On Montauk 2013 Page 86

On Montauk

ontauk is known for its beaches, the
Lighthouse, Main Street walking, ocean

boating, fun times and seafood. Part of the
pulse is an arts community that gathers at
The Percy Heath Depot Art Gallery and Art
School. A short walk from the center of town,
the Depot Art Gallery is home to the Montauk
Artists' Association, Inc. (MAA). It's also the
place where artists and art lovers gather in
Montauk to see art or take an art class.

A busy hub of creativity, MAA gives art a
steady presence in this seaside hamlet. Art-
ists of all kinds meet up at the gallery housed
in a white building that's often mistaken for a
train station.

The gallery provides artist members a place to
exhibit their work, connect with other artists
and meet art lovers making Montauk a part of
their summer experiences.

"The MAA is essentially my lifeline to the
community," said Paula Phelps, the Depot Gal-
lery director and member artist. "The camara-
derie of the other members with similar goals
and aspirations is enlightening, and the all-
member show always begins the new season
with that in mind: Another year to explore our
art together."

Artists working in all styles and level of
accomplishment are welcome, explained MAA
treasurer Anne Weissman. The result is a
lively mix of artworks presented in a friendly
atmosphere where competition doesn't play
a part.

Then there's the Depot Art Gallery itself. The
gallery and art education center occupies the
former Montauk railroad station. Set next to
the railroad tracks, plenty of people wander
in expecting to catch the next westbound
train, buy a train ticket, or fi nd a food kiosk,
said Phelps.

"The Art Depot, as I call it, is unique and a
true treasure, if not immediately recognized
as an art gallery by some who still view it as
the train station," she said.

Art education was always a part of the plan for
MAA, said Weissman. The art organization
was founded after Percy Heath and Joe Bucci
thought expanding their tight circle of paint-
ing students in Montauk was a good idea, said
Weissman.

"They thought it would be fun to invite other
people and so they did," she said.

MAA incorporated as a non-profi t and set its
sights on purchasing the building vacated by
the LIRR. They achieved this goal in the late
nineties with the building fully renovated by
2003. The gallery is the original waiting room
of the train station. The second fl oor provides
classrooms, a meeting area, a photography
dark room and more.

Adults, kids and teenagers can fi nd their inner
artist by taking painting, photography or
ceramics classes. A scholarship offered to a
graduating Montauk High School student
studying art or music keeps the love going.

Montauk Artist's

Association