Westhampton Beach Fine Arts Festival Set-up

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What: 37th Annual Greater Westhampton Chamber of Commerce Mary O. Fritchie Outdoor Juried Art Show.

When: Saturday, August 01, 2009  10:00 AM
Sunday, August 02, 2009  10:00 AM

Where: The Westhampton Beach Village Green
& Mill Road between Main Street & Church Lane. Westhampton Beach, NY 11978

Side curtains are attached to the frame by a system of zippers and straps

Side curtains are attached to the frame by a system of zippers and straps

So since we checked the weather report and noticed that MORE RAIN is expected later in the evening, my husband Dave and I drove out to Westhampton Beach, (about an hour from our home) to set up our show booth earlier on Friday than usual. We’ve been doing this show now for a few years and pay for it a year in advance so we can get the same spot on the Village Green. It is space #47 in case you’re dropping by.

As you can see we were among the earliest Artists to show up. Considering how the wind picked up I’m hoping we made the right decision. We like setting up the day before since it is so hectic in the morning with over 120 Artists trying to bring in their tents and move in their Art. The amount of parking is minimal and the amount of trucks, vans and trailers is great.

 

At Art Festivals we try to set the booth up the day before and bring then the Art in on Show day

At Art Festivals we try to set the booth up the day before and bring then the Art in on Show day

We have found over time that once we set up the EZ-up tent and zip up the 4 heavy-duty side curtains the wind blows around it rather than under. We bought the mesh panels and side curtains from Flourish.com. We also have 4 bags, each filled with about 45 pounds of sand, suspended from each strut holding down each corner. This park has an underground sprinkler system so you can’t use stakes to anchor the tent as you can in some shows.

 

Setting up the tent, mesh panels, side curtains and weights took us about an hour. We’ve really streamlined our workflow.

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Krinkled White Peony

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I’ve just created a series of digital paintings of a Krinkled White Peony that was blooming in my garden this past June.

For my inspiration I chose an herbaceous white single peony that was introduced into cultivation in 1928. The plant grows to about 3 feet tall and wide. This year with all the rain it grew so very tall that I had to add a peony cage to one of them since it was so heavy due to the huge amount of flowers that it produced.

A single white "Krinkled Peony" which grew in my garden this June.

A single white “Krinkled Peony” which grew in my garden this June.

The petals are so delicate they remind me of crepe paper that I used to use when I made my paper flowers as a child. The golden yellow stamens add a dramatic accent.

One of the very rare sunny spots in my garden hosts the peonies

One of the very rare sunny spots in my garden hosts the peonies.

I’ve been tending this plant for over a decade and a few years ago moved it from a rather shady location where it bloomed each year but didn’t flourish. Though most of my garden is in some percentage of shade I decided to divide and transplant this perennial into the sunniest part of my garden. Since then it has more than tripled the amount of flowers it produces.

In this series of work I’ve decided to augment the dramatic simplicity of the single peony with different colored backgrounds. Each of these pieces will work individually but they also work as a group.

Single White Peony series of digital paintings

Single White Peony series of digital paintings.

As with many of my other works, I offer these digital paintings in a variety of sizes and framing treatments. These Fine Art works are available on Fine Art paper and also on UV treated canvas either framed or gallery wrapped.

If a specific design plan comes to mind, I can also customize the color backgrounds to suit the creative intent.

I will be showing these Art Works for the first time at the Northport Art in the Park, Saturday, July 25, 2009 from noon until 5pm.

Hope you can stop by the show and say hello. If you can’t and you would like to find out more about my work, you can contact me on Facebook, Twitter, my website MaryAhernArtist.com and here on my blog by posting a comment.

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The North Shoreian Magazine Cover and Article

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The North Shoreian has just published their April Home and Garden issue with my “Single Yellow Daffodil” on the front cover.
A delightful article about my work is featured inside this publication which is a magazine covering the North Shore (of Long Island) Arts, Culture & Politics.

The Column is called  “The Creatives”

Mary Ahern: Capturing a Moment in Art

by Shaughnessy Anne McKenna Dusling

If you’d like to read the whole article please click here and visit the Press section of my website.

If you’d like to see an online version of The North Shoreian  magazine please click here.

The North Shoreian April 2009 Home & Garden Issue
The North Shoreian.  April 2009 Home & Garden Issue

This is an exerpt of the article:

Classically trained painter, and Northport native, Mary Ahern, has spent the past twenty-five years studying and mastering digital painting and design. Mary’s interest in digital painting was stimulated when she was working for a company that created graphic technology for use in the television and production industry. Beginning as a salesperson in the early 1980’s, Mary began learning about the newest advances in this medium. As technology progressed, these high-tech digital systems became a practical expense for the small business owner and were readily available. In the early 1990’s, Mary invested in her own system and created her own graphic design company, Online Design. Her company was 100% digital which was unique at a time when paste-ups and mechanicals were still the norm in graphics.

