Author and fine art photographer Xiomaro will be presenting an illustrated talk about his photo/history book Weir Farm National Historic Site (Arcadia Publishing) on Wednesday, November 13, 7:30 pm, for the Patchogue Arts Council Photographers Group at the Brickhouse Brewery in Patchogue, Long Island. The book features his fine art photography and is the first to tell the story of the historic site’s rescue from residential development to its establishment as a national park. The foreword was written by Senator Joseph I. Lieberman who introduced legislation in 1990 to federally protect Weir Farm. The book also celebrates Weir Farm as Connecticut’s first national park, which will be commemorated on the reverse of the 2020 US quarter. The author will give an overview of his work – which ranges from other National Park sites to street photography – as well as his smartphone workshops, upcoming books, and other projects. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase.
In addition, a select number of his fine art photographs will be on display and prizes will be given away. The large photographic prints, measuring 17″ x 25,” offer immersive and detailed views of Weir’s studio, his brushes, his home, and the landscape. The photographs have been widely circulated throughout Connecticut, Washington, DC, and Utah at venues such as the Hart Senate Office Building, the Capitol building in Hartford, the offices of Congressman Jim Himes, and the Stamford Mayor’s office.
During the talk, Xiomaro will show the stunning transformation that the historical buildings at Weir Farm, in Connecticut, have undergone during the restoration process and give behind-the-scenes insights that go beyond the book’s pages. In the book, Xiomaro – who is the Visiting Artist at Weir Farm and an alumnus of its Artist-in-Residence program – tells the story of Julian Alden Weir (1852–1919), a leading innovator of American Impressionist painting, and chronicles his farm’s rescue from residential development to its establishment as a park. The farm’s landscape inspired countless masterpieces created by Weir, his famous painter-friends, two subsequent generations of artist-owners, and contemporary artists who continue to create at the park. The book’s historical narrative unfolds with well over 100 photographs, most of which were created by Xiomaro under commissions from the National Park Service.
Weir Farm, Connecticut’s first national park and the only one in the nation dedicated to painting, will be commemorated on the reverse of the 2020 quarter as part of the US Mint’s “America the Beautiful” series. The Mint’s website says the series “captures the breathtaking beauty of America’s natural landscapes that have inspired countless poets, adventurers, and artists. Today, these hallowed sites are… enshrined” through the quarters designed by the Mint.
Xiomaro (pronounced “SEE-oh-MAH-ro”) is an internationally recognized artist and speaker whose photography has been covered by The New York Times, CBS Eyewitness News, News 12, Newsday, The Boston Globe, and Fine Art Connoisseur. His work has been exhibited at Harvard University, the Long Island Museum, the Patchogue Ferry Terminal, Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library, as well as galleries and public spaces.
The book was released internationally by Arcadia Publishing as part of its Images of Modern America series, which the company website describes as uncovering “amazing aspects of American history that are all too often overlooked by standard texts” and “filled with expertly penned content and stunning full-color images.” Arcadia, based in Charleston, South Carolina, is the leading publisher of local and regional books in the United States with a library of more than 14,000 titles.
The Patchogue Arts Council Photographers Group meets at the Shand Loft of the Brickhouse Brewery, 67 West Main Street, Patchogue, Long Island. The event takes place on Wednesday, November 13, 7:30 pm. For more information, contact the Group (631) 627-8686 or visit www.xiomaro.com.
Xiomaro does not endorse any advertisements that may appear anywhere on this page.
Xio's Xcribble 
Congratulations, Richard.
Thanks Sapna!