ART & SOUL: Hamptons Celebrates 5th Year with SOLD OUT and Powerful Weekend with Black Art, Culture & Community

Southampton, New York Jul 23, 2026 (Issuewire.com) ART & SOUL: Hamptons concluded another inspiring weekend, July 1719, bringing together artists, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs, collectors, tastemakers, and visitors from across the country for three unforgettable days celebrating Black creativity, wellness, and community in the heart of the Hamptons.

In partnership with the Southampton African American Museum, Southampton Arts Center, and Mas House & BIPOC Art Studio, the festival continued its mission of amplifying the voices and contributions of Black artists and creatives while creating meaningful economic and cultural opportunities throughout the East End. Throughout the weekend, guests experienced an immersive lineup of exhibitions, museum tours, culinary experiences, wine and spirits tastings, live music, film screening, conversations, and networking events designed to foster connection and inspire collaboration.

The Southampton African American Museum with the awesome collaboration with ART & SOUL: Hamptons has been a tremendous success continuously presenting a spectacular cultural experience welcoming inspirational culturally minded people from the West to East Coast spending the weekend in the Hamptons staying in hotels, shopping, and dining, which is an economic asset to the Village, said Brenda Simmons, Co-Founder, President & CEO of the Southampton African American Museum.

Highlights from the weekend included:

ART & SOUL: Hamptons – DAY 1:

Opening Night was hosted by the talented Kevin Thompson, The Entertainer, held outdoors on the lawn of the Southampton Arts Center

Outdoor Art Exhibition featured original artwork by ARTBOii

Culinary Tasting Experience showcasing diverse flavors and hospitality featuring delicious food presentations by Chef Cheryl Grigg, Chef Sakari Smithwick, Chef Leighton Murdock, Chef Doug Gee, and The Long Island Shucking Truck

Whiskey Tasting Experience presented and sponsored by New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery

Champagne and Wine Tasting presented by Sommelier Charles Springfield of The Wine Stylings Tasting Experience, assisted by Lea Williams of Lets Talk Wine. Champagne and Wine Sponsors that were featured included The Vice Wines, Vineyard Brands, J. de Villebois, Mohua Wines, Marqués de Cáceres, Miguel Torres Wines and La Vieille Ferme

Beverage Wellness Activations featured The Nourish Spot, Love You More Seamoss, PAIJA Tea Co., and K Bloody Mary Mix, with Official Chill Sponsor Long Island Ice & Fuel

Red Carpet Experience led by photographer Kurt Leggard and photo moments were captured by Vanessa Leggard

Exclusive VIP Lounge connected artists, collectors, cultural leaders, sponsors and media

The short film Crossroads was screened at the lawn stage theater. An engaging film talkback was moderated by Brenda Simmons, with film director Horane Henry, co-star Okema T. Moore, and film producer Victorious De Costa

Live Entertainment included a solo performance by flutist Dwayne Kerr, followed by the Rum Punch Mafia band, and Afterparty ‘Art After Dark’ sounds by DJ CJ

ART & SOUL: Hamptons – DAY 2:

Private Museum Tour of Mas House & BIPOC Art Studio located on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. This exclusive tour was led by Indigenous award-winning artist and tribal member Jeremy Dennis, along with visual artist and museum tour guide Denise WeeTahMoe Silva-Dennis

The popular Art Walk included 3 stops: (1) Southampton African American Museum, (2) Hidden Gem NY pop-up shop at the Gary Hartmann Gallery, and (3) Southampton Arts Center

Hamptons VIP Brunch was hosted by Sommelier Charles Springfield and Michelle Mitchell of The Phenomenal Women Group, held at Hamptons hotspot 75 Main Restaurant, owned by Zach Erdem and featured in ‘Serving the Hamptons’ on HBO Max

Cocktail Art Reception for the opening exhibition Hedges and Edges featuring artwork by Damien Davis, on display until later this Fall

Live Performance by Yacouba Sissoko and SIYA African Band

Caribbean Cocktails handcrafted and sponsored by New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery

Summer Wines Tasting Experience presented by Sommelier Charles Springfield with assistance by Lea Williams

Photos captured by photographers Kurt Leggard and Vanessa Leggard

Community Partners included The Wine Stylings of Charles Springfield, The Phenomenal Women Group, Gary Hartmann Gallery, Long Island Ice & Fuel and Early Burdz

ART & SOUL: Hamptons – DAY 3:

Bubbles & Bloom Brunch benefiting the Southampton African American Museum, chaired by philanthropist and socialite Jean Shafiroff, with a live auction hosted by ESNAVI, a TOP 40 Recording Artist and owner of ZEN Skincare

Award presentation honoring Hampton locals Claude Weir & Yvette Weir, Dede Gotthelf, owner of the Southampton Inn, and Sharon Joseph, President & CEO of Harlem Commonwealth Council. Honorees were celebrated for their support in the arts and community

Bloom Bar Luxe Experience sponsored by Bespoke Flowers

Live Entertainment by flutist Dwayne Kerr

Event Sponsors included ART & SOUL: Hamptons, Southampton Inn, New England Sweetwater and Bespoke Flowers

“This year’s festival demonstrated exactly why spaces like ART & SOUL: Hamptons matter,” said Festival Founder Yaya Reyes. “We are intentionally creating opportunities where Black artists, entrepreneurs, and culture are not simply included, they are centered and celebrated. Watching our community come together in such a meaningful way reminds us that art has the power to build bridges, preserve culture, and create lasting economic impact.”

