Art show canceled but Shinnecock painter, 92, displays her work, talks process
Gloria Smith, 92, a painter and a member of Shinnecock Indian Nation, said her work keeps her active, including on a snowy days like Sunday. Credit: Newsday/Mark Harrington
Even though the worst of the snowstorm had yet to arrive by Sunday afternoon, anticipation of the blizzard had an affect on cultural events.
In Southampton Village, a two-month showing of the paintings of Gloria Smith at the Southampton Culture Center was to conclude with a reception Sunday afternoon. The event was canceled but Smith, 92, a member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, had some of the paintings on display in her studio on the Shinnecock Nation territory.
Surrounded by her son, Germain Smith, a former trustee of the Nation, and two granddaughters, she described how art has always had a place in her life, painting flowers as a young girl and taking up painting full time when she retired in her 80s.
As the wind picked up around her studio Sunday, Gloria Smith discussed how native themes and culture are a part of all her work, and how she's inspired and taken inspiration from her children and grandchildren. The work keeps her active, including on snowy days.
"Most people my age they don't think about doing anything except sitting in a chair," she said.
Mark Harrington, a Newsday reporter since 1999, covers energy, wineries, Indian affairs and fisheries.
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