Francisco Villagran and Burt Young, both from Port Washington, are two of the artists whose work is on display at the “Vernacular Visions” exhibit at the Nassau County Museum of Art. The exhibit features the work of three prominent painters and a sculptor. Susan Cushing of Southampton and Richard Gachot of Old Westbury also have their work displayed.
Francisco Villagran, a native of Mexico, is well known for his artistic concept, Hispanic Latin Pop Art. He was inspired to pursue this style through an association with Andy Warhol, and later, with Jennifer Lopez. His painted ties, in particular, portray well-known symbols and celebrities of the Latino world. He defines his art as taking part in “a contemporary expression of the Latino presence and its influence with the American society and culture.”
Best known for his appearances with Sylvester Stallone in the Rocky movies, Burt Young’s personal visual narratives explore the neighborhoods and characters that populate his life on Long Island and the environs of New York City. Colorful and exuberant in their portrayal of the novel and unexpected incident, Young’s art comprises a very popular second career after a lifetime in film and television.
The exhibit runs from March 21 through July 12. The Nassau County Museum of Art is located on Northern Boulevard, two traffic lights west of Glen Cove Road. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Docent-led tours of the exhibition are offered at 2 p.m. each day; tours of the mansion are offered on Saturdays at 1 p.m. Tours are free with museum admission. Family tour and art activities are offered on Sundays from 1 p.m. and are free with museum admission. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (62 and above) and $4 for students with ID and children aged 4 to 12. Members and children under 4 are admitted free. Call 516-484-9337 or go to nassaumuseum.org for more information.
