Long House Reserve Beautopia Summer Benefit Celebrates Art & Nature in East Hampton
On June 27th, EAST HAMPTON, N.Y.- The Hamptons’ summer social season reached a dazzling high point as more than 300 influential figures from the worlds of art, philanthropy, design, and culture gathered at Long House Reserve for its highly anticipated annual Summer Benefit, BEAUTOPIA.
Set amid the breathtaking 16-acre sculpture gardens, the elegant evening celebrated the enduring connection between art and nature while raising essential funds to support Long House Reserve’s acclaimed educational initiatives, world-renowned sculpture collection, historic gardens, and the preservation of founder Jack Lenor Larsen’s iconic residence.
The evening honored internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Sean Scully and distinguished philanthropist Dr. Bruce Horten for their exceptional contributions to the arts and cultural community. Renowned art historian Joachim Pissarro presented the award to Scully, who reflected on the inspiration he finds in the natural world. “I’m very inspired by nature,” Scully shared, drawing comparisons between his own artistic journey and that of masters Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, whose careers flourished after relocating to more serene surroundings.
Long House Reserve President Louis Bradbury paid tribute to Dr. Horten’s remarkable legacy, recognizing his pioneering medical career advancing cancer research while also celebrating his lifelong commitment to collecting and supporting fine art. Together with his late partner, Aaron Lieber, Horten has championed numerous cultural institutions, ensuring that art and music remain accessible to future generations.
The evening also highlighted an exciting new chapter for LongHouse under Executive Director Lara Sweeney, who reflected on the institution’s extraordinary landscape, vibrant artistic community, and profound impact on visitors of all ages. During heartfelt remarks, Sweeney described Long House as far more than a sculpture garden—calling it a place where creativity flourishes, children discover the power of art and nature, artists are celebrated, and visitors find healing, inspiration, and meaningful human connection.
This year’s enchanting BEAUTPIA theme was brought to life by Gala Co-Chairs Raisa Lopez-Rhoden and Gael Towey, who transformed the gardens into an immersive celebration filled with vibrant floral installations, elegant décor, flowing Champagne, and exceptional locally inspired cuisine. Lopez-Rhoden, who was married at LongHouse five years ago, spoke movingly about the venue’s personal significance and the extraordinary community whose generosity continues to sustain its mission.
The stylish guest list reflected the Hamptons’ vibrant cultural scene, welcoming an impressive gathering of artists, collectors, philanthropists, designers, and notable supporters, including Faith Popcorn, Renée Cox, Lee Skolnick, Bastienne Schmidt, Edwina von Gal, Peter Bickford, Greg McCarthy, and numerous Long House trustees and patrons.
Guests included Board Members Patrick Amato, Emma Clurman, Christopher Coy, Sherri Donghia, Anne Erni, David Fink, Dr. Derick T. George, Michael Jones, Deborah Nevins, Suzanne Slesin, Peter H. Olsen, and Linda Willett, as well as Peter Bickford and Greg McCarthy, Mary Jane and Charles Brock, Michele and Marty Cohen, Renée Cox, Tom D’Agostino Jr., Laurie Lambrecht, Jada Loveless, Faith Popcorn, Bastienne Schmidt, Lee Skolnick, and Edwina Von Gal.
The annual art auction, spearheaded by Dianne Benson, included works by John Alexander, Daniel Arsham, Ross Bleckner, Scott Bluedorn, Mary Boochever, Stephanie Brody-Lederman, Parker Calvert, Philippe Cheng, Liz Collins, Andrea Cote, Renée Cox, David Kennedy Cutler, Barbara Dayton, Peter Dayton, Michael De Feo, Christopher Robin Duncan, Sandi Haber Fifield, Robin Gianis, Nina Gillman, Jim Gingerich, Alastair James Gordon, Philip Guston, Melinda Hackett, John Haubrich, Alice Hope, Nicholas Howey, Fitzhugh Karol, Elizabeth Karsch, Alex Katz, Nishan Kazazian, Donghwan Kim, Gaston Lachaise, Laurie Lambrecht, Esther Mahlangu, Christa Maiwald, Mica Marder, Mark Mennin, Steve Miller, J. Oscar Molina, Jill Moser, Robert Motherwell, Eileen O’Kane Kornreich, Jill Platner, Dalton Portella, Gabriele Raacke, Marko Remec, Cheryl R. Riley, Ugo Rondinone, Alexander Russi, Adrian Schachter, Kenny Schachter, Bastienne Schmidt, Sean Scully, Bruce M. Sherman, Drew Shiflett, Jonathan Shlafer, Janice Stanton, Clintel Steed, Hiroko Takeda, Bill Tansey, Aurelio Torres, William Tucker, Vadis Turner, Claire Watson, Ai Weiwei, Jeff Lion Weinstock, Deborah Willis, Mark William Wilson, Lucy Winton, Susan Wood, Jason Bard Yarmosky, Jack Youngerman, and Almond Zigmund.
