Dan's Papers - May 1, 2009 - Exploring Art Galleries with Mom

I've never really bought into the flurry of cards, flowers and candy that tends to define Mother's Day, and perhaps this is why I've found myself in the doghouse on more than one occasion. Nevertheless, I think it's important to look beyond the commercial ways of expressing filial devotion, and, if we need a designated day to appreciate our mothers, try something a little more personalized. My mother happens to be a gifted artist, and I find myself stumbling along in this pursuit as well, so for this Mother's Day I've outlined a few East End art outings, complete with coffee and scone breaks. You don't have to be an artist to appreciate these excursions, just someone who wants to spend time with your mother in an unconventional way. Some flowers probably wouldn't hurt though.

The Bridgehampton Historical Society is currently showing an artist whose work I find particularly relevant to the celebration of motherhood. Folk artist Jeanelle Myers is exhibiting some of her handmade dolls until June 6. Dispel any conjured up images of sweet, blinking baby dolls. Much of Myers' work focuses on the archetypal and the primal, and despite the protest of Simone de Beauvoir, my experience with mothers has been nothing if not primal. Myers' dolls have a fanciful, aboriginal quality, as if she's created her own ancestral tribe. There is something strong and powerful about the collection on display at BHHS that I can't help but associate with motherhood. The Historical Society is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. So stop by Friday afternoon for a head start on Mother's Day festivities. It is located at 2368 Montauk Highway in the old Corwith homestead.

Another sure bet is the Parrish Art Museum in Southampton. The current exhibition, "Mixed Greens," featuring work by several East End artists chosen by other East End artists, has something for everyone. Whether your passion tends toward the more abstract or you prefer its extreme counterpart, photo-realism, you'll find something that interests you. Even if your interests don't enter the realm of art at all, you'll find something you can talk about with Peter Dayton's surfboards. For me, the most enjoyable thing about these group exhibitions is the conversation they incite, whether it's friendly passing comments or heated debate. If the debate ends up becoming too heated, there is always the beautiful outdoor sculpture garden for cooling down. I find it difficult to get worked up over neo-classical sculpture, but I could be alone in this. The Parrish is open Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. It is located on Job's Lane.

If you desire a more traditional celebration of spring and rejuvenation, Tulla Booth Photo Gallery in Sag Harbor may have what you're looking for. Its "Spring Preview" features artists with upcoming summer shows at Tulla Booth until May 18. The lush photographs on display convey a deep respect and sense of awe for nature in its many guises. The gallery is open Friday to Monday 12:30 to 7 p.m. and is located on Main St. across from The American Hotel. Java Nation is only a short walk away, with specialty coffees and sweets. It should be easy to sniff out if you're there when they're roasting coffee beans.

Pamela Williams Gallery in Amagansett is my last and farthest east recommendation. Mother's Day is the last day of its "Dog and Pony Show," which explores this seemingly simplistic theme from a variety of different psychological and compositional angles. The gallery is open Friday through Monday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 167 Main St. When you've had your fill of visual sustenance I would suggest Mary's Marvelous down the street for more tangible nourishment. It's a friendly place with cookies, just like mother used to make.