Champagne Poppies on a Brown Background
Champagne Poppies on a Brown Background

In addition to graphic design, Mary has combined her interests and talent in painting to create her own style and method of art. Her digital paintings are created by using the computer as her medium. Mary trades in her paintbrushes and paints for a pressure sensitive stylus and graphic tablet…
Mary’s abilities as an artist are not limited to digital painting. As a traditional painter, Mary is very talented. Mary mixes mediums, such as watercolor, oil paints, pastels, colored pencils and graphite, to create her works of art. She has been doing traditional painting and drawing for over thirty years and her work reflects many hours of time and commitment to the art.
In addition to art, Mary is very devoted to growing a private garden. She spends many hours cultivating the soil, planting, pruning and nurturing her flowers. Not surprisingly either, she adds a degree in Ornamental Horticulture to her already impressive resume.

The Artist Mary Ahern with some of her Digital Paintings
The Artist Mary Ahern with some of her Digital Paintings

Finding something that inspires is one of the most important steps for Mary as an artist. Mary states, “It is very important that I really like the subject that I choose because I spend so much time with it…

Mary’s clear dedication to her garden transpires into her devotion to her art. On Mary’s impressive and self designed website, you can visit her two blogs. One is devoted to art in general, touching on her visits to various locations, book reviews and her journey as an artist. Mary also has a blog devoted to gardening, in which she posts photographs of her beautiful plants as they grow and transform, and even shows the plants alongside her art that she has created in homage to the specific bloom…

If you would like to learn more about North Shoreian Artist Mary Ahern, her garden, her masterpieces or to purchase her work, visit her website: http://www.MaryAhernArtist.com

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Book Review: Dali & I: The Surreal Story

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Dali & I: The Surreal Story
By Lauryssens, Stan
ISBN: 0-312-37993-5

Dali & I by Stan Lauryssens

Dali & I by Stan Lauryssens

My Review: After reading certain chapters of this book I felt that I needed to wash my hands, my eyes and my mind. The explicit descriptions of perversion supposedly engaged in by Dali, with and without his wife Gala, add nothing to the story of Art except titillation (for some.) But perversion can manifest itself in a variety of areas beyond the physical.

Some areas of Surrealism questioned what Art really was. The Duchamp urinal comes to mind. The use of a factory of artists engaged in making artworks attributed to the Master artist has a long history with Verrocchio, Rubins and Andy Warhol. This author describes widespread fraud throughout the art world from the independent sellers to the galleries; auction houses and traces the web of deceit right to the doorstep of Dali himself.

Reading that the art world is riddled with fraud did not surprise me. What disappointed me was the assertion that Dali’s involvement in this wasn’t out of an intellectual premise of Surrealism but for the money, just like the rest of the thieves.

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Art League of Long Island Show Opening

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The Art League of Long Island, also known as, ALLI,  has a show titled, “Double Take” from January 10 through February 1, 2009 in Huntington Township, NY.

The juror for the show is Peter Sloggatt, an artist, editor and freelance writer.

Art League of LI two tiered art gallery, Huntington NY
Art League of LI two tiered art gallery, Huntington NY

All media are represented from oil painting, to watercolor, digital painting and photography. There is sculpture, graphics and mixed media work on display as well.

The reception for this show was Sunday, January 11, 2009 from 3-5pm. Considering the extreme cold and ice, the attendance was extremely high.

Huntington is an art loving community and it is reflected by the vast contributions and involvement by the residents of this town in NY.

I entered my digital painting, “White Rose Pyramid” in a 16×20″ format, which was on display on the ground floor. I stayed awhile at the reception meeting folks and discussing my work.

By the time I headed for home the Giants had lost the playoffs and NY fans were in mourning.

Digital Painting, "White Rose Pyramid" by Mary Ahern
Digital Painting, “White Rose Pyramid” by Mary Ahern

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Book Review: Seven Days in the Art World

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Seven Days in the Art World

By Sarah Thornton

Seven Days in the Art WorldThis enlightening and entertaining book offers a glimpse into the rarified atmosphere of the booming contemporary art world as it stood in the years 2004-07. Sarah Thornton, with her ethnographic perspective on seven diverse segments of this expensive and exclusive scene delivers a peek into a world which few artists and lovers of art will ever gain access.

Offering glimpses into the marketing and selling of art through the dealers and auction houses, the trade shows and publications, Thornton delivers a thoroughly researched and lively written peek behind the so called curtain of art commerce. With the dramatic economic downturn the world experienced in 2008 this may be a prescient view of a market at its climax.

