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We are delighted to welcome Jill Bialosky, acclaimed editor and writer of History of a Suicide and Poetry Will Save Your Life, back to The Church to discuss her latest publication, The End Is the Beginning: A Personal History of My Mother. This profoundly moving elegy is a brave and compassionate examination of the life and death of Jill’s mother, told in reverse order from burial to birth. After reading from the book, Jill will be joined in conversation by Executive Director Sheri Pasquarella to discuss the impetus for the memoir, illuminate audiences to the stylistic choice of reverse storytelling, and more. The floor will then be open to questions from the audience. Following the program, there will be a book signing with the author. The event commemorates the book’s release from Washington Square Press on May 6th, 2025.
The End Is the Beginning begins with Iris Yvonne Bialosky’s death in an assisted-care facility on March 29, 2020 — an event compounded by the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented Jill from being with her mother in her final moments and kept her from attending her funeral. Jill then takes readers on a journey backward through time, exploring the many nuances of Iris’s life in ways that are simultaneously celebratory, elegiac, and probing. The book is a poignant reminder that we are all the sum of our experiences and illuminates Iris as a multidimensional, fascinating woman who raised four daughters on her own.
Join us Mother’s Day weekend with a book that traces’ one daughter’s inextricable bond to her mother, join in her compassionate celebration of Iris’s life, and help frame the portrait of healing through remembrance and understanding.
“In another time’s forgotten space / Your eyes looked from your mother’s face. . . . If you get confused, listen to the music play” — The Grateful Dead
Celebrate Mom, Grandma, aunties, sisters, and all the maternal figures in your life by joining us for a Mother’s Day sound bath with the incomparable Daniel Lauter. Back by popular demand, the MeditationDJ takes participants on a deeply soothing and relaxing journey through sound, bathing you in the meditative tones that melt away stress and help you recharge and rejuvenate. Bring your yoga mat, pillow, blanket, or anything else you need for your comfort as you enjoy the sounds of crystal bowls, symphonic gong, Himalayan bells, yidaki (didjeridu), rains sticks, and more.
A well-versed student of Buddhist sutras, Daniel is also a classically trained musician who customizes his sound baths with musical phrasing, melody, and harmonic balance. Whether as a gift to mom or a maternal gift of self-care, this Mother’s Day sound bath is a perfect start to a Sunday morning.
Join us for an artist talk and process demonstration with Chié Shimizu. Primarily a sculptor, Shimizu examines the human condition through representations of figure and form, creating lifelike sculptures that portray individuals frozen in various states of movement and emotion. Each figure is meticulously sculpted in clay, then cast with plaster, painted by hand, and adorned with textures, designs, and objects reflective of a life story.
In her presentation, Shimizu will discuss the evolution and development of her practice, from early inspirations to recent and ongoing works. Following a slideshow, Shimizu will illuminate her process, sharing exclusive insight into the sculpting, molding, casting, and hand-painting behind each piece. The event will conclude with a Q&A.
Join us in welcoming Adrienne Terry, visual artist and community advocate, as our Insight Sunday speaker for May. Terry will expand on the process behind Dreamcatcher, a dreamcatcher that goes beyond the traditional and that is included in our spring exhibition, Eternal Testament. Terry will explore the techniques used to etch symbols and motifs, elaborate on her choice of materials, and examine the tools she has used and some she is currently experimenting with. Following the discussion there will be a Q&A.
Symbolizing Terry’s deep connection to her Shinnecock roots and incorporating communal and personal narratives, Dreamcatcher puts a spotlight on material usage — featuring shells, feathers, and wampum pieces — and depicts the Shinnecock seal. Going beyond a traditional dreamcatcher, the work serves as an educational tool and is an act of cultural preservation.
This special Insight Sunday is presented as a part of our current exhibition Eternal Testament, curated by Jeremy Dennis and Meranda Roberts; please click here for more information on the exhibition.
Do you enjoy digging deeper and uncovering meaning in art? The Church’s Executive Director, Sheri Pasquarella, and the artist Wayne Gonzales invite you to join them as they build a dialogue around ten specially selected paintings that date from distant centuries past through the contemporary era. Pasquarella and Gonzales will present one-another with five paintings — which will only be revealed as the event unfolds. The pair will then spontaneously examine, discuss, and appreciate the ten paintings individually, engaging the audience with a fun conversation designed for art-appreciators of all levels of experience, whether new to art criticism or aficionados. Join the conversation! What paintings do you think will be revealed? (Insider tip: It will not be Self Portrait by Vincent van Gogh!)
Join us as we warmly welcome back SAG HARBOR IN FOCUS, a photo exhibition featuring work by Pierson High School students, as it celebrates its ninth annual exhibition. We are also delighted to welcome back the Pierson High School students who participated in The Church’s 2025 Fashion Intensive Workshop, which was supported by the Reutershan Education Trust and facilitated by Mary Jane Marcasiano. Begin the evening by applauding the students as they model their spring 2025 collection with a fashion show. Then join us as we toast the winners of this year’s photography exhibition. The evening will conclude with a reception.