It isn't everyday that I'm allowed to wander around an empty museum...and after I got over my initial fear of bumping into a priceless work of art, I relaxed and enjoyed Long Island Collects, the newest exhibit at The Nassau County Museum of Art.
The exhibit, which takes your breath away, was lent to the museum by private collectors, who live on Long Island. There are three galleries devoted to art by the masters and moderns, including lithographs by Talouse-Latrec, many works by Picasso, a self-portrait of Andy Warhol, and pieces by Asian, African, Western and Latino artists.
Dr. Harvey Manes, an orthopedic surgeon, has six pieces in the exhibit a Picasso which he calls "a little gem," a Dali, a Leger, a Nevelson, a Benton, and a Renoir--portrait of a woman, which he also calls "a gem."
Dr. Manes has been collecting art for a number of years. He majored in art history in college and calls art a passion. "It gives me a great feeling when I find a piece that is representative of the artist, that I can add to my collection," he says. "I have about 50 different pieces. I put them up on all my walls so everyone can see. It's a little bit like a gallery or museum...but of course, I don't charge any admission," he jokes. "When I find and purchase a painting, it becomes part of my family--like a child and I love it just like a parent loves each child differently."
The museum was aware of Dr. Manes' collection and specifically requested the six pieces that they borrowed. "The aim of this exhibit," says Constance Schwartz, director and chief curator of the museum, "is to provide an overview of the variety and richness inherent in art borrowed from the private collections of Long Island. This presentation provides the museum's audience with the unique opportunity of viewing many fine works of art heretofore not available for public inspection. To share these gifts of ownership takes a special generosity of spirit. Thus, the magnanimity of the collectors participating in this exhibit is a gift to all."
And it's true. I felt incredibly fortunate to be standing before such wonderful works of art. Having had no formal art training, I can't tell you much about the pieces, but I can tell you which were my favorites...starting with Renoir's Maisons a Pont Aven the colors are absolutely breathtaking. I loved the lithographs by Toulouse-Lautrec. Chagall's Les Chardons (The Thistles) was simple, yet beautiful...very different from his other paintings.
I liked Hans Hofmann's Wicker Chair II, although I couldn't find the chair in the painting. I loved Andy Warhol's Four Marilyns (four pictures of Marilyn Monroe) and his self-portrait. And Fernando Botero's Back of a Nude, will make any woman feel svelte.
Of course, you have to see these paintings for yourself. I'm sure everyone will walk away loving different pieces. The exhibit will run through August 4, 2002. Also at the museum is From Bandinelli to Boldini, which features four centuries of Italian old master drawings.
When you're done exploring inside the museum, take a walk around the luxurious grounds 145 acres of fields, woods, ponds, formal gardens and an expansive sculpture garden. Maps of the grounds are available inside the museum. Look for Lichtenstein's Modern Head sculpture, as you drive up to the museum.
Nassau County Museum of Art
One Museum Drive
Roslyn Harbor, NY
(516) 484-9337
Through August 4, 2002
Admission: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors 62 and older and $4 for children 12 and under.
