The Biennial Fire Island Pines Art Project Art Show combines a few of our favorite things: art, shopping, friends and drinks. It’s no wonder its become a must-do event, attended by 750 people in 2013, for art junkies and art-collecting neophytes alike over the past three decades.
“In terms of cultural and artistic events [on Fire Island], it’s one of the largest of the season every two years,” Fire Island Pines Art Project Board Member Glen Wieglus said.
image: Night Meatrack by Glen Wielgus (Oil on canvas, 36” X 36″)
If it’s so big, why not hold it every year?
“Because it makes it special,” Wieglus said. “People miss it every other year and welcome it back, so that’s kind of our thinking about it, and it gives time for artists to change their work or show new work.”
Take this year’s show, which will include works done only in the last two years by more than 30 artists. As usual, the show will feature a wide variety of mediums, oil on canvas, aluminum, water color and mixed media work, but a sculptor named John Young will add a new element.
image: john young
“Sculpture is not something we have a lot of,” Wieglus said. “[Young] works with some larger-scale pieces, so that will bring interest to the show.”
The varieties of experiences of the art collectors and artists are just as great as the types of works that will be on display, making it an ideal event for seasoned and new art collectors.
“There are works that can be had for $100 and then there are major works by significant artists that can be made for thousands of dollars,” Wieglus said. “There’s a price point for everybody.”
Fencers by Bruce Seargant (Oil on canvas)
That’s an important part of the biennial show, which strives to display art by people of Fire Island for people of Fire Island. Artists must have a connection to Fire Island Pines, whether it be as a homeowner, longterm renter of at least five years or through a real connection to the Island with their imagery.
“It’s a community show,” Wieglus said.
If You Go
15th Biennial Fire Island Pines Art Project Art Show
When: Saturday, Aug. 1 (Preview and Luncheon for sponsors at 12pm, general admission 1-3:30pm)
Where: Whyte Hall
Price: Free for all FIPAP members, $5 for nonmembers
More information: fipap.org/biennial-art-show