A combination of abstract painting, ceramic sculpture and print, created through a variety of mediums, come together to comprise a beautiful collection of works from four local artists. Anahi DeCanio, Sarah Jaffe Turnbull, Annie Sessler and John Todaro are the artists representing their masterpieces in Short Days Art Show, a one weekend only show, at East Hampton’s Ashawagh Hall.
Anahi DeCanio, an internationally acclaimed artist, is no stranger to East End exhibits. Alongside presenting at the William Ris Gallery in Jamesport, DeCanio’s award winning product designs have been featured across the US in several galleries and museums. Additionally, Decanio was the 2016 featured artist at the White House Fellows Leadership Conference held in Washington, D.C. and was also chosen as the Nassau County Hispanic Artist of the Year. “I will be exhibiting new abstract work including my textured layered Zen landscapes which often include musings and underlying messages of positivity,” she noted. “Every brushstroke, color, element, or scratch as symbols of the marks left behind by life events and the passage of time.”
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“East of Heaven” by Anahi DeCanio and “Small Abstract” by Annie Sessler. (Courtesy Photos) |
Sarah Jaffe Turnbull, though previously involved in law, community issues, civil rights and criminal justice, simultaneously nurtured her love for working with clay. She is known for using various techniques to instill peace, or in some cases tension. “Sarah’s ceramic sculptures are deceptively metallic looking due to the glaze, which implies a strength that on closer observation belies vulnerability,” noted DeCanio. “Some of the forms are architectonic, but off balance, creating a different kind of tension. Her prints, both monotypes and solar, work with color and movement- some peaceful and others edgy.”
Annie Sessler, a Montauk native, is a regular across a number of Hamptons publications. Her original ink impressions inspired by the traditional Japanese art form of Gyotaku ink have been featured in the New York Times, the CBS Sunday Morning Show, and Edible East End, Manhattan & Brooklyn to name a few. “Her Japanese inspired original Gyotaku ink impressions are hand rubbed onto cloth, while her line of digitally reproduced works can be machine printed onto fabric or fine art papers,” explained DeCanio. “These fine reproductions can include alterations to color, form and scale. They can also form the basis or skeleton of mixed media drawings and collage.”
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“Napeague” by Sarah Jaffe Turnbull. (Courtesy Photo) |
John Todaro, a year-round resident of East Hampton, uses his mastery of light to put together an award winning portfolio of photographs. His photographs are permanently featured in the Southampton Hospital and at the Harold McMahon Medical Center in Amagansett. “John Todaro’s award winning photographs are widely collected. His work has been published by The New Yorker, Unicef, Shutterbug, Crain’s, and other magazines,” added DeCanio. “John is most known for his landscapes, but at Ashawagh the focus will be on a compelling new collection of semi-abstractions with a particular emphasis on botanical forms. This work (rendered in both color and monochrome) is unified by simplicity of form and a distinctive lyrical voice. For interested collectors, there will be a large group of ‘first prints’ along with a full selection of miniatures and unframed work.”
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, December 10th from 4 to 8 p.m. Short Days Art Show will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 10th and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 11th.
Ashawagh Hall is located at 780 Springs Fireplace Road in East Hampton. For more information, call 631 267-6554 or visit ashawagh-hall.org.
