Arts & Entertainment
Gallery North Captures Long Island Art Scene with Exhibitions, Classes
Since 1965, Setauket gallery has been an anchor for the local art community.
Chances are when you think about the art scene you probably envision Paris, Manhattan or the Hamptons, but for forty-five years, Gallery North has been a landmark of the art scene right here in Three Village.
The gallery, located on North Country Road, is housed in what was once a farmhouse that dates back to the 1800s.
"It's really a cool little space," said longtime gallery director Colleen Hanson, who will be retiring at the end of September.
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Much of what the not-for-profit gallery offers to the public, including speakers and shows, is free. Art classes are the only exception. The gallery's most recent reception, Local Color, drew a large crowd and even a surprise visit from Suffolk County Legis. Vivian Viloria-Fisher.
Many artists present offered praise for the gallery and credited Hanson with helping it to succeed.
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"It's nice to have a really local gallery that I can exhibit in," said Nancy Buetti, an artist from Stony Brook.
Landscape artist Anita Lamb said Gallery North really cares about its artists.
"Galleries open and galleries close, but this one has such a loyalty," she said.
Hanson said the gallery supports itself through donations, fundraising events and grants from the state, county and town. Continued expansion is in the works for the gallery to provide additional exhibit space and hold more classes.
"We try to keep our costs low for the artists," Hanson said.
The gallery's recent Wet Paint Festival is an annual showcase of local talent. Another huge draw for the gallery is its annual outdoor art show, which will be held on September 11 and 12. This is the gallery's 45th show and will feature more than 200 artists and craftsmen. Visitors can expect food and live music as well as some arts and crafts demonstrations. Last year's crowd swelled to about 2,000 people.
Tom Stacey, director of the Art League of Long Island, believes that the gallery is a "key element" in the Long Island art community.
"For over forty-five years the consistent quality of their efforts demonstrates a commitment to art excellence that reflects so well the culture of our Long Island art community," Stacey said.
