ARCMANORO NILES: FORGOTTEN WORDS I NEVER GOT TO SAY
2026-05-03 - 2026-07-19 | Guild Hall, 158 Main Street, East Hampton, NY, 11937, United States
This exhibition traces a decade of evolution in the artist’s practice since his 2016 residency at Guild Hall, the inaugural program of our Artist in Residence initiative. Known for his saturated color, reflective surfaces, and emotionally charged scenes drawn from daily life and memory, Niles has developed a distinctive visual language that challenges conventions of portraiture.
Early in his career, he became frustrated with traditional methods of rendering skin tone, finding they lacked the depth and dimension he observed in real life. This led him to experiment with color—layering pinks, oranges, and purples to evoke an internal light. His chiaroscuro-like approach reveals both a dedication to craft and a palette that defines his work across portraits, domestic interiors, and landscapes.
Guild Hall is pleased to present a selection of works from the past decade, juxtaposing recent and earlier pieces which highlight the growth and complexity of Niles’s practice.
This exhibition is organized by Melanie Crader, museum director and curator of visual arts, with support from Philippa Content, museum manager and registrar and Claire Hunter, museum coordinator and curatorial associate.
GALLERY HOURS:
THURSDAY TO SUNDAY, 12-5 PM through July 5
WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY, 12-5 PM from July 8-19
NEW: Third Thursdays! On the third Thursday of every month from May through September, galleries will stay open until 7:30 PM, and will include live music in the garden and exhibition-related programs to follow.
MUSEUM ADMISSION:
$12 / $10 for Seniors, 65+
Free for Members, Children, and Students

CLAIRE WATSON: RE-PAIRED
2026-05-03 - 2026-07-19
Claire Watson is the 2023 Top Honors recipient of the 84th Artist Members Exhibition, selected by Virginia Lebermann, cofounder and board president of Ballroom Marfa. This exhibition marks Watson’s first major institutional solo presentation on the East End of Long Island, where she has maintained a home and studio in Water Mill for three decades.
Watson’s sculptures and mixed-media assemblages are composed from found materials. In her recent work, she deconstructs salvaged leather garments and reconfigures them into new formal compositions using traditional sewing and pattern-making techniques. These works highlight the tactile and structural qualities of leather, transforming utilitarian objects into forms with renewed expressive potential. The traces of wear embedded in the garments suggest histories of the body and labor, which Watson refashions into abstract meditations on human form and presence.
This exhibition is organized by Melanie Crader, museum director and curator of visual arts, with support from Philippa Content, museum manager and registrar and Claire Hunter, museum coordinator and curatorial associate.
GALLERY HOURS:
THURSDAY TO SUNDAY, 12-5 PM
WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY, 12-5 PM from July 8-19
NEW: Third Thursdays! On the third Thursday of every month from May through September, galleries will stay open until 7:30 PM, and will include live music in the garden and exhibition-related programs to follow.
MUSEUM ADMISSION:
$12 / $10 for Seniors, 65+
Free for Members, Children, and Students

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD
2026-06-06 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York)
by John Millington Synge
directed by Caitríona McLaughlin
Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) in John Millington Synge’s riveting play of youth and self-discovery.
Pegeen Flaherty’s life is turned upside down when a young man walks into her pub claiming that he’s killed his father. Instead of being shunned, the killer becomes a local hero and begins to win hearts, that is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene…
Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Caitríona McLaughlin directs this darkly funny tale full to the brim with secrets.

ART SOCIAL: WATERCOLOR—SEASHELL, FEATHER, & MORE
2026-06-08 18:00 - 20:00
with Dr. Quincy Egginton
SOLD OUT. Please email akirwin@guildhall.org to be added to the waitlist.
Enjoy the pleasure of the watercolor painting experience in the Guild Hall garden and anticipate summer on the beach. All levels of art experience are welcomed.
Select a seashell and other objects. Observe the lines and shapes. Play with an arrangement to create a composition. The color wheel will be reviewed to understand how to mix the primary colors (red, yellow, blue) to represent the neutral tones of the seashells. A demonstration will provide guidance to paint the forms, lines and build subtle variations of color. Be inspired by examples of watercolor techniques, color value, and composition. Guests will be encouraged to explore the fluid and spontaneous quality of this beautiful medium and share with others at the Art Social.
Materials will be provided, or attendees can bring their own supplies.
Admission includes wine and refreshments courtesy of Red Horse Market!

