Making Oakcliff and Oyster Bay the
center of the sailing world in America
Oakcliff Sailing Center hosted a free champagne brunch and art reception to bring together people to see just how special it is. The Fragility and Resilience of our Dunes was the title/focus of the event held at 2 South Street on Saturday, March 2.
Dawn Riley, OSC executive director said, “It was a friend raiser and a celebration of art. After three years, we are still the best-kept secret in Oyster Bay. We are here for more than the boating community – we are here for the community. Art, job training, sailing etc. And yes, we are working to make Oakcliff and Oyster Bay the center of the sailing world in America. Watch out Newport!”
Dawn is one of the dynamos of OSC; another dynamo is artist Betsy Lawrence.
Betsy and Ron Saccardo were co-curators for the art show. Betsy is a creative whirlwind. Anthony Pulgram is the OSC development director.
The centerpiece of the art show was a giant watercolor mural Betsy painted: a study of the dunes of Fire Island before Hurricane Sandy took the sands away. The painting was installed by hanging it from strings and on its reverse side was a mural of boats. The flip side was uncovered near the end of the reception. Another mural was hung over the bar area. Betsy also created several three-dimensional pieces, a bouquet of flowers, an hour glass, and an egg/Earth/blue marble — your interpretation welcome.
The giant mural required handmade Japanese paper. It comes from Central City Paper in NYC, in a box, said Betsy. She slowly unrolled the paper working on section after section to complete the work. Three mural panels were on display in the reception center.
Several other artists had their work hung in the show. They included: John Taylor, Teresa Waterman, Hannah Bonomo, Judie Swanson, Nancy Shapiro, Diane Schottenstein, Sue DiSanti, Kirk Larsen, Betsy Lawrence, Franklin Hill Perrell, Frank Olt, Elizabeth Roosevelt, Yana Frangiskos and Richard Bonomo.
The artists were recognizable by sprigs of yellow forsythia in their lapels. “We cut them a few weeks ago and forced the blooms,” said Betsy whose enthusiasm fuels her activities.
Those who came were invited to attend Hunt Lawrence’s Financial Seminar at 4 South Street which runs from 10 to 11 a.m. every Saturday during the months and Fridays during sailing season.
