention. For the less jewel inclined, sports memorabilia including several autographed photographs of 'game winning' sports moments were available, as well as local goodies including dinner for two at the Publick House. Junior committee members including Holly Huben, Larissa Pavli, and Jane Gelb circled the room selling off raffle tickets for a very tempting trip for two to Mexico. Even taking the chance to sit and relax, guests could help Have a Heart a little more by posing for a 6 minute portrait by artist Lynn Matsuoka, who donated her time.

Casey Chalem Anderson and Tom Steele at the Plein Air Peconic show. Photo by John Wegorzewski

With the overwhelming success of its fall show at Ashawagh Hall, Plein Air Peconic took the show on the road and brought the works of a dozen well known painters to Rogers Memorial Library this weekend for another go-around of this visual showcase of conserved landscapes throughout the East End protected by the Peconic Land Trust. Much of the work presented was created in the late summer of 2006 when the artists were granted special access through the Trust to many conserved landscapes familiar to East Enders including Reel Point, Quail Hill Farm, Dam Pond, Scallop Pond and Hallockville.

Several of the artists spoke about the pleasure of going on site with a partner or small group and the joy of discovery in viewing their fellow artists varied interpretations of the same location. For the viewer it was a wonderful treat to compare and the contrast the individual perspectives, each beautifully rendered. To many it brought back the now legendary stories of William Merritt Chase's summer art school in the area of Shinnecock known as The Art Village where scores of painters took to the fields and shorelines to capture in the magnificent light the breathtaking natural surroundings.

More then a few of the artists returned to the sites following the Fall show as their works were all sold and they wanted to continue their involvement in this project that celebrates the natural beauty of the Hamptons. The artists involved in Plein Air Peconic donate a portion of the sale of their work to the Trust. Participating artists include Casey Chalem Anderson, Susan D'Alessio, Aubrey Grainger, Gail Kern, Michele Margit, Gordon Matheson, Joanne Rosko, Eileen Dawn Skretch, Tom Steele, Kathryn Szoka and Eileen Watson.

With reporting by Katrina Lovett and Edward Callaghan.