This January, Quogue Library is spotlighting Harvey Herman of Hampton Bays, whose artwork will be on display during the entire month.
Before retiring, Herman worked as a Creative Director at Herman and Rosner, an advertising agency that specialized in campaigns geared towards children. Herman, who was named one of Adweek’s “Creative 100,” also directed ABC’s Little Vic, an Emmy nominated children’s series, and hundreds of commercials. His works have also appeared in local publications and galleries throughout the East End.
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The exhibition will remain on view through Monday, January 29. (Courtesy Photo) |
“Harvey resonated with us in three key ways: first and foremost he’s a very talented artist. He also, which made him very interesting, had a very successful career in the advertising agency business – which is a very creative field,” Christina Kepner, Treasurer of Quogue Library’s Art Committee – who co-chaired the exhibition with Carroll Highet and Maya Ryvicker, explained. “But, however, at the core he was always a talented artist and throughout the course of his career he painted and that was his sort of avocation, his outlet.”
Now that Herman’s retired, he’s able to fully immerse himself in the arts, and loves to help inspire other local artists by leading painting classes. He nurtures students to embrace the exquisiteness of the East End and, “capture the moment.”
“When he subsequently retired, the other thing that appealed to us a lot was in his retirement where he’s able to paint without the restraints of working, he’s taken on the East End as sort of his muse,” Kepner said. “Finally, the other thing that appealed is he’s so passionate about his art and he wants everyone to experience the joy of painting, and to that end, he’s volunteering his time at local schools teaching young kids and children painting. He’s now actually starting to do classes for senior citizens, so he’s really giving back as well.”
The Library was introduced to Herman and his work just last year. “One of the reasons was he signed up to do a class for young kids at the Quogue Library and that’s how we got to know him,” Kepner explained. “We just love his story.”
This special exhibition will showcase some of Herman’s most beloved subjects, including paintings of his Koi pond, indigenous wildlife, local waterfront landscapes and winter scenes.
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Herman’s works highlights the beauty of the area. (Courtesy Photo) |
When asked what stands out about Herman’s paintings, Kepner responded: “For me, personally, it’s the colors – in his ability to capture the essence of the East End; the reeds, the birds, the fish. He’s just very talented.”
A reception for this solo exhibition will take place on Saturday, January 6 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The exhibition will be on display from Wednesday, January 3 through Monday, January 29.
“Having Harvey on exhibit spurred the idea of offering adult art classes at the library where Harvey will teach the basics to our patrons every Thursday in January,” Selina Pasca, Adult Programming Coordinator at Quogue Library, added. “Anyone can register by calling 631-653-4224.”
Quogue Library is located at 90 Quogue Street in Quogue. For more information, call 631-653-4224 or visit www.quoguelibrary.org.
