A Portrait Of An Artist

Yvonne Dagger’s works are defined by poignant details and everyday objects that at first glance appear to be inconsequential. Dagger’s works demonstrate how the smallest elements and most banal things, often at first ignored, can have a larger and unexpected impact on how we view life. She created this work of art for a charity event, titled “Friends Forever.” It is an oil on canvas painting of her dogs, Miss YaYa & Dagger II.

A Long Island native, Dagger, who lives in Massapequa, has always been driven by her own undeniable creativity and insatiable curiosity. However, it wasn’t until after her children were grown that she decided to follow her life long dream of becoming a professional artist. While pursuing her degree in Fine Arts at Hofstra University, she rediscovered her passion for painting. Shortly thereafter, she had her first solo show and later that year won the prestigious Art of the Northeast—Prudential Wheeler Award.

Her oil and acrylic paintings and drawings can be found in many personal collections nationally. She has shown in numerous venues all over the northeast including the Hecksher Museum in Huntington, NY; Nadejda Gallery in Newport, RI; Michael Perez Gallery in Great Neck; Silvermine Museum in New Canaan, CT; Guild Hall Gallery in East Hampton, NY; Chrysalis Gallery in Southhampton, NY and the Think Long Island First Gallery in Oyster Bay.

Dagger was voted Best Long Island Artist/Gold 2012, 2013 and 2014 by Dan’s Papers. Currently, Martha Stewart is showcasing Dagger’s Shelter Pet Paintings on her Pet Program website www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/shelter-pet-paintings.

Inducted into the Massapequa Hall of Fame in 2011 for her artistic and community achievements, Dagger continues to follow her passions every day. In addition to her passion for the arts, she has been a volunteer puppy raiser for Canine Companions for Independence, the chairperson for their signature DogFest and is a member of their Northeast Regional Board of Directors. Dagger was named “Woman of the Year 2013” by the Town of Oyster Bay and Nassau County’s “Woman of Distinction” in 2013.