Join us for a powerful artist talk with internationally acclaimed artist Sam Van Aken, as he shares the vision, process, and meaning behind his site-specific work, The Planting Fields Stand.
This special evening is part of our Creative Spirits series and features Van Aken, our 2025 Catalyst artist, in an intimate conversation about how his work blends art, agriculture, history, and environmental research. Best known for his TED Talks, National Geographic features, and the celebrated Open Orchard on Governors Island, Van Aken has exhibited at leading institutions including the Smithsonian Design Triennial, New York Botanical Garden, and Cube Design Museum (Netherlands).
At the center of the conversation is The Planting Fields Stand, a living artwork made up of four multi-grafted fruit trees that serve as living archives, preserving rare heirloom fruit varieties while telling the layered story of this land: from its origins as a Matinecock agricultural landscape to its legacy as the Coe family estate.
What You Can Expect:
– Exclusive first access to our new second-floor exhibition, featuring Van Aken’s cyanotypes, herbarium specimens, and more
– A complimentary cocktail or mocktail (see details on the signature drink below!)
– After-hours access to the historic Main House
Cocktail of the Evening – Cider & Stem
A bright blend of apple cider and smooth vodka, perfectly balanced with just the right touch of autumnal spice. Served cold, this drink is a cool, flavorful tribute to the fresh, lively spirit of The Planting Fields Stand and a nod to a core part of our site and Long Island’s history.
Event Schedule
6 – 6:30pm: Self-guided exploration of the Main House and cocktails
6:30 – 7:30pm: Lecture by Sam Van Aken
7:30 – 8pm: Q & A
For questions, please contact Kayla Cheshire, Communications and Marketing Manager, at kcheshire@plantingfields.org
By registering for this event, you consent to Planting Fields Foundation photographing and filming during the event. These images may be used for promotional purposes, including social media, on our website, newsletters, grant requests, reports. As it may not be feasible to identify individuals who may wish to opt out, your registration implies your consent to be photographed. If you have any concerns, please contact us at kcheshire@plantingfields.org