The artists themselves are represented at they hone their craft at a legendary California critique session, we tag along with short listed artists awaiting news of the winner of a prize which will catapult the prices of their art into the stratosphere. We then travel with an artist at the top of his game on a tour of the international studios where his work is created by and for him.

Interestingly, the artwork itself is but a minor character in this impressive theatrical event of Seven Days in the Art World. The artists pour ideas into and onto the market, the press and critics push the market with fantabulous facts and figures and the dealers, auction houses and collectors play the market. One is reminded of the Wizard behind the green curtain in the land of Oz pumping away while trying to keep the illusion real.

Kudos to Sarah Thornton for pulling back the curtain on this endangered microcosmic world in such an accessible and informative style.

Review by Mary Ahern 1/4/2008

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Jacqueline Penney Art Gallery & Studio

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I was lucky this cold winter week in December. I went to the beach, hung out at the marina, and gazed at flower gardens in full bloom.

You think I’m kidding? Well, I’m not. I was lucky enough to visit the Jacqueline Penney Art Gallery & Studio in Cutchogue Long Island NY.  Now this is an Artist who loves sunshine! Take a look at her work at her website http://www.jacquelinepenney.net and then make an appointment to go see and collect her work.

Jackie is a real renaissance woman. She paints, she teaches and she writes books helping others to enjoy the experience of creating Art. She is a sharing and giving human being and it shows in her work.

Her beautifully re-designed 1840’s barn is at once her home, her studio working space and the gallery where she sells her work to the public. This seamless breaking down of boundaries defines a truly creative person. There is no beginning, no end, just the all-encompassing act of creating.

The way she lives and the way she lives her life describes a true Artist.

JACQUELINE PENNEY ART GALLERY & STUDIO

Jacqueline Penney Art Gallery & Studio

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A New Place in Northport

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Northport Tasting Room & Wine Cellar

Northport Tasting Room & Wine Cellar

You have to try this place, the Northport Tasting Room & Wine Cellar. Where else but on Main Street in Northport, Long Island, NY. 

This wonderful new addition to the sleepy town of Northport offers an upscale gentrified setting for the enjoyment of an excellent array of wines from boutique vineyards. This unique establishment caters to your senses by featuring Musicians on the weekends and a visual treat for the eyes with Art Shows sponsored by the Northport Arts Coalition.

Take classes in wine tasting if you choose or just expand your palate with wines often not readily available.

Experience the unusual, in a comfortable, friendly and warm environment.

If you like the wine you’ve tasted, Matthew Spirn, the owner, will be glad to introduce you to his broad selection of wines available by the bottle, in his adjacent Wine Store. Both the Tasting Room and Wine Store are open 7 days a week for your enjoyment.

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The Art of Doing Business in the Arts

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As an invited speaker I will be joining a distinguished group of professional Artists to present a program directed towards The Business of Art.

The Art of Doing Business in the Arts

The program is hosted at The Southampton Cultural Center, Long Island, NY.

Saturday, November 8th, 2008 at 8am – 2pm.

For add’l info go to the website My Career in the Arts.org

The theme of this event is:

BREAKING IN IS HARD TO DO

Talent alone guarantees nothing.

Talent doesn’t guarantee professional success in the arts. Whether your intended career is in dance or theatre, writing or painting, you need an entrepreneurial mindset, good contacts and competence in basic business skills: selling, negotiating, writing contracts. No one is better qualified to teach their skills than Long Island’s top visual and performing artists.

Come for the breakfast. Stay for the lunch.

8AM-8:30AM Breakfast/Registration

8:30AM-8:35AM Welcome

Kirsten Lonnie, Executive Director, Southampton Cultural Center

8:35AM – 8:45 AM The Economic Impact of the Arts

Michelle Stark, Commissioner, Office of Film & Cultural Affairs/
Suffolk County Department of Economic Development

Live music, art exhibitions, independent films and theatrical performances are revitalizing Main Streets across the country. A look at how cultural activities drive economic growth.

8:50AM – 9:00 AM Brand Me – Where Your Career Starts

Cindy Smith, ImageQuest Communications, Inc.

Not every brand comes wrapped in plastic. As a creative professional your brand creates expectations, defines your identity and expands – or limits – your opportunities. Learn how to take charge of Brand Me from the onset, and maintain control throughout your career.

9AM – 9:15AM Act I: My Career in the Arts

Josh Gladstone, Artistic Director, Guild Hall/John Drew Theatre, East Hampton

9:15AM – 9:45AM Myth-Busting: The 10 Big Lies That Keep Artists Poor

We don’t pay our contributors, we  offer exposure.” “All great artists suffer for their art.”  “We acquire  all rights.” Sound familiar?  Hear how our panelists deal with these and other myths.

