The Setauket Artists celebrate fall with 44th annual exhibit
By Heidi Sutton
The brisk weather and falling leaves signals the return of a perennial favorite, the Setauket Artists annual exhibition. The popular show kicks off with a reception at the Setauket Neighborhood House on Sunday, Oct. 20 from noon to 4 p.m. and runs through Nov. 15. The exhibit will encompass the entire first floor of the historic building which dates back to the early 1700s.
Now in its 44th year, the show will feature approximately 90 pieces of art from 33 members and two invited artists in a variety of mediums including oil, watercolor, acrylic and pastel along with handpainted photographs and cyanotypes by Marlene Weinstein.
Paula Pelletier, publicist for the Setauket Artists and a member for the past 16 years, is excited for the unveiling and will have multiple watercolors in the show including two created just for the occasion.
“Because we live in such a beautiful area, many of the paintings are inspired by Long Island landscapes and seascapes of the Sound. Other paintings reflect artists’ travels and daily inspirations, which range from a painting of Belgium (by Renee Caine) to Stony Brook Harbor (by Gail Chase),” said Pelletier.
While the exhibit does not have a particular theme, “one can’t help but notice the many works that deal with the changing seasons, particularly the vibrant autumn on Long Island and the quiet winter which will follow,” she added.
This year’s show will be judged by Gay Gatta who will be tasked with choosing Best in Show, 5 Honorable Mentions and a new award in honor of the group’s beloved former president who passed away last June, the Irene Ruddock Award of Excellence.
Participating artists include Ross Barbera, Shain Bard, Ron Becker, Robert Berson, Kyle Blumenthal, Sheila Breck, Joyce Bressler, Renee Caine, Al Candia, Gail Chase, Anthony Davis, Julie Doczi, William Dodge, Paul Edelson, Margaret Governale, Larry Johnston, Flo Kemp, Karen Kemp, Joanne Liff, John Mansueto, Jane McGraw Teubner, Terence McManus, Fred Mendelsohn, Muriel Musarra, Annette Napolitano, Paula Pelletier, Joan Rockwell, Robert Roehrig, Oscar Santiago, Carole Link Scinta, Barbara Jeanne Siegel, Angela Stratton, Susan Trawick, Marlene Weinstein, and Patricia Yantz.
Visitors will have the opportunity to take home a painting that speaks to them. “All paintings are for sale and there will be many small works, matted and framed, perfect for holiday giving. And unframed, matted works will be available in bins; some are originals, others are giclee prints,” said Pelletier.
In addition, four paintings will be raffled off including “Springtime on the Old Post Road” by Julie Doczi; “Stony Brook Grist Mill” by Renee Caine; “Winter Birches” by Al Candia; and “Grist Mill” by John Mansueto, who is also this year’s “Honored Artist.”
Pelletier encourages everyone to come check out the exhibit.
“We live in trying times. A quite afternoon contemplating the beauty created by talented artists can ease the pressure and the threat of hurricanes, political chaos and goodness knows what else tomorrow will bring.”
The Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket presents the 44th annual Setauket Artists Exhibition from Oct. 20 to Nov. 15 daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for special events. Generously sponsored by Steven Baroumis, broker/owner of SBNY RE, admission to the exhibit is free. For more information, visit www.setauketartists.com.
