Takeover 2020! 

Southampton Arts Center presents “Takeover 2020! Artists in Residence.” The show, conceived and curated by artistic director Amy Kirwin, is the first exhibition of the new year. Last year’s “Takeover” was one of SAC’s most successful shows to date.

This year’s artists include Jodi Bentivegna, Michael Butler, Isadora Capraro, Franco Cuttica, Esly Escobar, Melinda Hackett, Erica-Lynn Huberty, Dinah Maxwell Smith, Miles Partington, and Kerry Sharkey-Miller.

For 10 weeks, each of these 10 East End artists will take over the galleries at SAC. Each is assigned their own “pop-up” space, a studio containing personal items that both comfort and inspire them to create.

Not only will artists exhibit complete pieces, as artists in residence their works in progress will be on view throughout the duration of the show. Viewers have the opportunity to return throughout the residency to view the artist’s processes and the progress of the works.

New this year, students from The Ross School and Southampton High School will also be working alongside the artists in their own designated spaces.

“The first year of ‘Takeover’ was such a delight and we were blown away by the enthusiastic response from the community. It was an invaluable experience for the artists being forced out of their comfort zones, and the sense of play and camaraderie was contagious. I am so excited for visitors to have the chance to meet these ten new artists as well as the students, and to witness the work as it unfolds,” said Kirwin.

“We have assembled another incredibly talented and accomplished group of individuals with diverse bodies of work. All of the artists will be teaching workshops as well, so not only can guests interact with them while they are at work in their studio spaces, but they can also sign up for these specialized classes that will be offered every weekend at a very low cost,” she added.

Weekly hangouts in the space will take place every Thursday from 6 to 8 PM. The community is invited to spend the evening with the artists, enjoy a game of ping pong, drink, socialize, and watch the creative process.

The show will open on Saturday, February 1, with a public reception held from 6 to 8 PM. It will be followed by an after dance party with DJ Mister Lama from 8 to 10 PM.

A schedule of weekly studio time and other events will be posted online each week so the public can plan visits accordingly. Visit www.southamptonartscenter.org.

jessica@indyeastend.com