Artists and patrons gather for Stissing Center auction preview

The upstairs room at Mad Rose Gallery in Millerton was filled with paintings, photographs, drawings, sculpture and ceramics on Saturday, May 30, as artists, collectors and supporters gathered for a reception previewing Stissing Center’s 2nd Annual Art Auction Fundraiser.

The exhibition offers an early look at nearly 60 works donated by artists from the Hudson Valley and beyond, all to benefit Stissing Center’s year-round programming, including music, theater, dance, film, children’s events and community gatherings. The auction itself will take place at Stissing Center in Pine Plains on June 13 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The preview showcased a wide range of artistic styles and media, from Leora Armstrong’s atmospheric “Shape of Water XII” to Talya Baharal’s richly layered mixed-media painting “Shifting Boundaries.” Visitors also viewed works by internationally recognized artists including installation pioneer Judy Pfaff, photographer Ray Mortenson, painter Kit White and glass sculptor Natalie Tyler.

Several pieces reflect the Hudson Valley’s enduring influence on artists, including Shane Neufeld’s landscape “View Towards Stissing from Hill Top Road” and Brett McCormack’s pastoral “Orchard.” Other highlights included a wood-fired ceramic vessel by Paul Chaleff, dark and surreal drawings by Bob Dob, John Greene’s layered surfaces, Eadweard Muybridge inspired “Climberscape” by Gail Rothschild and photographs by Kerry Madigan, founder of Mad Rose Gallery.

The fundraiser is organized by an auction committee chaired by Neal Rosenthal of Mad Rose Gallery and including Jack Banning, Didi Barrett, Gwen Greene, Yael Meridan Schori, L. Parker Stephenson, Dorit Straus, Natalie Tyler and Douglas Walla.

“We love creating opportunities for people to connect through the arts,” said Patrick Trettenero, executive director of Stissing Center. “This event is a celebration of great art, generous artists and collectors, and a community that values creativity. We’re thrilled to partner with Mad Rose Gallery for an evening that supports the programs that bring people together at Stissing Center all year long.”

The preview exhibition will be on view at Mad Rose Gallery ahead of the June 13 auction. Mad Rose is open Thursday-Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. Proceeds will support Stissing Center’s cultural programming throughout the year. For more information, contact Amy Jelenko, director of advancement, at advancement@thestissingcenter.org.