If there’s one event I mark on my calendar every summer, it’s Art & Soul: Hamptons. As someone who’s attended this incredible celebration in past years, I can tell you—it’s not just an event, it’s an experience. From the inspiring art to the mouthwatering cuisine (yes, I’m still dreaming about those crab cakes made by Chef Ronica Copes, Five Star Crab Cake—hands down the best I’ve ever tasted), Art & Soul captures the essence of what makes the Hamptons community so rich, so cultured, and so vibrant.
This year, Art & Soul returns on July 18-19, 2025, and it promises to be bigger, bolder, and more beautiful than ever. Hosted in partnership with the Southampton African American Museum and Southampton Arts Center , the weekend is a celebration of BIPOC artists from the Hamptons and beyond—through art, music, food, and storytelling.
🎨 The Artists: Passion. Power. Purpose.
Let’s start with the reason we gather—the art. This year’s featured artists are an incredibly talented group of creatives, each with a unique voice and story to tell:
• Reynoir Lewis brings his limitless energy to Southampton with his bold, abstract paintings and home décor pieces. Reynoir’s art is as vibrant as his personality—he draws from his Caribbean roots, DJ background, and love of storytelling to create pieces that are alive with movement and color. I can’t wait to see what he brings to the WOOD ART EXHIBITION at the Southampton Arts Center.
• Laura R. Gadson is a master of textiles. Her quilt, fiber, and mixed media work is deeply rooted in history, heritage, and heart. If you’ve ever been touched by the texture of a story told through fabric, you’re going to love meeting Laura and experiencing her work up close.
• Suliman Onque is the definition of multi-talented. From murals to comic books to wearable art, his creativity knows no limits. I love that he’s not afraid to explore every medium and tell stories that speak to identity, justice, and culture.
• Shaunt’e Lewis , who will be featured at the Southampton African American Museum, is an illustrator and fiber artist whose bold and colorful work celebrates powerful women and community resilience. Her story—from hairstylist to nationally recognized artist—is a beautiful reminder of the power of purpose and passion.
• And don’t miss the Shinnecock Artist Exhibition at Ma’s House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation, featuring local Indigenous artists like Jeremy Dennis, Durrell Hunter, and Reebekah Wise. It’s an intimate experience that honors the deep cultural roots of our region.
🍽️ The Culinary Experience: Come Hungry!
Now, let me talk about the food—because y’all, the culinary team at Art & Soul knows how to throw down.
This year’s tastings will be brought to us by:
• Chef Cheryl Grigg of Chara’s Kitchen & Catering (bless her hands with her fried chicken beignets are a spiritual experience),
• and Chef Doug Gee, another culinary star who brings soulful, elevated flavor to every dish.
And for the cocktail lovers, New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery will be serving up award-winning spirits passed down through generations. They’re the first Afro-Puerto Rican-American distillery in the country, and their story is as smooth as their rum.
🎶 Music, Vibes & Magic
As always, Art & Soul delivers on vibes. You’ll be serenaded by the incredible Dwayne Kerr, flutist for Erykah Badu’s band, and transported by Yacouba Sissoko and the SIYA African Band, whose traditional kora music bridges generations of African storytelling.
And yes, the red carpet is back! My favorite photographer (and husband) Kurt Leggard will be capturing the magic, so bring your style and let your soul shine.
🖼️ Beyond the Art: Walk, Learn, and Celebrate
The weekend includes a cultural Art Walk with stops at the Southampton African American Museum, Southampton Arts Center, and Hidden Gem —a luxury home boutique founded by sisters Tanya and Temidra Willock. I love that this event also creates space to support Black-owned businesses right here in the Hamptons.
There’s also a private museum tour of Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio on the Shinnecock Reservation—one of my favorite hidden treasures in Southampton. The work being done there by Indigenous artist Jeremy Dennis is powerful and deeply rooted in legacy and land.
And for the film buffs, don’t miss the screening of Erased, executive produced by Idris Elba, which highlights the forgotten contributions of soldiers of color during WWII. This is the kind of storytelling that changes minds and hearts.
💃 The Afterglow
From the Art After Dark Soirée to the Caribbean cocktail-fueled afterparty with DJ Infmatick, every moment of Art & Soul feels like a love letter to culture, creativity, and connection.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—Art & Soul is one of my favorite events in the Hamptons. It’s a beautiful blend of art, soul food, music, and community. It fills me up and reminds me why I love being a part of this place. If you’re looking for a weekend that inspires, uplifts, and feeds both your soul and your appetite, don’t miss this.
🎟️ Grab your tickets. VIP Weekend Pass July 18 & 19, 2025, Art & Soul Hamptons 2025
Come hungry. Come inspired. And don’t forget to try the crab cakes—you’ll thank me later.
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