The Hamptons

Southampton Arts Center is pleased to announce the launch of an innovative arts education program in collaboration with the Southampton School District. This exciting partnership will kick off with the inaugural student artist exhibition, titled “First Light: Celebrating Student Artists of Southampton,” which will open on February 7th and run through May 3rd, honoring the extraordinary talent of Southampton school district students ,grades K-12, and the dedication of their incredible art teachers. The exhibition’s objectives are to provide access & exposure, inspiration & engagement, and visibility while celebrating student creativity.

SAC Chairperson Simone Levinson’s longstanding commitment to public education and background in education reform has led to this new initiative. She stated, “We welcome Southampton, all school districts, and the general public to witness how the practice of art enhances life. There is no greater experience than a child walking into a museum and spotting their own work on the wall; this can change their life forever. We are excited to create opportunities for the next generation of artists, collectors, and patrons of the arts. With this opportunity to exhibit, perform, and be welcomed to SAC, we follow our mission of building community through the arts.”

Throughout this three-month period, the Southampton Arts Center (SAC) will expand its Kids Programs, providing additional workshops to engage their youngest artists, including special opportunities for grades K-12 during school breaks. SAC will also be providing student membership cards to all 1,200 students in the Southampton district, further encouraging their participation in the arts. An array of mediums will be showcased in the exhibition, including photography, 3D designs, painting, ceramics, collage, multimedia, poetry, culture, and more.

Mayor of Southampton William Manger commented: “This important new partnership between the Southampton Arts Center and the Southampton School District reflects our shared commitment to arts education and to supporting young artists in our community.”

The exhibition receptions, scheduled for February 7th, and February 11, will feature a variety of interactive activities, refreshments, and a children’s Valentine’s Day collage workshop led by Deborah Acquino. Highlighting the importance of educator involvement, the showcased works will include contributions from talented art teachers such as Andrew DeLeo, Jennifer Charron, Pamela Collins, and Justine Moody, each of whom will exhibit their own artwork as a testament to exemplifying their artistic spirit, as practicing artists, to the next generation of artists. Throughout the exhibition’s run, visitors can engage in interactive experiences, including a children’s scavenger hunt, as well as artistic expressions that will allow visitors to be featured in the exhibition.

Nancy Caine, Director of Orchestras and Chairperson for Fine Arts in the Southampton Public Schools, expressed her excitement about this collaboration: “I am delighted about the partnership between Southampton Arts Center and our Southampton school community. Our staff brings tremendous knowledge, skill, and enthusiasm to our students at every level. SAC is giving us an incredible opportunity to showcase all our student creations in art, music, theater, poetry, and culture. I am honored and humbled to have a role in making this inaugural year a success.”

Brian Zahn, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction of the Southampton Union Free School District stated, “We are so proud of our partnership with the Southampton Arts Center (SAC), located in the heart of our community. This partnership will provide the opportunity for every art student in our schools to showcase their creativity and talent for all to see. Our collaboration and partnership with the SAC highlights both organizations’ commitment to ensuring that every child has access to high quality arts education here on the East End of Long Island. We are so grateful to the SAC, our community donors, our teachers, and our students for their hard work and efforts. We are confident that “First Light” will illuminate the amazing talents of our students and the support that they receive from our outstanding community partners at the SAC.”

Dr. Fatima Morrell, Superintendent of Southampton Union Free School District, commented, “It is with pride, enthusiasm, and excitement, that the vision and partnership of Southampton Schools and Southampton Arts Center (SAC), have become a reality. This amazing partnership includes a Southampton Student Arts Exhibition, artist engagements, funded fieldtrips and membership cards providing unlimited access for every Southampton student to attend the SAC’s amazing exhibits. These opportunities have come to fruition with the launching of our Student Art Exhibit at the SAC on 2/7/26. I am extremely grateful to Board Chairwoman Simone Levinson for her innovation and forward thinking to bring funded, high-leverage art experiences and enrichment into the educational lives of the Southampton Students. I am truly appreciative of the hard work of Executive Director Christina Strassfield, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Brian Zahn, and the Southampton Art Teachers who have launched a dream and a vision from paper to reality for our scholars. A tremendous thank you to our Sponsors Merryl and James Tisch whose philanthropic support has made this opportunity possible. A very special thank you to all the students of Southampton Schools whose beautiful art we will marvel and appreciate at the upcoming exhibit at a major Southampton Arts institution. Soaring Together!”

This program was made possible through the generosity of Loews Chairman of the Board James Tisch and Merryl Tisch, the former Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents.

First Light: Celebrating Student Artists of Southampton’s Opening Receptions:
Community opening reception on February 7th from 4:00PM to 6:00PM

Student Family Reception on February 11th, featuring three live performances: a flute ensemble from 4:00-5:00 PM, strings from 5:00-6:00 PM, and Jazz Saxophone from 6:00-7:00 PM.

Southampton Arts Center’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Southampton Arts Center is committed to community building through the arts. We present and produce inspiring, inclusive, socially and regionally relevant programs across all disciplines – welcoming, connecting, and collaborating with the diverse members of New York’s East End community and beyond. SAC is a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization.

This exhibition has been sponsored in part with General Operating Support by the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Governor, the New York State Legislature, and the Suffolk County Office of Cultural Affairs. Gallery Hours: Friday – Sunday | 12 – 5 PM. For more information about Southampton Arts Center, located at 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton, New York 11968, visit southamptonartscenter.org or call 631.283.0967. Follow SAC on Facebook and Instagram @southamptonartscenter.

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