ART OPENING for "Ernesto F. Costa: Shinnecock Hills Painter"

 Ernesto F. Costa (1926-2005) lived in Shinnecock Hills and painted his friends and surroundings in a highly styled manner that leaves the viewer with a feeling of delight. A book on his life and work has recently been published by his wife Judith Ann Costa.

Born in Brooklyn in 1923, he developed a talent in art early in childhood by winning awards in exhibits in Lincoln High School. He became a member of the Lincoln Art Squad and worked with noted artists Alexander Calder and Jacque Lipschitz. He attended Black Mountain College, headed by Hans Hoffman, and earned a degree from Pratt Institute. His first job was in the art department at Conde Nast and went on to be Art Director and a Vice President at Grey Advertising.

Mr. Costa's artwork has been on exhibit at the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts, Brooklyn Museum, Grace Gallery, National Art League, Parrish Art Museum and many others. During his career he was a recipient of many art awards for advertising design and fine art. He maintained studios and homes for many decades in both New York City and Shinnecock Hills.

The exhibit takes place at the Rogers Mansion, a property of the Southampton Historical Museum, located at 17 Meeting House Lane in Southampton. It will be on exhibit  January 22 to April 30, 2011. The Rogers Mansion is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 am to 4 pm. Admission is $4 adults, free for members and children 17 and under. For more information call 283-2494 or info@southamptonhistoricalmuseum.org