"Women" Takes the Prize as East End Arts Council Most Popular Exhibit Yet

In its most popular exhibit yet - in terms of submissions from artists - thehosted its opening reception for "Women" on Friday evening. 

As the Arts Council tries to expand its reach this year - and leverage that reach to benefit the artists producing work - Director Pat Snyder said she's keeping the themes at this year's exhibits open to interpretation to allow for more interest. And admittedly, more sales, as artists have felt art collectors tightening their purse strings along with everyone else as of late.

However, Snyder said that artists shouldn't necessarily let that result in bargain prices. It's just a matter of finding the right audience.

"It's important for you as artists that you speak up for the value of your work," said Snyder, at the reception. "As we've ween with Jazz on the Vine, when we bring musicians to the vineyards, they fill up, and that helps the local economy. So whenever you have the opportunity, it's important that you speak about the value of arts in the community."

The call for more work worked. Over 350 artists submitted pieces of art for "Women," with about 50 pieces on display for visitors to see. Snyder said that the EEAC has been hosting exhibits since the mid-1990s.

And with a packed room during the exhibit's reception, it was hard to argue that there was anything but a positive showing. The audience listened to the exhibit's winning piece of poetry, "Salmon Spawned in Her Ear," by Jacks Peters Lowell, followed by a performance of Marga Richter's "Serenade" by Andrea Lodge and Jay Soris. 

Ruth Nasca, who won honorable mention and said she has been painting for 63 years, said she enjoys painting people in particular, so the "Women" theme of the show appealed to her. 

"When you look back in life," said Nasca, 80, "you have a lot to remember. You do a lot of things. But it's the people you meet who you remember most. You could talk to them on a plane and know them for a couple hours, or you could know them for 30 years. But it's people you'll remember."

Pamela Williams, owner and director of the Pamela Williams Gallery in Amagansett, served as juror for the exhibit. 

East Hampton resident Barbara Groot took hom Best in Show for her 'M'Lady' acrylics, an abstract work featuring three pieces in a vertical row. Sag Harbor resident Anne Seelbach's 'Invoking the Muse,' a piece over 13 years old, won first place. Gena Griffiths of Cutchogue was awarded second place for 'Sensitivity,' a sculpture in the form of a head, pasted on and with words from a book. Greenport artist Gary Bartoloni was awarded third place for 'Motherhood,' a composite photo.