LongHouse Reserve welcomed artists, collectors, philanthropists, and cultural leaders to its annual Artist’s Cocktail reception, unveiling plans for its highly anticipated Summer Benefit, Beautopia, set to take place on June 27 in East Hampton. The elegant evening was hosted by Greg McCarthy and Peter Bickford at their stunning Fifth Avenue residence in New York City, where more than 80 guests gathered in celebration of art, nature, and community.
Now in its third year, the intimate pre-gala reception has become an important tradition for LongHouse Reserve, allowing Board members and supporters to personally connect with and thank the artists contributing works to the organization’s annual benefit auction. The evening highlighted the growing momentum behind this year’s Beautopia fundraiser, which supports LongHouse’s celebrated gardens, cultural programming, educational initiatives, and public art installations.
Lara Sweeney, Raisa Lopez-Rhoden, Gael Towey photo by Sean Zanni
“One of the greatest pleasures of recent weeks is getting to know all the different artists that bring so much joy to LongHouse,” said newly appointed Executive Director Lara Sweeney. “More than 60 artists are contributing to our gala auction.”
LongHouse Reserve Board President Louis Bradbury praised Sweeney’s leadership and early impact on the organization. “Lara only started about a month ago, but already she has brought such energy and enthusiasm to LongHouse,” he shared. “As we look ahead to this year’s gala and the future of the gardens and programs, it’s exciting to have her helping lead this next chapter for the organization.”
Mary Gail Doerhoefer, Sean Scully, Gael Towey, Elizabeth Fiore, Louis Bradbury photo by Sean Zanni
This year’s gala theme, “Utopia,” celebrates the relationship between art and the natural environment. Gala Co-Chair and Board member Gael Towey explained, “The way that nature and art communicate in the garden” serves as the inspiration behind the event’s vision and atmosphere.
The 2026 Summer Benefit will honor acclaimed contemporary artist Sean Scully for his contributions to contemporary abstraction and longtime arts supporter Bruce Horten for his decades-long dedication to LongHouse and the arts community. Scully’s sculpture is currently on view at LongHouse Reserve, further connecting this year’s honoree to the institution’s immersive outdoor experience.
Raisa Lopez Rhoden, Louis Radberry photo by Sean Zanni
“Our benefit is our largest fundraiser that we have at LongHouse,” said Gala Co-Chair Raisa Lopez-Rhoden. “It’s an important event for the community, helping us reinvest in our gardens.”
Board members in attendance included Nicholas Apps, David Fink, Michael D. Jones, and Peter Olsen, alongside many of the celebrated artists participating in the benefit exhibition and auction. Featured artists include Ross Bleckner, Liz Collins, Renée Cox, Alex Katz, Philip Guston, Robert Motherwell, Ugo Rondinone, and many more influential names from the worlds of contemporary art and design.
Founded in 1975 by legendary artist and textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen, LongHouse Reserve spans 16 acres in East Hampton and serves as a living example of how art, architecture, design, and nature can exist in harmony. The renowned cultural destination features preserved landscapes, rare plant collections, and more than 60 outdoor sculptures integrated throughout its gardens. Inspired in part by the 7th-century Shinto shrine at Ise, Japan, Larsen envisioned LongHouse as a place for creativity, contemplation, and meaningful community engagement.
For tickets and additional information about the Beautopia Summer Benefit, visit Beautopia Summer Benefit Tickets.
Lee Fryd, David Hochberg photo by Sean Zanni
Hiroko Takeda, Claire Watson, Bastienne Schmidt, Gael Towey, Mary Gail Doerhoefer photo by Sean Zanni
Greg McCarthy, Anne Marie Willett photo by Sean Zanni
Fernando Rivera, Michael Jones, Peter Bickford photo by Sean Zanni