FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Historic Richmond Town Opens NEW Exhibition with works by Ann Marie McDonnell

Staten Island, New York: On DECEMBER 5, 2021, Historic Richmond Town is pleased to present artist Ann Marie McDonnell’s exhibition, “Art Inspired by the Collection,” original artwork displayed alongside objects and art in Historic Richmond Town’s current exhibitions as well as objects and art selected by McDonnell from the museum’s collection.  

Originally planned for installation before the pandemic, the exhibition will explore how a visual artist reflects upon and relates to the objects and art in the collection. “As an artist, I often admire well designed and seemingly simple yet beautiful objects which we use every day,” says McDonnell. “The collection at Historic Richmondtown is filled with many of these objects. I have chosen both traditional art and objects to give viewers a window into my thought process with the hope that they will look closely and appreciate the human ingenuity of craft and art.”

Throughout her career, McDonnell’s work has concentrated on the relevance of history through a personal lens. Historic Richmond Town’s Collections Manager, Carli DeFillo, is excited for visitors to see the exhibitions through her eyes: "From portrait paintings to postcards to everyday objects such as a baby's high chair, each item in our collection invites visitors to engage with history, human experiences, and to spark new ideas. It's exciting to see a contemporary artist's works alongside the art and objects whose stories inspired her to make them."

The artwork will be dispersed throughout the first floor along with the current exhibitions, and three additional cultural objects and art will be part of a smaller exhibition, titled “In the Pink” in reference to the pandemic and its aftermath. McDonnell selected the objects and art with “pink” in the description as we struggle to regain our health and community. 

The exhibition will remain on view until March 6, 2022 and is made possible (in part) by a DCA Art Fund Grant from Staten Island Arts, with public funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. 

For more information, visit our website or call 718-351-1611 x272.