Sarah McHugh's eclectic works on display at Port of Call

WARWICK, N.Y. - The works of Sarah E. McHugh will be on display at The Gallery of Port of Call from Saturday, Nov. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 4. The exhibit will provide a unique opportunity to experience a multiplicity of talent in a variety of media. There are approaches both abstract and representational, exploring themes in which oils, acrylic, watercolor, collage, “found object” sculpture and printmaking techniques are used to enrich surfaces and engage the viewer in a personal dialogue. McHugh began her professional career after graduating with a degree in art education from SUNY Buffalo, which included a semester abroad at the University of Siena, Italy, With further studies at Pratt, the Art Students League and the National Academy of Design in NYC, she learned how to mold form, to achieve a sensibility about her subject and understand the handling of materials as part of the process in appreciating the work. The balances between hard and soft edges, the layering of color, the play of light and shadow stimulates and teases and says something revealing, which she hopes to convey to the viewer. She has spent many years teaching art, from elementary school to college level and individual adult classes. This has given her the opportunity to discover an open ended range of materials and media, and her love for nature has always fueled the desire for exploration in mixing media, enabling her to become more free and expressive in her work. Her works is influenced by many artists, including Wayne Thiebaud, George Inness and Zuburan. She says they all infuse and inform her subconscious when creating a work, “although each hand is quite different and each piece brings its own challenges and continues to fascinate.” That, she says, is the inherent mystery and excitement of making art. One of her favorite quotes is from writer, philosopher, Rilke: “Works of art are of an intimate loneliness. Only love can grip and fairly judge them. Consider yourself and your feeling right every time.” To which McHugh adds, “You never know where it’s going to take you.” An opening reception will be held Saturday, Nov. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Gallery of Port of Call, located on Main St. in the Village of Warwick, is open daily, For information, call 845-986-9500 or visit online at portofcall.net.