The Hamptons region has long been recognized as a Mecca for the creation and patronage of fine art. Currently, over 1,500 artists reside in the region. HFAF recognizes and salutes a handful of well-respected and much-accomplished East End based artists (both living and posthumously) who will be inducted into the HFAF Hamptons Artists Hall of Fame each year. The purpose of the HOF is to highlight, as well as to invite, a rediscovery for those esteemed local artists who have not fully received the national fame and recognition they deserve. Ted Hartley's life is a testament to reinvention. A US Olympic wrestling finalist, US Navy fighter pilot, White House aide to Eisenhower and Kennedy, Hollywood actor, scriptwriter, and CEO of RKO Pictures. Hartley has continuously embraced new challenges with passion and success. Inspired by his late wife, actress Dina Merrill, Hartley turned to painting as an emotional; and creative outlet. His powerful  1950-70era-like abstractions, have textured surfaces and expressive energy – as the artist explores themes of resilience, transformation and depth of human experience.