NOFO Art Collective Returns

The North Fork Art Collective, a creative hub for artists, returns for a second year in its new space at 15 Front Street in Greenport, with an opening reception celebration on Friday, May 25, from 6 to 9 PM.

The venue will serve as an exhibition gallery, showcasing works from members involved as well as a working studio environment. Workshops, classes, and presentations open to the public will also be held. In a sort of WeWork meets art gallery, artists across all media from both the North and South Forks will have communal space to work, collaborate, and interact with the local community.

Annual Collective members include chalk artist Kara Hoblin, multimedia artist and photographer Dalton Portella, draftswoman Kelly Franké, photographer Sarah Prescott, environmental artist Cindy Pease Roe, painter Emma Ballou, photographer Madison Fender, painter Verona Peñalba, and multimedia artist Scott Bluedorn.

“The community has really embraced us. We want to encourage people to create, and connect through the arts, music, performance, and any medium that speaks to them. It’s a safe space for creativity. We don’t judge each other, we encourage each other, and we believe in the art of creating to heal,” the Collective’s founder and manager Hoblin explained.

What began as a dream project for Hoblin debuted in 2017 for four months in its first physical space only two doors down and consisted of seven members. The new location promises a longer, perhaps permanent, stay with a yearlong lease and the opportunity to renew.

One of the original members, Franké, said, “I’m excited for our second year as the North Fork Art Collective. By coming together, this group of artists is able to do something that none of us could have done alone. We created a gallery space for greater visibility, a group studio to encourage production and inspiration, and soon workshops for others to join. Art is culture, which goes hand in hand with community. Everyone benefits, artists and art lovers alike.”

There are two membership options. There are two membership options. The first is an annual membership with a monthly fee for the entire year, which are the listed members above. The second includes a community membership program “designed to integrate the community and get as many artists connected” as possible for a flat fee of $150 that includes three 10 day shows, with one piece per show, a bio on the website in addition to other benefits listed on the companies page.

Community is the anchor of this organization and, as such, the Collective is committed to giving back. Members will sell artwork to benefit the Community Action Southold Town, a non-profit working to help low-income residents, at the Alex Vinash Fashion Show on June 2 at the Greenport American Legion. In addition, the NoFo Art Collective is planning shows to help benefit environment conservation and local school district art programs.

“As artists we tend to isolate. I’m looking forward to the collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and more important, the support. Together we are stronger,” said member Sarah Prescott.

The opening reception will include cheese and charcuterie by Lombardi’s Love Lane Market, craft beer by Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, wine by Bedell Cellars, and live music by fellow member Dalton Portella. There will be an art-inspired dinner at Bruce and Son in Greenport on June 9. Visit www.nofoartcollective.com to shop for art and for more information.

@NikkiOnTheDaily
nicole@indyeastend.com