Who says Key West isn't as dog friendly as it use to be? Island dogs are cordially invited to bring their owners to the new Stephen Huneck Gallery to meet the internationally-known, dog-loving Vermont artist, on Sat., March 11 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Complimentary dog treats will be served.
The event will introduce to Key West Huneck's woodcuts, sculptures and art furniture as well as his new book "Sally Goes to the Beach," which Huneck will be on hand to sign. The book, a compilation of woodcuts, tells the story of Sally, Huneck's black Lab, and how she copes with her first trip to the beach.
"In my art, Sally represents a mixture of playfulness, unconditional love and wonder for the world," says Huneck, who wrote the book to convey an openness and optimism about change.
The Stephen Huneck Gallery, located at 218 Whitehead St. (across from the Audubon House) is one of several Huneck galleries in the U.S. There are Stephen Huneck galleries in Woodstock, VT; Martha's Vineyard; Greenwich, CT and Santa Fe.
The works of the prolific artist reflect his playful, yet reverent take on dogs with a simplicity that is subtly humorous. Huneck, who recently recovered from a life-threatening disease, has found new inspiration in celebrating the spiritual bond between dogs and people. In fact, he has erected a dog chapel on his 60-acre mountain-top Vermont farm, aptly named Dog Mountain, where canine visitors and their owners are welcome to romp and revel in the beauty of the rolling hills and pay their respects at the chapel, which Huneck designed to resemble a small village church in the 1820s. The chapel's stained glass feature Sally and the steeple is mounted with a sculpture of a winged Sally.
Dogs, says Huneck, don't really need a chapel, but we do to remind ourselves what powerful spiritual entities they are. "Before my illness, I was primarily a sculptor and had done a few woodcuts," says Huneck. "I told my wife about a series of woodcuts I was thinking about doing about Sally. . . she frequently spoke to me about them while I was still in a coma." Huneck says the ideas were percolating in his brain during that dark period and probably helped pull him through.
"I wanted to express my new joy for life, the pure love I felt, and all with a dose of humor." Huneck's Key West gallery —owned and operated by island newcomers David and Debbie Barry— offers a wide-selection of Huneck's works. Pieces range from an affordable "Good Dog/Bad Dog" photo album for $10.95, to a beautifully carved red birch curio for about $9,000. A large selection of woodcut prints are available at $495, and framed lithographs range from $95 to $150.
Several pieces of Huneck's carved furniture are on exhibit. A tiered chest of drawers with carved fish sculptures on the drawers goes for around $5,000. A carved side table goes for $2,000.
Huneck's creations speak to the masses— especially those who have bonded with the canine beast we dare to call our best friend.
Info: 295-7616.