Category Archives: Art Exhibitions

Not Just Another Pretty Flower. A Solo Exhibition by the Artist Mary Ahern at The Atelier At Flowerfields

Mary Ahern Artist Posted on by

Embedded With Conversations on Harmony and Balance from the Garden to the Galaxy

The Atelier At Flowerfield is thrilled to announce:

“Not Just Another Pretty Flower3 a Mary Ahern Art Show” 

April 18 to May 30, 2024,

2 Flowerfield, St. James, NY 11772.

Opening Reception: Thursday, April 18, 2024. 5:30 – 7:30 PM

Meet The Artist: Saturday, April 27, 2024. 1 – 3 PM

Mary Ahern’s art is deeply rooted in symbolism, dynamically reflecting the interconnectedness and delicate balance within both the microcosm of her garden and the macrocosm of the cosmos These artworks spark a vital conversation about these essential issues. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant community of life in her garden, her flowers invite universal questions of existence and purpose in their quest for survival, eventual senescence, and rebirth.

The identifiable floral Images she creates are glazed and intertwined with her abstract underpaintings inspired by the recent awe-inspiring visuals of the universe. By recognizing the delicate balance required for both terrestrial and celestial ecosystems to thrive, she aims to provide a visual context for understanding the essential balance necessary to sustain life’s intricate harmony across all scales – from the tiniest flower to the grandest galaxy.

Employing imagery that balances both abstraction and realism, she is mirroring the delicate equilibrium needed for universal survival. Her extensive use of transparent glazing between the garden and the galaxy exemplifies the need for open discourse, which she believes is necessary to ensure the health and survival of all species.

Ahern’s artistic process involves employing unique techniques that she has continued to refine over the course of 50 years. Through the years of experimentation and refinement, she developed a distinctive approach to painting that reflects her artistic vision and also her philosophy. Through this layered, evocative imagery, she invites viewers to pause, contemplate, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the fragile yet resilient web of life that sustains our world and cosmos.

The Atelier at Flowerfield shares Ahern’s commitment to promoting appreciation of the arts. As part of its mission, The Atelier strives to preserve beauty through the learning, understanding, creation, and enjoyment of art in all its forms.

Also Visit the website of The Atelier At Flowerfield: www.atelieratflowerfield.org

Mary Ahern Art Exhibition Announcement

I Met A Hero of Mine – Audrey Flack

Mary Ahern Artist Posted on by
Audrey Flack

Audrey Flack at the Southampton Arts Center, November 2023 Photo credit: James F Dawson

Audrey Flack is a painter who, when I was in college in the 1970s, inspired me as I began my artistic journey. My art history teacher Patricia Hills at York College, which is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, introduced us to the many women artists who were pushing the envelope at the time. There was Audrey Flack, Joyce Kozloff and Judy Chicago. All of these women are currently Honorary Vice Presidents of the National Association of Women Artists. Since at the moment, I am Chair of the Public Relations Committee of NAWA it is such an honor to be meeting these artists who are still teaching us to keep working, keep pushing, and keep making our own artistic statements.

Recently I went with hubby Dave and my friends Susan Rostan & hubby Bob to the “Heroines of Abstract Expressionism” at the Southampton Arts Center here on Long Island. Audrey had work in the show but so did four other artists who had been members of NAWA, Louise Nevelson, Nell Blaine, Dorothy Dehner, and Buffie Johnson.

Since Susan and I are co-hosting the Historical Research Team at NAWA this was an auspicious occasion for us and opened up new opportunities for research and writing.

2023-11-12-Roz-Dimon-Audrey-Flack-Mary-Ahern-Susan-Rostan4-20x72

NAWA artists: Roz Dimon, Audrey Flack, Mary Ahern, Susan Rostan at the Southampton Arts Center, November 2023 Photo credit: James F Dawson

Then another amazing event happened, Audrey Flack was scheduled for a talk at Southampton two weeks later, so we signed up and took another drive out east. It sure was worth it! Audrey, who is now 92, was there and clear as a bell answered questions about her work and her experiences from the 1950s onward. She was funny, dished gossip, was fully knowledgeable about the era, the people, the art movements and who the players in the industry were at the time. She talked about the Cedar Bar where all the artists gathered, talked & drank after working in their studios all day. She talked about Jackson Pollack, Robert Motherwell, Clement Greenberg, Helen Frankenthaler, and many more artists and gallerists. In the audience, was a who’s who of the Hamptons Art Scene asking the questions and/or thanking her for her many contributions to the arts.

