About the Producers
As the first fair ever in the region and running a decade (until sold) ArtHamptons helped pioneer art collecting as “the new sport of the Hamptons.” Now in its second year, HFAF is the brainchild of ArtHamptons founder, Rick Friedman and his team, who present an even more elite, momentous and trendsetting version. Successful past art fairs produced in The Hamptons, Aspen, Houston, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Palm Springs, Philadelphia and Jackson Hole.
Mr. Friedman is one of the most successful and popular event producers in the Hamptons over the past decade. He has championed the viewing, awareness and acquisition of fine art by creating the region’s first fine art fair, ArtHamptons, nearly two decades ago (conceived by Cindy Lou Wakefield). Its rousing success – and rapid growth in exhibitors and attendance helped make art collecting “the new sport in the Hamptons.” Attendance grew from 3,000 to 14,000 under his ownership, enabling him take the concept to other affluent markets, by trailblazing the first fine art fair in each city. Events included ArtAspen, Houston Fine Art Fair, SF Fine Art Fair, Palm Springs Fine Art Fair and Silicon Valley Contemporary. Over 100,000 art lovers attended his fine art fairs annually. In 2015, the network of fairs was sold to a major international media conglomerate. Most recently, he has reemerged onto the art fair scene, producing Philadelphia’s first ever contemporary art fair, and then pioneeringly the integration of contemporary and western art, in the Jackson Hole Fine Art Fair in 2018
Ever the entrepreneur, Mr. Friedman pioneered advanced software technology in the 1990’s through a world wide network of publications, conferences and expos in 6 countries. During that period, his SIGS Publications became one of the fastest growing privately held businesses in the US. His original team of advisors and writers included Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. After the sale of the company to private equity, he went on to pioneer and champion the growth digital media/digital video/special effects/animation with a series of expos which culminated with owning the venerable ShowBiz Expo in LA, the largest event for filmmakers in the world, (with 17,000 filmmakers in attendance and 250 exhibitors), which he acquired from Variety Magazine.
Earlier in his life, as a colorful entrepreneur, his range of ventures including creating, directing and hosting as series of Disco Dance Contests at Regine’s in the late 1970’s which was sold to and became the format of Merv Griffin’s popular “Dance Fever” syndicated TV series in the 1980’s. He then moved into sports promotion, focusing on volleyball, where his popular NCAA matches led him to owning the USA Mens and Women’s National Teams. His tours set national attendance and revenue records for the sport, including playing at Madison Square Garden.
Mr. Friedman, along with his partner Cindy Lou Wakefield, are avid collectors of modern and Post-war art, with over 300 museum level pieces. A portion of their personal collection is the subject of the touring show “The Heroines of Abstract Expressionism.”
Rick and Cindy Lou often lend artworks from their collection to museum exhibits, eclectically ranging from Guild Hall and the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center to The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and the National Museum of Picasso in Paris.
Rick Friedman, the collector, writer, producer, publisher, philanthropist, is a longstanding member of the Young Presidents Organization, and resides in Southampton.
Read more about their collection in The New York Times feature.
As a life long admirer of fine art, Donna is a seasoned sales and marketing professional, coming from the interior design/home decor sector. She was the Show Director of the successful Hamptons Contemporary Design and Décor Show.She has a knowledge of and admiration for modern and contemporary art, and understands what buyers are seeking in specific regional luxury markets.Donna was the Show Director in a range of successful art and design oriented fairs–including the Hamptons Contemporary Design and Décor Show, the Hamptons Virtual Art Fair, Philadelphia Fine Art Fair, Jackson Hole Fine Art Fair and upcoming Denver Fine Art Fair.
Alix had had a long, distinguished, prominent career in fashion publishing. At Fairchild Publications, she rose to Assistant Publisher, guiding the direction of two important high-profile national publications W and Woman’s Wear Daily (WWD). She is a long time art enthusiast, a seasoned and knowledgable collector, addictive art fair goer, as well as highly respected art patron. She brings a strong strategic and tactical operations approach to the fair in efforts to enhance each galleries’ visibility and prominent positioning within the Hamptons community.
