The Art/Place Gallery in the Southport train station was in the middle of planning its 25th anniversary celebrations when a devastating fire on January 3rd ripped through the station. Fairfield firemen managed to rescue the newly installed exhibition of artist Donald Axelroad, but the gallery itself was lost.
Finding themselves without a home, Art/Place members immediately began a search for temporary exhibition opportunities and they approached several venues, including Pequot Library. Dan Snydacker, executive director of the Pequot Library met with artists Florence Zolan and Diane Pollack and extended to them an invitation to exhibit in the library’s newly restored Perkin Gallery.
“The artists at Art/Place are our neighbors,” said Snydacker. “We are delighted that we could help them in their time of need after the fire. We will join with other venues in the area to ensure this important part of the cultural life of Southport and Fairfield continues during the time it takes to rebuild the gallery.”
The two exhibitions which will be held at the Library are titled “Southport Neighbors,” Each will feature roughly half of the twenty-six artists associated with Art/Place.
and they begin with Part I which will run from May 6 through June 16.
Part I will open with a reception on May 18th from 2-4 p.m and, at the conclusion of the reception, there will be a benefit concert of by the Errante/Cho Trio to help Pequot Library meet the expenses of the Art/Place exhibits. There will be works by Brahms, Beethoven and Arensky on the program. Tickets will be $15 for the general public, $10 for members of the Pequot Library Association, and free for Members of the association at the Advocate level and above.
Part II will run from June 17 through July 31, with a reception on June 22 from 2 - 4 p.m.
Art/Place has been an active part of the Southport community for a quarter of a century. There are presently 26 artists, some of whom were founding members. It is always inviting new members as well. Members range from Westchester, throughout Fairfield County to New Haven. Diverse professional artists, working in a variety of media, show their works in monthly exhibits. The gallery has sponsored lectures, workshops, and regularly invites international guest artists such as Sol LeWitt and Antonio Frasconi for solo exhibits.
For more information about the Art/Place exhibits at Pequot Library please call the Library at 203-259-0346.
