CULTURE
LONGHOUSE RESERVE 2024 SUMMER BENEFIT “IMAGINE,” TONY BECHARA AND KENNY SCHARF HONORED
JUL 30, 2024
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WORDS
by SCOTT FISHKIND
@scottfishkind
PHOTOS
by JARED SISKIN
for PMC/GETTY
LOCATION
LONGHOUSE RESERVE
In the heart of East Hampton, LongHouse Reserve’s 2024 Summer Benefit on July 23 illuminated the night with a celebration of creativity and art, paying homage to the boundless imagination of artists Kenny Scharf and Tony Bechara. Director Carrie Rebora Barratt’s opening remarks encapsulated the spirit of LongHouse founder Jack Lenor Larsen’s philosophy: “Be relevant, not reverent,” urging everyone to embrace change and creativity.
This year’s gala, themed “IMAGINE,” saw Alexandra Munroe honor Yoko Ono, whose work has long bridged the avant-garde and mainstream, echoing the ethos of both Larsen and LongHouse. Munroe’s poignant reflections on Ono’s journey highlighted the power of art to unify and transcend opposition, epitomized by Ono’s unique contributions like the all-white “Play It By Trust” chess set and the participatory “Wish Tree.”
Philanthropist Estrellita Brodsky lauded Tony Bechara’s meticulous color explorations, celebrating his contributions to both art and Latin American culture. Bechara, in his acceptance, emphasized the symbiotic relationship between nature and art at LongHouse, a sentiment echoed by Randy Polumbo when praising Kenny Scharf’s accessible and inclusive artistry. Scharf’s brief, heartfelt acceptance—“I just love what I do. Thank you for this honor!”—resonated with the evening’s celebratory atmosphere.
Notable guests adorned in vibrant colors and whimsical accessories added to the evening’s splendor, including Daniel Arsham, Dan Brodsky, West Chin, Michele and Marty Cohen, Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane, Angie Cordish, Suzi Cordish, Renee Cox, Edwina von Gal, Tony Ingrao, Laurie Lambrecht, Linda Macklowe, Mark Mennin, Jean Park, Faith Popcorn, Betsy Pinover Schiff, Lee Skolnick, Stanley Stair, Pamela Willoughby, Robert Wilson, as well as board members Patrick Amato, Louis Bradbury, Emma Clurman, Christopher Coy, Sherri Donghia, Dr. Derick T. George, Nina Gillman, Michael Jones, Mark Levine, Raisa Lopez-Rhoden, Peter Olsen, Deborah Nevins, Gael Towey, Suzanne Slesin, Linda Willett, Patti Trainor-Wrazej, James Zajac, and LongHouse President Emerita Dianne Benson.
