ART & SOUL: Hamptons Celebrates Black Creativity, Culture and Community
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- 4 min read
By: NYABJ Staff
SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Black art, culture and entrepreneurship took center stage as ART & SOUL: Hamptons returned July 17-19 for a three-day festival celebrating creativity, wellness and community across Southampton.
Presented in partnership with the Southampton African American Museum, the Southampton Arts Center and Ma's House & BIPOC Art Studio, the annual festival brought together artists, collectors, entrepreneurs, cultural leaders and visitors from across the country for a weekend of exhibitions, culinary experiences, live entertainment, film, networking and educational programming.
Festival organizers said the event continues to grow as both a cultural celebration and an economic driver for the East End by highlighting Black artists and businesses while creating opportunities for collaboration and community engagement.
"The Southampton African American Museum, with the awesome collaboration of ART & SOUL: Hamptons, has been a tremendous success, continuously presenting a spectacular cultural experience," said Brenda Simmons, co-founder, president and CEO of the Southampton African American Museum.
"People from across the country spend the weekend in the Hamptons, staying in hotels, shopping and dining, making it an economic asset to the village."
The festival opened Friday evening on the lawn of the Southampton Arts Center with an outdoor celebration hosted by entertainer Kevin Thompson. Guests explored an outdoor art exhibition featuring works by ARTBOii while enjoying culinary tastings from chefs Cheryl Grigg, Sakari Smithwick, Leighton Murdock and Doug Gee, along with The Long Island Shucking Truck.
Wine, champagne and whiskey tastings were offered throughout the evening, accompanied by wellness activations featuring brands such as The Nourish Spot, Love You More Seamoss and PAIJA Tea Co. The opening night also featured a screening of the short film Crossroads, followed by a discussion with director Horane Henry, producer Victorious De Costa and actor Okema T. Moore, moderated by Simmons.
Live performances by flutist Dwayne Kerr and the Rum Punch Mafia band capped off the evening before guests gathered for the "Art After Dark" after-party.
Saturday's programming highlighted the region's rich artistic and cultural heritage. Guests toured Ma's House & BIPOC Art Studio on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation, led by award-winning Indigenous artist Jeremy Dennis and museum guide Denise "WeeTahMoe" Silva-Dennis.
The day's Art Walk connected visitors with several cultural destinations, including the Southampton African American Museum, Hidden Gem NY at the Gary Hartmann Gallery and the Southampton Arts Center.
Festivalgoers also attended a VIP brunch at the popular Southampton restaurant 75 Main before viewing the opening reception for Hedges and Edges, an exhibition featuring the work of artist Damien Davis. Live performances by Yacouba Sissoko and the SIYA African Band complemented the day's celebrations.
The festival concluded Sunday with the Bubbles & Bloom Brunch, a fundraiser benefiting the Southampton African American Museum. Chaired by philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, the event featured live entertainment, a charity auction hosted by recording artist ESNAVI and an awards ceremony recognizing community leaders Claude and Yvette Weir, Southampton Inn owner Dede Gotthelf and Harlem Commonwealth Council President and CEO Sharon Joseph for their contributions to the arts and community development.
Festival founder Yaya Reyes said the event reflects the importance of creating spaces where Black artists and entrepreneurs can thrive.
"This year's festival demonstrated exactly why spaces like ART & SOUL: Hamptons matter," Reyes said. "We are intentionally creating opportunities where Black artists, entrepreneurs and culture are not simply included—they are centered and celebrated. Art has the power to build bridges, preserve culture and create lasting economic impact."
Attendees traveled from New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Atlanta, Chicago, Seattle, South Florida and other cities, underscoring the festival's growing national reach.
Another popular feature throughout the weekend was the festival's curated VIP gift bags, which showcased a selection of wellness, beauty and lifestyle brands committed to innovation, craftsmanship and serving diverse communities.
As ART & SOUL: Hamptons continues to expand, organizers hope the festival will remain a premier destination celebrating Black excellence while strengthening cultural tourism and economic opportunity across Long Island's East End.
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 festival’s mission of intentionally spotlighting businesses whose products embody innovation, craftsmanship, and a commitment to serve diverse communities.
VIP GIFTING SPONSORS:
Miss Jessie’s @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
