Painting donated by artist Jane Wilson

Sag Harbor — Fountain Gallery, the premiere venue in New York City representing artists with mental illness, held its Second Annual “Art on the Waterfront: East End Artists Supporting Artists With Mental Illness,” on Saturday, July 30, 2011, at the home of Richard Demato and Harriet Sawyer in North Haven. More than 50 original artworks by Fountain Gallery artists were displayed and available for sale, with all proceeds to benefit the Gallery.

The magical evening is a majestic setting was also accompanied by a live jazz band with vocals and a full dinner. Many of the artists from Fountain House were in attendance at Saturday’s event, to receive their just recognition for works that ranged from obviously deeply personal memories, to whimsical and delightful works portraying much lighter content. Local Hamptons artists attended to show their support for the what the Gallery has accomplished, but most particularly what these artists have accomplished.

“It is our great pleasure to support Fountain Gallery’s important work of presenting quality art by artists living with mental illness and to bring this art to a new audience,” said Demato, owner of the Richard Demato Fine Arts Gallery in Sag Harbor. “We are grateful for the participation of East End artists and all who have come forth to make this a event a success.”

Richard Demato, along with his wife Harriet Sawyer, once again hosted the Fountain House benefit at their beautiful home in North Haven

Demato and his wife, painter Harriet Sawyer, established “Art on the Waterfront” in 2010 and have been supporters of Fountain Gallery’s parent organization, Fountain House, for more than 20 years. Joining them on the Host Committee were Ruth Appelhof, Gary Adamek, Scott Asen, Catherine Danner, Richard and Gina Decker, Daria Deshuk, Christine Keefe, Judy and Michael McDowell, Mark Seidenfeld, Victoria Selbach, Bonnie and Jay Stockwell, and Sidney Talisman.

When addressing Saturday’s gathering, Demato became quite emotional revealing “Fountain House has taken care of my wife’s sister for many, many years, and without that resource her quality of life would have suffered terribly.”

Photographer John Jonas Gruen also donated works, and encouraged and applauded the Fountain Gallery artists

Silent Auction items featured original works by the photographer John Jonas Gruen and his wife, painter Jane Wilson, longtime summer residents of Water Mill, who acted as the Honorary Chairs of “Art on the Waterfront” as well. The artists donated their work to benefit Fountain Gallery, including Gruen’s 1960s portraits of Willem de Kooning and Jasper Johns, and Wilson’s 2002 oil on linen painting “Flying Clouds.” The Silent Auction will remain open for bids through August 5 at 7 p.m. ET.

Gruen also addressed the guests and applauded the bravery of the participating artists to “bring your work forth to be viewed.” One of the participating artist spoke to the guests about the opportunity the Fountain Gallery has given him to become, pursue and be recognized as an artist.

This special evening brought all artists and supporters together to cherish not only what the heart and mind are capable of — but what the imagination and hands can achieve.

Many of the works sold on Saturday, however, the auction will continue through August 5.

Kenneth J. Dudek, President Of Fountain House also addressed the crowd

About Fountain Gallery
Founded by Fountain House in 2000 as a not-for-profit exhibition space for artists living and working with mental illness, Fountain Gallery sells original artworks and collaborates with a wide network of artists, curators and cultural institutions. Embracing artists who are emerging or established, trained or self-taught, Fountain Gallery cultivates artistic growth and makes a vital contribution to the New York arts community. Agnes Gund, President Emerita of The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has praised the Gallery as “a place where you can view fine works of art made by a group of excellent artists.” Fountain Gallery is located at 702 Ninth Avenue at 48th Street, NYC 10019, 212-262-2756.

About Fountain House
Fountain House is one of the world’s leading mental health models, providing employment, education, and housing opportunities to people living with serious mental illness. This successful model has been replicated by hundreds of Fountain House programs serving tens of thousands of people worldwide.