2008 SUMMER EXHIBITION

"Crafted in the Country:  North Fork Artisans & Objects"

"When art is inspired by personal vision and craft is the technique that brings the vision into being then art and craft are one."

SOUTHOLD, NY.  The Southold Historical Society is pleased to announce the opening of its summer exhibition, "Crafted in the Country:  North Fork Artisans & Objects."  The exhibition will open to the public on Saturday, June 28, 2008 and will run through Sunday, August 31st, 2008.

"The North Fork of Long Island contains a wealth of expert craftspeople and artisans, many of whom exhibit infrequently," stated Geoffrey Fleming, Director of the Society.  He continued "this exhibition, which is a type we hold every few years, gives all those interested the ability to display and market their wares to the public in a  way they might not otherwise be able."

This summer's exhibition will feature the works of local carvers, potters, stained glass artisans, basket makers, quilters, rug hookers, and embroiderers to name just a few.  From the smallest items all the way up to larger rugs, their will be something for everyone.

"This is the kind of exhibition that all residents and visitors to our community can appreciate because each one of us has someone in our extended families that was a craftsperson or artisan," continued Fleming.  "This kind of exhibition has always elicited the personal memories of visitors who fondly recall that uncle, aunt, cousin, or parent who worked tirelessly to perfect their craft."

Some of the specific artisans who will participate this time include Barbara Blossey-Chuvalas, the founder of the Basket Weavers Guild of Eastern Long Island.  A native of Michigan, Ms. Blossey-Chuvalas has been studying, teaching, and making baskets for over twenty years.  Her award winning baskets are held in collections in the United States, Japan, Germany, Spain, New Zealand, and Sweden.  She teaches and works out of her home in Riverhead, New York.

Another contributor is rug hooker Jean Cooper.  A 1952 graduate of Cornell University, Cooper is noted for her enterprise "The Long Island Rug School," which she operates on the eastern end of Long Island, NY. The school has thrived since its founding. Besides working in Southold, during the late summer Jean teaches hooking and dyeing on both coasts, Oregon in June and Massachusetts in August.

The exhibition will not include any of the so called fine arts, such as painting.  "The Exhibitions Committee, headed up by Society Trustee Joan Latham, felt that local craftspeople should be able to 'shine' on their own, to show off their abilities in a setting amongst their peers," Fleming continued. 

Many of the items that will form the exhibition will be for sale and each purchase will benefit the Historical Society.  "The Society has always felt it was important to help support local artisans and this exhibition helps to meet that goal.  In addition to the items in the exhibition, the Society also carries some locally made pieces in its unique gift shop," continued Fleming.

This exhibition will run from Saturday, June 28th to August 31st and will be open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4 pm and by appointment.

The exhibition will be on display in the Mayne Gallery, located in the Society's Ann Currie-Bell House at the Museum Complex on the Corner of Maple Lane and Main Road, Southold.