JOEL MESLER: MILES OF SMILES

Installation view of Joel Mesler: Miles of Smiles, Guild Hall, East Hampton, August 3 – October 26, 2025. Photo: Francine Fleischer. Image Courtesy of Guild Hall.

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HAMPTONS INSTITUTE: POST-PLAY CHILDHOOD

How are digital devices affecting the way adolescent minds develop, and is there a correlation between usage and illness? Author Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author of the must-read book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness and Dr. Dave Anderson, Vice President of Public Engagement and Education and a senior clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit committed to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders, are joined in conversation with Perri Peltz, Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, journalist and public health advocate.

Click HERE for tickets.

FULL SCHEDULE:

GUARDRAILS ON DEMOCRACY
MONDAY, JULY 7, 7 PM

SNL: 50 YEARS OF AMERICAN SATIRE
MONDAY, JULY 14, 7 PM

POST-PLAY CHILDHOOD
MONDAY, JULY 21, 7 PM

ORDER OR CHAOS: THE ECONOMY UNDER TRUMP
MONDAY, JULY 28, 7 PM

Hamptons Institute is a forum for ideas that shape both our community and the world. Founded in 2010 at Guild Hall, the Hamptons Institute returns with a compelling series of dynamic conversations. Each session features world-renowned experts from diverse fields exploring a single topic through multiple perspectives, followed by an audience Q&A. 

The Hamptons Institute’s 2025 installment is guest-curated by Ellen Chesler—author and Hamptons Institute co-founder (alongside Guild Hall’s late Chair, Mickey Straus)—and Patricia Duff, founder of the nonpartisan nonprofit The Common Good, dedicated to civic participation, civil dialogue, and finding solutions through common ground.

ABOUT HAMPTONS INSTITUTE

Founded in 1931 by Mary Woodhouse and her husband Lorenzo, Guild Hall began as a civic institution anchored by a museum and theater. The multidisciplinary arts institution has long been driven by the conviction that engaging with the arts—through exhibitions, performances, and meaningful dialogue—sparks connection, deepens understanding, and inspires people to participate more actively in the world beyond the boundaries of the East End. 

This mission expanded in the 1980s with the launch of Hot Topics, a series designed to spark civic discourse, featuring notable panelists like Peter Jennings, recognized for his commitment to democratic journalism. Today, alongside its rich offerings in performing and visual arts, Guild Hall continues to foster thoughtful dialogue with leading luminaries across diverse fields.

HAMPTONS INSTITUTE: SNL—50 YEARS OF AMERICAN SATIRE

Saturday Night Live has been responding to American politics for five decades lampooning Presidents from Jimmy Carter to Donald Trump. 

Susan Morrison, author of the bestselling book Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live and the articles editor of The New Yorker joins SNL Cast Member, Mikey Day, writer, producer, actor, director and former SNL Cast Member, Robert Smigel and Vogue’s long-time theater critic and former SNL staff writer, Adam Green, to talk about the longest-running and most relevant comedy show on television.

Signing of LORNE to follow. Books can be purchased before and after the program.

Click HERE for tickets.

FULL SCHEDULE:

GUARDRAILS ON DEMOCRACY
MONDAY, JULY 7, 7 PM

SNL: 50 YEARS OF AMERICAN SATIRE
MONDAY, JULY 14, 7 PM

POST-PLAY CHILDHOOD
MONDAY, JULY 21, 7 PM

ORDER OR CHAOS: THE ECONOMY UNDER TRUMP
MONDAY, JULY 28, 7 PM

Hamptons Institute is a forum for ideas that shape both our community and the world. Founded in 2010 at Guild Hall, the Hamptons Institute returns with a compelling series of dynamic conversations. Each session features world-renown experts from diverse fields exploring a single topic through multiple perspectives, followed by an audience Q&A. 

The Hamptons Institute’s 2025 installment is guest-curated by Ellen Chesler—author and Hamptons Institute co-founder (alongside Guild Hall’s late Chair, Mickey Straus)—and Patricia Duff, founder of the nonpartisan nonprofit The Common Good, dedicated to civic participation, civil dialogue, and finding solutions through common ground.

ABOUT HAMPTONS INSTITUTE

Founded in 1931 by Mary Woodhouse and her husband Lorenzo, Guild Hall began as a civic institution anchored by a museum and theater. The multidisciplinary arts institution has long been driven by the conviction that engaging with the arts—through exhibitions, performances, and meaningful dialogue—sparks connection, deepens understanding, and inspires people to participate more actively in the world beyond the boundaries of the East End. 

This mission expanded in the 1980s with the launch of Hot Topics, a series designed to spark civic discourse, featuring notable panelists like Peter Jennings, recognized for his commitment to democratic journalism. Today, alongside its rich offerings in performing and visual arts, Guild Hall continues to foster thoughtful dialogue with leading luminaries across diverse fields.

