Fall into art at the 45th Annual Setauket Artists exhibit
October 16, 2025
TBRnewsmedia.com
By Heidi Sutton
The arrival of fall signals the return of a perennial favorite, the Setauket Artists’ annual exhibition. The stunning show kicks off with a reception at the Setauket Neighborhood House on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and runs through Nov. 14.
Paula Pelletier, publicist for the Setauket Artists and a member for the past 17 years, said the venue holds a special place for the group. “We love being back at the Setauket Neighborhood House with its ties to local history and art,” she said.
Now in its 45th year, the show will feature over 100 works of art from 38 members in a variety of mediums including oil, watercolor, acrylic and pastel along with hand-painted photographs and cyanotypes.
“Although this is a traditional art group, we have a variety of mediums and styles on display. Member artists come from all over Suffolk County, with a sizeable Three Village contingent. I also like the fact that it is a neighborhood art show, that so many of the artists are ‘hidden,’ that is, folks you might see at the local supermarket never suspecting that they are artists of spectacular talent,” said Pelletier.
Sponsored by Steven Baroumis, Broker/Owner of SBNY RE, the exhibit is the perfect complement to the historic charm and beauty of the area, with Frank Melville Memorial Park and Conscience Bay just steps away.
“Because we live in such a beautiful area, many of the paintings are inspired by Long Island landscapes and seascapes of the Sound. Other paintings reflect artists’ travels and daily inspirations, which range from a painting of Venice (by W.A. Dodge), foxes (by Dan McCarthy), to a whimsical painting of fruit containers (by Karen Kemp),” explained Pelletier.
While the exhibit does not have a particular theme, “…this year we are fortunate to have a number of stunning flower paintings: sunflowers by Shelia Breck, hydrangeas by Barbara Jeanne Siegel and Al Candia, an orchid by Ross Barbera and water lilies by Kyle Blumenthal,” she added.
Pelletier also has multiple watercolors in the show, including one painted especially for this show titled ‘Pop-Top Hops,’ a still-life of beer cars, each from a different country. “I hope it makes viewers smile,” she said.
This year’s show will be judged by Dino Rinaldi who will be tasked with awarding Best in Show, five Honorable Mentions and the Irene Ruddock Award of Excellence in honor of the group’s beloved former president who passed away two years ago. Winners will be announced at the reception on Sunday.
Each year the artists select a special member of the group to be honored. This year’s “Honored Artist” is Flo Kemp, who originated the Setauket Artists forty-five years ago. In addition, there will be a Memory Board displaying the works of Angela Stratton, a greatly missed and long-time member of the group who passed away recently.
Four paintings will be raffled off including “Good Sail,” a pastel by Susan Trawick; “Setting Boundaries,” an oil by Dan McCarthy; “Bleu Isle,” an etching by Flo Kemp; and “Snow at Sands Point,” an acrylic by John Taylor.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to take home a painting that speaks to them. “All paintings are for sale and there will be many small works, matted and framed, perfect for holiday giving. And unframed, matted works will be available as well; some are originals, others are giclee prints,” said Pelletier.
As it takes a village to put a large show like this together, Pelletier said the group wanted to thank the members of the Setauket Artists community who work so hard and spend so many hours working to make their exhibits successful. “In particular, we would like to thank Renee Caine, Rob Roehrig and Patty Yantz for their time, energy, good humor and administrative skills.”
The community is encouraged to stop by to check out the exhibit. “We live in confusing times. A quiet afternoon contemplating the beauty created by talented artists can bring joy and may inspire personal creativity,” Pelletier said.
The Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket presents the 45th Annual Setauket Artists Exhibition from Oct. 19 to Nov. 14 daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free.
Check the setauketartists.com website (events page) for any possible scheduled closings due to other events at the Setauket Neighborhood House.
Participating artists include: Ross Barbera, Shain Bard, Barbara Beltrami, Robert Berson, Marlene Bezich, Kyle Blumenthal, Shelia Breck, Joyce Bressler, Renee Caine, Al Candia, Gail Chase, Anthony Davis, Julie Doczi, W.A. Dodge, Paul Edelson, James Engelbert, Larry Johnston, Flo Kemp, Karen Kemp, Joanne Liff, John Mansueto, Dan McCarthy, Jane McGraw-Teubner, Terry McManus, Eleanor Meier, Fred Mendelsohn, Muriel Musarra, Annette Napolitano, Paula Pelletier, Joan Rockwell, Robert Roehrig, Barbara Jeanne Siegel, John Taylor, Jonathan VanBrunt, Susan Trawick, Maria Lourdes Velez, Marlene Weinstein and Patricia Yantz.
