Philanthropists Sandy and Stephen Perlbinder, who have been part of Long Island's East End cultural scene since 1969, are being honored at the Parrish Art Museum's annual midsummer gala in July 2025. The couple commissioned an oceanfront home from architect Norman Jaffe in Sagaponack and have filled it with a collection featuring works by Jack Pierson, Almond Zigmund, Constantino Nivola, Roni Horn, Jenny Holzer, Mel Kendrick, Lynn Chadwick, Claude Lawrence, and others. Sandy serves as vice president of the museum's board of trustees, and the couple previously supported a Jaffe retrospective at the Parrish in 2005.
This story matters because it highlights the deep connection between private collecting and regional art institutions, showing how collectors can shape and be shaped by a local art community. The Perlbinders' collection reflects the vibrant East End art scene, from historic sites like the Pollock-Krasner House to contemporary artists working in local barns, and their philanthropy supports the Parrish Art Museum's programming. Their example underscores the role of dedicated patrons in sustaining museums and fostering artistic dialogue beyond major urban centers.