Moderator: 

Bonnie Grice, radio host and director of cultural programming, WLIU-FM

Panelists: James Faith, Faith Ent., producer, Great South Bay/American Music Festivals 

Shenole Latimore, jazz musician 

Jim Lennon, photographer

Bunny Hoest, cartoonist, “The Lockhorns”

9:45AM – 10AM The Interview

Vic Skolnik, co-director, Huntington Cinema Arts Centre

One of Long Island’s most influential cultural figures, Victor Skolnick co-founded the Cinema Arts Centre in 1973, bringing year-round, top-quality international films to Long Island. He screens hundreds of films a year and showcases about 200 at the centre.

10AM -10:25AM Getting to Yes All creative people must sell. Here are three approaches.

Panelists:

Agnes Ehrenreich, owner, Chrysalis Gallery, Southampton

Lisa Kende, Manager, The Kende String Trio, Manhasset

Jacueline Penney, painter

10:25AM-10:45AM Making Friends with Technology

Today’s digital media, including the Internet, CD-roms and podcasting, enables the entrepreneurial artist to produce, market and sell his or her own work, find gigs, get media attention, find collaborators and more.. Learn strategies for successful online self-promotion; how to be part of online communities, and more.

Panelists:

Mary Ahern , Digital imagery

Rob Dircks, co-founder, Acoustic Long Island podcast

Shenole Latimer, jazz musician

10:45AM -11AM BREAK

11AM:11:15AM You’ve Got a Mouth – Now Talk

Saralee Rosenberg and Ellen Meister are both Long Islanders with new books out on the suburban female experience. They met on the book promotion circuit. They talk about how they fuel sales, one listener at a time, and how silence is decidedly not golden for authors with books to peddle.

11:15AM -11:30AM Spin Control: Gettting and Keeping Media Attention Learn what journalists look for in cultural  stories and how to get in front of them.

Panelists:Bonnie Grice, Director of Cultural Programming, WLIU-FM

11:30AM -12:15PM It’s The Law. A handshake and trust  – good. A solid contract – priceless. Learn to write enforceable contracts, to license and protect your intellectual property, and other important legal stuff..

Panelists: Kathryn Dalli, Attorney with Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo LLP, in Riverhead Jim Lennon, Jim Lennon Photography

12:15PM – 12:45PM  Breakouts – Speed Mentoring Meet informally with speakers and other creative artists or business specialists. Exchange ideas,  ask questions, meet mentors.

1-2PM LUNCH

Keynote: Success Starts with You. Emmy-award winner and founder, Wainscott  Studios, Mitchell Kriegman Mr. Kriegman began his diverse career as a short story writer, performance artist and video artist. In the early 1980’s, he joined the team of Saturday Night Live as a performer, writer and filmmaker. Soon after, Kriegman began creating, developing and producing series for Comedy Central, Nick at Nite, Disney Channel and other cable networks. He has written for such publications as The New Yorker, National Lampoon, Glamour and Harper’s Bazaar. As the creator of shows such as, Clarissa Explains It All, Bear in the Big Blue House, and Book of Pooh, and executive head writer and developer of numerous other signature television series including Rugrats, Ren and Stimpy, Doug, and Life with Derek, Kriegman is the creator and executive producer of It’s a Big Big World, the Emmy-nominated PBS preschool series focusing on environmental awareness. Today, he owns Watermill Studios and employs a growing staff. He discusses how he did it.

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MOCA-Museum of Computing Art-Inaugural Exhibition

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I was pleased to join an international group of digital artists at the inaugural exhibition of their brick-and-mortar gallery at MOCA, the Museum of Computer Art, in Brooklyn NY. The show was on display at this well lit and airy space located in Park Slope from Sept 2 – Sept 18, 2008. Though no longer there the amazing work of digital artists worldwide can still be seen at the MOCA online virtual gallery.

Don Archer & Mary Ahern at the inaugural show of the MOCA:Museum of Computer Art.

Don Archer & Mary Ahern at the inaugural exhibition of the MOCA:Museum of Computer Art

MOCA was established in 1993 by computer artists Don Archer and Bob Dodson to promote digital art in its various forms and manifestations, including 3-D rendered art, fractals, enhanced photography, animation, mixed media, computer-painted and -drawn art, etc. Many talented artists have given them access to their work, and what you see in their archives and exhibitions are some of the best work that they have solicited. Some of it may be of technical or historical interest, some of it may be innovative and unusual, and some of it may have potential (dare we say it) as high art.

As an online museum, MOCA is host to hundreds of world-class digital artists and thousands of their images, all available for viewing online. It is one of the most heavily-trafficked, comprehensive, frequently-updated and respected computer art museums on the Web. The goal is to keep abreast of the latest and best in digital art. Both beginning and advanced artists frequently visit the site, if only to see what the competition is doing.

Visit the MOCA Virtual Museum at: the MOCA Museum of Computer Art and take a look at what’s new in the world of Digital Art.

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