EAST HAMPTON, NY – March 2026 – LongHouse Reserve, East Hampton’s vital 16-acre sculpture garden and nature sanctuary, will open its 2026 season with a Spring Awakening celebration on April 18 – postponed one month due to the snow and cold temperatures, delaying the annual daffodil blooms. The gardens will boast new sculptures – by Renee Cox, William Kentridge, and Sean Scully – complements to its permanent collection and long-term loans by Willem de Kooning, Maren Hassinger, Fitzhugh Karol, Grace Knowlton, Sol LeWitt, Yoko Ono, Barbara Shawcroft, Toshiko Takaezu, among others. LongHouse welcomes newly appointed Executive Director, Lara Sweeney.


Lara Sweeney

LongHouse President Louis Bradbury said, “We are very fortunate to have Lara Sweeney become our next Executive Director. A dedicated Board committee spent several months interviewing many exceptional candidates. Long House is at an important stage in its history. In the four years since our founder, Jack Lenor Larsen’s, death, we have stabilized our organizational structure, brought in significant artwork, and bolstered our programming. Lara’s exceptional abilities in financial and administrative management, as well as her broad programmatic experience, make her the perfect person to lead our bright future.”

“This is a full circle moment for me in many ways,” says Sweeney. “My husband and I were married at LongHouse Reserve in 2005. 20 years later, I have the opportunity to help carry out LongHouse’s mission at one of the East End’s most beloved spaces – it’s a dream come true. I am honored to work alongside the Board of Trustees on exciting projects – including opening the home of Jack Lenor Larsen to the public and ensuring that LongHouse continues to thrive. This is a community sanctuary where art and nature exist together in thoughtful dialogue.”

Sweeney has more than two decades of fundraising and non-profit management experience. She has held leadership positions with the Children’s Museum of the East End since 2012; initially joining as the Director of Development and stepping into the Co-President’s role in 2022. During her tenure, she helped to increase the operating budget, grow annual visits, and helped to launch a visiting artist program. Most recently, Sweeney led efforts to complete a multi-million-dollar capital campaign. A Sag Harbor native, Sweeney is deeply invested in expanding access to the arts and East End conservation efforts. “Working alongside Lara as Co-President at The Children’s Museum of the East End has been an absolute privilege. With the installation of an innovative, 9,000 sq foot playground, Lara has left a permanent mark at CMEE that will inspire families across the East End for generations to come. I look forward to seeing her vision, creativity and commitment make a similar impact as she steps into her role at LongHouse Reserve,” shared Liz Bard, Co-President, Children’s Museum of the East End.


Carrie Rebora Barratt

“Transitions are the true measure of institutional health — and LongHouse is ready to move forward,” shared Carrie Rebora Barratt, LongHouse’s former Executive Director and Current Curatorial Consultant. “It has been my great privilege to guide this gorgeous organization through a period of change and renewal. I look forward to seeing LongHouse continue to flourish in the spirit of Jack Lenor Larsen’s creative and innovative vision.”