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May 2019 through November 2019
Alan Shields:
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Documentary: "Shields" by Julius Braunschweig circa 1983
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Our father, Alan Shields, in many ways was larger than life. And yet was one of the most down to earth people you'd ever meet. A true Renaissance man, he enjoyed many facets of life and became a master of things he was passionate about; fishing, hunting, gardening, foraging for mushrooms and, of course, making art.
A farm boy from Kansas, Alan never forgot his Midwest roots. He imbued that history in his art as well as in the way he lived off the land here on the Island. Ultimately living half his life on Shelter Island, Alan spent more years making art in this place than anywhere else. He traveled the world collaborating with art patrons, master print-makers and paper-mills, and showing in renowned galleries and museums. Between his travels he was here--first in Eel Town and then in Hay Beach--where he weaved himself into this community as a husband, father, fisherman, hunter, ferry captain, neighbor and friend.
His art life blended seamlessly with his Island life and each influenced the other. Local welders would fashion metal armatures for his artwork and his boat Stinkpot V. He used mono-filament to hang art from the ceiling and to land big-eye tuna off Montauk. Colorful beads adorned his neck, whether he was at Church, at an art opening, or working on North Ferry.
It's safe to say that there was no one like our father. And even though he left this earth far too soon, we are grateful he lives on in his art and the people who knew him. We are also very grateful to Bill Pedersen and the Shelter Island Historical Society for the honor of showing his work in this beautiful new space. Our father loved Shelter Island, loved making art, and we are proud that he is part of American art history and of this special place.
----Victoria Shields & Jason Shields
A farm boy from Kansas, Alan never forgot his Midwest roots. He imbued that history in his art as well as in the way he lived off the land here on the Island. Ultimately living half his life on Shelter Island, Alan spent more years making art in this place than anywhere else. He traveled the world collaborating with art patrons, master print-makers and paper-mills, and showing in renowned galleries and museums. Between his travels he was here--first in Eel Town and then in Hay Beach--where he weaved himself into this community as a husband, father, fisherman, hunter, ferry captain, neighbor and friend.
His art life blended seamlessly with his Island life and each influenced the other. Local welders would fashion metal armatures for his artwork and his boat Stinkpot V. He used mono-filament to hang art from the ceiling and to land big-eye tuna off Montauk. Colorful beads adorned his neck, whether he was at Church, at an art opening, or working on North Ferry.
It's safe to say that there was no one like our father. And even though he left this earth far too soon, we are grateful he lives on in his art and the people who knew him. We are also very grateful to Bill Pedersen and the Shelter Island Historical Society for the honor of showing his work in this beautiful new space. Our father loved Shelter Island, loved making art, and we are proud that he is part of American art history and of this special place.
----Victoria Shields & Jason Shields
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WORKS FEATURED IN HISTORY CENTER EXHIBIT
Willie Fox is a Babe Among Men Leslie Untitled (with beads) How Can We Find a Needle in This Place
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Alan Shields's work is also on display
at The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City: 
Photographs of Guggenheim Exhibit from Janet Culbertson
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