Artistic Director Alex Kilgore has announced today that Annie Baker was awarded the first residency of Accabonac House, a year-round interdisciplinary artists retreat dedicated to the memory of Lisa de Kooning, who grew up in the house, located in the heart of Historic Spring/East Hampton. Her father, the Abstract Expressionist Willem de Kooning, traded a painting for the house in 1961, which served as his first studio in Springs as well as a home for his only child, Lisa and her mother the illustrator, Joan Ward.  Writers, actors, directors, musicians, dancers, artists, and filmmakers will meet at the house for the retreat to create and collaborate on new works for the stage and screen. The mission of Accabonac House is to nurture the creative process by providing an opportunity for artists to work alone or collaboratively without interruption in a supportive environment. Residencies are awarded by the advisory board, and all future residencies include room, board, and studio. The retreat  began in May, and a special benefit will take place at Ashawagh Hall in East Hampton on July 21st and 22nd with art by Gibby Haynes, Jim Tozzi, and Dan Witz, music by Invisible Familiars, and a special performance by Monica Bill Barnes Company. For more information on the Accabonac House, visit www.accabonachouse.com. Press contact: O&M Co (212/695-7400)...