Luxury brands and distinguished partners supporting the evening included the annual art auction, spearheaded by Dianne Benson, included works by John Alexander, Daniel Arsham, Ross Bleckner, Scott Bluedorn, Mary Boochever, Stephanie Brody-Lederman, Parker Calvert, Philippe Cheng, Liz Collins, Andrea Cote, Renée Cox, David Kennedy Cutler, Barbara Dayton, Peter Dayton, Michael De Feo, Christopher Robin Duncan, Sandi Haber Fifield, Robin Gianis, Nina Gillman, Jim Gingerich, Alastair James Gordon, Philip Guston, Melinda Hackett, John Haubrich, Alice Hope, Nicholas Howey, Fitzhugh Karol, Elizabeth Karsch, Alex Katz, Nishan Kazazian, Donghwan Kim, Gaston Lachaise, Laurie Lambrecht, Esther Mahlangu, Christa Maiwald, Mica Marder, Mark Mennin, Steve Miller, J. Oscar Molina, Jill Moser, Robert Motherwell, Eileen O’Kane Kornreich, Jill Platner, Dalton Portella, Gabriele Raacke, Marko Remec, Cheryl R. Riley, Ugo Rondinone, Alexander Russi, Adrian Schachter, Kenny Schachter, Bastienne Schmidt, Sean Scully, Bruce M. Sherman, Drew Shiflett, Jonathan Shlafer, Janice Stanton, Clintel Steed, Hiroko Takeda, Bill Tansey, Aurelio Torres, William Tucker, Vadis Turner, Claire Watson, Ai Weiwei, Jeff Lion Weinstock, Deborah Willis, Mark William Wilson, Lucy Winton, Susan Wood, Jason Bard Yarmosky, Jack Youngerman, and Almond Zigmund.
Long House gratefully acknowledges sponsors Audible, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Michele and Marty Cohen, Lucifer Lighting, Robert Brown Interior Design, Sunbrella, Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch, Bernadette and James Zumot, Café Aroma, Casper’s Caviar, Collina Viola, Fusion Lighting, Hamptons Magazine, Hampton’s Aristocrat Hospitality, Macari Vineyards, Party Rental LTD, Stamford Tent, Telmont Champagne, The Colony Hotel, The Fifth Avenue Hotel, The Modern, Umbra, Whitmores, Winter Brothers, and Wölffer Estate Vineyard.
Against the backdrop of Long House Reserve’s magnificent gardens, Beautopia once again affirmed its reputation as one of Hamptons’ most elegant and sought-after philanthropic gatherings. Guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening of world-class art, inspiring philanthropy, exceptional cuisine, and lively dancing in the garden beneath the summer sky, while attendees transformed the garden paths into a showcase of effortless Hampton’s glamour and sophisticated resort-style cocktail wear. With incredible fashion watching, vibrant garden celebrations, and an atmosphere where art, nature, and luxury seamlessly intertwined, Beautopia proved to be one of the season’s most memorable social events.
Founded by celebrated textile designer and collector Jack Lenor Larsen, LongHouse Reserve has become one of the Hamptons’ most treasured cultural destinations. Spanning 16 acres of curated gardens, outdoor sculpture, and immersive landscapes, the institution seamlessly blends contemporary art, architecture, design, and nature into an experience unlike any other. Its celebrated collection features more than 60 outdoor works by internationally renowned artists, including Yoko Ono, Buckminster Fuller, Willem de Kooning, Toshiko Takaezu, and Sean Scully.
Guided by the values of creativity, resilience, and sustainability, Long House Reserve remains committed to fostering inspiration, community, and a deep connection to nature. The institution offers visitors a peaceful retreat where art and gardens coexist in harmony, while maintaining environmentally responsible practices that allow the landscape to thrive naturally and sustainably for generations to come.
Long House Reserve is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 12:30pm until 5pm. A Membership allows you to visit throughout the season, and come early for Member Mornings on Saturday and Sunday (10:30am – 12:30pm) for art making, walking, and special programs. General admission is $20, with half price tickets for seniors, and no charge for veterans, active-duty personnel, members of the Shinnecock Nation, children under 12, and students with valid school/college ID. More info is available at www.longhouse.org.
Learn more about Long House by downloading the Bloomberg Connects App and searching Long House Reserve.
Images & Video: Diane Kronstad
Images: Patrick McMullan & BFA
