When Robert Motherwell was in his seventies and looking back at the period when he lived in East Hampton, he recalled, “I did my best work there.” In this spirit, Guild Hall will call attention to Motherwell’s early work and explore the contributions that Motherwell made to the Abstract Expressionist movement in the context of our East End artist’s community.

While in East Hampton, Motherwell lived and worked in a house and studio designed by Pierre Chareau, the inimitable French architect. A show devoted to the paintings Motherwell made during those remarkable years has never been mounted. Focusing on sixteen important works from major museums and three private collections, Robert Motherwell: The East Hampton Years, 1944-1952 will surprise even those who think they know this pioneering American abstractionist’s art well.

Guest Curator: Phyllis Tuchman, longtime art critic, on view through Monday October 13.

From 3 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 9, there will be a panel discussion on Motherwell’s work, followed by an opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m.

Panelists include: Jack Flam, President and CEO of the Dedalus Foundation; Catherine Craft, Associate Curator of the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, Texas; and Clifford Ross, Artist and Editor of Abstract Expressionism: Creators and Critics. Moderator: Phyllis Tuchman, Guest Curator

$7 Suggested Admission. The gallery is open seven days per week through Labor Day: Mon. through Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun., noon to 5 p.m. Museum hours after Labor Day: Mon, Fri, & Sat 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun., noon to 5 p.m.