RJD Gallery Presenting “The Art of Discovery” In Support Of The Retreat

Embellishment inspires Sarupa Sidaath. (Courtesy Photo)

The RJD Gallery and The Retreat, the only non-profit domestic violence agency serving the East End of Long Island, are once again teaming up for a very special East End exhibit.

This winter, over 130 local, national and international artists submitted works to the Sag Harbor-based gallery for this year’s show, and each artist’s entry fee was donated to The Retreat. After jurors Ann Chwatsky, Richard Demato, and Eve Gianni carefully examined the collection, works by Amanda Bellino, Anthony D’Avino, Miles Jaffe, and Sarupa Sidaath were selected to be featured in The Art of Discovery, the 7th Annual Hampton’s Juried Art Show.

“We are proud to host this exhibit in support of The Retreat to raise awareness and funds to provide safety, shelter and support to local victims of domestic abuse,” said Richard Demato, Retreat Board Member and Owner and Namesake of the RJD Gallery. “The Retreat is where violence ends and hope begins.”

“Primary Colors” by Miles Jaffe. (Courtesy Photo)

The group has created works for the show that will range from $1,200 to $25,000, and a portion of the sales from those pieces will benefit The Retreat. The exhibit will also include pieces from Anzhelika Doliba, who earned an honorable mention.

The Art of Discovery will debut at RJD Gallery on Saturday, May 14th, with an opening reception taking place from 6 to 8 p.m.

Amanda Bellino, who was born in Lima, Peru, studied architecture at Parson School of Design. After a horrific car accident nearly left her permanently handicapped, she turned to painting as a stress reliever. She eventually began incorporating sand, mortar and gels into her artwork to produce multi-dimensional sculptures. Her pieces have been called “personal, captivating and serene.”

Anthony D’Avino served as Chairman of the Arts Department in Commack’s Burr Jr. High School for more than 30 years. During his time at the school, he helped students find the exquisiteness of art in everyday life. His latest series was inspired by Mr. D’Avinos’ antique toy collection.

Since RISD alumni Miles Jaffe, who is the son of architect Norman Jaffe, was young he has worked on both drafting tables and construction sites. Nowadays, his firm concentrates on the design and completion of a varied range of creative developments, from architecture and furniture to new media. He says his art is “the result of sudden visions, obsessive compulsion, and accidents, usually with a good story behind them.”

Sarupa Sidaath was born in India and studied at Sir J.J. School of Art and the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She was recently awarded the Golden Foundation Residency in New York, as well as NordArt in Germany. Sidaath finds inspiration in embellishment and “uses acrylic paint to make circular and metallic elements and transforms images that reference social issues into moments of transcendence on the canvas.”

“The Walking Spaceman” by Anthony D’Avino. (Courtesy Photo)

Realistic fine artist Anzhelika Doliba explores an extensive range of drawing themes. She works in mediums including pencil, charcoal, watercolor, pastel, acrylic, oil and clay. The Ukrainian born artist is amongst of a collection of classically trained artists who revolutionize space with murals, plaster forms, and faux finishes, across the East Coast.

The Art of Discovery will be on view through Tuesday, June 7th.

RJD Gallery is located at 90 Main Street in Sag Harbor. For more information, call 631-725-1161 or visit rjdgallery.com.