Hamptons Happenings

In Eats

Art and Soul Hamptons Celebrates Culture and Creativity

June 26, 2025 In Eats 5 Mins Read

If there’s one event I mark on my calendar every summer, it’s Art & Soul: Hamptons. As someone who has 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 are 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),

• 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.

In Hamptons Happenings

Celebrating Women 2025: Power, Possibility, and the Bold Leaders Shaping Our Future

May 22, 2025 In Hamptons Happenings 3 Mins Read

Jacqueline Woodson, Fran Drescher: Photo Credit: BFA/Bre Johnson, PMC/ Sean Zanni

Celebrating Women 2025: Power, Possibility, and the Bold Leaders Shaping Our Future

This year’s Celebrating Women® Breakfast, hosted by The New York Women’s Foundation at the New York Marriott Marquis, was more than a fundraiser, it was a movement. With over 1,000 advocates, partners, and changemakers in the room, the event raised over $1.2 million to power community-led grantmaking and grassroots solutions across New York City and beyond.

The theme, “Together, we create power and possibility,” resonated deeply. It captured the urgency of now and the promise of a future led by those closest to the challenges we seek to overcome.

“People closest to the pain should be closest to the problem,” was a guiding truth echoed throughout the morning.

Leading With Empathy and Impact

Fran Drescher, the iconic actor, advocate, and founder of Cancer Schmancer, took the stage as a voice of courage and clarity. Her words were raw, real, and unforgettable:

“Be bold. Go after what you want. I’m a voice in the wilderness, speaking truth at a seminal crossroad. I call people on their untruths and I don’t need to emulate male energy to lead. I lead with empathy.”

She reminded the audience that “how you live directly affects how you feel,” and left everyone thinking deeply about wellness, the planet, and self-worth:

“Make yourself the center of your universe. You are what you eat. Don’t hurt yourself and don’t hurt the planet.”

Lola C. West, NYWF Board Member and Steering Committee Co-Chair, called Fran “a badass” and the room agreed.

Celebrating Leadership That Creates Change

Honorees included:

• Jacqueline Woodson, author and founder of BALDWIN FOR THE ARTS, uplifted the role of artists and activists:

“We’re trying to make this world safer for gender-expansive people, for women, for everyone who dares to live their truth.”

• ERA Coalition Forward was recognized for building a national, multi-generational movement to enshrine equality in the U.S. Constitution.

• New Yorkers for Equal Rights celebrated the passage of the New York Equal Rights Amendment (Proposal 1), affirming protections for all New Yorkers.

• The Young Women’s Coalition – Long Island Community showed how local leadership drives lasting change.

• JPMorganChase received the Vision Award for their investment in equity, opportunity, and inclusive economic growth.

• NYWF also spotlighted community partners like The Brooklyn Economic Justice Projectand The Informed Consent Coalition, organizations addressing the root causes of inequality with intersectional, community-based solutions.

Building a New Foundation for the Future

President and CEO Ana L. Oliveira grounded the event with powerful intention:

“The Foundation will continue in the discipline of hope and the commitment of determination. Our acts of generosity and solidarity matter.”

What does it mean to celebrate women in 2025?

It means investing in mental health building a foundation that supports women facing loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

It means amplifying young leaders, lifting up community coalitions, and making sure that leadership works for all of us.

It means recognizing that New York Women’s Foundation is changing the world one act of solidarity, one grant, one bold voice at a time.

Because when women lead with empathy, purpose, and vision, anything is possible

In Eats

Let’s Swirl over to Long Island Vineyards

May 1, 2025 In Eats 3 Mins Read

Wine Legs, Long Island Wine Blends and a Giant Pair of Legs in the Hamptons, Real talk, Real People

wine tasting at Croteaux Vineyard in Southold, Long Island. photo credit: Hamptons Mouthpiece — friends at Croteaux Vineyard in Southold, NY

Long Island wine: Let’s talk about wine legs. Nope, not something you wear—though you could enjoy them in a cute outfit. We’re talking about the streaks that form inside your wine glass when you give it a swirl.

So, what are wine legs?

When you swirl your wine, you might notice little droplets forming and sliding down the inside of the glass. These are called legs. They’re kind of like the wine’s signature dance move. You’ll usually see them more clearly in wines with higher alcohol content. The more pronounced the legs, the higher the booze. It’s a neat little visual trick that happens thanks to evaporation and surface tension. Science in your glass!

Let’s swirl over to Long Island Wine…

Wolffer vineyard glass of wine, photo credit Hamptons Mouthpiece

Long Island wine is known for its beautiful beaches, charming villages—and yes, some pretty amazing wine. One of the coolest things local winemakers are doing is blending. That means mixing different types of grapes (like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and others) to create smooth, balanced wines with lots of character.

small plates at Wolffer Vineyard, photo credit: Hamptons Mouthpiece

Blended wines are like a group project where everyone actually pulls their weight. The result? Rich, complex flavors that reflect the region’s sunny days, salty breezes, and sandy soils. Wineries like Wölffer Estate, Paumanok, and Bedell Cellars are masters at this.

