Westhampton Beach - Acclaimed artist Robert Verdi was toasted Friday, December 3 at the Westhampton Free Library on the occasion of the opening of his first show in several years. Carolyn Kendall Buchter and Diiana Oliver Steinberg hosted an elegant reception in the Library's main hall for his many friends and fans. As this was his first show in several years, there was great anticipation among his collectors and supporters.

Verdi, well known on the East End for his "Barn" series of paintings pleasantly surprised the crowd with several of his newest creations that moved further into abstract expressionism with bold color drenched canvases.

During the reception, guests enjoyed wines from Wolffer Estates, Prosecco and Vava water along with delectable hors d'oeuvres - goat cheese on homemade phyllo pastry topped with mango chutney and olive tapenade; smoked salmon with caviar and crème fraiche on Persian cucumber rounds and mini lemon bars - created by the imaginative Chef Pamela Willoughby.

Not surprisingly, a few of Verdi's fellow artists turned out for the opening including Don Duga, Barbara Marino, Joseph Stella, Justine Di'Anni and Daniel Pollera.

Also on hand to congratulate the artist were Karen Plant, Andrew Wargo, Adrianna Shaw, Mary and Phillip Albanese, Walter and Jane Lappie, Mary Ellen Winston and Library Trustee Karen Andrews.