HAMPTONS INSTITUTE: GUARDRAILS ON DEMOCRACY

Norman Eisen, a globally recognized authority on law, ethics, and anti-corruption, Susan Corke, executive director, Democracy Defenders Action & Democracy Defenders Fund, and Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU, will lead a discussion on the prosecutorial process and enforcing legal limits on the current Trump administration. James D. Zirin, author, legal analyst, and television show host, will moderate. Together, this panel will explore the urgent threats facing democracy today—and the essential guardrails needed to protect it—in a candid, insightful, and compelling conversation.

Click HERE for Tickets.

FULL SCHEDULE:

GUARDRAILS ON DEMOCRACY
MONDAY, JULY 7, 7 PM

SNL: 50 YEARS OF AMERICAN SATIRE
MONDAY, JULY 14, 7 PM

POST-PLAY CHILDHOOD
MONDAY, JULY 21, 7 PM

ORDER OR CHAOS: THE ECONOMY UNDER TRUMP
MONDAY, JULY 28, 7 PM

Hamptons Institute is a forum for ideas that shape both our community and the world. Founded in 2010 at Guild Hall, the Hamptons Institute returns with a compelling series of dynamic conversations. Each session features world-renown experts from diverse fields exploring a single topic through multiple perspectives, followed by an audience Q&A. 

The Hamptons Institute’s 2025 installment is guest-curated by Ellen Chesler—author and Hamptons Institute co-founder (alongside Guild Hall’s late Chair, Mickey Straus)—and Patricia Duff, founder of the nonpartisan nonprofit The Common Good, dedicated to civic participation, civil dialogue, and finding solutions through common ground.

ABOUT HAMPTONS INSTITUTE

Founded in 1931 by Mary Woodhouse and her husband Lorenzo, Guild Hall began as a civic institution anchored by a museum and theater. The multidisciplinary arts institution has long been driven by the conviction that engaging with the arts—through exhibitions, performances, and meaningful dialogue—sparks connection, deepens understanding, and inspires people to participate more actively in the world beyond the boundaries of the East End. 

This mission expanded in the 1980s with the launch of Hot Topics, a series designed to spark civic discourse, featuring notable panelists like Peter Jennings, recognized for his commitment to democratic journalism. Today, alongside its rich offerings in performing and visual arts, Guild Hall continues to foster thoughtful dialogue with leading luminaries across diverse fields.

THE DOGIST LIVE: THIS DOG WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Join us for an unforgettable evening with Elias Weiss Friedman—better known to his 11 million+ followers as The Dogist—for a special live event celebrating the transformative power of dogs and the stories from his new heartwarming book which hit #2 on the NYTimes Bestsellers List, This Dog Will Change Your Life.

This intimate evening will feature The Dogist on stage sharing stories and insights from his own life. Friedman weaves together tales of the many dogs he has been lucky enough to know, both in his personal life and while doing his Dogist work. As part of the “Live” experience, audiences will witness Elias photographing dogs live on stage, getting an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at his signature portrait process in real time.

The evening will also showcase members of The Dogist community sharing their own personal stories about how dogs have changed their lives forever. We’ll meet adoptable dogs from ARF (Animal Rescue Fund of The Hamptons) and learn about their unique journeys, offering attendees the chance to connect with dogs looking for their forever homes.

Special guest Ali Wentworth will moderate the evening, joining The Dogist in conversation and sharing her own experiences about how dogs have shaped and enriched her life, bringing her signature warmth and humor to this celebration of the human-canine bond.

Be Part of the Story: We invite you to participate in this special evening by sharing your most compelling “this dog changed my life” story for a chance to join The Dogist onstage during the show. Send your story to The Dogist at info@thedogist.com for a chance to be featured.

All tickets include a copy of the instant New York Times bestselling book This Dog Will Change Your Life. The evening will conclude with a book signing, giving you the opportunity to meet The Dogist and have your copy personally signed.

BUSINESS NETWORKING NIGHT

Business Networking Night
Open to all local businesses

Join us for our Spring Business Networking Night on Thursday, June 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.

Starting at 5:30 PM in the Hilarie and Mitchell Morgan Theater, hear from three local business leaders, including Nick Kraus of Stephen Talkhouse, fashion designer Alex Vinash, and Sarah Wetenhall of The Hedges Inn, as they share their experiences, successes, and challenges. Then network with fellow local business members while enjoying light bites provided by Moby’s East Hampton and drinks in the Minikes Garden.

CLICK to Support Guild Hall & Enjoy Exclusive Benefits

Your $1,000 contribution to the Community Pillars initiative provides the following recognition and benefits:

  • Peer-to-Peer & Client Networking Opportunities 
  • A complimentary digital ad in one of Guild Hall’s weekly eblasts as a “Community Pillar of the Week”.
  • Listing of Your Business Name in/on:
    • A full-page Guild Hall advertisement a December issue of The East Hampton Star.
    • Season Program Guide (distributed to 25,000 people). Pillars also received a 10% discount on ad placement.
    • Annual Donor Wall displayed in the outdoor vestibule, seen by over 50,000 visitors each year.
    • Guild Hall’s Community Pillar Webpage – A dedicated page with a hyperlink to your business.

