My dear Salmagundi Club, a block away on Fifth Avenue, currently has an exhibition called All About Winter. I went to the opening reception on Friday night, December 23, and spent most of the evening there. I tarried quite a while in the Rockwell gallery, viewing the incredible array of variations on a theme, in pastel, watercolor, oil, acrylic, pen and ink, and photography. I adore winter landscapes and this exhibit truly fills my heart with joy and love.
I was honored to meet the renowned scuptor Eric Ringsby and his charming partner, Siobhan. We chatted about pine beetles, art, Buddhism, The Crown, and many other things, and Eric graciously invited me to join them for dinner. It was a magical, unexpected New York evening.
I think the exceedingly chilly outside temperatures, combined with heartwarming cocktails and Prosecco—and perhaps the warmth of the holiday season—made this reception one of the friendliest I have attended at the Salmagundi Club. I have been asked to join several times, and now I am seriously considering it.
The staff are wonderful at the Salmagundi Club. The manager, Brandon Beckstrom, is a wonderful fellow and seems to do everything there from hanging the art to welcoming guests. My artwork has been included in four exhibitions there over the past few years, and the people who receive the artwork are super friendly and welcoming. Another advantage of the Salmagundi Club is that it’s only a block from home! It’s easy to carry my artwork over, and I often go over to view their exhibitions, which change frequently. I learn so much from looking at the works of the member and non-member artists whose creations they display.
As with the National Arts Club, the members and staff at the Salmagundi have made me feel welcomed as one of their own. I love the historic mansion, and the bartender, Gray, is a most accommodating chap. I think it’s time to join another art club! This is my first goal for 2023. I am excited about it!
[Written December 25 but posted to the November bucket.]