Steve Certilman of Greenwich has spent more than 15 years visiting Cuba at least annually, forging long-term relationships with artists whose work he admires and scouring Havana and environs for emerging painters, sculptors, assemblage artists and others.
On Saturday, about 80 of the pieces that Certilman has amassed—roughly one-third of his private collection—went on display in “Absolut Kuba!” at Carriage Barn Arts Center. Featuring about 50 artists’ work, the free exhibition marks the first-ever public showing of the diverse collection.
According to Arianne Kolb, co-director of the Carriage Barn Arts Center and, with Certilman, curator of the exhibition, “Absolut Kuba!” is a chance to experience about 20 years’ in Cuban art in person without physically going there.
“Unless you are planning on going to Cuba regularly or planning to go in the near future, this is a rare opportunity to see an incredible, really well-chosen assemblage of contemporary art that has been produced over the last 20 years,” Kolb said as dozens of appreciators moved through the roomy gallery in Waveny for the opening reception.
Move your mouse over this slideshow to pause it and read information about each piece. The info includes the name of the artist, piece, media and info on its sale price. The comments on the piece are from Kolb. The article continues below:
[acx_slideshow name=”Absolut Kuba at Carriage Barn Arts Center”]
One artist from Cuba, Hector Frank, was on hand for the reception, along with co-director Eleanor Flatow and members of its Board of Directors, including President Serena Gillespie and Treasurer Carolyn Corcoran.
Sponsors for the exhibition include Foodservice Facilities International, HTG Investments Advisors LLC, Karl Chevrolet, LGE Fine Art Consulting, Picador, Premium Park, Van Brunt Stillhouse, Strawberry and Sage, Weed & Duryea, William Pitt Sotheby’s and Vista Wine & Spirits.
The exhibition additionally will serve as the backdrop for “A Night in Havana,” which Kolb calls the first fundraiser for Carriage Barn Arts Center in memory.
That event is nearly sold out, she said.
“We’ve gotten a fabulous response it’s going to be a fantastic, cultural evening,” Kolb said.