Your contribution helps sustain Guild Hall’s programming and also enhances your visibility and connections within the community. We hope you’ll consider supporting Guild Hall as a Community Pillar for the upcoming year.

For more information or to confirm your participation, please contact Kendra Korczak, Director of Events and Corporate Relations, at events@guildhall.org or 631.324.0806 x116.

 

THE FITZGERALDS: A READING WITH MUSIC

Marking the centennial of The Great Gatsby, The Fitzgeralds: A Reading with Music revisits the lives behind one of the most enduring works of American literature.

At the heart of this performance lies the extraordinary correspondence between F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald — letters that reveal a relationship shaped by ambition, artistry, and emotional complexity. Through their own words, we encounter two singular voices whose love and conflict fueled some of the most iconic writing of the 20th century.

Directed by Stephen Hamilton, this reading features acclaimed performers Melissa Errico and Alec Baldwin, with an original live score by composer/performer, Forrest Gray, that brings new resonance to the Fitzgeralds’ words. Poised between literature and performance, memory and music, The Fitzgeralds is a reflective tribute to the people behind the prose.

Originally Devised by Steve Lawson
Directed by Stephen Hamilton
Readers Melissa Errico and Alec Baldwin
Original Score Forrest Gray
Performed by Forrest Gray

OUR FABULOUS VARIETY SHOW: REVOLUTION OF RHYTHM

Our Fabulous Variety Show (OFVS) invites you to join us for a one-night-only celebration of the history and future of TAP! We thought we would be taking the year off from the Tap Show, but 2025 has proven to be a year that demands a bit more from us. We want to share the history of Tap as a Black American art form and how these same roots are shared with Step, Jazz, Hip Hop and Swing dance styles and celebrate the JOY of tap! Joy that we all need and can’t wait to celebrate together.

Presale tickets will range from $10 – $40 per person. Day of walk ups will be FREE (first come first served and there is no guaranteed admission if we sell out). Tickets can be purchased at https://www.ofvs.org/tickets or by calling 631-507-4603. 

CHAIRS: A CONVERSATION WITH ROBERT WILSON & ADRIAN MADLENER PRESENTED BY GUILD HALL & THE WATERMILL CENTER

Join us for an evening with visionary artist, director, and designer Robert Wilson as he discusses his latest publication, Chairs. Known for his groundbreaking work in theater and visual arts, Wilson brings his signature perspective to the design and symbolism of chairs—objects that hold more meaning than we often realize.

This new book, published by Raisonné and August Editions and edited by Owen Laub with photographs by Martien Mulder, presents a curated selection of chairs created by Wilson, exploring their sculptural presence and theatrical potential. With contributions from leading artists, designers, and thinkers, Chairs is both an art object and a meditation on form, function, and history.

Wilson will be joined in conversation by Adrian Madlener, a design writer, editor, and curator known for his expertise in architecture, interiors, and collectible design. Together, they will explore the intersection of design, performance, and storytelling.

A book signing will follow the discussion. Copies of Chairs will be available for purchase at the event.

Chairs is programmed in tandem with the Guild Hall exhibition, Functional Relationships: Artist Made Furniture on view from May 4 – July 13, 2025.

IN CONVERSATION: JACQUELINE HUMPHRIES, LAURA PHIPPS, AND STANLEY WHITNEY ON MARY HEILMANN

Join artists Jacqueline Humphries & Stanley Whitney, and Whitney Museum associate curator Laura Phipps for a spirited conversation on the work and legacy of Mary Heilmann, in celebration of her current exhibitions: Water Way at Guild Hall and Long Line at the Whitney Museum.
 
From the oceanic calm of East Hampton to five decades of bold abstraction in New York, Heilmann’s work bridges place, memory, and experimentation. Whitney and Phipps will explore her lasting influence, playful approach to color and form, and the creative throughline connecting both shows.

JULIO TORRES: COLOR THEORIES

“Absurd, fantastical, wistful. A premier comic fabulist.” – New York Times

“An absolute master of absurdist comedy.” – NBC

JULIO TORRES: COLOR THEORIES
Presented by Guild Hall x Murmrr

• 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲
• 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿
• 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁
• 𝗦𝗡𝗟 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿

Spend an evening with comedian/actor/director/writer/style-savant Julio Torres as he brings his singular vision to Guild Hall.

From SNL staff writer, to co-writer & showrunner of HBO’s cult favorite Los Espookys (with Fred Armisen and Ana Fabrega), to writer-director of the A24 surrealist comedy Problemista (with Tilda Swinton and Isabella Rossellini), to creator and star of HBO’s Fantasmas, Torres is one of the hottest commodities in the comedy world.

Join Julio as he blends stand-up, design, and dream logic into a whimsical exploration of color, emotion, and identity—equal parts comedy and art piece.