The Thomas Moran Trust has announced a Garden Party to be held on the evening of August 5^thon the historical grounds of the Thomas Moran and Mary Nimmo Moran Studio, located on Main Street in East Hampton Village.  The benefit party will celebrate the final phase of this meticulous restoration project as well as unveil the 19^th-century inspired garden of Mary Nimmo Moran, recreated by the Garden Club of East Hampton.

The historic Moran Studio was one of the first purpose built artist studios in East Hampton. As a workshop for Thomas and Mary, it was also family home with a flourishing garden. The Studio is registered as a National Landmark. This gala evening offers the public a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes to see the exquisite craftsmanship involved in this final phase of restoration, bringing both the Moran Studio and border garden back to its former glory of the late 1800’s.

The Studio, near completion, and the 19-centrury garden, soon to be in full bloom, invoke not only the spirits of both Thomas and Mary Nimmo Moran – but create a bridge between the founding members of East End summer artist colony with today’s contemporary and emerging young  art community. Through thoughtful collaboration, the renovation of the Moran Studio and gardens beautifully illustrates the Intersect of Art & Landscape.

All proceeds from the Thomas Moran Garden Party will go toward the completion of the restoration.  “We are very grateful for the generosity of our supporters to date who have made the restoration of the Moran Studio exterior possible. As we move to complete the interior and landscape, additional gifts will be the catalyst that will allow us to complete the transformation of this important asset and open it to public use,” said Curt Schade, the Trust’s Chairman.

Tickets for the Thomas Moran Garden Party at the Moran Studio start at $150 and can be bought online at www.thomasmorantrust.org or by calling the office of the Thomas Moran Trust at 631-324-0100.

Moran Studio Restoration Tours: Friday August 11, Friday August 18, Sunday August 27:  Join East Hampton Historical Society staff on a walking tour from Clinton Academy to the Moran Studio, the home and art studio of Thomas Moran and Mary Nimmo Moran. Thomas Moran is often credited as one of the fathers of the National Parks Service – his groundbreaking paintings of natural areas in the American West, including Yellowstone, were instrumental in the creation of the National Parks Service. Mary Nimmo Moran was the only woman fellow of the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers, a talented artist in her own right, and an avid gardener. Their studio is cited as the first artist studio in East Hampton and fundamental in the establishment of the East End of Long Island as an important artists colony. It was purpose built as a studio first and a home second. The restoration process of the building is now in its final phase of construction and the Garden Club of East Hampton has re-created a selection of Mary’s gardens. Our staff will share this long and exciting journey with you. Be inspired to help the Thomas Moran Trust get to the finish line!

 ALL TOURS BEGIN AT 10AM AND ARE FREE, TOURS BEGIN AT THE CLINTON ACADEMY, 151 MAIN STREET,  EAST HAMPTON VILLAGE

− by Alexa Bloss