Memorial Day weekend on the North Fork isn’t just the unofficial start of summer — it’s also a chance to visit galleries and museums buzzing with new energy. From Indigenous storytelling to intimate small works and nature-inspired installations, this weekend’s art openings offer plenty of opportunities to experience the East End through the eyes of local artists and historians.
Madeline Daversa Watercolors | Lenz Winery, 38355 Main Road, Peconic, 631-734-6010
The reception for South Jamesport artist Madeline Daversa’s exhibition at Lenz Wine’s tasting room happens on Friday, May 22 from 4-6 p.m. Daversa’s realist paintings are part of a series focusing on those whose work and lives are tied to the environment and will be displayed until the end of June.
Shinnecock artist Courtney Leonard’s new exhibition opens on Friday, May 22 at the EESMMF with an Indigenous perspective on the waters, histories and futures of the East End. The members’ preview is from 5-6 p.m., while the show opens to the public from 6-8 p.m. The museum will also have the Stories from Our Working Waterfront exhibit and All Hands on Deck, a children’s discovery area, on view.
The Society’s 18th and 19th century buildings open for the season on Saturday, May 23 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., showing items from its collection of over 60,000 objects and artifacts.
Some of the items on view this season include photographs of lost buildings from East Marion and Orient, two early curlicue wicker pieces, early examples of children’s toy vehicles and two new portraits painted by Oysterponds artist Abraham G.D. Tuthill.
The museums will be open every Friday from 2-5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from 2-5 p.m. until October 4. Admission is $10 for non-members and free for members.
Left: Emerging by Hilary North; Right: Music and Dance by Delia Reiss, both part of the Small Works exhibition at the North Fork Arts Center. (Photos courtesy of the artists)
Small Works Exhibit | North Fork Arts Center, 211 Front Street, Greenport, 631-477-8600
The NFAC’s first exhibit of the summer opens Saturday, May 23 from 3-6 p.m. to celebrate a collection of small-scale works by five North Fork Artists: Virginia Cava, Delia Reiss, Debra Riva, Hilary North and Gerard Lehner. Stop by for wine and cheese and conversation as you see the show. Small Works will be on view until June 8.
Plein Air, Pointillism & Patterns | William Ris Gallery, 1291 Main Road, Jamesport, 631-408-5203
Three artists — Elena Bria, Susan Giblin and Ben Turley — present their takes on three different visual styles used to interpret the landscape. The opening reception at this Jamesport gallery runs from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, May 23.
Forest Bathing | Vine + Sand, 47100 Main Road, Southold, 631-620-9253
Curated by Greenport artist Dena Zemsky, this show features paintings by Robert Bentley inspired by the forest around his Adirondack cabin and ceramic sculptures by Zemsky displayed in this stylish Southold bed and breakfast. This is the latest show in Vine + Sand’s art space series, run by co-owner John Pierce. Forest Bathing opens on Saturday May 23 from 4-7 p.m.