Debbie presently resides in Westhampton, New York, leveraging a robust 32-year tenure within public education, during which she assumed prominent roles, notably as a union leader. Demonstrating a commitment to excellence, Debbie has contributed her expertise to the ShowHamptons Team for three consecutive years, overseeing operational aspects. In addition to her professional pursuits, she is an adept small business proprietor and an adept event planner. Renowned for her meticulous attention to detail and exceptional organizational acumen, Debbie is poised to play a pivotal role in orchestrating the Hamptons Fine Art Fair 2024, facilitating its inception and execution with precision and finesse.
Helene currently lives in Southampton. With many years of experience in Rick Friedman’s Art Expo’s, she brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to her role. Helene’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the event runs smoothly, making her an ideal fit as our Operations Liaison.
Throughout the year, Helene’s involvement in prestigious art expos takes her to renowned events such as Art Basel in Miami, various exhibitions in New York, and back to the Hamptons. Her degree in Art History and her curiosity of the arts are a perfect blend for her as she flows through the Galleries and interacts with guests.
Her extensive experience and commitment to excellence make her an asset to our team, ensuring the success of the HFAF 2024 Show.
Jennifer is an attorney by trade who transitioned into the non-profit sector with a focus on development, fundraising and events. She competed nationally as an equestrian, and holds a special place in her heart as a native Long Islander for the Hamptons – home to her favorite horse show. Jennifer brings an analytical and strategic planning mindset to our events and social media outreach, promoting HFAF exhibitors and providing top-notch hospitality to our guests and sponsors.
Cindy Lou is a respected writer and educator with Doctor of Education-ABD in Administration. She is an avid art collector and advisor with an astute eye, great instincts and strong knowledge of art as investment. Cindy Lou has helped to build and shape the famed 100+ piece Heroines of the AbEx Era art collection (which was displayed at Southampton Arts Center, Fall 2023).
JC Burdine has an extensive background in product development, branding and sales. She has spent many years in advertising, working at powerhouse agencies, such as FCB, Saatchi & Saatchi, DMB&B and Leo Burnett. Later, as creative director for Grey Advertising in London, she helped lead Procter & Gamble’s foray into the image-driven world of health and beauty care. Since her move to the East End, JC has organized sales of highly curated fashion items, written and illustrated 8 children’s books, and was cinematographer for the documentary, ‘In the Shadows of Grey Gardens.’
Adam is a seasoned creative professional who has been an essential member of the ShowHamptons production team for 19 years. As the creative director and graphic designer for all ShowHamptons productions, Adam has played a crucial role in developing the brand’s visual identity. His responsibilities include designing show logos, ads, catalogs, and websites that capture the essence of each production. Adam’s relationship with ShowHamptons began when its founder, Rick Friedman, purchased one of his oil paintings at Guild Hall of East Hampton. After graduating from Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts with a background in Illustration and Fine Art, Adam worked in the printing industry for 12 years before forming Seven Thirteen Creative, Inc. with his wife and business partner in 2011. His experience, expertise, and passion for design have helped make ShowHamptons a leading producer of art and design events.
As a recent graduate of Sotheby’s Institute of Art (MA Art Business, 2024), Angelina is thrilled to bring her passion and expertise in client relations to her new role as Audience Development Manager at the Hamptons Fine Art Fair. She is honored to be the point of contact for our distinguished Cultural Partners and assist in the development and hosting of our Special Events. Angelina’s charismatic personality is well fit for HFAF’s dynamic environment, which provides a perfect opportunity to foster engagement and relationships with exhibitors and guests. Angelina has previously worked at a number of other notable art centers throughout New York, including most recently Sotheby’s; Sotheby’s Institute of Art; and Columbia University.
