Our Town: Art and Soul Gallery

I have driven by Art and Soul countless times during the past few years.  It's one of those businesses that has made a strong presence on the small main street of Eastport.  Because, as everyone knows, a town with an art studio, is a town that has culture... it's a town that appreciates the beauty and creativity of life. 

As I walked into the studio, Frank Latorre, gallery owner and local artist, was sitting in front of one of his abstract works of art, strumming a heartfelt tune on his guitar.  As we talked, I learned that Frank has been an artist for 45 years.  He specializes in paintings and has also produced many of our local wall murals, which can be found at places such as Michelangelo's and The Fitness Club.  Amazingly, he is also a very talented musician, who plays in the house band at the Eastport Luncheonette every 2nd Friday of the month.

Ninety-nine percent of the artwork in the Art and Soul Gallery is Frank's, and he has won a number of awards all throughout the Hamptons for his work.  He is also well known for doing seascapes, and his work has been featured numerous times on Dan's Papers.

The Art and Soul Gallery offers art classes.  On Saturday mornings, Frank teaches art to children and in the afternoons he works with adults.  He also gives private art lessons throughout the week.

It was inspiring to check out the work space and to think of the creativity that flows throughout that room.

It was also inspiring to check out various pieces of Frank's artwork.  He shared that he has to constantly reinvent, to keep pace as an artist in today's world.

 I personally enjoyed the abstract pieces.  

There's something to be said for a piece that makes you think... makes you feel... makes you wonder.

It was also fun to see art work that represented the local flavor of Eastport.  

My favorites by far though, were the paintings that Frank created of our beaches.  When I saw this one, it reminded me of so many memories that we've made walking the shores of Long Island.  This painting encompassed the pure emotion of every beach picture that I've taken.  It captured the essence of our amazing beaches, in all their sandy, wave-rolling glory.  

Art and Soul is a fantastic gallery to check out and an essential part of the spirit of our community.  Frank not only showcases his own work, he also hosts art shows each month for other artists and photographers.  Frank shared with me, that "When you make art, you live longer.  Your legacy lasts longer.  It's a way of making a mark."  If you are looking for an outlet for your creativity, or just want to check out some of Frank's artwork for yourself, I certainly recommend visiting the Art and Soul Gallery.  It's located at 495-A, Montauk Highway, right on the main street of Eastport.  More information can be found on the Art and Soul website, or at www.FrankLatorre.com.