A First-Ever Rye Arts Center Exhibit Features Edward Gorey and Charles Addams Together

Rarely exhibited works by Edward Gory — including his original stage-set sketches created for the Tony-Award-winning 1977 Broadway production of “Dracula” — and iconic Charles Addams illustrations — whose “Addams Family” garnered fame in The New Yorker magazine, television, film, and throughout pop culture — will be featured together in an unprecedented Rye Arts Center exhibit, “ARTISTS OF THE NIGHT: Gothic Literature Scenes, Songs, and Stories.” The show, which brings together works in a variety of media inspired by the pervading popularity of gothic literature, will open at The Rye Arts Center Gallery, 51 Milton Road, Rye, NY, on January 28, 2023.

This exhibit will also include the incomparable paintings of internationally acclaimed artist, Greg Hildebrandt. In addition to being the exclusive artist for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Hildebrandt’s long list of artistic successes include the movie poster for the first Star Wars film, “Star Wars: A New Hope,” and other Star Wars and Marvel Comic work, the first series of “Lord of the Rings” calendars, and the Black Sabbath album cover for “Mob Rules.”   Contributing to the remarkable collection on view, visual storyteller and paper cut artist, Beatrice Coron, www.beatricecoron.com, who cuts her characteristic silhouette designs in paper and Tyvek and whose work has been purchased by The Metropolitan Museum, The Getty, seen at MOMA, the Museum of the City of New York, and in exhibits around the world, created an original work inspired by Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to debut in this exhibit. “For this new work, I chose the story of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde to approach the fight between good and evil in each of us. I’m curious and impatient to see the exhibition and discover other artists’ visions and what they say of our times.” Also featured, stunning perspectives in photography by Matthew Christopher, author of Abandoned America: Dismantling the Dream www.abandonedamerica.us.

Mr. Will Baker, Archivist, The Edward Gorey Charitable Trust and associates of both the Trust and The Edward Gorey House will be present at the opening. Attending also, representatives of the Tee and Charles Addams Foundation and Addamsfest. Kevin Miserocchi, Executive Director, Tee and Charles Addams Foundation, says, “Often paired or compared, Charles Addams shares a uniquely original role with Edward Gorey in the pantheon of American Illustrators. The Tee and Charles Addams Foundation is thrilled to have the two artists included in the same exhibit featuring specimens of their love of dark humor. The two months of events included in this Gallery Exhibit exemplify the fascination we all have with that dark side of the mirror through all forms of media.” 

London-based composer, Ben Turner, created original scores written expressly for “ARTISTS OF THE NIGHT: Gothic Literature Scenes, Songs, and Stories” opening-night events. His compositions will accompany an original dance, an Edgar Allan Poe story performance, and a March 8 live-orchestra evening of music. The Rye Arts Center is proud to feature paintings, illustrations, pastel works, literature, fashion, and music representing gothic-literature-inspired contemporary artists alongside legends who have set in stone the enduring popularity of the gothic genre for generations.

The gallery opening, January 28 at 5 pm, will offer a night of free entertainment. During the eight-week exhibit, docented tours and related writing workshops are scheduled.

Don’t miss this unprecedented exhibit on view January 28 – March 25, 2023, at The Rye Arts Center Gallery. Free and open to the public. Hours: Monday and Saturday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm  Tuesday – Friday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm  CLOSED SUNDAYS. For information call 914-967-0700.