William Merritt Chase was a prolific artist who helped develop and promote a style internationally recognized as distinctly American. Born in 1849 near here, he studied art in Indianapolis, New York, and Munich. He returned to New York in 1878 and opened a lavish Tenth Street Studio where he painted, exhibited and sold works, gave private lessons, and hosted cultural events. He worked in many styles and media including oil, watercolor, and pastels, and was labeled an "American Impressionist." He taught male and female students mainly on the East Coast and in Europe, and many became important artists. Active in influential art organizations, he helped establish Shinnecock Summer School of Art and Chase School of Art. He died in 1916.