Once On This Shelter Island - 27 East

Arts & Living

Arts & Living / 1963262

Once On This Shelter Island

icon 4 Photos
Alan Shields

Alan Shields "Open Olympic and Beaver Tail Comb," circa 1994. Relief, acrylic on layered handmade paper, 6" x 6." COURTESY SHELTER ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

John Chamberlain

John Chamberlain "Seawater Serenade," 1995. Painted and chromium-plated steel, 16.25" x 22" x 11." COURTESY SHELTER ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Willem de Kooning

Willem de Kooning "Untitled #4," 1956-1958. Pastel on paper, 21 1/2" by 21." COURTESY SHELTER ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Karen Arm

Karen Arm "Untitled (Corona #5)," 2021. Acrylic on canvas, 27" x 23." COURTESY SHELTER ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

authorStaff Writer on May 27, 2022

In honor of its 100th anniversary, the Shelter Island Historical Society presents “Once On This Island,” an exhibition featuring the work of artists who have lived and worked on Shelter Island. Curated by Margaret Garrett — who is one of the featured artists — also on view is work by Karen Arm, John Chamberlain, Janet Culbertson, Willem de Kooning, Jules Feiffer, Alan Shields and Ned Smyth. The exhibition includes a selection of paintings and sculptures with dates from the 1950s to the present day.

“Once On This Island” runs June 4 to September 7 and opens with a reception at the historical society on Sunday, June 5, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Artists have long flocked to the East End of Long Island, drawn by the quality of its light. Shelter Island exerts a particular pull, luring artists with its independent spirit and quiet beauty. “Once On This Island” celebrates these artists’ unique vision and the breadth of their stylistic interests, from abstract paintings, prints, sculptures, and works on handmade paper to drawings and bronzes inspired by the natural world. Within this variety, however, a common theme emerges: the influence of the island itself — whether these artists spent a single season here or chose to make it their permanent home.

Shelter Island Historical Society is at 16 South Ferry Road on Shelter Island. Exhibition hours are Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by appointment at 631-749-0025. For more information visit shelterislandhistorical.org.

You May Also Like:

Hamptons Film Festival Unveils Full Slate for 33rd Edition and Will Spotlight Long Island Stories, Honor Bernard Telsey and Premiere Kristen Stewart’s New Film

The Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) has announced the full lineup for its 33rd edition, ... 11 Sep 2025 by Staff Writer

From Hither Hills to Prague: The Sounds of the Season | 27Speaks Podcast

This week, the editors are joined by East Hampton reporter Jack Motz and Kurt Gottwald, ... by 27Speaks

At the Galleries for September 11, 2025

Montauk The Depot Art Gallery, 285 Edgemere Street, is presenting “All We See,” an exhibition ... 10 Sep 2025 by Staff Writer

Round and About for September 11, 2025

Music & Nightlife Mysteries, Deceptions and Illusions Allan Zola Kronzek, a sleight-of-hand artist, will perform ... by Staff Writer

U2 Tribute Band Unforgettable Fire Returns to The Suffolk September 27

Unforgettable Fire, considered the preeminent U2 tribute band in North America, will return to The ... by Staff Writer

Southampton Arts Center Presents Mountainfilm on Tour

Mountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films curated ... by Staff Writer

Hamptons International Film Festival Expands to Southampton Playhouse With World Premiere of ‘Arthur Elgort: Models & Muses’ and Live ‘Nosferatu’ Screening

The Hamptons International Film Festival, presented by the Artemis Rising Foundation, announced Tuesday a new ... 9 Sep 2025 by Staff Writer

Big Stories in Small Packages: 'Mountainfilm on Tour' Returns to Southampton Arts Center

Every year, Southampton Arts Center hosts a unique one-day film festival that offers an intriguing ... by Annette Hinkle

'Endless Limits': Parrish Hosts Landmark James Howell Retrospective

James Howell was not one to reminisce about the past. His sight, and artist vision, ... by Michelle Trauring

Review: 'Leibisch’s Journey' Uncovers a Father’s Hidden Past

He’s a grown man when he hears his father, well into older age, speaking fluent ... 8 Sep 2025 by Joan Baum