Later this year, VSOP Projects will host the beloved 10 x 10 = 100 Art Show & Sale. Leading up to the exhibition's 15th iteration, the Greenport-based gallery is holding an open call - for artists of all experience levels and mediums.
Interested parties may pick up a complimentary 10 x 10 inch panel for their work on select weekends in September, October and November. A 10 x 10 = 100 Art Show & Sale preview will be held on Friday, December 4, while the exhibition will officially open on Saturday, December 5.
We recently caught up with VSOP Projects owner and director, Jonathan Weiskopf, about the popular yearly showcase, giving back to the community, highlighting local artists and more.
Congrats on the 15th anniversary of the 10 x 10 = 100 Art Show & Sale. Could you speak about the show's inception and how it has evolved over the years?
JW: The 10 x 10 = 100 Art Show & Sale was founded in 2005 by Amy Worth at The
South Street Gallery in Greenport. Amy ran the very popular holiday-time show at her place until 2018, when she asked me to adopt the program and keep it going. I've begun to make small, incremental changes to the show, like permitting each artist to only submit one work, when before they were allowed up to 3. This year, I am also very excited to inaugurate the 20 x 20 = 400 Invitational.
Proceeds from the community fundraising event will benefit the North Fork Environmental Council, Peconic Public Broadcasting (WLIW), and CAST Southold Town. How were those organizations selected and could you discuss their importance to the community?
JW: The 10 x 10 was originally a fundraiser for the North Fork Environmental Council, whose mission is to educate the public and public officials about important environmental and quality of life issues here on the North Fork. They have remained involved each year. Peconic Public Broadcasting was brought into the fold a few years back. They serve an important role as a source of good information and programming for our East End community, and are excellent promotional partners for the event. And finally, this year's 20 x 20 = 400 Invitational (which will open alongside the "10 x 10") will benefit CAST, an organization that provides vital food, clothing, and services to, and promotes self-sufficiency for our neighbors here in Greenport and Southold Town. CAST is our across-the-street neighbor on Front Street and, for 7 or 8 years, they occupied the building that we now own and operate the gallery in.
For those entering works, are there any parameters?
JW: Artists of all levels of experience and working in any medium are invited to participate. Complimentary 10 x 10 inch panels (artists MUST use these panels!) may be picked up at the gallery at 311 Front Street, Greenport Village, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the following dates: Friday September 18, Saturday, September 19, Sunday, September 20, Friday, October 9, Saturday, October 10, Sunday, October 11, Friday, November 6, Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8. Completed works may be dropped back off at the gallery with a completed entry form on Friday, November 13, Saturday, November 14, Friday, November 20, Saturday, November 21, Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28.
How many submissions does the show typically get?
JW: Last year we had 205 submissions from world-class artists, "Sunday painters," local superstars, high school students from Bellport, and MFA candidates from
CW Post and
Stony Brook University. My personal favorite works (and the one I bought) were from 5 and 6-year-olds at the New Suffolk School!
The 10 x 10 = 100 Art Show & Sale will open on Saturday, December 5. How long will it be on view and will there be a digital component?
JW: The exhibition will be available to preview on Friday, December 4, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The 10 x 10 = 100 Art Show & Sale and 20 x 20 = 400 Invitational will open on Saturday, December 5, promptly at 6:00 p.m. Selections from both shows will be available on our website starting Sunday, December 6, and will remain on view and available for purchase through the opening of our annual Winter Salon, which opens the following weekend.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
JW: For 15 years, The 10 x 10 has brought our community together through an appreciation of art. During this time of significantly increased need for local organizations and community members, I will continue to use this event as a way to raise awareness, funds, and spirits.
VSOP Projects is located at 311 Front Street in Greenport. For more information, visit www.vsopprojects.com.
Nicole is the Editor-in-Chief of Hamptons.com where she focuses on lifestyle, nightlife, and mixology. She grew up in the Hamptons and currently resides in Water Mill.
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