Black Excellence on Full Display: Inside the Sold-Out ART & SOUL: Hamptons 2025 Celebration
When I first heard the whispers floating through my inbox about ART & SOUL: Hamptons 2025, I paused. And then I smiled. I knew this was going to be something extraordinary. As Publisher of Celebrate, Socialize and Explore, I’ve covered countless cultural events, but let me tell you—this wasn’t just another summer soirée in the Hamptons. This was a full-bodied experience. A sold-out, three-day cultural communion in the heart of the East End that lit a fire in the souls of everyone lucky enough to attend.
Presented in partnership with the Southampton African American Museum, Southampton Arts Center, and Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio, this year’s edition of ART & SOUL took place July 18–20 and was nothing short of transformational. With support from community powerhouses like New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery, The Wine Stylings of Charles Springfield, Early Burdz, and Hidden Gem NY, this event made its triumphant return and we, Celebrate, Socialize and Explore, were proud to serve as a Media Partner to help amplify the voices, flavors, and artistry on full display.
Where Culture Met Coastline
Imagine this: You step into a sun-drenched outdoor gallery where works from brilliant Black artists like Reynoir Lewis, Laura R. Gadson, and Suliman Onque greet you like old friends. Their pieces don’t just speak—they sing. These visual storytellers didn’t just hang their work, they shared their soul. It was a visual love letter to our culture, our history, and our future.
Then, as the day flowed into twilight, the crowd gathered for a powerful screening of ERASED, narrated and executive produced by none other than Idris Elba. After the film, we were treated to a gripping talkback led by executive producer Sean David Johnson, moderated by Brenda Simmons, founder and CEO of the Southampton African American Museum. The conversation was raw, real, and necessary. Supported by National Geographic, it was one of those rare moments where film and activism met in real time, and you could feel the electricity in the air.
A Tapestry of Taste and Talent
You know I love a good culinary moment—and ART & SOUL: Hamptons did not disappoint. From Caribbean Soul Food Chefs to Indian cuisine to healthy wellness treats, this wasn’t your average tasting event—it was a delicious journey. The VIPs were buzzing about the Culinary Tasting Experience led by Chef Cheryl Grigg of Chara’s Kitchen, Chef Anthony of Oh My Deliciousness, and the culinary dream team from Infusery.
Pair that with summer cocktails, Clark & Chesterfield whiskey, Kingfish Rum, and champagne from HRLM and The Vice, all curated by New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery and Charles Springfield—Chef’s kiss. Whether you preferred a moonshine-infused mocktail or a smooth glass of The Vice Rosé, there was a libation waiting for you to toast to Black excellence.
For wellness-minded guests, there were vegan delights from The Nourish Spot, energizing tea from Symphony of Leaves and PAIJA Tea Co., and refreshing bubble drinks from Happy Bubble Soda. ART & SOUL didn’t just fill your cup—it overflowed it with intention.
Where Art Meets Spirit
One of my personal highlights was the private museum tour of Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. Led by artist Jeremy Dennis, this intimate look into the intersection of art, heritage, and activism gave me goosebumps. It’s not every day you witness a space where Indigenous and Black narratives are honored so authentically.
Meanwhile, live performances provided the soul-stirring soundtrack to the weekend. Flutist Dwayne Kerr, known for his work with Erykah Badu, floated magical notes through the air. SIYA African Band’s rhythms had guests swaying, and DJ Infmatick kept the vibes high and the dancefloor hot. Master kora player Yacouba Sissoko was a revelation—his fingers wove stories on strings that spoke to ancestral memories.
The weekend culminated in a Champagne Brunch at 75 Main—where mimosas mingled with memories, and every bite felt like a celebration of what we’d all just been part of.
Drenched in Glamour and Purpose
You know I’m going to talk about the fashion. From curated red carpet moments captured by the talented Kurt Leggard to the floral designs by April & Ashley who provided Fresh-From-the-Farm Florals. Their premium bouquets are cut and harvested on demand for unmatched freshness and long-lasting beauty. Every rose bush and fresh-cut bouquet is meticulously curated, featuring only the finest, most fragrant, and freshest roses and event ambiance by Planned by Sue, every detail was curated, styled, and snapped. It wasn’t just about looking good—it was about feeling good. You could feel the Black joy in every frame.
The star-studded guest list? Impeccable. Actress Novi Brown from BET’s Sistas lit up the room with her vibrant spirit. Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, Hamptons publishers Vanessa Gordon and Vanessa Leggard, fashion stylist Esther Lamour, and New York Times journalist Nikita Stewart all mingled with art collectors, curators, and social impact leaders.
Seeing preservationist Michael Henry Adams, Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright, and Dr. Georgette Grier-Key deep in conversation was a reminder that this wasn’t just a party—it was a purposeful gathering of minds ready to shape the future.
More Than A Moment—A Movement
As Yaya Reyes, the visionary festival producer, said best: “ART & SOUL is not just an event — it’s a declaration of presence, purpose, and power.” And I felt that in my bones. This wasn’t just a place to be seen, it was a space to be heard, to be celebrated, and to be connected.
From wellness to wine, from art to activism, from storytelling to style—ART & SOUL: Hamptons was the cultural reset we all needed.
As Media Partners, Celebrate, Socialize and Explore was honored to help spread the word and shine a light on an event that is not only in the Hamptons—but of vital importance to the culture.
To everyone who showed up, showed out, and celebrated Black excellence—thank you.
To those who missed it? Start planning for 2026 now. Trust me—you’ll want to be there.
Follow @ArtAndSoulHamptons on Instagram for exclusive updates, visuals, and behind-the-scenes looks at what made this year’s event legendary.
Event Moments Captured by Kurt Leggard
Step inside the vibrant energy of ART & SOUL: Hamptons 2025 through the lens of acclaimed photographer Kurt Leggard. Red carpet arrivals these images perfectly capture the spirit, style, and soul of the weekend.
Follow him on Instagram @photos.kurt and explore more of his work at www.photographybykurt.net.
⬇️ Scroll through the gallery below to relive the celebration in full color.
