Montauk Artists' Association's Annual Show on the Green Returns

The Montauk Artists’ Association will present the 23rd annual Show on the Green beginning Friday, August 18.

The show always offers an array of art and handmade novelties made by artisans who are both local and from across the country. Different creations of jewelry, painting, sculpture, photography, glass, ceramics, mixed-media, woodworking and more will be available throughout the weekend-long event. The artists who craft these one-of-a-kind pieces will be present to create special commissions for those who are interested in an especially unique work. The money raised will go to the Montauk Artists’ Association.

Anne Weissman, the festival director, artist and a major influence in the association, said the show started out with about eight people with their paintings propped up against a hedge. That number has grown to more than 80.

The artists submit applications to a jury put together by the association. Artists are chosen based on criteria that help diversify the show.

“They include photos of their work so we know what it looks like,” Ms. Weissman said. “We try to not only pick best of the best, but diversify the content and intent of these artists.”

Aside from the selected artists, members from the association will have an area set up where visitors can view and purchase their art.

Ron Mellott, the show’s media specialist and an artist himself, always enjoys the feeling and commonality of artists coming together to share their work.

“If we do it correctly in our passion, in our creativity and our vision, and we create something that touches somebody, we open a door for them to go on a journey with that piece of art,” he said. “The expressions on their face exude the place they go.”

Mr. Mellott started hearing about art shows early on in his career when he was living in the Pacific Northwest. He became more interested in where the best shows were held. After experimenting with shows in the Midwest, he finally discovered the art shows of the east coast. Mr. Mellott has participated in shows in Connecticut and Virginia, but said Long Island plays host to incredible art shows. The Show on the Green, in particular, offers a unique setting for an art show because it is outdoors and close to the beach, yet attracts crowds from Manhattan and Westchester, he said.

The event runs Friday, August 18, from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, August 19, and Sunday, August 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both dates. Admission is free. Visit montaukartistsassociation.org.