This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

"A Cornucopia of Art" Featured at the Gillette House

The Bell Street Artists showcase their work through November.

An eclectic group of artists will be displaying their work at the Gillette house every Saturday and Sunday in November, thanks to the Bay Area Friends of Fine Arts (). The Bell Street Artists have aptly named the exhibit ." From vibrant photographs and watercolors to pottery and quirky wooden sculptures, this collection has a little bit of everything.

The group formed in 1973 and has been giving back to the community ever since. Profits earned from the sale of its work are used to fund scholarships for young artists. There have never been more than 11 members at a time. The small number not only allows them all to fit in each other's homes when they meet, but keeps egos down and support and morale high.

"We all have egos, but they don't show," commented Nancy Ruth. "We try to help each other and not criticize."

Find out what's happening in Sayville-Bayportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We're an unusual group that way," added Sandy Maler.

The artists are just as diverse and animated as the work on display.

Find out what's happening in Sayville-Bayportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Anne Baum, a Patchogue resident, presented pieces in watercolor, photography and ceramics. One of her pictures recently earned her Best in Show at the Bald Hill Senior Show. Her keen eye can be seen in shots such as Lehrman Wing at the Metropolitan Museum. Don't forget to see what she has cooking in the pottery cabinet.

With a love for the beach Sandy Maler transforms pieces of birch plywood into vignettes of the shore. Using the natural grains in the wood and latex house paint the sea and sky come alive. She also creates diminutive pieces that can become tree ornaments, house décor or anything you wish. In September Maler took home Best in Show at Art in the Park in Farmingdale.

Mixed media is Nancy Ruth's preferred mode of expression. Combining old family photographs and found antique items she recreates her family trees. Carefully weaving seamstress ribbons and hand-cut leaves her display is a wealth of earth tones that emanates that cozy Autumnal feeling. Her work also includes print and acrylics.

Other artists featured are Patricia Ballan, Peter Edwards, Nancy Maia, Emile Morrrison and Will Ryder. The collection will be on display now through November 28, and is open every weekend from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.               

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?