“Mother Nature and Jack Lenor Larson gave us this masterpiece of a place, so let’s all do what we can to be sure it continues to flourish.” – Mary Jane Brock
It is the LongHouse Reserve’s annual gala and live music, and the glow of colored lights dances across 16 acres of gardens and outdoor sculpture – a sanctuary for artists, dreamers, and adventurers. I wander the gardens, marveling at works by Buckminster Fuller, Yoko Ono, Toshiko Takaezu, Daniel Arsham and Willem de Kooning
Jack Lenor Larsen, the artist and textile designer, dreamed up this hidden haven. Guest mill about over cocktails, music and larger than life puppets. I catch up with Parker Calvert who shows me his work in the auction. In a garden fountain Joel Mesler’s beach ball sculptures bob and float. Sharon Hurowitz straddles the fountain for photos with Joel’s installation. I spot guests like board members Patrick Amato, Emma Clurman, Christopher Coy, Sherri Donghia, Maryam Eisler, and Linda Willett, as well as Peter Bickford and Greg McCarthy, Michele and Marty Cohen, Bonnie Comley, Michele and Fred Doner, Lee Fryd, Mark Mitton, Lee Skolnick, Toni Ross and the artistic visionary Robert Wilson.
The theme, “LUMINOSITY,” rings true – artist Vija Celmins’ ocean scenes capture infinite depth. “Mother Nature and Jack Lenor Larson gave us this masterpiece of a place, so let’s all do what we can to be sure it continues to flourish,” exclaims Mary Jane Brock. “We are excited that LongHouse will soon be ready to open Jack’s house to the public,” announces LongHouse Director Carrie Rebora Barratt. Larson’s house is a modernist space that has been restored with support from community and local government. A sneak peek of what is to come for the house is shown in a video by Gael Towey. Larson’s incredibly creative vision for the property is finally coming to fruition. – ALEXANDER HANKIN
