The Crazy Monkey Gallery
According to Yelp the Crazy Monkey Gallery is permanently closed.
The content below is from the site's 2009 -2014 archived pages offering a small sample of what the gallery offered.
P.O. Box 2147 Amagansett, New York 11930
Telephone: 917-526-2767
We are open from Thursday to Monday, 11 - 5pm
We are located at the western end of Amagansett Village off the small parking lot next to the Computer Store and One-Stop Pet Shop. Look for our sign above the Gallery.
Artists
Lance Corey |
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Art is my weapon of choice. Being Irish, Iroquois, and French Canadian: My values, my life-long love of history and learning; my politics, and my willingness to speak truth to power… these inform my art. A child of Merrick, LI; A graduate of Mepham High School; Running track and body surfing, playing baseball, ice hockey, rugby and boxing; Having been a Lifeguard and a broiler-man; artists’ model, bouncer, housecleaner/painter; gas station attendant and real estate agent; chauffer, butler and sewer man; Earning degrees in Communication Arts from Notre Dame ’71, Philosophy and Theology from Truman State ’76, and History and International Relations from Long Island University ’94; Winning Fulbright Scholarships to study in Egypt in ’88 and China in ’93; Teaching World History and Geography in NYC for 22 years; Taking 3 NYC students to live with the Maasai in Kenya for 2 weeks in 1990; Returning to Kenya to record their folk music and songs a month later…these all play a part. When I am asked in what style I paint, I say “It is my own!" I am not interested in refining my techniques but in painting from my gut, from my heart, and from my mind. It is my vocabulary giving form to my life experiences and insights. Primitive, raw, unschooled, self-taught but with purpose: To use my art as a weapon; to provoke and challenge my audience to think; To touch the common nerve that binds us all by exposing all for all to see and ponder. In looking into my art others will see themselves and they’ll see me: My demons, passions and missions in life are apparent in my art. I sold my first abstract painting of a New York City skyline for $10 when I was ten. By age 11 I was copying Rouault and Modigliani from photos my mother cut out from magazines like Better Homes & Gardens. I’ve been influenced by the Impressionists, the Post-Impressionists, the Fauvists, Matisse, Picasso, Jackson Pollock and the many other Abstract Expressionists. They opened the door for my Neo-Primitivism. I’ve been called an intellectual artist. One thing people say about my art is that my art has something to say. My paintings can be found in Norway and Spain and a few scattered here and there in the US. I sent 5 paintings to the infamous American Painters in Paris Exhibition of 1975-76, and I have spent the past 37+ years trying to get justice for the hundreds of artists victimized in that fraud. A Firehouse Gallery Purchase Award selected by Esteban Vicente put one of my Paris paintings in the VP’s office at Nassau Community College in 1976. I showed on the streets of Greenwich Village and Bridgehampton in 1977. A WLIW-TV auction benefited from the 1982 sale of my piece Song for Ulla. CUNY showed The Prisoner in their 1984 Art Against Apartheid Exhibition. I performed Guerilla Art in 1980, 1989, 2001, and 2002 at the Cultural Services Building of the French Embassy on 5th Avenue in NYC (across from the Met) to acknowledge the involvement of the French Government in the aforementioned Paris Exhibition. Future performances are being planned. I started exhibiting my paintings and drawings again in 2009. |
June Kaplan |
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Dreamscapes reflect a direct passage into my turbulent emotional nature. The acceptance of life as a gift, to sense the world as i wish to see it are thematic in my work. My paintings evolve to a place i imagine-bringing order through abstraction. The mind is a wonderful tool to paint-pictures translate with trial and error-the best effects are from the unexpected so i give the line some play to catch something startling or gentle trying not to overwork it where the glimmer goes away. My life as in my paintings becomes an experimental expression of love and liberty.
