Explore Four Fabulous North Fork Art Galleries
The North Fork almost has a monopoly on vineyards, with over 60 of the East End’s wineries located there. It’s also home to a number of world-class art galleries where you can get your art fix over the summer.
East End Arts (EEA) is an award winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization and a powerful catalyst for economic and cultural revitalization in Riverhead and the surrounding villages and towns since 1972. The Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award recognized them as an “outstanding organization focused on local neighborhood priorities.” Proof of EEA’s commitment is their gallery shows at The Gallery at East End Arts, which has changing exhibits every four to six weeks. The Gallery’s year-round juried shows provide opportunities for all media types to be exhibited. EEA provides artists, both local and national, the opportunity to exhibit in nationally recognized shows. EEA’s current show, Collage, a juried show on display until July 26, features several media including painting, drawing, photography and more. The Gallery is located at 133 East Main Street, Riverhead and is open Thursday – Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. For more information call 631-727-0900 or visit eastendarts.org.
VSOP art + design Projects (short for Very Special One-time Performance) is a new contemporary art gallery at 311 Front Street in Greenport, opened by Founder, Director, Curator and Long Island native Jonathan Weiskopf. “The gallery’s year-round exhibition program serves as a platform for an international roster of emerging and mid-career artists, designers and creative thinkers,” Weiskopf says. The two-floor showroom and private outdoor garden are housed in a historic, 1868 building and is available for public, private and charitable gatherings, film screenings and educational events. In the VSOP Shop, a curated selection of design-driven home goods, furniture objects, and art pieces coalesce to create an unexpected shopping experience accessible to sophisticated collectors. VSOP Projects’ inaugural exhibition, Very Special One-time Performance, features works by young female painters Line Busch, Mea Duke, Morgan R. Hobbs, British furniture maker Katie Walker, Vermont-based ceramist John Brickels, photographers Missy Prince and Devin Yalkin, and Brooklyn-based artist and designer Naomi Clark. A closing reception will be held on Saturday, July 15 from 6–9 p.m. Visit vsopprojects.com, call 631-603-7736 and follow them on Facebook, Tumblr and Instagram at @VSOPProjects for more information.
William Ris Gallery has been in its current location in Jamesport for about a year and a half now, after moving from Stone Harbor, New Jersey, where the gallery had been an arts destination for 45 years. Stone Harbor’s loss is the North Fork’s gain! The gallery has a varied and unique collection—hung in a classic salon style, which makes for an interesting presentation—and does not identify with only one genre. “I like to show the viewer how a collection of paintings can work together regardless of subject, palette and genre,” Mary Cantone, gallery owner and sister of William Ris, says. William Ris currently represents such local artists as Dan’s Papers cover artists Daniel Pollera, Keith Mantell, Max Moran and Charles Wildbank, among others. William Ris is at 1291 Main Road, Jamesport. Call 609-408-5203 or visit williamris.com for more information.
The newest antique and art gallery on the North Fork is The Ranch: Art and Antiques in Aquebogue—which features one-of-a-kind art and antiques, sourced locally and from around the world. Check out their wares on Instagram @thewalshranch359 or on Facebook. Visit 359 Main Road in Aquebogue or call 631-779-3511 for more information.
Find more great North Fork art galleries at DansBOTB.com