Photos: Famed Creator Of Sports Illustrated 'Swimsuit Issue' Has First Art Show At 92

AMAGANSETT, NY — For Frederick Rutledge Smith, Friday's opening reception for his first art show, "40 Watercolors by Fred R. Smith", held at the Amagansett Free Library meant much more than proudly sharing one of his many talents.

Smith has been waiting a long time for the proud moment —92 years, in fact.

Smith, who is 92, discussed how it felt to unveil his work. "I'm delighted to have the show. It's another stage in my life. I found out that there's another thing I can do," he said.

Publishing veteran, best known for being the creator of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue — annually SI's most successful issue —Smith said he has most recently been inspired by the artistic discipline of Amagansett's the Art Barge.

Old and new friends, family, admirers and business associates filled the Library's gallery to pay tribute to the artist.

Photos by Richard Lewin Professional Photography, soniboy@aol.com.

Reporting by Richard Lewin.