July 7, 2022—East Hampton, NY — Guild Hall (158 Main Street, East Hampton) announced today they will honor philanthropist Kathy Rayner at their upcoming Summer Gala on Friday, August 19 at Mulford Farm in East Hampton. Mrs. Rayner will be recognized for her establishment of the Guild Hall William P. Rayner Artist-in-Residence program, in honor of her late husband, artist Billy Rayner, which offers artist collectives the time and space to research, experiment, and develop new ideas while living on the East End.
The Summer Gala is Guild Hall’s largest annual fundraiser and garners essential funds for the institution’s year-round programming. This festive event will celebrate the creative process and the people who champion it. Central to the evening is a showcase of performances and works by 2022 Guild Hall William P. Rayner Artists-in-Residence, including a video and sound installation by Holland Andrews, and a performance by Jose Sebastian and Hamptons Dance Project.
“Honoree Kathy Rayner’s vision for an artist-in-residence program that supports the development of new works has been transformative for our institution,” says Andrea Grover, Guild Hall Executive Director. “These lucky artists have the opportunity to establish meaningful relationships within the creative community, and experiment and perform in a supportive and singular environment.”
The event will kick off with cocktails at 6PM, followed by dinner at 7PM by Laurence Craig Catering, and concludes with dancing to music by DJ Mick who had the dance floor hopping last year. Event concept and décor is by Anthony Taccetta Event Design.
Guild Hall’s annual Summer Gala honoring Kathy Rayner will take place on Friday, August 19 starting at 6PM at Mulford Farm, 10 James Lane, East Hampton. Tickets and tables can be purchased online at guildhall.org or by contacting Kendra Korczak, Director of Events 631.324.0806 x38
ABOUT THE WILLIAM P. RAYNER ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM
The Guild Hall William P. Rayner Artist-in-Residence program aims to support artist collectives in their creative development through providing dedicated time for experimentation, professional support and connection, a commissioning fee, and a public platform for testing new work.
The residency offers artist collectives the time & space to research, experiment, and develop new ideas and projects. Artists are provided with creative mentorships and administrative support, a commissioning fee, living space, and a purpose-built studio on an exclusive property.
Throughout several 2-4 weeklong residencies, residents connect with accomplished artists, community leaders, and philanthropists at weekly salon dinners. They receive mentorship from select members of the Guild Hall Academy of the Arts and professional staff, while visiting artist studios, cultural centers, and the natural landscape of the Hamptons.
The program culminates with a presentation of works-in-process for either an invited or public audience. Invited audience consists of artists, community leaders, philanthropists, and industry professionals with the intention of raising support and potential transfer of work to other institutions. The presentation can take the shape of a curated exhibition, performance, recital, outdoor installation, reading, lecture, or other format.
Residents are invited to the program by a committee of celebrated artists, creative professionals, members of Guild Hall’s Academy of the Arts, and Senior Leadership. Past selection committee members have included composer Carter Burwell, artist Eric Fischl, architectural critic Paul Goldberger, photographer Ralph Gibson, theatre-maker Stephen Hamilton, science writer Dava Sobel, director/choreographer Susan Stroman, creative writer Frederic Tuten, artist Carrie Mae Weems, and poet Phil Schultz.
2022 Guild Hall William P. Rayner Artists-in-Residence include Hamptons Dance Project, Catherine Galasso and City of Wom_n, Holland Andrews and Shayne Case, and Daniel Vlcek & Tom Kotik.
ABOUT GUILD HALL
Guild Hall is the cultural heart of the East End: a museum, performing arts, and education center, founded in 1931. We invite everyone to experience the endless possibilities of the arts: to open minds to what art can be; inspire creativity and conversation; and have fun.
For more information about this and other programs, visit www.guildhall.org.
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