On view

The region’s museums are ready to welcome spring with exhibits that will renew and refresh our spirits. Here’s a sampling of what’s on view.

‘Kenny Scharf’ at Nassau at County Museum of Art
It’s sure to be a lively scene throughout Nassau County Museum of Art’s exhibit space when the museum unveils the vibrant works of the self-proclaimed “Pop Surrealist” next week. “Kenny Scharf,” which opens on March 19 and runs through July 10, showcases major paintings and sculptures from throughout Scharf’s multi-faceted career.
Emerging with New York City’s graffiti and street art movement of the 1980s, Scharf is known for his vibrantly colorful large-scale paintings and exuberantly playful installations. His imagery draws upon pop icons, media advertising and consumer culture of the 1960s, including TV cartoon characters such as the Flintstones and the Jetsons.
“This exhibit is going to be much fun,” says Karl E. Willers, the museum’s director, who organized it with his curatorial staff. “This is the first time that these works have been seen here and we are very excited about sharing this special look at Scharf’s work.”
What makes this installation particularly appealing, according to Willers, is that it recreates Scharf’s famed Cosmic Cavern and his former Brooklyn studio, complete with spattered walls, painted furniture and other workspace ephemera.
“The Cosmic Cavern, the underground space he created for himself in his studio basement and used as an underground club space was a distinctive part of the underground scene,” says Willers. “We were given access to it through a member of our Contemporary Collector’s Circle, and packed up its contents and moved it here. It has a wonderful Dayglo interior, jam packed with all sorts of objects that are lit by blacklight. It’s quite something. Along with that we’ve recreated a vignette of his painting studio.”
The result is a fascinating glimpse into Scharf’s world and that of his contemporaries who propelled the ‘80s street art movement into prominence in the cultural landscape.
The other major component of the exhibit is the expansive mural Pop Renaisssance, which occupies the entire four wall perimeter of its alloted gallery space. Bronze sculptures — 14 in all — are also featured in the exhibit.
As always, NCMA will offer related programming to enhance the viewing experience. Museum docent Riva Ettus presents lunchtime talks on Scharf and his career on April 14, May 12 and June 9. And visitors can see Scharf in action on June 19 when he paints a new outdoor mural for the future Manes Family Art & Education Center on the museum’s grounds.
Also, during the duration of the exhibit, the artist’s vibrant and imaginative works serve as inspiration for family and children’s programs, including the weekly Family Sundays, as well as Nature + Kids = Art on April 17, Spring Break for Art on April 26-28, and a summer picnic party on June 26.
A companion exhibition, “Glamorous Graffiti,” also opening March 19, looks at the work of Scharf’s contemporaries. Including a 1988 portfolio of five silk-screened prints by Keith Haring, a range of graffiti styles are explored through the work of Jean Michel Basquiat, Lee Quiñones, Crash, Futura 2000, and Toxic, among others. Films documenting early ‘80s urban culture are also featured. Artists A-One, Daze, Dondi, Koor, Lady Pink, Noc, Richard Hambleton and Rammellzee appear in the films “Downtown 81” by Edo Bertoglio, “Wild Style” by Charlie Ahearn and “Style Wars” by Henry Chalfant and Tony Silver.
“Kenny is right up there with Basquiat and Haring,” Willers adds. “Now that he is the premiere living participant in the graffiti movement and hip-hop culture, his works take on an even greater significance. And our comparison show upstairs provides a terrific contrast, along with the films that show artists at work. We expect that this will be an exciting experience for our viewers.”

A perspective on print at Hofstra University
The Hofstra University Museum offers visitors a glimpse of the printmaking process in its latest exhibition, “In Print, now on view through Sept. 18 in its David Filderman Gallery. This exhibit explores six centuries of art prints and processes, reflecting technological advancements and varying creative approaches.
It highlights the breadth and depth of the Hofstra University’s art collection, featuring works from the 16th-21st centuries. Artists represented include Albrecht Dürer, Francisco de Goya, Helen Frankenthaler, Henry Moore, Robert Rauschenberg, Alison Saar, David Shapiro, Joan Snyder, and Andy Warhol, among others. They represent the full range of techniques that emerged over the centuries: early woodblock prints, engravings and etchings to lithographs, monoprints, screenprints and digital prints. 
“This exhibit gives audiences a rare opportunity to view and consider six centuries of differing artistic techniques made possible not only by changing technology but also evolving creative processes,” says Executive Director Beth Levinthal.
Related programming includes the Global Explorations for Adults series next Friday, March 18, 2-3:30 p.m. Karen Albert, Hofstra University Museum’s associate director, who curated the exhibit, will discuss technology’s impact on fine art printmaking through the centuries.
The museum’s other exhibit space, its Emily Lowe Gallery, gives visitors a rare opportunity to explore 25 ethnic cultures across western and central Africa in “AFRICA: Sub-Saharan Diversity,” through Aug. 12. Themes of the exhibition, also curated by Albert, focus on “protection,” “prestige,” and “masquerade.” The works include carved masks, weapons, wooden sculptures, jewelry and textiles — some of which have never before been available for public viewing.
“The growing African collection of the museum provides outstanding examples of late 19th and early 20th century objects showcasing the cultural practices of the Sub-Saharan regions,” Levinthal remarks.
As part of the exhibit’s related programming, kids and their adult companions cam explore objects on view and then engage in a hands-on activity inspired by their gallery experiences, during this weekend’s Second Saturdays at the HUM, Layer It!, on March 12, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Next month, HUM’s Collection Manager Kristy L. Caratzola leads an installment of the Global Explorations for Adults series, prompting closer examination of works in the exhibition, April 15, 2-3 p.m.

Selected works of Mary Ann Petry at Molloy College
Mary Ann Petry, a Molly College art faculty member from 1962-1973, is the subject of an in-depth study at Molloy College’s Kaiser Art Gallery.
The exhibit, opening March 10, is part of Molloy’s 60th anniversary celebration. It showcases the varied aspects of Petry’s career, including woodcuts, etchings and lithographs, as well as paintings. Petry, a former art faculty chairperson, was a mentor to many students at Molloy and has had her work exhibited regularly throughout the region. The show is augmented with photographs of Petry working in the art department and with students on campus.
The community is invited to participate in the exhibit’s opening day reception, 3-6 p.m., at the gallery space in Molloy’s Public Square.