Philanthropists Sandy and Stephen Perlbinder have been part of the cultural fabric of Long Island’s East End since 1969, when the young couple, still in their 20s, commissioned an oceanfront home from soon-to-be starchitect Norman Jaffe. Through the years, the Sagaponack residence has weathered its share of renovations, expansions, and relocations due to the elements (fires, floods, and beach erosion among them) and their own growing family’s needs. One constant has been the art collection that fills its walls: a trove of works by Jack Pierson, Almond Zigmund, Constantino Nivola, Roni Horn, Jenny Holzer, and more.
The couple has also worked extensively with the Parrish Art Museum, beginning with support for a Jaffe retrospective in 2005, and with Sandy now serving as vice president of the board of trustees. This July, the couple will be honored at the museum’s annual midsummer gala for their work. Ahead of the event, the Perlbinders reflect on their collection and the community that has shaped it.
Which work in your home provokes the most conversation from visitors?
A Jenny Holzer granite bench greets guests at our front door with the phrase “HAVING TWO OR THREE PEOPLE IN LOVE WITH YOU IS LIKE MONEY IN THE BANK” carved on the seat. The phrase, from Holzer’s “Living” series, sets a tone of comfort for us when we walk in the door. As you climb the stairs to the living room, you see the Sagaponack dunes stretched in front of you through the tall glass windows. Soon after, your view turns to a large Cape Cod dunescape in acrylic on canvas—Passing Time, 2000, by Jack Pierson—mirroring the nature in the background.
How has the local art scene influenced your collection?
We’ve met many wonderful artists together, many of whom have shown at the Parrish, like Keith Sonnier and Mel Kendrick, whose works we first encountered in local galleries and are now part of our collection. Several of the artists that we’ve come to know have engaged [Stephen] to help with their projects. In the summer of 1970, Dennis Oppenheim asked Steve to fly him at dusk in Steve’s twin-engine Beechcraft Baron over fields in Bridgehampton where Dennis had installed thousands of candles arranged in two shapes for his conceptual piece Polarities. We have an early version of this work in our collection.
What we love about the local art scene on the East End is that, yes, it is fresh and exciting, but it’s also very accessible. One day we might find ourselves exploring a high-end New York gallery that has decamped here for the summer; the next we’re visiting an artist working from the Duck Creek barn or at a historic site like the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center.
How has your collection changed as your home and space has changed?
The gorgeous sunlight on the East End is why we are all here, but it can be a curse for a collector. We have had to rethink where we hang anything on paper. Sculptures and oils are a big part of our collection.
Which artist are you currently most excited about and why?
We are always excited about the last piece we’ve acquired—the most recent is a Claude Lawrence oil. A prominent local artist and jazz musician who lives in Sag Harbor, Claude has rekindled the Abstract Expressionist spirit in a fascinating way. When you walk by his painting [in our home], you see a visual expression of jazz improvisation.
Do you collect anything other than art?
Sandy collects 20th century jewelry designed by artists. One of her most admired pieces is a Kiki Smith silver pendant in the shape of a pig dancing with pearls on its toes.
What piece of advice would you give someone who wants to get into collecting?
Buy what you love and invest time in getting to know the work of emerging artists. Go to as many shows and museums and galleries as you can and find a knowledgeable art advisor you can trust.
What are three must-see shows in the Hamptons this summer?
The Parrish Art Museum exhibitions are always a must-see. Both “Shirin Neshat: Born of Fire” and “Sean Scully: The Albee Barn, Montauk” are so well done and leave you with a lot to think about. Next, we’re going to check out John Torreano at the Drawing Room in East Hampton. At this time of year, we love seeing the local gardens, especially at Madoo, and the outdoor sculptures at LongHouse Reserve.
What is the strangest negotiation you’ve ever had with an artist or dealer?
It wasn’t strange, but it is regrettable. Our first art dealer, James Goodman, offered us two small Jackson Pollocks in the ’60s. The pieces were above our budget—but looking back, what a miss!
in your life?