The festival welcomed attendees from New York City, the Hamptons, Philadelphia, PA, Baltimore, MD, Chicago, IL, Atlanta, GA, Hollywood, Florida, Seattle, WA, and other parts of the country, reinforcing its growing reputation as one of the premier cultural destinations celebrating Black excellence in the Hamptons.

ART & SOUL: Hamptons extends heartfelt gratitude to its sponsors, partners, artists, volunteers, community organizations, media partners, and every attendee whose support made this year’s festival possible. Their collective commitment continues to elevate the festival’s mission of preserving culture, expanding opportunity, and creating spaces where creativity and community flourish together.

MEDIA SPONSORS: DION Magazine, S.E.T. Squad Social Entertainment & Travel, Hamptons Mouthpiece, East End Taste Magazine, PULSE by NYABJ and Celebrate, Socialize and Explore

One of the festivals most celebrated features was the thoughtfully curated VIP gift bags, which showcased an exceptional collection of brands committed to wellness, beauty, self-care, and elevated living. Each gift bag reflected the festivals mission of intentionally spotlighting businesses whose products embody innovation, craftsmanship, and a commitment to serve diverse communities.

VIP GIFTING SPONSORS:

Miss Jessies @miss_jessies

No Makeup Makeup @originalnomakeupmakeup

White Rain+ @whiterainproducts

The Stanley 1913 x Nest Collection @stanley1913_brand

DermHairDoc @dermhairdoc

Tea Forté @teaforteofficial

Kiyomi Skin @kiyomiskin

VRAI Cosmetics @vraiofficial

Perseve Hair @persevehair

The Best Friend @bestfriendzip

Beautiful Amore Skincare @beautifulamoreskincare

SASS BK @cultivate.sass

Grassi @drinkgrassi

British M @britishm_usa

Still Standing @bystillstanding

DAX Hair Care @daxhaircare

Pause by BBraxton @pausebybbraxton_

Cambridge Chemists @cambridgechemistsnyc

New England Sweetwater @nesweetwater

LumiCup @thelumicup

Epsom-it @epsom_it

Überlube @uberlube

Purpose Jewelry @purposejewelry

Brownkind @brownkindskin

Afrevia @afrevia

SPRY @sprysmile

Southforker Magazine @the_southforker

Bespoke Flowers @bespokefloinc 

The impact of ART & SOUL: Hamptons extends well beyond the weekend. The relationships formed, artists discovered, businesses supported, and conversations sparked throughout the festival will continue to strengthen the cultural landscape long after the final event concluded.

Planning is already underway for the 2027 festival, with new programming, expanded partnerships, and even more opportunities to celebrate Black art, culture, and excellence in the Hamptons.

For updates, future announcements, and information about next year’s festival, visit ART & SOUL: Hamptons at www.artandsoulhamptons.com and follow the festival on Instagram at @artandsoulhamptons.

About ART & SOUL: Hamptons

ART & SOUL: Hamptons is an annual cultural festival created and produced by Yaya Reyes. It is a platform dedicated to celebrating Black art, culture, wellness, entrepreneurship, and community through immersive experiences that connect artists, collectors, brands, and audiences while promoting economic opportunity and cultural preservation on the East End of Long Island.

About Southampton African American Museum

The Southampton African American (SAAM) is the East Ends destination for preserving and promoting African American culture. SAAM’s mission is to promote an understanding and appreciation of African American culture by creating programs that will preserve the past, encourage learning and enhance the life of the community.

About Southampton Art Center

Southampton Arts Center (SAC) is a premier cultural destination in the Hamptons, featuring year-round exhibitions, performances, and educational programs. SAC recently opened its newly reimagined 2.7-acre outdoor grounds featuring a 20-wide fountain, over 50 new trees, and distinct garden rooms, transforming the grounds into a vibrant oasis. The grounds are now renamed the Paulson Family Gardens in honor of John Paulson, a hedge fund manager and village resident who provided a $3.4 million gift to the center that paved the way for the renovations.

About Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio

Mas House & BIPOC Art Studio, Inc. was founded by Shinnecock artist Jeremy Dennis and is rooted in the Silva family home on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation in Southampton, New York. Since 2020, the house has grown into a shared art space with residencies for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color artists, a communal studio, a library, exhibitions, workshops, and public programs for Shinnecock community members and the broader community.