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.

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