I’m so grateful to still be able to be working as an artist, that I continue to grow, to enjoy and learn from other artists. To have this “brush with greatness” that I experienced by listening to, speaking to and having my photo taken with one of my heroes sparkles brightly in my life’s journey. I thank Pat Hills for opening my eyes and my mind over 50 years ago to pay attention to these women artists who were clearing the path and showing us that we as women artists had voices and something unique to say. And after all these decades, we still have statements to make, wisdom to share, and paths to plow for others to follow.

READ MORE on the ART BLOG Click here

 

News About my Art, Exhibitions, Events & Social Media Posts

Mary Ahern Artist

This Is What I’ve Been Talking About on Instagram Lately

On Instagram, I write about my life as an artist. Behind the scenes in the studio, preparing for art exhibitions, marketing opportunities, my garden inspirations, artist friends and my artistic journey.

You can follow all my posts here or follow me on Instagram. I also post to Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Threads and YouTube.

 
Mary Ahern Artist

maryahern

1,235 1,080

My Art Starts in the Garden

The season is official now. My grandson CJ has decorated the Tree. Since he was hanging his binky on the tree, he arrives each holiday season to decorate the tree with a lifetime of memories. We cherish all these moments!

22 4
Open
The season is official now. My grandson CJ has decorated the Tree. Since he was hanging his binky on the tree, he arrives each holiday season to decorate the tree with a lifetime of memories. We cherish all these moments!

The season is official now. My grandson CJ has decorated the Tree. Since he was hanging his binky on the tree, he arrives each holiday season to decorate the tree with a lifetime of memories. We cherish all these moments! ...

22 4

Cosmic Phalaenopsis is an oil painting on deep cradled hardboard. Currently, it is on view in East Hampton, NY, in the Guild Hall Exhibition. This painting is for sale online or in person. Embedded in this painting is the message of the need for balance and cooperation, whether in the microcosm of the garden or in the macrocosm of the cosmos. ⁠
⁠
This artwork merges floral imagery with cosmic visions, blending the beauty of nature with the grandeur of the universe. Using transparent glazing, it symbolically intertwines the micro-realm of delicate flowers with the macro-realm of vast celestial bodies. ⁠
Link in Bio

28 6
Open
Cosmic Phalaenopsis is an oil painting on deep cradled hardboard. Currently, it is on view in East Hampton, NY, in the Guild Hall Exhibition. This painting is for sale online or in person. Embedded in this painting is the message of the need for balance and cooperation, whether in the microcosm of the garden or in the macrocosm of the cosmos. ⁠ ⁠ This artwork merges floral imagery with cosmic visions, blending the beauty of nature with the grandeur of the universe. Using transparent glazing, it symbolically intertwines the micro-realm of delicate flowers with the macro-realm of vast celestial bodies. ⁠ Link in Bio

Cosmic Phalaenopsis is an oil painting on deep cradled hardboard. Currently, it is on view in East Hampton, NY, in the Guild Hall Exhibition. This painting is for sale online or in person. Embedded in this painting is the message of the need for balance and cooperation, whether in the microcosm of the garden or in the macrocosm of the cosmos. ⁠
⁠
This artwork merges floral imagery with cosmic visions, blending the beauty of nature with the grandeur of the universe. Using transparent glazing, it symbolically intertwines the micro-realm of delicate flowers with the macro-realm of vast celestial bodies. ⁠
Link in Bio ...

