St. Matthews Art Show to Feature Contemporary Works

By any measure, the annual art show held at St. Matthew's Church is a wildly successful community tradition.

Local artists find a market for their work, residents find pieces to hang in their homes and proceeds from the last 39 years total hundreds of thousands of dollars—all going toward local nonprofits.

Over the years the formula has been tweaked—what used to stretch over a week is now condensed to two days, due to lifestyle changes and an increase in time demands of today's busy families. The location has also changed a few times prior to finding its way back to Hall.

But what hasn't changed is the traditional style of artwork selected each year for the show—until now.

"We looked for originality," said Susan Grissom, co-curator of the show and director of the Lionheart Gallery in Pound Ridge, which will re-open later this winter with a contemporary focus. "We have amazing talent and pieces, from photographs to ceramics and mixed media. Today people may be moved more by a fresh expression of art, moreso than traditional paintings."

Leslie Henshaw, who co-curated the show with Grissom, said they wanted to broaden the show's audience.

"We have a core group of supporters—many of whom have purchased traditional artwork over the years and may have enough artwork on their walls. There may be new young families who are just starting their art collection and we wanted to bring in a more diverse style of art," said Henshaw, a Waccabuc resident.

She and Grissom curated the show with an eye toward artwork that people want to "live with, buy, and have in their homes to enjoy," Henshaw added. 

A family activity has also been integrated into the show, perfect for parents who want to introduce their kids to art and participate in a hands-on activity. It's called “It Takes A Village,” where kids will create a clay house to be a part of a miniature village at St. Matthew’s.

It's Henshaw's ninth year volunteering on the event, which she said is the perfect blend of her passion for art and volunteering for a good cause. It takes a committee of 13 to plan and host the show, from sourcing the artists to planning the preview party to hanging the art.

Committee members include Katherine Bang, Christian Daviron, Cynthia DeCarlo, Nancy Dexter, Jean Donlon, Cindy Dwyer, April Foley, Carolyn John, Robyn McCree, Elizabeth Perkins, Jan Pinckney, Michele Cestari Schimmel and Phyllis Warden.

In addition, Neil Watson, executive director at the , serves as the special awards juror for prizes given to selected artists and over the years, the and have supported the show through awards to artists. This year, Gale Harrison from is offering a 30 percent discount on framing pieces purchased at the show.

The charities are all local and are selected based on recommendations from parishioners, said Laurie Sturz, a Pound Ridge resident and co-chair of the show with Laura Blau. "It's part of the mission of the church to do outreach and support community and we've selected the nonprofits through our parishioners who may be involved with the organizations," she said.

The artists, who donate 30 percent of every sale to the charities, will be at the champagne preview party to be held on Fri. Jan. 20 from 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., which typically draws about 150 people.

"It's really fun, and a great opportunity to meet the artists and learn more about their work," said Henshaw. Tickets are $125 at the door.

will run Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Admission to the show and participation in the clay project is free.