Once On This Shelter Island - 27 East

Arts & Living

Arts & Living / 1963262

Once On This Shelter Island

icon 4 Photos
Alan Shields

Alan Shields "Open Olympic and Beaver Tail Comb," circa 1994. Relief, acrylic on layered handmade paper, 6" x 6." COURTESY SHELTER ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

John Chamberlain

John Chamberlain "Seawater Serenade," 1995. Painted and chromium-plated steel, 16.25" x 22" x 11." COURTESY SHELTER ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Willem de Kooning

Willem de Kooning "Untitled #4," 1956-1958. Pastel on paper, 21 1/2" by 21." COURTESY SHELTER ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Karen Arm

Karen Arm "Untitled (Corona #5)," 2021. Acrylic on canvas, 27" x 23." COURTESY SHELTER ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

authorStaff Writer on May 27, 2022

In honor of its 100th anniversary, the Shelter Island Historical Society presents “Once On This Island,” an exhibition featuring the work of artists who have lived and worked on Shelter Island. Curated by Margaret Garrett — who is one of the featured artists — also on view is work by Karen Arm, John Chamberlain, Janet Culbertson, Willem de Kooning, Jules Feiffer, Alan Shields and Ned Smyth. The exhibition includes a selection of paintings and sculptures with dates from the 1950s to the present day.

“Once On This Island” runs June 4 to September 7 and opens with a reception at the historical society on Sunday, June 5, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Artists have long flocked to the East End of Long Island, drawn by the quality of its light. Shelter Island exerts a particular pull, luring artists with its independent spirit and quiet beauty. “Once On This Island” celebrates these artists’ unique vision and the breadth of their stylistic interests, from abstract paintings, prints, sculptures, and works on handmade paper to drawings and bronzes inspired by the natural world. Within this variety, however, a common theme emerges: the influence of the island itself — whether these artists spent a single season here or chose to make it their permanent home.

Shelter Island Historical Society is at 16 South Ferry Road on Shelter Island. Exhibition hours are Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by appointment at 631-749-0025. For more information visit shelterislandhistorical.org.

You May Also Like:

Book Review: 'The Pushcart Prize XLIX: Best of the Small Presses 2025 Edition'

Bill Henderson is counting on readers old enough to decipher XLIX, the newest edition of ... 25 Apr 2025 by Joan Baum

Michael Stephen Brown Performs on Shelter Island

Shelter Island Friends of Music will present award-winning pianist and composer Michael Stephen Brown in ... by Staff Writer

Three Plays Will Grace Bay Street Theater’s Stage This Summer

Bay Street Theater 2025 Summer Mainstage Season is coming to town, bringing with it stories ... 24 Apr 2025 by Staff Writer

Awaken Performs the Music of Yes at The Suffolk

The Suffolk presents “Awaken: The Music of Yes” on Friday, May 2, at 8 p.m. ... 23 Apr 2025 by Staff Writer

Yasmina Reza's Play 'God of Carnage' Comes to LTV Studios

It sounds like a simple enough storyline — two boys get into a fight on ... by Annette Hinkle

BCM Series Continues With 'Spring's Clarity'

BCM Spring, Bridgehampton Chamber Music’s spring series continues with “Spring’s Clarity” at 5 p.m. on ... by Staff Writer

The Many Screen Lives of 'Moby-Dick'

On Monday, April 28, at 6 p.m. Sag Harbor Cinema will celebrate one of Sag ... by Staff Writer

Center Stage Auditions for 'Dracula' at SAC

Center Stage at Southampton Arts Center will hold open auditions for the Philip Grecian adaptation ... by Staff Writer

'Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea' Launch Party

LTV Studios is will hold the spring launch party for “Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea” on Wednesday, May 7, at 6 p.m. at Manhattan’s Triad Theater, 158 West 72nd Street, 2nd Floor. Produced by LTV’s creative director Josh Gladstone and independent producer Donna Rubin, “Hamptons Songbook by the Sea” is a featured series this season at LTV Studios showcasing performances by the world’s best cabaret and Broadway artists. The spring launch party offers the opportunity to preview some of the performers lined up for the series at LTV this season. Independent producer Rubin has a 30-year history with the ... by Staff Writer

‘The Jazz Loft @ Southampton Concert Series’ Begins This Week at the Avram

Stony Brook Southampton, in collaboration with The Jazz Loft, will present “The Jazz Loft @ ... by Staff Writer