Art Exhibit: The Busy Brush

An Array of Subjects and Media by Susie Gach Peelle

Art may or may not imitate life, but a life lived in energetic pursuit of education, travel, and new experiences certainly inspires art. Born in Budapest, Hungary, into a family of internationally known sculptors and painters, Susie Gach Peelle has lived in Beirut, studied in Austria, taught in Mexico, and paints anything, anywhere. A sample of her paintings will be on display during regular business hours at the Cold Spring Harbor & Environmental Center from November 1 through December 1. All are invited to a reception with the artist on Saturday, November 9 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Currently residing in Locust Valley, Peelle has been described as almost literally being “born with a paintbrush in her hand.”  Granddaughter of Hungarian sculptor Steven Gach and daughter of Hungarian/American sculptor/painter George Gach (whose sculpture graces the grounds of the Cold Spring Harbor Library), she has been surrounded by artistic work ever since she could remember and finds inspiration everywhere she looks. “I find delight and challenge in representing a broad spectrum of subject matter in my artwork, as well as utilizing several media types to enhance my forms of expression,” says Peelle. “Each new piece expands my learning and becomes a part of my life.”

Generally painting in the Impressionistic or Realistic style, Peelle’s subjects vary greatly. She frequently explores a selected theme and then paints or draws similar scenes in different media. She has painted portraits, nudes, landscapes, beach scenes, architecture, street scenes, book illustrations, and greeting cards both recreationally and professionally. Her clients include the Bronx Zoo Society, UNICEF, New Woman Magazine, Princeton University, C.W. Post College, WABC-TV, and a multitude of private clients.

Named a “Woman of Distinction in the Arts” by the Town of Oyster Bay in 2013, Peelle currently teaches at the Art League of Long Island in Dix Hills. She works in oil, acrylic, pastel, lead, conté, ink, gouache, graphics, and mosaics and has exhibited at The Capitol, the United Nations Plaza, Lincoln Center, the Nassau County Museum of Art, and the Parrish Art Museum, as well as in galleries in Mexico and New York City. The exhibit at the Cold Spring Harbor Library & Environmental Center is her latest on Long Island.

The mission of the Cold Spring Harbor Library & Environmental Center is to serve and promote the informational, cultural, educational, and recreational needs of our residents. Additionally, we offer many exciting programs that are open to all. The Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at www.cshlibrary.org/friends-foundation.

For Library hours and more information, call 631-692-6820 x200 or visit www.cshlibrary.org.