History
The family house at 2317 Montauk Highway, where Elaine Benson resided, next to the Gallery.
Elaine Benson, from her Memorial
Elaine Benson and her husband Emanuel Benson founded the Benson Barn Gallery in 1965 in Bridgehampton, New York. Upon her husband's death in 1971 it was renamed the Elaine Benson Gallery.
Elaine Benson in front of a sculture by Molly Mason. Photo by Nancy Crampton
The Elaine Benson Gallery was known as a cultural gathering place. In the later years, every gallery "Opening Reception" was preceded by a charity fund raiser. There were six shows per season. The gallery was open from May-September
Elaine Benson with a sculpture by Marc Mellon. Photo by Nancy Crampton
Every "Season" opened in May with the John Steinbeck "Meet the Writers Book Fair". It raised money for the library and John Steinbeck Writing Room at Southampton College, a part of L.I.U.
It showcased local authors all of whom had published new books within the previous year.
Elaine Benson in front of a "Multiple" by Larry Rivers. Photo by Nancy Crampton
The other benefits supported all "local"causes; ARF (the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons), The Group for the South Fork, The Nature Conservancy, Hamptons Shorts (a literary anthology), LTV (Local Access Television) The Children's Museum of the East End, The Bridgehampton Child Care Center, and more.
From 1993-1998 Mother, Elaine Benson and daughter, Kimberly Goff ran the gallery as a team.
After "retiring to Mexico to paint" for seven years, Kimberly Goff returned to Bridehampton to help her mother, Elaine Benson run the Benson Gallery. After her mother's death Kimberly continued to run the gallery at 2317 Montauk Highway until the property was sold in 2006.