In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Great Neck Library will be displaying a colorful art exhibition by Clement Ettrick.
The exhibit will be on display from Sept. 5-26 at the Main Branch at 159 Bayview Avenue, Great Neck, NY.
A Spanish Flamenco-Style Dance performance by Bárbara Martinez will be hosted on Sept. 15 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., followed by an art reception at the gallery downstairs.
When Clemente Ettrick closed his forty-year Manhattan advertising design studio and retired, his plan was not to leave the art community. Instead, he chose to focus on developing his lifelong passion: exploring fine art with a focus on human anatomy.
The suggestion that he consider painting performing artists was a good one. Drawing from his work experience, study of human anatomy, frequent quick sketch practice sessions at the Art Students League of New York, and affiliations with artist groups here on Long Island, he has continued to refine his skills by painting images of local performance artists.
He has also become proficient at using light and color to create images that reflect the physical and emotional expressions of those artists themselves.
Membership in the Huntington Arts Council, which hosts a wonderful annual summer arts festival, has provided opportunities for him to observe performances of Long Island dancers and create paintings based on his interpretations and impressions of their performances.
His goal is to capture and bring their work to life for those who saw the performances as well as for others who did not.
“Trashbata” was created by Bárbara Martínez, a New York City-based choreographer, dancer and singer. It is a flamenco-style dance that draws society’s attention to the effects of plastic pollution on the environment.
Thanks to Martínez’s open spirit, she and Clemente have formed a collaboration that extends her idea into the realm of paintings.
“Pasión” was suggested by a team member of the Huntington Arts Council, which is located on Long Island in New York, that Clemente Ettrick could use his art to express the spirit of the dance and music performances of the Huntington Summer Arts Festival. Ettrick found the challenge interesting.
These pieces reflect his interpretations. The concept of abstract realism is defined by intensified light and colors and the synergy between images and backgrounds.
We, and they, hope their work will encourage you to consider the role that everyone plays in harming our planet and the power each of us has to turn the situation around.
Registration for the Sept. 15 dance performance is required. Great Neck Library cardholders and residents have priority for seating. Sign up online, in-person, or via phone beginning Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. Non-residents are welcome as walk-ins, as space allows.
For more information, please contact Great Neck Library at (516) 466-8055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary.org.