Local Artist Brings Local Flavor to Huntington Library

When patrons of the Huntington Public Library head into its art gallery, they will be met with an array of abstract landscape paintings by artist Gretchen Fuss. The Huntington resident, who has been painting for a living for the past four years and moved here from Philadelphia two years ago, said she found herself feeling right at home almost immediately.

"I found an art community within a week as well as a studio at Yankee Peddler," Fuss said. "I'm inspired by the community around me."

Fuss's paintings are bright and multidimensional. Fuss said each acrylic on canvas was built up, and sanded down, and then built up again to bring depth into the pieces. She explained that her paintings on display in the Huntington Public Library Art Gallery until Aug. 30 were inspired by Huntington and her surroundings.

"The painting of the lavenders is a direct view of my backyard," said Fuss, of a painting appropriately titled "My Backyard." "I have waist-high lavender growing outside my house."

Earlier this month, local fans got a chance to meet the artist and had the opportunity to purchase some of her paintings.

Lynne Dhyne who said she had seen Fuss's paintings in the art gallery while taking a knitting class in the library's basement, said "My Backyard" was her favorite. "I just gasped when I saw her paintings," Dhyne said. "I just had to bring my husband to see them himself. The vibrant colors she uses and the impressionism are just beautiful."

For Maureen and Trevor Casey, the two paintings of poppies were their favorites.

"We saw a flier for Gretchen's work and had to come see it for ourselves," Maureen said.

Trevor added that he feels the library's art gallery is a unique way to connect with local artists. "It brings real artists right into your neighborhood," he said.