'The Oarsman's Library' on View in Springs - 27 East

Arts & Living

Arts & Living / 2328119

'The Oarsman's Library' on View in Springs

icon 2 Photos

"Penelope’s Web" is a piece on view in "The Oarsman’s Library: Books by Barry McCallion." COURTESY THE ARTIST

"Penelope’s Web" is a piece on view in "The Oarsman’s Library: Books by Barry McCallion." COURTESY THE ARTIST

authorStaff Writer on Jan 6, 2025

Springs Historical Society presents “The Oarsman’s Library: Books by Barry McCallion,” an exhibition of literary artworks at the Springs Community Library from January 10 to 26. Curated by Teri Kennedy, this exhibition of book art marks the inaugural solo artist series by the SHS Art Committee. The public is invited to join McCallion for an opening reception on Friday, January 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Springs Community Library.

“The Oarsman’s Library” merges visual art with narrative in a dynamic exploration of literature and tactile engagement. Drawn from themes from Walt Whitman and John Milton, ancient fables, to the storming of the Bastille, McCallion’s works take shape as multidimensional books that invite interaction. Visitors will have the opportunity to physically engage with these living books, exploring their layered visuals and texts as McCallion himself sits as a librarian, offering insights into the works and fostering a sense of discovery.

McCallion, known for his ability to bring literary narratives to life, began working on the Oarsman series in 1970. His vision, as he recalls, came to him in the form of “a man in a rowboat, hovering in the air” in the middle of his living room. This surreal image became the catalyst for his exploration of the Oarsman’s story, combining fine art with written works to create a deeply immersive and at times introspective experience with written works to create a deeply immersive and at times introspective experience.

Even when traveling the world, Springs, has served as both an early and returning point of inspiration in McCallion’s artistic journey. His creative process is sometimes driven by themes of social consciousness, addressing issues such as extinction, pollution, and environmental protection. In one such book, he tells the story of Earth’s fragility on rare Japanese nacre pearl paper, a material crafted in a method that is increasingly threatened by a rapidly changing global environment.

His process blends whimsy with absolute precision, using a wide range of mediums and collages to deepen the emotional impact of each piece. McCallion describes how “the visual book involves you in time,” creating a sense of anticipation and memory, as demonstrated in his 2013 work “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry.” The piece draws its name and inspiration from Walt Whitman’s iconic poem, whose meditation on the timeless connections between people across generations was an inspiration to McCallion.

Also on display throughout Springs Library will be McCallion’s prints and fold-out style books, both current and past works.

“The goal of these one-person shows is to highlight a Springs artist who works in a unique medium or has developed a body of work of specific interest to our community,” said Kennedy.

Springs Community Library is at 1 Parson Place in the East Hampton hamlet of Springs. Visit springshistoricalsociety.org for more information.

You May Also Like:

HamptonsFilm Appoints Richard N. Gladstein Executive Director; David Nugent Promoted to Chief Creative Officer

HamptonsFilm has appointed two-time Academy Award-nominated producer Richard N. Gladstein as its new executive director. David Nugent, who has led programming at the organization since 2007, has been promoted to chief creative officer. Gladstein will report to HamptonsFilm co-chairs Alec Baldwin and Randy Mastro, while Nugent will report to Gladstein. Gladstein, a veteran producer and educator, will oversee all strategic planning and year-round programming for HamptonsFilm and its annual Hamptons International Film Festival. His role will focus on enhancing community engagement, expanding industry partnerships and increasing the festival’s national and international visibility. “We are delighted to welcome Richard as our ... 17 Jul 2025 by Staff Writer

Round and About for July 17, 2025

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

Pop Art Star Nelson De La Nuez Headlines ‘Red Carpet’ Exhibition at East Hampton’s White Room Gallery

The White Room Gallery will present its latest exhibition, “Red Carpet,” from July 16 through ... by Staff Writer

Accordion Meets Improv: Sam Reider and the Human Hands To Perform on Shelter Island

Shelter Island Friends of Music continues its 2025 season with a free concert by composer, ... by Staff Writer

Artist Sean Scully Speaks at the Parrish Art Museum in Conjunction With 'Sean Scully: The Albee Barn, Montauk'

The Parrish Art Museum will present a special artist talk with internationally acclaimed painter Sean ... by Staff Writer

Let's Get Down to Business!

Get the back-history of East Hampton Village’s commercial district presented by East Hampton historian Hugh King and The Anchor Society founder Bess Rattray in a talk at East Hampton Library on Friday, July 18, at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. What kinds of colorful, quirky, practical, and whimsical shops could be found “upstreet” in the decades before Prada, Vuitton and Valentino arrived? What was the business district’s retail culture like for shoppers 50 or 100 years ago? Travel back in time for a fun and informative virtual “walking tour” — with archival images, personal recollections, and video — ... by Staff Writer

At the Galleries for July 17, 2025

Montauk The Depot Art Gallery, at the Montauk railroad station at the corner of Flamingo ... by Staff Writer

Christopher Engel's First Exhibition Since Cancer Diagnosis: Radiance — The Light Within

Sitting in his East Hampton office at the Ross School last week, Christopher Engel reflected ... by Hope Hamilton

Hampton Theatre Company Launches Season 41 in October

The Hampton Theatre Company will kick off its 41st season this fall with a lineup of four productions, continuing the momentum from a landmark anniversary year. All performances will take place at the company’s longtime home at Quogue Community Hall. The 2025 to 2026 season includes “The Thanksgiving Play” (October 16 to November 2), “A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play” (December 12 to 14), the musical “I Do! I Do!” (March 12 to 29), and the fast-paced comic thriller “The 39 Steps” (May 21 to June 7). The season opens with “The Thanksgiving Play” by Larissa FastHorse, a satirical ... 15 Jul 2025 by Staff Writer

Animated by Art: Marionette-Making Workshop Series at the Leiber Collection

In the weeks ahead, the Leiber Collection will host “Animated by Art,” a marionette-making workshop ... by Staff Writer