This is the final weekend to view "Four Originals: Cassatt, O'Keeffe, Nevelson, Frankenthaler," which closes on Sunday, Jan. 4. For those who haven't had an opportunity to visit this popular exhibition, try to find some time before it closes. Some 70 works are on view, demonstrating how these four artists-Mary Cassatt, Georgia O'Keeffe, Louise Nevelson, and Helen Frankenthaler-pioneered a fresh vision and, in doing so, asserted their personalities. The exhibit has been among the museum's most popular shows, according to NCMA Director Constance Schwartz. "We have done exceedingly well with it and we're very excited about that, " she said. "We knew going in that this would be an exciting show for the viewing public.It's also been well received by the Museum's younger visitors. "We've had so many children, it's been unbelievable," Schwartz noted. This has attracted a tremoundous amount of interest among the children."The companion exhibit, "The Men's Room," as well as "Selections From The Permanent Collection," have also drawn from the "Four Originals" audience. "It's been an exciting time for the museum," said Schwartz.That excitement continues with "Explosive Photography," the winter exhibition, opening Jan. 18. That exhibit, Schwartz explained, takes tshe NCMA in a completely different direction. But more on that in the following weeks. In the meantime, the focus remains on the final days of the Four Originals. See it this weekend at Nassau County Museum of Art, One Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors over 62, and $4 for children 12 and under. Call (516) 484-9337 for additional information.
The Long Island Museum
of American Art, History & Carriages
See a unique reflection of American culture at the exhibit "The Banjo: The People and the Sounds of America's Folk Instrument, which runs through Feb. 22. More than 60 instruments are on view, as well as banjo-related lithographs, photographs, books, sheet music, and fine art. The exhibit pays particular attention to the rise of the banjo in American music and culture in the mid to late 1800s. It also explores the changes in the instrument and their players in the 20th century. This portion discusses the contributions that a diverse group of musicians, including the Dixie Chicks and even Kermit the Frog, have made in keeping the banjo vibrant.A companion to "The Banjo," "The Power of Music: Works by William Sidney Mount" explores Mount's artwork as well as his personal collection of musical instruments.It is also time for the museum's popular annual student art exhibition, "The Colors of Long Island: Student Expressions," which opened Dec. 20 and runs through Feb. 8. The exhibit includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, and dioramas from elementary and secondary schools throughout Long Island. Last year's show boasted a record participation from 105 schools and 600 students.Find the Long Island Museum at 1200 Rte. 25A, in Stony Brook. It is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for students. Contact (631) 751-0066 for further information.
Islip Art Museum
The traditional art of gilding is on display, through Jan. 25 at "All That Glitters." The paintings, sculptures and mixed media works in this exhibit all feature precious metals as a prominent ingredient.The artists represented include Mary Boochever, Daniel Dueck, Max Gimblett, Martin Cary Horowitz, Paul Hunter, and Marietta Patricia Leis. There is a tour of the exhibition, followed by an informal tea, Jan. 8 at 3 p.m. The galleries are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, noon-4 p.m. The Islip Art Museum is located in Brookwood Hall, 50 Irish Lane, East Islip. Contact (631) 224-5402 for further information.
The Hofstra Museum
Hofstra University is another resource for art lovers. "By the Hand of Jean Cocteau," ending Jan. 23, includes ceramics, drawings and posters created by Jean Cocteau. All part of the Museum's permanent collection, these selections were put on display to complement the conference, "A Pen of Light: The Films of Jean Cocteau," presented at Hofstra this past October. See the exhibit at David Filderman, Axinn Library, Hempstead. Contact (516) 463-5672 for further information .
