News – The Christina Gallery

Carol Fortunato (1958 – 2022)

With immense sadness, we share the news of the passing of Carol Fortunato on August 18, 2022. Carol fought a difficult battle and remained hopeful through several clinical trials, but the cancer took her life. We have sent our sympathies to Carol’s husband, Angelo.

After graduating from the School of Visual Arts in New York with a degree in illustration, Carol continued her studies at the Art Students League. During this time, she discovered an interest in chiaroscuro (use of light and shade) painting. Carol joined the gallery in 2009, and her still-life paintings were admired by many. She had solo shows at the renowned James Beard House and French Culinary Institute. Carol enjoyed her quiet time in the studio but also loved painting en plein air landscapes in Vermont. In 2013, she spent the summer in England painting the Cotswolds and fulfilling a lifelong dream.

“Nectarine, Pitcher & Egg” by Carol Fortunato (1958-2022)

Carol and I spoke a couple of weeks ago. She was at peace with the road ahead of her. I told her it was an honor to have her beautiful paintings in the gallery all these years and that I would miss her.

Rest in peace, Carol.

“Blue, White, Orange & Mint” by Carol Fortunato (1958-2022)

The Christina Gallery Welcomes Kelly Carmody to the gallery

We are excited to welcome classically trained artist Kelly Carmody to the gallery. Kelly grew up in Topsfield, MA, and attended the Massachusetts College of Art in the mid-1990s. She furthered her studies at the Art Students League in New York City and the studio of Numael Pulido (1939-2022), where he taught her how to convey light on form. This understanding of how to portray light in a painting is fundamental to Kelly’s work. Pulido’s wife, Shirley Pulido (1932-2020), was also a tremendous influence. She taught Kelly how to use value and temperature relationships to create balance and interest in her paintings.

"Light on the Cove" by Kelly Carmody — “Light on the Cove” by Kelly Carmody

“I am inspired by the formal techniques of the Old Masters, and my work transports the traditional genres of portraiture and the still life into the contemporary realm. My dedication to the understanding of principles of classical painting—composition, simplification of masses, manipulation of value and color—informs my process. Whether working on large-scale portraiture or more intimate still lifes, I strive to create compelling depictions of everyday subjects.”

During the Winter of 2022, Kelly began a new series of dancers and people socializing. Kelly says, “there was a yearning to be together with people again in a way that did not feel self-conscious. Dancing was the best way I could show to express that.”

"Dancing" by Kelly Carmody — “Dancing” by Kelly Carmody

We look forward to introducing Kelly’s paintings to you on your next visit to the gallery. Click here to view her paintings and to read more about Kelly Carmody.

E. J. Paprocki Inspired by Martha’s Vineyard

E. J. painting on a cloudy day in Edgartown

Impressionist E. J. Paprocki, who joined the gallery in 2020, recently visited Martha’s Vineyard to paint “en plein air” or in the open air. It was his first visit to Martha’s Vineyard, and he promises it will not be his last! “Martha’s Vineyard was, in a word, inspiring. Never have all the visual elements I like to incorporate into my paintings come together in a single location. No editing was needed – I painted what I experienced.”

The 2021 Season at The Christina Gallery

As we begin the gallery’s 44th season here in Edgartown, we are grateful to continue to do what we love – share our unique art collection with you. This season will be a busy one as pandemic restrictions relax and people move around a bit more.

“Sengy Sunset Reflections” by Marjorie Mason

We are incredibly excited to announce our 2021 Summer Exhibition with Marjorie Mason. Her 2020 exhibition, “Vineyard Landscapes,” was a complete sell-out, so we anticipate another great collection from Marjorie for this season. As was the case last year, we will not host an artists’ reception but plan to feature her collection on the gallery’s main floor beginning on July 1, 2021, and throughout the summer.

Elizabeth Mumford (1949 – 2020)

It is with immense sadness that we share the news of the passing of Elizabeth Mumford on September 13, 2020. For more than ten years, Liz fought a difficult battle against cancer. She remained hopeful and never gave in, but eventually, her body could not take anymore. We have sent our sympathies to Liz’s son, Sam, and her family.