28 6

What a creative day we had making this wreath together. My friends Mary Schlotter and Lori Thornhill and I worked with homegrown evergreens to make this holiday wreath for the Memorial Corner in Centerport, NY, opposite the fire department. It`s one of my favorite garden club meetings of the year, where our club makes about 25 wreaths and over 50 arrangements to share throughout our community. We decorate the post offices, historical societies, libraries, and the VA Hospital in our area. Plus, we deliver the arrangements to individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabs to brighten up their days. The Centerport Garden Club is THE BEST!

38 9
Open
What a creative day we had making this wreath together. My friends Mary Schlotter and Lori Thornhill and I worked with homegrown evergreens to make this holiday wreath for the Memorial Corner in Centerport, NY, opposite the fire department. It's one of my favorite garden club meetings of the year, where our club makes about 25 wreaths and over 50 arrangements to share throughout our community. We decorate the post offices, historical societies, libraries, and the VA Hospital in our area. Plus, we deliver the arrangements to individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabs to brighten up their days. The Centerport Garden Club is THE BEST!

What a creative day we had making this wreath together. My friends Mary Schlotter and Lori Thornhill and I worked with homegrown evergreens to make this holiday wreath for the Memorial Corner in Centerport, NY, opposite the fire department. It`s one of my favorite garden club meetings of the year, where our club makes about 25 wreaths and over 50 arrangements to share throughout our community. We decorate the post offices, historical societies, libraries, and the VA Hospital in our area. Plus, we deliver the arrangements to individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabs to brighten up their days. The Centerport Garden Club is THE BEST! ...

38 9

Read the Canvas Rebel interview article that was just published. ⁠
Hi Mary, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?⁠
I am living the dream. Currently, I am a working artist showing my work in a great array of venues and connected to a community of other professional women artists. As a way of paying it forward, I am the Chair of Public Relations for the National Association of Women Artists., Now I use my extensive marketing experience to help empower other women artists by promoting their work and to help them develop the skills needed to advance themselves towards their own personal goals. READ The Entire Interview. Link in bio.

46 6
Open
Read the Canvas Rebel interview article that was just published. ⁠ Hi Mary, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?⁠ I am living the dream. Currently, I am a working artist showing my work in a great array of venues and connected to a community of other professional women artists. As a way of paying it forward, I am the Chair of Public Relations for the National Association of Women Artists., Now I use my extensive marketing experience to help empower other women artists by promoting their work and to help them develop the skills needed to advance themselves towards their own personal goals. READ The Entire Interview. Link in bio.

Read the Canvas Rebel interview article that was just published. ⁠
Hi Mary, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?⁠
I am living the dream. Currently, I am a working artist showing my work in a great array of venues and connected to a community of other professional women artists. As a way of paying it forward, I am the Chair of Public Relations for the National Association of Women Artists., Now I use my extensive marketing experience to help empower other women artists by promoting their work and to help them develop the skills needed to advance themselves towards their own personal goals. READ The Entire Interview. Link in bio. ...

46 6

My latest painting is titled, my New World – Anemone Redux. It’s 36 x 36“ oil, painting, on a deep Gallery wrapped canvas on which I have painted the edges so it can be hung without framing. This oil painting creates a fusion between botany and cosmic wonder. Using realism on parts of the flower and merging them with abstraction inspired by the cosmos. I suggest that patterns of nature repeat themselves from the smallest garden flower to the largest galactic structures. This brand new oil painting is available on my website under the Link Recent original paintings at MaryAhernArtist.com

17 3
Open
My latest painting is titled, my New World – Anemone Redux. It’s 36 x 36“ oil, painting, on a deep Gallery wrapped canvas on which I have painted the edges so it can be hung without framing. This oil painting creates a fusion between botany and cosmic wonder. Using realism on parts of the flower and merging them with abstraction inspired by the cosmos. I suggest that patterns of nature repeat themselves from the smallest garden flower to the largest galactic structures. This brand new oil painting is available on my website under the Link Recent original paintings at MaryAhernArtist.com

My latest painting is titled, my New World – Anemone Redux. It’s 36 x 36“ oil, painting, on a deep Gallery wrapped canvas on which I have painted the edges so it can be hung without framing. This oil painting creates a fusion between botany and cosmic wonder. Using realism on parts of the flower and merging them with abstraction inspired by the cosmos. I suggest that patterns of nature repeat themselves from the smallest garden flower to the largest galactic structures. This brand new oil painting is available on my website under the Link Recent original paintings at MaryAhernArtist.com ...