Art Social is a monthly gathering where attendees enter into a supportive and judgment-free session of art/craftmaking and socializing. Bring your friends and expect to make new ones while tapping into your creative selves. Workshops will be led by experts in their practice, and the projects are designed to be easily and enjoyably accomplished by all skill levels.

Artist Statement
Inspired By Nature
Natural landscapes have always inspired my art. I have explored the varied scenery of the Hudson Valley as well as the beachscapes on Long Island, Massachusetts and Maine.
When I sit down surrounded by a beautiful panorama, I am mesmerized by the magic of the scenery and excited by the opportunity to capture my impression on paper. Drawings are responds to my interpretation of what you see. With watercolor there is always an element of not knowing how the finished piece will develop; I love the spontaneity of this fluid media. As I paint, the light changes and the clouds shift, the wind blows, all this becomes part of the experience of capturing and creating.
Printmaking also involves this element of magical discovery in seeing how the print develops. And this continues to be true as the printing possibilities are explored.
I have taught students throughout Westchester and now in the Hamptons, and I have been privileged to witness their joy in this process of creating and discovery. Though we may all view the same landscape, the creative expressions are as varied as the people themselves, and this inspires my teaching and my creative process as well.
Some of my pieces are realistic interpretations of subjects and others explore concepts through abstraction. To appreciate any process of art is to appreciate its endless opportunities. The observation of nature and the modes of expression are an enduring inspiration and a continual pursuit.

CRUCE DE CAMINOS / CROSSROADS: A NIGHT OF SHORT PLAYS
2026-06-12 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-06-13 19:00 - 20:30
Guild Hall and OLA of Eastern Long Island present a dynamic, original multi-lingual performance led by 2026 Guild Hall Community Artists-in-Residence Margarita Espada and Minerva Perez. Building on the spirit of Fuenteovejuna: East End(2025), this performance program brings community voices to the stage through a series of original short works.
Blending language, music, movement, and storytelling, the evening reflects contemporary issues and lived experiences from across the East End. Each piece highlights the richness of the region’s cultural and linguistic diversity, creating a shared space for expression and connection.
Join us for an inspiring evening of original theater that uplifts local voices and showcases the vibrancy of multilingual storytelling.

Guild Hall y OLA del Este de Long Island presentan una dinámica actuación multilingüe original, dirigida por las Artistas en Residencia Comunitarias 2026 de Guild Hall, Margarita Espada y Minerva Pérez. Inspirado en el espíritu de Fuenteovejuna: East End (2025), este programa escénico lleva las voces de la comunidad al escenario a través de una serie de obras cortas originales.
Combinando lenguaje, música, movimiento y narración, la velada refleja problemáticas contemporáneas y experiencias vividas en todo el East End. Cada pieza resalta la riqueza de la diversidad cultural y lingüística de la región, creando un espacio compartido para la expresión y la conexión.
Acompáñenos en una noche inspiradora de teatro original que eleva las voces locales y muestra la vitalidad de la narración multilingüe.

THIRD THURSDAYS - TRACTOR, FEATURING ERIC SIMONS
2026-06-18 17:30 - 19:30
Third Thursdays at Guild Hall are a vibrant celebration of art, music, and community. Enjoy live music in the Minikes garden curated by Carlos Lama during extended gallery hours, offering the perfect backdrop to visit the exhibitions on view at a relaxed pace. Concessions, including wine, beer, cocktails, and light refreshments will be available for purchase from Louise & Howie’s Coffee Cart. Whether you come for the music, the art, the social vibe, or all of the above, Third Thursdays offers a welcoming way to spend warm nights on the East End with family and friends.
Advance reservations are available, but are not required.

LLOYD KNIGHT: THE DRAMA
2026-06-20 19:00 - 20:00
Created by dancer Lloyd Knight, choreographer Jack Ferver, and filmmaker Jeremy Jacob, The Drama highlights the life of Martha Graham Dance Company Principal Dancer Lloyd Knight in an intimate and personal solo dance work inspired by two important women in his life: his mother and the legendary modern dance choreographer Martha Graham. The Drama lays bare what it takes both physically and psychologically to pursue a life in dance and touches on Knight’s upbringing and what drew him to dance from an early age.
Exploring ideas around femininity, iconic roles within the Martha Graham Company, and more, The Drama utilizes movement, spoken word, sound, video, and creative colorful projection to give audiences an immersive experience. Knight will have audiences in awe of his physicality, his remarkable dance technique, and his storytelling in this moving and entertaining one-hour solo work.
Written & Performed by Lloyd Knight
Directed & Choreographed by Jack Ferver
Production Design by Jeremy Jacob
The Drama was commissioned by Works & Process and DANCECleveland, and developed over a series of Works & Process LaunchPAD residencies at Bridge Street Theatre, Modern Accord Depot, and Watermill Center.

