Fountain Gallery, the premier venue in New York City representing artists with mental illness, held its 2nd Annual “Art on the Waterfront: East End Artists Supporting Artists With Mental Illness,” on July 30th, 2011.

It was held at the Sag Harbor home of Richard Demato and [link2post id=”164″]Harriet Sawyer[/link2post]. More than 50 original artworks by Fountain Gallery artists were displayed for sale, with proceeds benefiting the Gallery.

Against an enchanting backdrop of lush lawns and majestic porches arrayed with original art, guests enjoyed cocktails and fine food accompanied by mellow live music. The weather was glorious, and the bay shimmered with light until sundown’s final blaze of orange-pink glory. Fountain Gallery artists were on hand to discuss their work with guests.

Demato, owner of the Richard J. Demato Fine Arts Gallery in Sag Harbor, and his wife, the 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 and Gary Adamek, Scott Asen, Catherine Danner, Richard and Gina Decker, [link2post id=”55″]Daria Deshuk[/link2post], [link2post id=”154″]Christine Keefe[/link2post], Debra Kusnetz, Judy and Michael McDowell, Mark Seidenfeld, [link2post id=”115″]Victoria Selbach[/link2post], Bonnie and Jay Stockwell, and Sidney Talisman.

A Silent Auction featured original works by the photographer John Jonas Gruen and his wife, the painter Jane Wilson, longtime summer residents of Water Mill. They served as Honorary Chairs of the event and donated their work to benefit 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 in New York City. Works by Gallery artists may be viewed at: www.fountaingallerynyc.com.