The idea was inspired. Why not pair nineteen jury-selected Hudson Valley artists with twelve fine Hudson Valley wineries? The beautiful vineyards would serve as an inspiration to the chosen painters, sculptors, and photographers. The project was the brainchild of Hudson Valley Wine magazine, which is center stage in boosting tourism to the region. This win-win plan was conceived a year ago; on Saturday, May 21st, the event took place in the perfect location. Glorious Lyndhurst, the National Trust Historic site in Tarrytown, NY, provided the ideal backdrop. Proceeds from the celebration will benefit the educational programs at the site.
Not only was there plenty of fine wine being poured from renowned vintners like Applewood, Millbrook and Brotherhood wineries, but the food was terrific, too. I especially liked the tower of lavender filled cupcakes from The Cupcake Kitchen in Irvington. Three Dogs Bakery in Briarcliff Manor also served up some mighty tasty gluten-free cupcakes. Passed hors d’oeuvres, supplied by Le Moulin catering, were gobbled up quickly. There were even healthy snacks of fruit and veggies, although several of us doubled back more than once for the delicious ice cream from The Blue Pig in Croton-on-Hudson.
The artwork itself was housed in an air-conditioned tent adjacent to the festivities. This was wise, as many of us welcomed the quiet atmosphere, the better to enjoy the display. All the pieces were skillfully conceived, and all are for sale. I’m listing some of my favorites, and which wineries inspired the artists.
Susan Togut’s intricate mixed-media pieces are outstanding. Her inspiration was Millbrook Winery. “Fruits of our Labors” (below, 28 X 34 X 4 inches, $4,500) was done with oak staves. The 3-D effect of the grapes really grabs your attention. I love the twig fence in front.
“Crystalline Winter Rest; Dormancy” (27 x 27 x 4 inches, $3,900) shows a unique view of the orchard. Outstanding work, very creative. www.susantogut.com.
Sasha Chermayeff’s work reminds me a lot of Van Gogh. Her inspiration was Benmarl Winery. Her “Impressive Cloudy Day at Benmarl” (10 x 8 inches, $1,800) is a superb oil on wood creation.
Chermayeff’s lovely “Fall Color in the Baco Noir” (8 x 16 inches, $1,800) is also oil on wood. www.sashachermayeff.com.
Paola Bari’s “The Message”(12 x 6 inches, $450) is a knockout. The starlit blue sky and the hand reaching out for a juicy bunch of grapes make me feel a real holiday vibe. Bari was inspired by Stoutridge Vineyards. Overglaze on porcelain. www.paolabari.com.
David Borenstein’s “White Bottles” (24 x 24 inches, $1,500) is pop art done in plastic, latex, and wood. It really grabs your attention. Borenstein’s inspiration was Robibero Family Vineyards. www.borensteinartwork.com.
I found myself totally captivated by Robert Breur’s “Vineyard Nymph” (5 x 10 x 17 inches, $1,200). This is a serene sculpture done in white clay and bonded bronze, inspired by Whitecliff Vineyard. www.rbreur.com.
There’s a mystical quality to Joan Damiani’s “Autumn Evening- Hudson Chatham Winery” (24 x 14 inches, $550). This photo giclee on canvas is, obviously, inspired by the title vineyard. www.jdamianigallery.com.
The Picasso influence is apparent in “Marvelous Wine & Magical Music- Warwick Valley Winery” (20 x 24 inches, $800) by John Laurenzi. This is a joyful acrylic on canvas, inspired by the title vineyard. www.laurenziart.com.
The keen artist’s eye of Lee Anne Morgan makes “Vineyard Pathway” (15 x 20 inches, $650) an unforgettable photograph on museo photo rag. Brotherhood Winery was the inspiration. www.leeannemorgan.com.
Hudson Valley Wine magazine brought together at Lyndhurst a lively crowd, delightful food, noteworthy beverages, and memorable artwork. Even the weather was splendid. A fine time was had by all.
Michall Jeffers is an accomplished Cultural Journalist. She writes extensively about food, wine, travel, and art, both in print and online. Her eponymous cable TV show is syndicated throughout the tri-state area, and features celebrity interviews, reviews, and commentary. Michall has a degree in Fine Arts from Boston University. www.michalljeffers.com
