After lunch, we visited The Granary, which was high on my art “to do” list. The Granary was built as a gallery space for Melva Bucksbaum and Raymond Learsy’s collection on their property in Sharon, Connecticut. They are wonderful art collectors and philanthropists. On view was a moving show, beautifully curated by Learsy that references WWII and moments of his life.
Our next stop was the Re Institute located in an old barn in Millerton, New York. The barn’s loft space is used as a gallery and the views were breathtaking. Artist Henry Klimowicz is the host of this very special gallery. On view was Judy Pfaff‘s glorious, large and exciting works.
Jack Shainman created a gallery and cultural center in Kinderhook, New York. This special gallery located in a renovated school celebrated its one year anniversary with a retrospective of Ghanaian artist El Anatsui. The white walls and soaring spaces created the perfect setting for the large scale Anatsui pieces. This renown artist just won the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale.
The famous Hudson River painter, Frederic E. Church’s family home, Olana, reflects his exotic travels, with a focus on the Middle East with mosaic tiles and Arabic calligraphy as part of the decor. Olana is now showcasing the “River Crossings” art project. This marks the first time contemporary art is exhibited at Olana. Contemporary artists’ works are integrated in a unique display with Church’s paintings and drawings. Familiar names like Chuck Close, Maya Lin, Martin Puryear and Will Cotton are some of the exceptional artists in this exhibition. River Crossings is on view until November 1, 2015.
The River Crossings art project marks the first time contemporary art is exhibited at Olana. Artists’ works are integrated in a unique display with Church’s paintings and drawings. Familiar names like Chuck Close, Maya Lin, Martin Puryear and Will Cotton are some of the exceptional artists in this exhibition. River Crossings is on until November 1, 2015.
During our travels we met artist Terry Winters who welcomed us to his studio to view his large scale paintings that will be in an upcoming show at the Matthew Marks Gallery in Chelsea in the fall.
Artists Laurie Simmons and Carroll Dunham (who goes by Tip) graciously invited us to their home and studios. On our way to Dunham’s large studio, which is in the back of their property, we passed a beautifully maintained vegetable garden. There were many colorful finished paintings in the studio. Dunham says ” I like to live with my paintings for a long time, there is a sense of loss when the paintings leave.”
When he spoke of being married to an artist, Dunham says “We understand the rhythm of each other’s work. There is no competition–we are two artists working in different ways”.
Laurie Simmons’ studio is filled with many windows and amazing light. It is on the second floor of their newly renovated home that was formerly a school. Simmons, who is known for her photographs, just finished making a movie. In her studio she created a closet filled with clothes and shoes that she used for that film. Their home was such a warm and inviting environment, we didn’t want to leave!
The “country” is no longer our concept of the “country” of long ago. It has become chic and sophisticated filled with world class private collections, renowned artists, delicious farm-to-table food and breathtaking views. Now we understand why many artists and contemporary art collectors are drawn to this part of the world.
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