The Art Of The Sun At SAC

Two exhibitions opening November 16 at Southampton Arts Center (SAC) will feature giants in modern and contemporary art, as well as talented artists from all over the world showcasing printmaking methods that incorporate Solarplate printing. This technique, an eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable fine art making process, was developed and is practiced by Sag Harbor artist and master printmaker Dan Welden.

The two simultaneous exhibitions are “Solar Impressions,”which is a juried show, and

“International Masters/Collaborations in Printmaking.”

“Solar Impressions” features works by artists using Solarplates, a scientific breakthrough of light sensitive plates invented by Welden, and is sponsored by the Inspiration Plus Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating art that celebrates and educates through science.

Over 100 impressions were selected from more than 700 entries from across the United States, Ireland, Israel, England, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, Peru, Canada, Spain, and France. The jury consisted of Laura G. Einstein, manager of the Mezzanine Gallery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; Alex Ferrone, owner/director of the Alex Ferrone Gallery in Cutchogue; and Ron Pokrasso, Santa Fe artist and world printmaking traveler. Awards Juror, acclaimed artist Eric Fischl, selected over 40 winners who will be acknowledged on opening night.

All images showcased were processed with sunlight, or UV light, and ordinary tap water to harden and etch the light sensitized steel backed polymer plates. No acids or hazardous chemicals are needed for this technique.

Since 1971, Welden has been collaborating with artists using stone lithography and etching. His Sag Harbor studio, Hampton Editions, Ltd., has been the where thousands of artists have explored the potential of the printmaking world. The second exhibition at SAC, “International Masters/Collaborations in Printmaking,” concentrates on international artists who have collaborated with Welden over the years to produce original, high quality fine art prints. Each artist created specific works either directly on Bavarian limestone or with the Solarplate polymer printmaking technique.

This exhibition includes collaborative works with Welden by Willem de Kooning, Elaine de Kooning, Kiki Smith, Esteban Vicente, Dan Flavin, James Brooks, Eric Fischl, Robert Gwathmey, Paul Davis, Syd Solomon, Roy Nicholson, Jack Youngerman, Robert Dash, Louisa Chase, David Salle, Alfonso Ossorio, Ibram Lassaw, Lynda Benglis, Bill King, Jane Freilicher, Jimmy Ernst, Kurt Vonnegut.

In connection with the exhibition, Fischl has collaborated with Welden to produce a special Solarplate edition to benefit Southampton Arts Center and Inspiration Plus. The first five impressions will be available to SAC members only for $1,500. The remaining 15 will be sold at $,1750. Only 20 impressions will be available to purchase.

In addition to works on view being available for purchase, a special silent art auction will take place including over 30 additional works by Solar Impressions artists beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 16 and closing at 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 1. These pieces will be available to take home after November 16.

‘Solar Impressions” and “International Masters/Collaborations in Printmaking” open with a free public reception on Saturday, November 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibitions remain on view Thursdays through Sundays, noon to 6 p.m. through December 29 at Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton. For details visit southamptonartscenter.org.

Special Programs and Events

Saturday, November 16

Open Portfolio Sessions with Exhibiting Artists — 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Demonstration/Talk with Master Printmakers Dan Welden and Ron Pokrasso — 3 p.m.

Juror’s discussion with Alex Ferrone, Laura G. Einstein and Ron Pokrasso — 5 p.m.

Public Opening Reception and Silent Auction Begins — 6 to 8 p.m.

Sunday, November 17

Gallery Talk with Dan Welden: Stories and Pictures from Masters de Kooning to Nicholson — 4 p.m.

Sunday, December 8

Solar Plate Workshop for Kids & Adults with Dan Welden— 3 p.m. $20 ($15 Friends of SAC)

Thursday, December 12

Solar Plate Workshop for Veterans with Dan Welden — 6 p.m.

Sunday, December 29

Closing Day Gallery Tour & Champagne Toast — 12:30 p.m.