Opening Reception: Saturday, September 12th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
The second exhibit of a 2 part series that's part of the 375th Anniversary of Southampton Town.
Barbara Hadden is a self-taught artist whose works can be found in many collections. Settled in Sag Harbor, she is a long-time resident of the Hamptons who finds the architecture and landscapes of Eastern Long Island a continuous source of inspiration. Beginning to paint in the late seventies in a primitive style using acrylic and ink, she made a departure to watercolor and now enjoys working in oils. She has had covers on five Dan's Papers and created a poster series 1992-1996, reproduced from her original paintings of the towns of Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton, East Hampton and Southampton.
Michael A. Butler is a self-taught, regional artist whose preferred medium is acrylic on canvas. The deep jewel tones in his paintings are reminiscent of Henri Rousseau or the early works of Romare Bearden. His style has been described by others as naïve and/or primitive but his preferred description is intuitive or narrative. His works do tell stories with source material derived from mythology, either current or ancient, religious or spiritual references, stories overheard or purely from his imagination. Often there is a dream-like quality to the paintings. Another important component of his work is that of historian or documentarian. His paintings may depict events or occurrences to which the general public may not be privy, especially where the African-American phylogeny or Native-American experience is concerned. It is important that as much information as possible be conveyed to the viewing audience. Mr. Butler has a Masters degree in Public Administration, is semi-retired and describes himself as a full-time, summer resident of Sag Harbor.
Partially funded by the town of Southampton.
Dan's Papers - "Barbara Hadden Paints Windmill for HarborFest."
Lawfully Chic - "Michael Butler & Barbara Hadden: Our Town."
Barbara Hadden, Sag Harbor Cinema, oil on canvas, 24 x 18"
Michael Butler, Tempest-Tossed, acrylic on canvas, 8 x 10"