Skip to main content

It Was Bound to Happen: The Hamptons Virtual Art Fair

Wed, 07/22/2020 - 20:57
Visitors to the Hamptons Virtual Art Fair will be able to move interactively, if virtually, around the more than 60 booths.

By last summer, the East End's art fair roster had dwindled to a sole survivor, Market Art + Design in Bridgehampton, whose plan to return this year has been derailed by Covid-19. If anyone was likely to find a way to bring art buyers and sellers together during a pandemic, it was Rick Friedman, the founder of ArtHamptons, which ran for eight summers before he sold it in 2015.

Now Mr. Friedman, who lives in Southampton, is back, with the Hamptons Virtual Art Fair, which will launch at noon Thursday on its website and continue through Sunday. It will return again over Labor Day weekend.

"People are going to see the finest in postwar and contemporary art, as well as some European Impressionist paintings," Mr. Friedman promised, adding that more than 60 galleries from around the world would participate.

"Every gallery is preprogrammed into an interactive situation," he said. A click on a specific gallery will lead to a profile page with thumbnail images. "From there, you click to enter, and you'll be transferred into this magical world of 3-D virtual reality."

Viewers can move freely around each booth. Clicking on an individual artwork will bring up information about it as well as the options to "buy now" or "contact the dealer." The 600 to 700 artworks range from emerging artists to Picasso, Monet, and Renoir, according to Mr. Friedman.

Speaking of ArtHamptons, he said, "The thing is, you had to live here or be here. Now you can be anywhere in the world and visit any time, day or night." Those who register on hamptonsvirtualartfair.com will receive an email invitation. 

Time to Make Those Reservations

Long Island Restaurant Week is coming up, with East End eateries taking part from Southampton to Amagansett.

Mar 27, 2024

News for Foodies 03.28.24

Easter specials to go from Loaves and Fishes and The Cookery, restaurant options for Easter from Baron’s Cove and Calissa, and new ownership for Maidstone Hotel.

Mar 27, 2024

Hop to These Easter Options

Easter brunch and/or dinner at 1770 House, Nick and Toni’s, Topping Rose, and Lulu Kitchen and Bar, as well as takeout options from Art of Eating and L&W.

Mar 20, 2024

Your support for The East Hampton Star helps us deliver the news, arts, and community information you need. Whether you are an online subscriber, get the paper in the mail, delivered to your door in Manhattan, or are just passing through, every reader counts. We value you for being part of The Star family.

Your subscription to The Star does more than get you great arts, news, sports, and outdoors stories. It makes everything we do possible.