With You Everyday is a Picnic by Elizabeth Mumford — “With You Everyday is a Picnic” by Elizabeth Mumford (1949-2020)

Liz joined the gallery in 2003, and her whimsical folk art paintings were admired by many. Her paintings were very distinctive with their black borders, gold scallop corners, and clever phrases in red. Liz loved the relationship between folk art and storytelling, a pastime she enjoyed, and its nostalgic connection to simpler times.

2020 Summer Exhibitions with Marjorie Mason & William R. Davis

We are excited to announce our 2020 Summer Exhibitions with Marjorie Mason and William R. Davis. During this period of social distancing, we did not host an artists’ reception but plan to feature their collections on the main floor of the gallery throughout the summer.

Well-known Island artist Marjorie Mason has cultivated a vast following for her work. Each year, her collection delights clients and visitors to the gallery. Whether it is sitting and watching the boats sail by or a stroll along one’s favorite beach, admirers respond to her work. Marjorie captures a fond Vineyard memory for them to take home and enjoy year-round.

"Menemsha Beach Afternoon" by Marjorie Mason — “Menemsha Beach Afternoon” by Marjorie Mason

The Christina Gallery welcomes internationally admired artist E. J. Paprocki to the gallery

We are excited to welcome internationally admired artist E. J. Paprocki to the gallery. E. J. was born in Chicago and picked up his first paintbrush when he was seven years old. His style is in the Impressionists’ manner and prefers painting plein air, where he captures the true spirit of the moment. He also enjoys the interaction he has with people while they pass by him painting on location.

We are open for the 2020 Season!

TCG first floor — The first floor of the gallery. The artists featured from the left: David Bareford, William R. Davis & John C. Traynor

We hope you and your loved ones are doing well and are in good health and spirits. The gallery is now open for the 2020 season and we have protocols in place for your safety. If your personal preference is a private appointment, we are happy to make that arrangement with you.

All the artists are working, and we will continue to highlight their new works on our website. We have always said that “art is good for the soul,” and we believe now this to be even more true. Please stay well and we look forward to seeing you when you feel comfortable.

Best,

Christina & Steve

The Christina Gallery welcomes Janet Stapinski Greco to our new home!

We are excited to welcome Impressionist Janet Stapinski Greco to our new home. She enjoys creating oil paintings of her passions – flowers, landscapes, seascapes, and most recently, interiors. Janet began drawing at an early age and has always had a strong desire to create art. Born and raised in Connecticut, she moved to Pennsylvania in her early teens, where she attended the Shadyside Center for the Arts in Pittsburgh.

Janet is now a Signature Member of the American Impressionist Society, as well as a member of the Oil Painters of America.

The Drawing Room by Janet Stapinski Greco — “The Drawing Room” by Janet Stapinski Greco

Celebrating our 42nd season in our new home at 5 Winter Street

June has arrived and so has the start of our 42nd season here in Edgartown on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. We are now open in our new home at 5 Winter Street, which coincidentally is the same location we opened the gallery in 1977. We have come full circle and are enjoying seeing familiar faces as they come to visit.

5 Winter Street by David Bareford — “5 Winter Street” by David Bareford

Though our new location is smaller, we like to say “cozy,” we are still very fortunate to represent the most talented group of artists. They have been busy painting for this season, and we are excited to share their new works with you.

We are moving!

After much consideration, we have decided to move the gallery (just two doors over) into another unit in the same building. The move, which will take place after the New Year 2019, is bittersweet because we have taken great delight and honor in occupying the corner of “our little windows on the world” for the last 30 years, but at the same time, we are very excited about this next chapter in the gallery’s extensive life. The space we will be moving into is where it all began 41 years ago!

[Read more…] about We are moving!

Curtis W. Hanson (1949 – 2017)

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Curtis W. Hanson on October 13, 2017. We knew that he had not been well but it was still inconceivable when we were told of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers have been expressed to his wife, Onwarin and to the rest of his family and friends.