The Church, an arts and cultural center planned for the old Methodist Church in Sag Harbor, has its first director as of Jan. 1.
This week, Eric Fischl and April Gornik, who purchased the building with the aim of creating an artist residency, exhibition space, and collaborative community and cultural center, announced the appointment of Sara Cochran as the new center’s inaugural executive director and chief curator.
She will be responsible for “a full schedule of presentations, collaborations with other cultural institutions, educational programs and outreach events,” according to a press release. At the same time, the space will honor Sag Harbor’s tradition as a center of creativity, attracting artists, writers, musicians, actors, playwrights, filmmakers, and more over the centuries.
The building, which was constructed in 1835 and deconsecrated and sold by the Methodists several years ago, is being transformed into a space that can house artists on site, and provide studio space and public areas for events and exhibitions. Lee Skolnick is in charge of the renovations. The center is scheduled to open later this year.
Ms. Cochran will work in collaboration with Mr. Fischl and Ms. Gornik on the opening, expanding the board, hiring staff, and leading the institution and fostering its growth while developing relationships with other arts organizations.
She was brought on board for her strength in transforming institutions she has led and her record of successful community outreach, according to Ms. Gornik and Mr. Fischl. Her résumé includes work with Gregory Sale on his “Future IDs” project on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. While serving as director and chief curator there, she doubled annual attendance and increased revenue and social media presence.
Her programs and exhibitions brought artists and cultural figures such as Betye Sarr, Kathe Kollwitz, Robert Irwin, Tom Sachs, Henry Rollins, Kehinde Wiley, Glenn Ligon, Maya Lin, Lawrence Weiner, and others into the museum. Her community programming included book clubs, stand-up comedy, film premieres, and even an escape room event. She has also worked at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
Ms. Cochran said in the release that she looked forward “to defining the Church’s programs and building partnerships in the area and across the nation as we work to create a space for artists and community in this rich historic place and cultural environment.”
