Art Reception Draws Turnout

Although no deviation was needed from Saturday's mild weather, some paintings by Garden City resident Arthur Typermass easily provided a serene and welcome escape.

On Saturday, more than 40 friends and fans attended the opening reception of Scapes, Town, Country and Shore, a showcase of artwork by Typermass at Barnes Gallery in Garden City South.

The work on display is comprised of oils and pastels, focusing on scenes from the coastal northeast, ranging from mountains and country settings to seafaring and city themes. One of the paintings titled "Touch of Hopper" could be one of the simpler scenes of a grassy yard alongside a house, with a painted gray shed in view. The artist brings such a common thread to life through angle and color.

Typermass has painted since high school and may have had some college instruction, but he describes himself as self-taught. His own photographs inspire most of the work.

"I look at a photograph that I took and say to myself, 'I think I can make a painting out of that, and it's going to be good,'" said Typermass. "Art is an important part of life, it brings joy; it's necessary."

Owners Peter and John Coco and staff instructor Chris Thaw of the Music Academy of Garden City performed live jazz standards for guests.

President of Barnes Gallery, Gregory A. Schnoor, said, "Arthur has been a customer of mine for probably 20 years and I've always enjoyed his work."

It is the gallery's first exhibit featuring a Garden City artist and coincidently, Typermass's first public showing.

"It's beautiful, it's absolutely stunning," said Garden City village historian and professional photographer John Ellis Kordes. "He has a real eye for it, the beautiful scenes and landscapes."

The artwork will be on display through Feb. 28 at Barnes Gallery, located at 2 Nassau Boulevard in Garden City South, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.