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Events & Openings |
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We open a new exhibition every month with 1-3 featured artists Please check back regularly- or better yet stop by the Gallery - to see what's new. Jan|Feb|Mar|Apr|May|Jun|Jul (A)|July (B)|Aug|Sep|Oct|Nov|Dec
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September 2013Opening Reception August 29th - September 29th |
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October 2013Opening Reception Saturday October 5th 5-7pm Featuring June Kaplan Lance Corey with Andrea McCafferty Daniel Schoenheimer Jana Hayden Barbara Bilotta Ellyn Tucker Mark Zimmerman Bobbie Braun Beth O'Donnell Melissa Hins Anna Franklin October 3rd - October 27th |
November 2013
Opening Reception Saturday November 2nd 5-7pm Featuring Jim and Jana Hayden Guest Artist Lenore Bailey with Andrea McCafferty Daniel Schoenheimer Barbara Bilotta June Kaplan Bob Tucker Mark Zimmerman Bobbie Braun Lance Corey Beth O'Donnell Melissa Hins Beth Barry Dinae Marx Sheila Rotner November 1st - December 1st |
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December 2013 Small Works Show Opening Reception Saturday December 7th 5-7pm Featuring Joyce Silver with Andrea McCafferty Daniel Schoenheimer Jana Hayden Jim Hayden Barbara Bilotta June Kaplan Ellyn Tucker Bob Tucker Mark Zimmerman Bobbie Braun Lance Corey Beth O'Donnell Melissa Hin Anna Franklin December 6th - December 29th |
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January 2014
Opening Reception Saturday 5-7pm Fourth Annual Salon des Refuses Nudes Gallery Members and Guest Artists Viewer Discretion Advised Some work is unsuitable for under 18's |
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February 2013
Febraury 2014 Art Competition you be the judge... Our members will each hang a piece of their artwork and the public is invited to come in and vote for: Best in Show... Most Original... Most Thought Provoking... |
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March 2014 |
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April 2014
Opening Reception Saturday 5-7pm Featuring TBA |
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May 2014
Opening Reception Saturday 5-7pm Featuring TBA |
NOTE: Beginning May 22nd Gallery hours will be |
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June 2014 |
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July (A) 2014 |
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July (B) 2014 |
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August 2014 |
Keep up with the changes -
Please come back again soon...
More Background on The Crazy Monkey Gallery
The Crazy Monkey Gallery was a notable fixture in Amagansett, New York, and played a significant role in the East End art scene for over a decade. Known for its cooperative model, diverse exhibitions, and community engagement, the gallery left a lasting legacy in the Hamptons and beyond. This article provides an in-depth look at the gallery’s history, ownership, location, mission, notable artists, exhibitions, awards, press coverage, audience, and cultural significance.
Location and Setting
The Crazy Monkey Gallery was located at 136 Main Street, Amagansett, NY 11930, in the heart of the Hamptons. Amagansett, a hamlet within the Town of East Hampton, is renowned for its artistic heritage and proximity to other cultural landmarks. The gallery’s Main Street address placed it within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and other galleries, making it easily accessible to both residents and visitors.
Ownership and Founding
The gallery was founded by Andrea McCafferty in 2000. Initially, it operated as a fair trade boutique, selling artisan works from around the world and pioneering the concept on the East End. Within a few years, the gallery evolved to focus on local artists, eventually transforming into a cooperative fine art gallery. In November 2004, it reopened as the first co-operative fine art gallery in the Hamptons, with a rotating membership of up to 24 artists.
Andrea McCafferty’s leadership was instrumental in shaping the gallery’s direction. She later partnered with Sally Breen and Daniel Schoenheimer to open The White Room Gallery in Bridgehampton, continuing the cooperative spirit established at Crazy Monkey.
Mission and Goals
The Crazy Monkey Gallery’s mission centered on providing a platform for local artists and fostering a sense of community among creators and art lovers. As a cooperative, it aimed to:
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Offer exhibition opportunities to emerging and established artists.
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Encourage artistic experimentation and diversity of styles.
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Engage the public through interactive events, competitions, and educational programs.
