The Milsteins' Dînatoire in Celebration of Joel Mesler’s Guild Hall Exhibition

Last Thursday, Cheryl and Philip Milstein welcomed artists, collectors, and art institution leaders to their Hamptons residence for a celebration of Joel Mesler and his forthcoming exhibition at Guild Hall, “Miles of Smiles.” Opening Aug. 3, the show marks the contemporary artist’s museum debut Out East—at the cherished interdisciplinary art center. At the dînatoire, Mesler’s work was integrated into the Hamptons landscape, enveloping the entire event. His exuberant flags, which adorned The Rink at Rockefeller Center one year ago, billowed in the air above attendees as they arrived by golf cart. His love sculpture became a gathering point for guests. Guild Hall museum director and curator of visual arts, Melanie Crader, shared with Surface, “When you meet Joel, he pulls you into his orbit. A lot of his work is about connection. We wanted to bring that to Guild Hall.” For the exhibition, Mesler created an installation that mimics his office and studio, even incorporating work by artists he admires. “I am trying to share as opposed to tell,” Mesler says of the exhibition, and the programming he will lead throughout its run.