Once again, designers and artists are coming together for a good cause in Cutchogue.
The 2nd Annual Designer Show House continues to delight, said Terry Hofer, a volunteer for the event, bringing together a whole new roster of designers.
“There’s a goal to make it new and fresh and interesting for our touring guests,” she said.
The show is hosted by Cutchogue Presbyterian Church, at the manse, built in 1835, as well as next-door neighbor Jessica Lee.
Last year’s event was followed by the North Fork Designer Show House Holiday Emporium, which spotlighted local vendors and business. “It was as awesome and successful as the Show House itself,” Hofer said.
This year’s designers in the manse include Shawn Widmyer, Widmyer & Co., Victoria McFadden, Beall & Bell, Laura Courtney, Imagine Farms & Gardens, Renee and Mike Lisowy, Wallace Home Design, Abby Stein, Abby Suzanne Interiors, Drew Alt, Drew Patrick Home, Michael McDyer, McDyer Designs, Jessica Williams, The Studio of Jessica Lynn Williams, Joanne and Michael Paluck, The Repurpose Project, Betsy Lynch, Harcourt House Interiors, Allegra Dioguardi, Styled and Sold/The Allegra Collection, Melissa Hyatt, MHD Designs, Yvette Arce, Tile by Design, Anne Dittmeier, AMDInteriors.com, an Julie Hanus and Terry Hofer, Blooms by Design.
Designers at the barns include Conni Cross, Christine McCabe, Lori Guyer, White Flower Farmhouse, Christine Harmon Garden Design, Debbie and Morgan Gildersleeve, Renee’s, Michael Pittman, Southold Antique & Artisan Emporium, and Bob Tapp for Paula DiDonato, The Giving Room.
Designers in the garden include Torie Cande, Beds & Borders, Anne Trimble, Trimble’s of Corchaug, Roots, Etc. Inc., Suzanne Volges, Fortunoff’s, Gosia Rojek, Paspartou, Joann Brancato, Openspace, Judy Plant, Peter Clarke, Clarke’s Garden, Cristina Spindler, Peconic River Herb Farm, and Bobb Tapp.
Creating a dream designer home, Hofer said, takes time. The Show House’s committee, headed by Bob Tapp, finds the designers, who then choose a space in the manse depending on what’s available. Each designer creates a unique theme.
The event was conceived by Tapp, “an amazing human being and a member of Cutchogue Presbyterian Church,” Hofer said. “Bob and his partner Nick Ellis are hugely generous individuals. Together, they make a real difference in the world around them. Bob is also extremely creative — a designer in his own right.”
Tapp, along with Barbara and Tom McAdam, Hofer said, presented his idea for the Show House to the church; Cutchogue Presbyterian had a manse, a pastor’s residence, that’s currently not in use by the current pastor and which was also “in dire need of improvement,” she said. “A Designer Show House would improve the condition of the manse, designers — local artisans — would get exposure they wouldn’t ordinarily get, and all the monies would be donated to those in need in our community. Brilliant. A win-win.”
When the idea was born last year, Hofer said Corcoran immediately agreed to be the founding sponsor of the event and has continued as such this year. Other local businesses have shown an outpouring of support as sponsors, she said. “The other members of the committee joined Bob in the adventure and lent their talent, expertise and generosity to the endeavor,” Hofer said.
According to the North Fork Designer Show House website, seven friends, including Melissa Buckley, Kate DiGregorio, Ellis, Christine Kosmynka, Barbara and Toni McAdam and Tapp “brainstormed to create a new event with an emphasis on beauty, local talent and charity. Our endeavors were affirmed last year by 3,500 tour goers.” The event last year raised almost $75,000, all of it given to local charitable organizations.
Proceeds last year benefited Community Action of Southold Town, Maureen’s Haven, Katinka House in Mattituck and Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch in Riverhead. This year, funds will benefit CAST, Maureen’s Haven and the North Fork Animal Welfare League; a scholarship will also be established for local high school students.
“We are not just another snooty show, not just another house tour, not just another holiday market,” the site says. “Our events ooze pizzazz and friendliness. We take our design seriously and curate shows with high design content. Lots of chic with the comfort of Norman Rockwell. As much show, as house.”
Hofer, who’s been friends with Tapp and Ellis for years, said last year, while on CAST’s board of directors, she said she was motivated by her “love for Bob and Nick, and my passion for CAST” and signed on as a volunteer. This year, she helped to secure volunteers, as well as sponsors to underwrite costs, and spread the word; she also designed the two back porches with Julie Hanus of Blooms by Design.
And for Hofer, it’s a journey of the heart: “There is a spirit, a heartfulness, a generosity that permeates every moment of the Show House that makes me want to be part, however and wherever I’m needed. There is joy and collaboration you don’t see easily or often anywhere else. It’s infectious and life-giving. I love being involved. It’s a gift to myself as much as it it a gift from me to the Show House. It’s an example — if everyone operated with the kindness and support that is evident throughout the Show House, what a difference that would make on so many levels.”
After a kickoff on August 14 with a huge local turnout, the Show House is open for touring every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., through September 6. Tickets cost $25. Fortunoff’s, part of the Show House, has placed outdoor furniture; guests are invited to bring lunch and stay as long as they like.
Visitors, Hofer said, “can expect to be surprised, intrigued and delighted by the beauty and the whimsy throughout the Show House and the grounds. It is becoming more and more beloved as it becomes more and more popular. And why is that happening? Because it’s all about generosity and community and camaraderie and beauty. It is an opportunity to see design ideas in person, which is enormously helpful in defining one’s own likes and dislikes. It’s an opportunity to do something in an afternoon, close to home, that satisfies one’s soul and one’s social side while helping others in need. Every layer of this event — before, during and after — is about goodness and kindness and sharing. You can only feel good when at the Show House, no matter whether you like a particular design or not. It’s a happy place, doing good things for those who need our help.”
The Show House is located at 27150 Main Road in Cutchogue.
