About AWEH

The Artists and Writers of East Hampton, (AWEH) is a non-profit organization devoted to supporting the cultural, social and political rights of artists and writers and other creative people in the East End of Long Island.           The organization had its beginnings in the spring of 2008 when a small group of artists and writers got together and decided to form an organization that would support artists’ rights.  We welcome the applications of other writers, artists and the general creative community, to join us.  New members must be sponsored by existing members of the organization.     “We are dedicated to the principles of political support for independent artists of every kind as envisioned by great East End artists of the mid-20th Century, including and especially Jimmy Ernst,” says Richard MacDonald, president of the board of AWEH.   Ernst, an internationally renowned painter, believed that artists needed the support of a political action-oriented group.      What sets AWEH apart from other artists’ organizations on the East End is its sole dedication to democratically advancing the interests and needs of artists of all kinds.      Though AWEH supports the desire of artists and writers who want to demonstrate their creative skills through exhibits and readings, the organization will not sponsor those events itself.  Members of AWEH may form independent groups for purposes of joint exhibits and readings.     Our bylaws state that the visual artists who are members of AWEH will never show together in an AWEH-sponsored exhibit, lest the problems associated with prestige and creative differences interfere with the collective actions of AWEH, and thus injure the core organization.        Independent members of AWEH recently organized two successful events during the weekend of July 11-12.  One was a free studio tour of 21 artists in the East Hampton area and Shelter Island.  Artists in the studio tour individually profited from the tour, with no percentage given to any organization.  A free authors’ reading was held July 11 at the Springs General Store on Old Stone Hwy, sponsored by a group of writer members of AWEH.      “We were energized by interest of artists in the area in this tour and by the interest of writers who wanted to read for a public gathering.  We welcome all artists who are committed to advancing the creative community in the Hamptons,” MacDonald says.      To join AWEH, contact an AWEH member.  Dues are $25 a year.

 

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