East Hampton - Well-known artist and East End resident, Donald Sultan, was on hand to sign copies of his book "The Theater of the Object." at the Maidstone Hotel in East Hampton, on Saturday, Aug. 22.

Barbara Dayton with artist Peter Dayton were among the well-wishers.

The event was hosted by Alexis Gregory, Jenny Ljungberg, and Mark Magowan.

Considered one of America's leading contemporary still life artists, Sultan is originally from Asheville, NC. Born in 1951, he received his BFA from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and his MFA from the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. He relocated to New York in the mid-1970s, and although perhaps best known for his lemons, flowers and fruit, Sultan has consistently referred to his work as abstract.

The book signing was held in a very small side room off the entrance to the Maistone Hotel, where Sultan appeared pinned behind a large table. With very little maneuverabilty the always affable Sultan had a multitude of well-wishers and admirers in attendance patiently waiting to have a few words with the artist, and to have their book signed. The book is published by The Vendome Press.

When asked why he chose to publish a book of his work at this time, Sultan responded, "I felt it was about time for this book, as it spans 30 years of work, up through 2008, and it is a compilation." Additionally he indicated "The book covers a vast range of my work and I wanted people to be able to see that work."

Further commenting on his upcoming exhibitions, Sultan relayed "I have a show in Zurich in October and a show at the Julie Saul Photography Gallery in New York City in December."

Sultan's work can be found in more than 45 American museums, including MoMA, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the National Gallery of Art. This is both a very talented and very busy man.