17 3

Proud to be juried in as a full member of the Ceres Gallery in Chelsea New York City. Ceres is a feminist, not-for-profit, alternative gallery in New York City, dedicated to promoting contemporary women in the arts. It was founded 40 years ago at the height of the second wave of feminism during the early 1970s. Nevertheless, we persisted and we are continuing to raise our voices.⁠
⁠
The members of Ceres Gallery believe the arts provide an important social service – that art has the power to educate, enhance and enrich the quality and depth of people’s lives.⁠
⁠
The Landmark Arts building at 547 West 27th Street, NYC is the home of the gallery and is located adjacent to the Highline.

80 19
Open
Proud to be juried in as a full member of the Ceres Gallery in Chelsea New York City. Ceres is a feminist, not-for-profit, alternative gallery in New York City, dedicated to promoting contemporary women in the arts. It was founded 40 years ago at the height of the second wave of feminism during the early 1970s. Nevertheless, we persisted and we are continuing to raise our voices.⁠ ⁠ The members of Ceres Gallery believe the arts provide an important social service – that art has the power to educate, enhance and enrich the quality and depth of people’s lives.⁠ ⁠ The Landmark Arts building at 547 West 27th Street, NYC is the home of the gallery and is located adjacent to the Highline.

Proud to be juried in as a full member of the Ceres Gallery in Chelsea New York City. Ceres is a feminist, not-for-profit, alternative gallery in New York City, dedicated to promoting contemporary women in the arts. It was founded 40 years ago at the height of the second wave of feminism during the early 1970s. Nevertheless, we persisted and we are continuing to raise our voices.⁠
⁠
The members of Ceres Gallery believe the arts provide an important social service – that art has the power to educate, enhance and enrich the quality and depth of people’s lives.⁠
⁠
The Landmark Arts building at 547 West 27th Street, NYC is the home of the gallery and is located adjacent to the Highline. ...

80 19

My latest article in November Sanctuary Magazine theme is "Aging Gracefully". I had fun writing this piece and paying attention to all my workarounds. Here`s the first paragraph. ⁠
“When are you going to stop?”⁠
That’s a question I’ve heard more than once from people since I turned 70 some years ago. Why would I stop? Like everyone, my life has been a series of zigs and zags, some good, some less so. Life changes and we all adjust one way or another. Changing can be challenging but being flexible to new ideas and ways of doing things can provide a person with unexpected benefits, joys and experiences.⁠

29 4
Open
My latest article in November Sanctuary Magazine theme is "Aging Gracefully". I had fun writing this piece and paying attention to all my workarounds. Here's the first paragraph. ⁠ “When are you going to stop?”⁠ That’s a question I’ve heard more than once from people since I turned 70 some years ago. Why would I stop? Like everyone, my life has been a series of zigs and zags, some good, some less so. Life changes and we all adjust one way or another. Changing can be challenging but being flexible to new ideas and ways of doing things can provide a person with unexpected benefits, joys and experiences.⁠

My latest article in November Sanctuary Magazine theme is "Aging Gracefully". I had fun writing this piece and paying attention to all my workarounds. Here`s the first paragraph. ⁠
“When are you going to stop?”⁠
That’s a question I’ve heard more than once from people since I turned 70 some years ago. Why would I stop? Like everyone, my life has been a series of zigs and zags, some good, some less so. Life changes and we all adjust one way or another. Changing can be challenging but being flexible to new ideas and ways of doing things can provide a person with unexpected benefits, joys and experiences.⁠ ...

