DISPATCH - MAY 20, 2012 (12:35 p.m.)
SAG HARBOR, NY
Looking for relaxation amid the Memorial Day Weekend madness? Then the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historic Museum might be the place to go. Landscape painting and photography will occupy the front parlor in "Light by the Water." Even the exhibition name sounds relaxing.
The art presents views from the waterways and coastline of Sag Harbor, NY. All of the work was created by members of Plein Air Peconic (PAP). The artists work year-round capturing the natural beauty of the Hamptons.
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"Shipyard Lane" by Ellen Watson. Photo: Ellen Watson.
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Each summer, PAP teams up with the Peconic Land Trust (PLT) to hold exhibitions to raise money and awareness of open vistas that may be overlooked in the rush of everday life. PLT is a conservation organization devoted to preserving natural space on the East End of Long Island. PAP artworks typically depict scenes from areas conserved with PLT assistance.
This year, the pair of organizations added another partner for its first exhibition of the summer: The Sag Harbor Whaling & Historic Museum. The museum is unveiling its plans to become a center for arts and culture. "Light by the Water" is the first group exhibition of the summer. The second, "For the Birds: Works by Dan Rizzie and Friends," will be held from July 12 to Sept 16.
"Light on the Water" features paintings Casey Chalem Anderson, Susan D’Alessio, Aubrey Grainger, Gail Kern, Anita Kusick, Michele Margit, Gordon Matheson, Joanne Rosko and Eileen Dawn Skretch. Photography will be presented by Tom Steele, Kathryn Szoka, and Ellen Watson.
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"Through the Trees 2 Tramaridge" by Eileen Skretch.
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"Light by the Water" will have two artist receptions. An Artist Reception is being held on Sat, May 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. The second event, Coffee with the Artists, is being held on Sun, July 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission to the museum is free with both receptions.
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"Two Trees at Edge of Tramaridge" by Kathryn Szoka. Photo: Kathryn Szoka.
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Plein Air Peconic formed in 2006 to begin collaborating with PLT. Each year, exhibitions feature art depicting views of areas conserved by PLT. Since then, over 40 PLT sites have been painted and photographed specifically for Plein Air Peconic events, according to PAP's website.
Areas are located on the South and North Forks, in Riverhead Town and on Shelter Island. All of the lands were conserved by PLT in cooperation with landowners and, in many cases, local governments.
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"Sag Harbor Jetty" by Anita Kusick.
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"Light by the Water" opened on May 17 at the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum. It remains on view through July 9. A portion of sales jointly benefits PLT and the museum.
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"Long Beach " by Casey Chalem Anderson.
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In addition to art shows, the museum has brought back its Summer Music Series to further its efforts to become a center for culture. Concerts are anchored by Dick Johansson & The Highlanders. Each installment in the series features a different musical guest.
Next up is Gene Casey (of the Loansharks) on June 23. Following are Inda Eaton on July 14; Caroline Doctorow on July 28; and Bryan Downey, Cynthia Daniels and others on Aug 11. For details, visit www.sagharborwhalingmuseum.org.
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"Circle Beach Stroll" by Gordon Matheson.
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BASIC FACTS: "Light by the Water" will be exhibited through July 9, 2012 at the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum, 200 Main Street, Sag Harbor, NY. The museum is open daily through Columbus Day on Oct 8, 2012.
Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum: www.sagharborwhalingmuseum.org
Plein Air Peconic: www.pleinairpeconic.com
Peconic Land Trust: www.peconiclandtrust.org/
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© 2012 Pat Rogers and Hamptons Art Hub. All rights reserved.