Larry Rivers legs Sculpture, photo credit Hamptons Mouthpiece

Now, about those other legs…

If you’ve driven around Sag Harbor, you might’ve spotted a giant pair of legs—literally—sticking out of the ground. That’s artist Larry Rivers’ famous sculpture, called “Legs.” It’s bold, quirky, and just a little bit cheeky, much like a good glass of red.

The sculpture has become a landmark in its own right. It reminds us that art, like wine, is meant to be seen, felt, and talked about—even if people don’t always agree on the taste.

In the end…

Whether you’re admiring the legs in your wine glass or the ones standing tall in Eastern Long Island, remember: life is a little more fun when you pause to appreciate the details.

I recently had the perfect day on the North Fork with NorthFork Taste Wilfred and Veda were the absolute best hosts—so warm, knowledgeable, and just fun to be around. My Best Friend and I kicked things off with breakfast on Love Lane, then hit two gorgeous vineyards: one sustainable with a fascinating backstory I’d never heard before, and the other, one of my personal faves. Great wine, great vibes, great company—can’t wait to do it again.

If you’re planning a wine tour, treat yourself! Use code VANESSA10 for 10% off any luxury wine experience with North Fork Taste.

So swirl, sip, and soak it all in—because Long Island has legs in all the best ways.

Cheers!

In Feature Story

Spill the Tea with Allura and Skyler Johnson, Candidate for State Senate

June 18, 2020 In Feature Story 2 Mins Read

Hamptons Mouthpiece; Spill the Tea – Allura Leggard speaks with New York State Senate candidate, Skyle r Johnson to discuss the upcoming election.

Johnson ‘Spills the Tea’ on his plans for healthcare; the environment; education; Police Reform and that was only a fraction of the Bold Plans he has for the future.

Unlike many of the other candidates who have other full-time jobs, Johnson tells us that his full-time job is being a student, continuing to learn more about how he can bring about change and focus on the many issues that concern Americans in the 1st district.

19-year-old Johnson is this year’s youngest candidate running for State Senate.

Johnson expressed that his use of social media and his command for the facts is important to discuss issues that many people in Suffolk County are concerned about.

Johnson is one of five Democratic candidates running this year for Senator Kenneth LaValle’s NY State Senate seat in the First District in Suffolk County. Senator LaValle has held this position for 43 years and decided he will not be running for reelection this year.

Johnson says, one of his most important issues for his campaign is providing everyone in the state with free and quality healthcare. Johnson says this can be achieved by “rebuilding our healthcare system by passing the NYHA, New York Health Act-Including: free testing, treatment, and telemedicine for everyone.”

You can read more about Johnson’s Bold Plans for a Bright Future on his website. https://skylerforsenate.com

Election day is June 23; (Voting polls).
After June 16th, voters may apply in person (over-the-counter) through June 22nd or by Early Voting from June 13-21. Primary Elections POLLS OPEN AT 6 AM – CLOSE AT 9 PM

Register to Vote or update your voter information online: Click here:

In Community News

Has The Awakening Begun?

June 4, 2020 In Community News 3 Mins Read

Hamptons Mouthpiece: Has the Awakening Begun? A peaceful protest in Bridgehampton, NY for racial equality.

On Tuesday, June 2nd organizers Lisa Votino, Lisa Calabrese and Willie Jenkins held a peaceful protest on Main street in Bridgehampton for Justice for George Floyd a black man who was allegedly murdered by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin who kneeled on Mr. Floyd’s neck and ignored his cries for help “I can’t Breathe”.

We stood in solidarity with our brothers and sisters all over the country who are demanding an end to racist policing.

We also remembered two other recent victims of deadly racism Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor and the sadly, all too long list of other victims.

I was heartened to see so many young people who not only came to lend their support in this fight against racism towards Black and Brown people but they took the time to make posters.

There comes a time when silence is Betrayal

I am feeling hopeful that with this new army of Allies to the Black Lives Matter movement we can begin to open up the conversation and move forward toward real change in this country regarding systemic racism.

For many that were protesting and marching, they saw the sheer brutality in the action perpetrated against George Floyd and they finally understood the significance behind Colin Kaepernick’s peaceful protest of taking a knee during the playing of the National Anthem. Many finally understood that the goal of the Black Lives Matter movement was never to say that only black lives matter or that black lives matter more than everyone else’s, the goal is to shine light on an issue in this country that you only get to experience if you are black. If you have taken the time to try to acknowledge your privilege and understand the black perspective, these injustices come quickly to light.

In interviewing William Pickens III, a resident of Sag Harbor Hills Community (SANS) Mr. Pickens who ancestry is that of liberated slaves, who were among the first people to come to the New World. They sailed from England and arrived in Oyster Bay in 1670. We spoke with Mr. Pickens and asked him what was different about the murder of George Floyd and what made this protest different than other activities and other protest in the past? Mr. Pickens responded with the “sheer brutality that the officer snuffed out the life of George Floyd”; he went on to say that this protest in Bridgehampton was different because there were more white people than black people protesting, and “If white people don’t speak up nothing is going to change because they dominate the economy, politics and the history. If they are with us we’ve got a a shot and if they are not we don’t”

I end with a quote from Willam Pickens III “Illuminate Love, Eliminate Hate”