Dan's Papers - June 22, 2007 - The Exquisite Works Of Cecily Pennoyer

The Hamptons is well known for lavish soirees, sandy beaches and rocky bays, beautiful people gracing the "Main Street" of each town, nightlife, art and galleries, delicious cuisine, and, of course, garden parties. Let's take it up a notch and combine some of these Hamptons highlights - well at least that's what occurred this past weekend.

Saturday, June 16 marked an exquisite garden party held at Ann Madonia Antiques in Southampton in honor of artist Cecily Pennoyer, creator of lightweight garden pots, urns and garden accessories. From 1 to 6 p.m. the public was treated to a sun-filled afternoon to admire Pennoyer's works with a garden as the backdrop. Not only were the guests visually pleased, but also enjoyed fine fare of wine, cheese and Pennoyer's homemade gazpacho. As stated by Virginia Newman of Pennoyer and Newman, LLC, "Out of Cecily's own garden, she made homemade gazpacho for the public in celebration." What is better than meeting an artist while eating her edible creation as well?

To really set the mood of the planning and dedication that went into this event, let's backtrack to the sources of both Ann Madonia Antiques (the garden and hosts) and Cecily Pennoyer (the honoree and artist).

Ann Madonia Antiques is located on Jobs Lane in the heart of Southampton, providing 18th and 19th century American and European treasures to its collectors and shoppers. Many of these furnishing and decorative items have made a home in the Hamptons, as they were originally a part of East End estates. The mother and daughter partnership between Ann and Susan Madonia gives the antique shop a lovely history of its own, as both women share such passion. Ann Madonia expressed her intent of hosting the garden party, "Cecily is the granddaughter of JP Morgan [some of her artwork is based upon the Morgan family's garden pots/estate] and has duplicated garden accessories and urns. This festivity is a celebration of Cecily's life accomplishments."

Pennoyer married JP Morgan's grandson and became affiliated with many philanthropic families including the Morgans, Fricks and Guggenheims. Upon visiting family estates, she took notice of their properties and garden accessories such as planters, vases, water troths and birdbaths. About fifteen years ago, Pennoyer decided to cast these famous families' garden accessories. Pennoyer discusses her concepts and production. "In some cases, we create sculptures in plasticine [clay] and mold it. [For instance] My friend from South Africa sculpted an otter that was placed on the edge of the birdbath that also included a turtle. Using a brush, 28 coats of rubber were applied to hold the object's shape. Once the mold is made, it's filled with stone resin." What Pennoyer explained is one approach to her casting method but she also directly casts from original lead based garden pots and accessories.

In order to produce portable yet indestructible, all weather pots and accessories for her clients, Pennoyer had to come up with a weight and material formula. "I needed to figure out how to make the pots at medium weight. If it's too heavy, it would be difficult to transport and if it's too light, they would blow away." Using resin mixed with cement, stone and/or marble, the molds are filled and cast. Proudly explaining one of her pots, Pennoyer has cast an original della Robbia amongst other Italian masterpieces.

Starting this process in her backyard's squash court in Locust Valley, she needed a bigger space to expand her craft as her pieces are in popular demand. Currently, her factory operates in the Bronx and in 2004 she gained a devoted business partner, Virginia Newman. Pennoyer and Newman, LLC pots and accessories are sold nationally and appear in many parks and properties of high-end clients.

Newman expresses gratitude, "It's wonderful that the Madonia's have known Cecily for a long time and are honoring her incredible works and her as person. Madonia Antiques is a great store." Samples of Pennoyer's works will be on display at Ann Madonia Antiques through the first of July. Garden pots and accessories range from $75 to $1,500 and can be ordered and shipped directly. It doesn't get better than this - to own your very own replica of famous works for affordable prices.

It's encouraged that all come out and enjoy the beauty of such creations, even if it's just for a look.

Ann Madonia Antiques is located at 36 Jobs Lane in Southampton. For more information call (631) 283-1878.