Construction Eyed For Montauk Playhouse's Cultural Arts & Aquatics Center

MONTAUK, NY — The Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation's sold out annual gala Saturday celebrated the art of surfing.

The event was headlined by musician Donavon Frankenreiter and honored local artists and activists who have captured the spirit of the surf town through their work.

Guests included honorees Tony Caramanico, legendary local surfer and artist, Peter Spacek, cartoonist, artist, and surfer, James Katsipis, surf photographer, and Evelyn O'Doherty, community activist and surf instructor.

Honorary co-chairs that attended included professional surfers and local celebrities, Travis Beckmann, Mikey DeTemple, Lief Engstrom and Candace Ceslow. Also in attendance was actor and director John Slattery.

A special tribute was made to journalist, author and surfer Rusty Drumm.

"The gala was especially vibrant this year after the foundation successfully secured funding from the town of East Hampton to complete its cultural arts and aquatic center," organizers said.

On June 15, the East Hampton town board unanimously approved $3 million matching funds, allocated from the 2019 capital improvements budget. With the town’s commitment, construction is scheduled to begin in early 2019 and will take 12-15 months to complete. The Foundation is currently working to raise an additional $2 million in donations to reach their $8 million goal, organizers said.

Patch courtesy photos.