29 4

"Small Wonders: Daylily - Moonlight Orchid" has found a special home in NAWA`s "Petites Joies". An exhibition celebrating life`s small joys through art this holiday season 🎨 This intimate 5x5" colored pencil artwork could be the perfect gift for someone special. It is part of an exclusive collection of affordable original artworks by Signature Artists of the National Association of Women Artists.⁠
⁠
Browse the full "Petites Joies" exhibition on NAWA`s website! ⁠
https://thenawa.org/product-category/petites-joies/⁠

25 2
Open
"Small Wonders: Daylily - Moonlight Orchid" has found a special home in NAWA's "Petites Joies". An exhibition celebrating life's small joys through art this holiday season 🎨 This intimate 5x5" colored pencil artwork could be the perfect gift for someone special. It is part of an exclusive collection of affordable original artworks by Signature Artists of the National Association of Women Artists.⁠ ⁠ Browse the full "Petites Joies" exhibition on NAWA's website! ⁠ https://thenawa.org/product-category/petites-joies/⁠

"Small Wonders: Daylily - Moonlight Orchid" has found a special home in NAWA`s "Petites Joies". An exhibition celebrating life`s small joys through art this holiday season 🎨 This intimate 5x5" colored pencil artwork could be the perfect gift for someone special. It is part of an exclusive collection of affordable original artworks by Signature Artists of the National Association of Women Artists.⁠
⁠
Browse the full "Petites Joies" exhibition on NAWA`s website! ⁠
https://thenawa.org/product-category/petites-joies/⁠ ...

25 2

 

Art of the Bloom. Exhibition at The Art Guild in Port Washington

Mary Ahern Artist Posted on by

Art of the Bloom

Juried  Exhibition at

The Art Guild
Elderfields Preserve
200 Port Washington Blvd.
Manhasset, NY 11030

On View: September 10-30, 2023

Email: info@theartguild.org

P. 516.304.5797

Flowers have historically been a source of inspiration for artists and designers around the world, from Claude Monet to Andy Warhol. Floral imagery can evoke a wide range of emotions and moods, from the boldness of a daisy to the quietness of a water lily. See how these artists interpret and represent The Art of the Bloom in their work.

Disco Belle Hibiscus. Oil Painting by the artist, Mary Ahern

Disco Belle Hibiscus. 16×16 Oil on Cradled Wood.

 

Let It Grow. Art Exhibition at The Flushing Bank

Mary Ahern Artist Posted on by

The National Association of Women Artists
in Collaboration With The Flushing Bank

Are bringing a Seasonal Focus to the concept for this in-person exhibition.

Enjoy the buoyant color and interpretation of the season by a variety of Fine Artists.

“Let It Grow!”
Now through October 5, 2023
Visit the Flushing Bank at the Park Avenue South Branch
225 Park Ave South
New York, NY 10003

There is a sense of joy, excitement, and awe when nature or human relations are nurtured through caring and kindness to allow everything to flourish and grow. This theme reflects the focus of both of these historic organizations. The National Association of Women Artists, as the first women’s fine arts organization established in the US, has been helping women artists grow by empowering them to expand their vision. This theme of growth also serves as the guiding force behind the efforts of the Flushing Bank in support of the needs of its customers. There is a synergy in these efforts.

Petersen's Garden by the artist, Mary Ahern

Petersen’s Garden. 24×36″ Embellished Giclée on Canvas

The Big Picture 2023 at the Art League of Long Island

Mary Ahern Artist Posted on by

At this year’s Big Picture Exhibition, six Signature Members of the National Association of Women Artists were juried into the show. This is an incredible achievement since 94 artists submitted 214 images, out of which 36 works were selected to be exhibited by Juror, Simon Levenson. This is yet one more indication of the quality of the NAWA Signature members. 

ALLI
107 East Deer Park Rd
Dix Hills NY 11746

Check for Gallery Hours: p. 631-462-5400 Email: info@artleagueli.org

 

Signature Members of the National Association of Women Artists.

NAWA Signature Members at the ALLI Big Picture Show l-r:   Karen Kirshner, Eileen Shaloum, Mary Ahern, Susan Rostan, Pam Waldroup and Constance Sloggatt Wolf.

