Inspiration in a Greenhouse
Alison Shriberg
Before she even arrived on island she had an idea. She would host an art show during her summer holiday in Nantucket. She didn’t know where it would be or who it would be other than that she would be in it, but she had been to Nantucket last year and she was inspired. She was determined.
Stéphanie Prest told me about her plan when we were in Brazil escaping the February freeze with some other Nantucket locals . Sure, Steph, I thought-inwardly, of course. You’ll come down for a month or two and show off your art and that of others. It’s not like every artist in the world doesn’t dream about showing work on this idyllic and affluent summer island. But you’re not connected, and you’re not famous. You may as well go to LA and try to shoot a movie.
I clearly underestimated the talent and will of this spunky French Canadian. On Saturday, July 26, Stephanie and some friends hosted an Art Show that turned out to be one of the most unique cultural happenings I had ever attended here. It took place in the funky greenhouse attached to the house where Steph rents a room, literally five or so steps downstairs from the geraniums.
The greenhouse should get equal billing for making this show happen—not only was it an ideal space in which to exhibit, but it inspired the work of many of the featured artists who would meet there on Monday nights. Art Night was open to everyone—come as you are, draw as you draw. I attended one night, and though stick figures are a struggle for me, I was welcome and invited back.
The idea for the Art Show sprung from Art Night, and within two weeks word spread through the high-speed Nantucket grapevine that anyone could participate, previous experience not required. In the greenhouse and kitchen where work was displayed was an eclectic mix of quality acrylics, watercolors, sculpture, photography, jewelry, collage, textiles, and more.
One of the first pieces that grabbed my attention was an evocative painting entitled, “Or Can They?” On a stark grey canvas in bold black lettering it was written, “FOLKS CAN’T STOP HAVING BABIES CAUSE THEY AINT GOT NO MONEY”, which I promptly filed into the ‘Things That Make You Go Hmmm’ part of my brain.
A few of the pieces were laugh-out-loud funny. The “Invisible Pimp” featured, surprise, surprise, a pimp decked out in a pinstripe jacket, feathered fedora, and sleek sneakers set on a black background. You couldn’t see much more than his duds, which made him the ultimate invisible pimp. On the opposite end of invisibility was the campiest and most eye-catching pieces in the show entitled, “Housework Blows”. Picture a bright yellow blowfish composed of housecleaning supplies such as rubber gloves, sponges, and Clorox bleach tabs.
And the art was selling. My friend bought a watercolor from the Rubber Ducky series, saying he just “had to haveâ” the ducky on grapes, and after picturing it a bathroom or kid’s room, I agreed. I bought a pair of funky earrings I’d been eying for some time, earrings made from found materials. The spirit of the show gave me the extra impetus I needed. In the days since, I have heard talk of deals going down and potential commissions for work in the future. Word was spreading.
The turn-out for the show exceeded everyones expectations. The guests reflected the vibe of the event: sophisticated, not snobby. The ivy-walled greenhouse provided fresh air and a setting apart from the usual stark walls of established galleries.
Stéphanie has left for the season, but she leaves a seed that will grow. Art night may continue at Cambridge Street this fall, with another show this winter. Even though that’s past my traditional Weekend Warrior window, I will no doubt be back to check it out. Hopefully, Steph will too.
All photos by Ali Shriberg. More.
Ali Shriberg resides in Boston and comes to Nantucket whenever she can, which, during the summer, is every weekend. A true ‘Weekend Warrior,’ she brings to the newsletter the perspective of an off-islander, yet is familiar with the local scene, as many of her friends are year-round residents. Ali is a corporate trainer specializing in public speaking and presentation skills, and tutors students of all ages and abilities in writing.
Earlier columns by Ali:
A Little Night Music on Nantucket
Grace Potter on Nantucket
