SOCIAL SCENE - OLA Opens Benefit Art Show at Southampton Cultural Center

The sky poured streams of water and caused new ponds to form on many Hamptons roads but that didn't stop a crowd from turning out on Friday night, April 26, 2019, to support OLA of Eastern Long Island at its Opening Reception for its Benefit Art Show "ROOTS."

Held at the Southampton Cultural Center in Southampton Village, NY, the art exhibition and sale continues on view through May 5, 2019. Fifty percent of all artwork sales benefits the non-profit organization whose mission is to promote social, economic, cultural and educational development within the East End's Latino and Hispanic communities while fostering understanding and building bridges to the East End community at large, according to its website.

The Art Sale was curated by North Fork artists Amy Worth and Hector deCordova, who are both active in the North Fork art scene as gallerists, teachers and volunteers. "ROOTS," which remains open to visitors through May 5, 2019, features work by around 65 artists who each present a single piece.

Exhibiting artists include Darlene Charneco, Philippe Cheng, Phyllis Chillingworth, Andrea Cote, Janet Culbertson, Jose Oscar Molina, Toni Ross, Ursula Thomas, Garance Werthmuller and others.

"Ancient Olive Grove, Provence," by Phyllis Chillingworth. Oil on canvas, 26 x 32 inches. Courtesy of the artist.

A signed Eric Fischl Limited Edition Print of WTF and a lithograph by April Gornik were highlights of the Art Show, according to organizers, with Gornik's Forest Light, selling at the Opening. Several Fischl prints of WTF also sold with more available for purchase. Fischl is donating the entire $1,200 pricetag to OLA. The Signed Edition is a limited run of 100 prints.

“OLA of Eastern Long Island has been, under the leadership of Minerva Perez, a dynamic force for good in our community,” Eric Fischl wrote in an email. “She, like her organization, strive to give those people in our Latino and Hispanic community who are being singled out and mischaracterized as evil or stripped of their dignity have a place to go for help, security and guidance. My piece, WTF, tries to put the face of innocence onto an inconceivably brutish policy response to what can only be described as a genuine human crisis.”

"WTF" by Eric Fischl. Limited Edition Print, Signed and Numbered. Courtesy OLA of Eastern Long Island.

The Opening Reception on April 26, 2019 drew both crowds and sales. See who made the scene.

Art show curators Amy Worth and Hector DeCordova with OLA Director Minerva Perez, center, at the Opening Reception of "ROOTS" at the Southampton Cultural Center. Photo: Pat Rogers

Pat Snyder, Chris and Kendra Worth and exhibiting artist Jim Ledogar at the Opening Reception of "ROOTS" at the Southampton Cultural Center. Photo: Pat Rogers

Despite the rain, fun was had by all at a packed Opening Reception of "ROOTS" at the Southampton Cultural Center. Photo: Pat Rogers

Sandra Dunn, Associate Director of OLA of Eastern Long Island, stands besides exhibiting artist and OLA board member Ana Kestler, whose painting "Taking Root" in center was purchased by Dunn. Photo: Pat Rogers

Brent Timbol kisses his wife, Darlene Charneco, who has an artwork exhibit at OLA's benefit art sale, during a whimsical moment at the Opening Reception. Photo: Pat Rogers.

Volunteers Antonia Benitez, Mayra Lopez, Alma Tovar, Nelly Amayo and Pamela Greinke, in rear, take a moment from assisting guests at OLA's Opening Reception of "ROOTS" at the Southampton Cultural Center. Photo: Pat Rogers.

A couple browses artwork for sale at the Opening Reception of "ROOTS" at the Southampton Cultural Center. Photo: Pat Rogers.

BASIC FACTS: OLA of Eastern Long Island's Benefit Art Show "ROOTS" is on view with art available for purchase through Sunday, May 5, 2019, at the Southampton Cultural Center, 25 Pond Lane, Southampton Village, NY 11968. The exhibition is open on Saturday, noon to 8 p.m.; on Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; and by appointment by calling 631-871-3408.

Source: https://hamptonsarthub.com/2019/05/02/lifestyle-social-scene-ola-opens-benefit-art-show-at-southampton-cultural-center/