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Promote the cultural vibrancy of Amagansett and the greater Hamptons region.
Gallery Model: The Cooperative Approach
Unlike traditional commercial galleries, Crazy Monkey operated as a cooperative. This meant that artists collectively managed the gallery, shared responsibilities, and contributed to decision-making. The cooperative model fostered a sense of ownership and collaboration, allowing artists to curate exhibitions, organize events, and support each other’s creative endeavors.
Notable Artists and Exhibitions
The gallery showcased a wide range of artists, both emerging and established, from the East End and beyond. Its membership included painters, sculptors, photographers, and mixed-media artists. Notable members included Andrea McCafferty, Sally Breen, Daniel Schoenheimer, and others who later became prominent figures in the local art community.
Exhibitions at the Crazy Monkey Gallery were known for their diversity and innovation. The gallery hosted monthly shows, group exhibitions, solo artist features, and themed competitions. These events often included opening receptions, artist talks, and interactive components that encouraged public participation.
Awards and Recognition
The Crazy Monkey Gallery received recognition for its contributions to the arts in the Hamptons. It was frequently mentioned in local press and art publications for its innovative approach and commitment to supporting artists. The gallery’s annual art competitions and juried shows attracted attention from critics and collectors, further establishing its reputation as a hub for creative talent.
Press and Media Coverage
The gallery was featured in various local and regional publications, including The East Hampton Star, Dan’s Papers, and Hamptons Art Hub. Articles highlighted the gallery’s unique cooperative model, its role in revitalizing the Amagansett art scene, and its impact on the careers of local artists. Media coverage often focused on the gallery’s exhibitions, special events, and the sense of community it fostered among artists and patrons.
Audience and Community Engagement
The Crazy Monkey Gallery attracted a diverse audience, including local residents, seasonal visitors, art collectors, and tourists. Its accessible location and welcoming atmosphere made it a popular destination for art enthusiasts of all ages. The gallery’s events, such as opening receptions and public voting competitions, encouraged community involvement and fostered connections between artists and the public.
Cultural and Social Significance
The gallery played a vital role in the cultural life of Amagansett and the greater Hamptons region. By providing a platform for local artists and promoting artistic collaboration, it contributed to the area’s reputation as a center for creativity and innovation. The cooperative model served as an inspiration for other galleries and arts organizations, demonstrating the value of artist-led initiatives in building vibrant cultural communities.
History and Legacy
The Crazy Monkey Gallery’s history reflects the evolution of the East End art scene. From its beginnings as a fair trade boutique to its transformation into a cooperative gallery, it adapted to the changing needs of artists and the community. The gallery’s closure marked the end of an era, but its legacy lives on through the artists it supported and the cooperative spirit it inspired.
Many former members of the Crazy Monkey Gallery went on to achieve success in the art world, exhibiting their work in other galleries and continuing to contribute to the cultural life of the Hamptons. The gallery’s influence can be seen in the ongoing popularity of cooperative and artist-run spaces in the region.
Details, Insights, and Examples
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Monthly Exhibitions: The gallery’s schedule featured monthly exhibitions, each with a unique theme or focus. These shows provided opportunities for artists to experiment with new ideas and for the public to experience a wide range of artistic styles.
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Art Competitions: Annual and seasonal art competitions invited the public to vote for their favorite works, fostering engagement and giving artists valuable feedback.
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Community Events: The gallery hosted workshops, artist talks, and collaborative projects that encouraged learning and dialogue among artists and visitors.
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Collaborative Spirit: The cooperative model encouraged artists to share resources, knowledge, and support, creating a nurturing environment for creative growth.
The Crazy Monkey Gallery was more than just an art space; it was a community hub that nurtured creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Its cooperative model, diverse exhibitions, and commitment to supporting local artists made it a beloved institution in Amagansett and the Hamptons. Although the gallery is no longer active, its legacy endures in the vibrant art scene it helped to cultivate and the many artists whose careers it helped launch.