 

Huntington Arts Council Members Showcase Exhibition June 2023

Mary Ahern Artist Posted on by

The annual HAC Members Showcase Exhibition is an opportunity to see the diversity and depth of creative work by the individual member artists in the enormously creative community of Huntington NY. 

213 Main Street
Huntington NY 11743

June 9th – July 14th 2023

Reception: June 9th, 2023 4:00- 7:00 pm

Click here for the HAC Website

Bio: Mary Ahern is a classically trained artist who works in both digital and traditional mediums. Her work, which is inspired by her garden, invokes spiritual and philosophical questions beyond the canvas.

Statement: As a passionate gardener, my art is as intricately entwined as the gardens surrounding my studio. The lessons learned from the garden permeate my work.
With boldness in color & scale my art summons, with seeming simplicity, the complex questions of existence and purpose. These flowers represent a microcosm of the universe in their families and community as well as their quest for survival, eventual senescence and rebirth.

With a duality of macro and micro vision, my flowers invite the viewer to see, larger than life, the intricacy and purpose of their existence. And in their boldness, I suggest a contemplation of their relevance and ours in the social order of our universe.

Phantasm - Coral Sunset Peony

Phantasm – Coral Sunset Peony. Oil on Canvas GW. 36×36″. $5,000.

Art Exhibition and Artist’s Talk by Mary Ahern

Mary Ahern Artist Posted on by

Art Exhibition and Artist’s Talk by Mary Ahern at the

Mary Ahern Art Exhibition at the Bayard Cutting ArboretumFloral Contemplations:
The Duality of Vision

New Work by Mary Ahern

Artist Talk Saturday June 9, 2018 1pm. Open to the Public

May 17 – June 17, 2018

Galleries Open to the Public Thursdays – Sundays 11 am until 4 pm

Bayard Cutting Arboretum

Historic Manor House 

440 Montauk Highway

Great River NY 11739

For directions please visit the Bayard Cutting Arboretum website

Oil paintings by Mary Ahern the Artist

Three watercolor paintings and one 36×36″ oil painting on canvas by Mary Ahern

Mary Ahern brings her award-winning style of floral and garden inspired art to the Bayard Cutting Arboretum from May 17 through June 17, 2018. Three galleries of her floral portraits will be on display at the historic Manor House at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River NY. The galleries are open on Thursdays through Sundays from 11 am until 4 pm.

Mary Ahern, known for her brilliant floral and garden paintings will be showing her latest large-scale flower portraits. As a passionate gardener who is inspired by the gardens she designed and tends surrounding her own studio, these flowers represent to her a microcosm of the universe. The large scale of these individual portraits asks questions beyond the canvas.

What is the purpose for such magnificence in nature? What is the reason for such color, such form, such diversity? What is their relationship to the communities in which they belong, their relationships with other plants and species that sustain them, invade them and nourish them. What of their lifecycle of birth, growth, senescence and rebirth? As humans, what can we learn from their seemingly simple existence?

Initially we see with our eyes. We name it, identify it and classify it. But we also have a duality of vision which allows us to contemplate with an inner vision. This art invites both the external and internal views.

Mary Ahern Art Exhibition at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum

Eight oil paintings on canvas are on view in the Manor House Gallery at Bayard Cutting Arboretum

 

Mary Ahern Art Exhibition at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum

Mixed Media paintings in one of the rooms at the Manor House galleries at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum

###

 

Art in the Park in Northport Village

Mary Ahern Artist Posted on by

For years I’ve participated in the Northport Arts Coalition Art in the Park summer time event. This annual event features Music, Dance, Poetry and over 30 Artists and Artisans showing and selling their creative work.

Sponsored by the Northport Arts Coalition this event is one of the featured cultural events of the summer season. Held in the picturesque town of Northport in the Village Green at the foot of Main Street by the harbor. 

During the year you can call for a private studio tour to see and discuss my work.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me for an appointment!

2016-07-09-art-in-the-park-IMG_0743