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29th annual 'Outdoor Sculpture Show' opens
Long Island's largest, the show features almost 60 works by 40 artists
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| | | Standing left, Mather President Kenneth Roberts, board member M. Cecile Forte, Ph.D., and standing right, Mather Chairman Kenneth A. Jacoppi with artists at the opening reception. Courtesy Mather Hospital (click for larger version) | |
June 11, 2009 | 10:47 AM
Now that the unofficial start of summer — Memorial Day weekend — has come and gone it must be time for a very special local tradition. John T. Mather Memorial Hospital's annual "Outdoor Sculpture Show" has opened in Port Jefferson and will run through Aug. 31.
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| | | ‘Fourth of July” by Pauli Suominen. Photo by Ellen Barcel
(click for larger version) | |
From a modest eight pieces in 1981 the show has grown over the years. More than 40 artists have contributed 58 pieces to this year's show, the largest outdoor sculpture show on Long Island.
The exhibit, which is put on for the enjoyment of the patients, visitors and employees also helps to support local artists. In addition, a percentage of the sales benefits Mather Hospital itself.
Expect to see sculpture, both large and small in a wide range of styles and media: canvas, clay, colored glass, iron, bronze, wood, steel and copper. Some pieces are serious, some thoughtful, some whimsical and some realistic. There is truly something to bring enjoyment to every artistic taste.
In addition to what can be seen on the lawn surrounding the hospital, don't forget to go inside into the lobby and courtyard, where even more pieces are on display, primarily the smaller ones.
For many artists, the Mather show is an annual event as well, returning year after year with new and exciting pieces. Artist David Haussler of Fort Salonga has "Poker Face," a six-foot blowfish "made out of all-welded steel." Haussler noted that he is very influenced by the environment. "I'm either outside surfing in the water or outdoors. I love nature, love being part of nature, surfing — that's why I'm influenced by so many fish. They're great subjects." Haussler, who is working on some 9/11 pieces also has a tornado series. Some of his work can also been seen at the Middle Country Public Library (through June 15) and at the Long Island Professional Artists Show at C.W. Post College, through July 1.
Animals inspired many other artists this year including Gary Garrett whose "Yiikes" is an absolutely delightful cat and mouse rendering. Anthony Ingoglia's "Pentapus," shows a sea creature floating in midair and Arthur Amster's "Beware" issues a stern warning.
Steve Zaluski will be represented in the show again this year. "'The Human Sphere,' is a bronze representing world cooperation," Zaluski said. It was at the opening reception for the show, held last Friday. Two of Zaluski's pieces will remain at Mather Hospital for the entire summer, "Missing Persons," and "Natural Forces." "'Natural Forces' symbolizes man trying to harness nature's energy, like Benjamin Franklin."
Said Zaluski of "Missing Persons," "Hundreds of people are cut out of life. Where does everyone disappear to? Are they murdered? Have they died? Are they abducted by aliens? It's a mystery. They're just gone."
Ellen Nora (Goldstein) has two pieces in the show this year. She, too, has been a longtime supporter of the show. "Leena" is a terra cotta piece which "looks like bronze" and is of a young girl leaning against a wall. Her second piece, "The Little Accordion Girl," uses driftwood which she found, painted and shellacked. "It shows my playful side, it's very whimsical." She noted that she is also an animator. "Years ago I had to sculpt my own characters for the animation." Her interest in sculpting grew out of that early experience. Originally from Switzerland, Ellen Nora now lives and works in New Suffolk. "I studied decorating, interior and widow display. I build my own furniture. I'm very handy." She is also known for her mosaics and jewelry.
Other returning artists to the show include Cruz, Arthur Bernstein, Slim Cook, L.T. Cherokee, Haim Misholy, Pauli Suominen, and Miro Zupancic to name just a few.
New to the show this year include Michael Chiarello, Gary Garrett, Nung-Hsin Hu, Kyra Waddell and Dominic Sparano.
Said Patrick Regina, director of public relations for Mather Hospital, "We are thrilled that so many artists continue to share their work with us. We enjoy having the show. It's great for patients and visitors. We look forward to it every year and hope it continues for many years to come."
Admission to the show, which will run through Aug. 31, is free. Participating sculptors:
Arthur Amster
Richard Anderson
Arthur Bernhang, M.D.
Arthur Bernstein
Peter Busacca
L.T. Cherokee
Michael Chiarello
Bobbi Comforto
Slim Cook
Cruz
James DeMartis
John DiNaro
Jacqueline DuBarry
Roberta Fabiano
John Gabosch
Gary Garrett
Miriam Hacken
David Haussler
Lori Horowitz
Nung-Hsin Hu
Anthony Ingoglia
Darryl Isaacs
Jonathan Johansson
Debra Ann Kasimakis
Ugur Kunst
Vilma Levy
Haim Misholy, M.D.
Chris Murphy
Ellen Nora
Kathy O'Brien
Rhys O'Brien
Ron Pander
Dominic Sparano
Alan Striga
Robert Strimban
Pauli Suominen
Tonito Valderrama
Kyra Waddell
Steve Zaluski
Miro Zupancic
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