When the Parrish Art Museum announced it would be leaving Southampton for a new premises in Water Mill, Simone Levinson saw an opportunity. The philanthropist approached Mayor Mark Epley about the three-acre property on Jobs Lane with an idea: repurpose the 100-year-old landmark building into a multi-disciplinary arts center. The mayor not only implemented the idea, he invited her to act as the co-founding chair of what is now the Southampton Arts Center. Now in its 11th season, the SAC now hosts more than 200 programs annually which attract over 50,000 visitors through its doors each year.

It is also known for its annual Gala, which is taking place this weekend, and will be co-chaired by Simone and her husband, David Levinson. Ahead of the bash, PALMER caught up with the art world dynamo.

 

Tell us about this year’s SummerFest!
SummerFest is SAC’s highly anticipated annual culinary arts festival. It is a celebration of our dynamic community. Guests enjoy a food festival on our east lawn during the cocktail hour showcasing ten celebrated chefs and restaurants on the East End. Moving through the galleries on the way towards dinner under the stars on our west lawn, our patrons take in the featured exhibition, Coupled Squared. The SAC has become a hub where artists and supporters come together to revel in an institution that we have all enjoyed building together. Dancing the night away to great music after enjoying a special performance by Tony Award Winning performer Adrienne Warren and Broadway mega star and recording artist Jessica Vosk.


Levinson outside the Southampton Arts Center.

What is this season’s featured exhibition Coupled Squared about?
Couples Squared is the groundbreaking exhibition curated by Phyllis Tuchman. It focuses on couples past and present including husbands and wives and partners, who inspire one another. All of the couples presented in the exhibition were brought together by art and chose to join their domestic and family life with their creative output and profession. Examining the influences within these partnerships, differing arrangements can be seen, from deliberately collaborative to unexpectedly subconscious. Featured artists include: April Gornik, Austin Eddy, Bruce Nauman, Bryan Hunt, Carl Andre, Derrick Adams, Eddie Martinez, Eric Fischl, Eric Freeman, Fiona Waterstreet, Hermine Ford John Giorno, Kyungmi Shin, Lari Pittman, Paula DeLuccia, Rima Mardoyan, Robert Moskowitz, Robert Smithson, Ross Bleckner, Roy Dowell, Sam Moyer, Sebastien Blanck, Shara Hughes, Susan Rothenberg, Todd Gray, and Ugo Rondinone, among others. It is on view through September 14th.

Who is being honored this year and why?
This year Jamee and Peter Gregory will be honored with the Champion of the Arts Award in recognition of their leadership in the Southampton community and their dedication to SAC. Both pillars in our community for decades, their generosity knows no bounds. Peter has also been an invaluable board member bringing world class programming, and driving SAC to its highest potential. The gala will be co-chaired by Audrey and Martin Gruss, Karen and Richard LeFrak, Hilary and Wilbur Ross, and David and myself.


Simone and David Levinson.

What’s your favorite thing about summer in Southampton?
In Southampton, the little things remain the big things. Long walks and lazy afternoons where conversations linger. Bike rides and BBQ’s. We are blessed to share a slice of heaven that is rich in history with life long friendships. I have been coming out to Southampton for 50 years and have enjoyed long days with family and friends at various chapters throughout my life as a girl, young woman, young mother, and now as mother to adults who have grown up enjoying much of what I did with life long friendships of their own. In this ever changing world, Southampton remains my constant.

What has been another highlight of your summer?
In addition to supporting the transformational power of art through SAC, I have also been the art curator for all of my husband David’s properties, which most recently includes 425 Park and frequenting our restaurant at Four Twenty Five Park by Jean-Georges. After spending years of working with Norman Foster and Jean Georges to bring to fruition, it has been a joy to share with family and friends.

Are you working on any events or philanthropic causes in Palm Beach this season?
David I will be co-chairing the Annual Palm Beach Synagogue Gala with Karen and Paul Levy alongside Ronnie Heyman as the Honorary Chair.