Greenport Art Stroll Comes to a Close

Though turnout was low, the drew to a close on Saturday with promises of more to come next year.

The season was successful yet somewhat disappointing to most of the 14 galleries involved, according to gallery owners, who cited the general economic malaise as the reason for the low turnout on Saturday evening. Some suggested people were busy getting ready Thanksgiving. A previous stroll held on Oct. 30 was heavily attended and galleries were packed.

The Greenport business community, galleries included, is moving ahead full tilt as the holiday season approaches, spearheaded by the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony to be held in Mitchell Park on Nov. 27 between 5 and 6 p.m. Galleries will be open during the Greenport Holiday Festival.

For those who did turn out this past weekend, there was wine and cheese and fellowship for all. Many of the paintings and photographs depicted the beauty of the East End in a wide variety of styles.

Beer aficionados had the best of both worlds at the at 234 Carpenter Street. The gallery upstairs featured works by artist who appears to have drawn his inspiration from the sailing days of old in the harbor as reflected in his bronzed mermaids and hand-crafted fish made from driftwood. A guitar player provided some quite music for the small crowd who climbed the stairs with beer in hand.

Caroline Waloski spoke with visitors at her gallery, The Sirens' Song at 516 Main Street. The Sirens' Song, now in its fifth year, is devoted to showing the graphic arts, but also exhibits a wide variety of works.

"We try to educate the public about graphic arts and have classes here for beginners and more experienced artists," Waloski said. "The art community is trying to band together with these events and attract visitors to the village."

Among the artists recently exhibited at Waloski's gallery was the work of S.Neil Fujita, a Southold resident who died earlier this year.

"It was one of his last shows and we were honored," Waloski said.

The Springsteel Gallery at 419 Main had a small and festive crowd as artists Bernard Springsteel and Keith Mantell held forth discussing their work.

Further up the street, Hector deCordova held court at his gallery located at 538 Main Street. The deCordova Gallery features work by deCordova as well as other artists. Mr. deCordova and his wife Joyce are part of the original group of artists who joined together four years ago to organize the stroll.

"Next year we are going to tightened things up and make a few changes," deCordova said.

"This is great, I live right around the corner on Carpenter Street," said Susan Heaney as she strolled the gallery with a glass of wine. "I love art."

Heaney left briefly and returned with two of her neighbors who were equally enthusiastic about the stroll.

For more information visit  www.greenportgallerywalk.com. Most of the galleries are open all year. Some have reduced winter hours and are open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.