Scenes of Rye Explored in Benefit Exhibition
Not only does the new exhibition at the Rye Free Reading Room display the colorful abstract oil paintings of accomplished artist Ellen Liman, but full proceeds made from the exhibition’s sales also benefit the library directly.
According to Liman, a longtime resident of Rye, the donated proceeds are “a small token of appreciation for the opportunity to be inspired by the scenic [town].” The artist lived in Rye for 35 years – with a boathouse studio on Kirby Mill Pond, which is the subject for the original works on view at the library from October 2-30.
Liman, a graduate of Barnard College, Rhode Island School of Design, Arts Students League, Columbia University and National Academy of Design, is known for her color-filled canvases. The benefit exhibition is far from Liman’s first philanthropic foray. The artist has been a longtime supporter of the arts in Westchester.
Liman says that it is important to her to share these paintings since “the pond is such a major beautiful asset for the area.” In fact, the “fantastically beautiful area of Westchester” attracts bikers and joggers who travel its trails, fishers who enjoy the town’s marina, and lovers of the varied wildlife that lives in the pond.
The exhibition also comes on the heels of the launch of the Palm Beach Art Collective, a project that provides collectors with high-end original art at accessible prices. Liman and co-founder Julie Roberts formed the project, which will launch on ARTSY in November. The online gallery “showcases works of art by established national and international contemporary artists vetted by the Liman Gallery” and makes them available to collectors.
An opening reception for the Rye Free Reading Room exhibition will take place on October 2.
A version of this article first appeared in the October issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.
About ArtsWestchester
Founded in 1965, ArtsWestchester is New York State’s largest private not-for-profit arts council. The leading funder and advocate for the arts in Westchester and Rockland Counties, ArtsWestchester works to create an equitable, inclusive, vibrant and sustainable community in which the arts are integral to and integrated into every facet of life. Building on its 60-year legacy, ArtsWestchester advances arts and culture by providing grants, bringing artists into schools and community centers, advocating for the arts, and building audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. ArtsWestchester enriches the lives of everyone in the community and operates a multi-use gallery and home for the arts at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains, New York.