STIRRING THE POT: PADMA LAKSHMI
2026-06-21 11:00 - 13:00
The popular series kicks off its 15th year with Padma Lakshmi, the Emmy-nominated producer, television creator/host of CBS’s America’s Culinary Cup, food expert, New York Times best-selling author, and one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. Padma will sit down with Florence to discuss her 2025 book, Padma’s All American—Tales, Travels, and Recipes from Taste the Nation and Beyond: A Cookbook. This very personal book is the result of seven years of traveling, tasting, listening, and observing.
Enjoy a pre-show continental breakfast, courtesy of Citarella, before this culinary adventure. A book signing will follow in the lobby.

MARC SHAIMAN: NEVER MIND THE HAPPY
2026-06-21 19:00 - 20:30
MARC SHAIMAN: NEVER MIND THE HAPPY
In-conversation with Susan Stroman
Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award–winning composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman comes to Guild Hall to celebrate his New York Times best selling memoir, Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner. Known for his acclaimed work across Broadway, film, and television—including Hairspray, Smash, and Mary Poppins Returns—Shaiman reflects on a five-decade career defined by collaboration, creativity, and resilience.
In conversation with Tony Award–winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman, Shaiman offers an intimate look at the artists, influences, and experiences that have shaped his singular voice. By turns candid, humorous, and deeply personal, the evening explores the realities of a life in the arts and the stories behind some of his most beloved work.
A special guest will join for a live performance celebrating Shaiman’s oeuvre.

THE MATTHIESSEN TALKS: THE IDOLATRY OF GROWTH - HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?
2026-06-25 18:00 - 19:30
Co-Presented by The Peter Matthiessen Center & Guild Hall
We live in a culture that rarely questions growth. Expansion—of markets, wealth, productivity, even the self—is treated not only as an economic goal, but as a moral good. But what happens when growth begins to function as a belief system? What, in this framework, do we worship—and what do we lose?
Moderated by writer and editor Nina Channing, this conversation brings together authors whose work engages these questions across literature, criticism, and environmental thought. Taking Peter Matthiessen’s work as a point of departure, the discussion considers traditions of writing attentive to limits, place, and forms of life not organized around accumulation.
Guest speakers to be announced.

SUMMERDOCS: CO-PRESENTED BY HAMPTONSFILM & GUILD HALL
2026-06-27 19:00 - 21:30
HamptonsFilm and Guild Hall return with the 2026 SummerDocs series, showcasing the year’s most compelling documentaries. Hosted & Curated by Alec Baldwin and HamptonsFilm Chief Creative Officer, David Nugent, each screening features thought-provoking films followed by in-depth conversations with filmmakers and special guests.
Join us for an unforgettable season of storytelling, insight, and discussion at Guild Hall.
Film and guests to be announced.

ADAM TENDLER: INHERITANCES
2026-06-28 19:00 - 20:15
“You will be moved, profoundly and intensely.” — The New York Times
“The biggest emotional gut punch I got from a concert all year.” — The Washington Post

After his father’s unexpected death, pianist Adam Tendler received his inheritance as a literal wad of cash in a parking lot—an encounter that became the catalyst for an ambitious commissioning project. Inviting a wide-ranging group of composers and sound artists, Tendler asked each to respond to the idea of “inheritance,” resulting in a deeply personal yet universally resonant body of new piano works.
Woven into a single intimate program, these pieces explore lineage, memory, loss, and place, forming a meditation on how we confront the past while shaping the future. Featuring commissions by Devonté Hynes, Laurie Anderson, Missy Mazzoli, Nico Muhly, inti figgis-vizueta, and others, the program reflects a striking diversity of voices and perspectives.
Produced by Liquid Music, this project earned a 2026 GRAMMY® nomination for Best Classical Instrumental Solo and has been featured on “CBS Sunday Morning.”
