Local Artists Show Their Colors at Gallery North Art Show

Artist Irene Ruddock spent 24 years living in Manhattan before moving to Stony Brook to be with her family. She said she did not expect to find such a vibrant art scene – and so many wonderful things to portray in her paintings – in Three Village after she moved here.

"I think it's one of the most exciting areas for art," she said. "I didn't expect to come out here and find such a strong appreciation for art."

Ruddock is one of more than 20 local artists who featured their work at Gallery North's outdoor art show this past weekend. For many, it was not only a way to sell their wares – it was also a way to connect with their own community. Dozens of artists lined North Country Rd., which was closed to traffic for the occasion, on Saturday and Sunday.

"I know a lot of photographers in the area," said Chris Ryon, a photographer who serves as the village historian in Poquott. "This is a big community of art people here."

Ryon showed his travel photography taken on trips to China and Europe, but his works consist of mostly local photos, including scenes from West Meadow Beach and the harbor off of Shore Road. Mary Ann Hart of Stony Brook, a retired social worker who has been sewing all her life, was selling handmade bags she crafted out of recycled and reclaimed fabrics and tapestries. Chris Saunders of Stony Brook brought his mixed media works, including pencils, paintings, and sculptures of faces cast in resin.

Doug Reina, a full time artist from Stony Brook who despite the hot weather wore a long-sleeved smock that went down to his knees, was even painting scenes from the art show en plein air. Yes, he said, it's a great place for local artists to display their works, but he didn't limit it to the local ones.

"It's a great show for artists overall," he said.