“Mark Kuhn: The Lifeline Series” Exhibit at Art League of Long Island Opens July 15

Mark Kuhn’s passion for life and his art is reflected in “The Lifeline Series.” Facing the disabling and fatal effects of Lou Gehrig’s disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), Mr. Kuhn undertook the creation of “The Lifeline Series” with incredible strength and determination. It was his goal to present this exhibition at the Art League in July. Sadly, Mr. Kuhn passed away on March 4, but not before creating a series of drawings on paper as well as a dozen canvasses of bold, vibrant, figurative forms reminiscent of the sculpture projects he devoted himself to over the past 18 years.

Mr. Kuhn, who originally hailed from Minneapolis, made Huntington his home 19 years ago. It was during this era that he taught painting and drawing at the Art League and also turned to sculpture to express his artistic visions. Using a chain saw, Mr. Kuhn carved large-scale wooden sculptures of figurative forms. Unfortunately, as his disease progressed and his muscles weakened, he was no longer able to handle the heavy tools required for his sculpting projects.

Mr. Kuhn developed “The Lifeline Series” as the two-dimensional representation of his sculptural visions. Through sheer force of will and with extraordinary effort, he was able to continue painting to the very end, despite losing much of his motor abilities. The blaze of vivid colors and forms in his paintings reflect his persona as that of a passionate, intelligent, gregarious individual who loved life and the people around him. Mark Kuhn’s “Lifeline Series” is a testimony to human character, strength and resilience.

The Art League of Long Island’s latest exhibit, “Mark Kuhn: The Lifeline Series”, will be showing at the League’s Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery, July 15 through August 16. The opening reception will take place Saturday, July 18, 4pm-6pm. The exhibit can be viewed Monday through Friday 9am – 4pm, and on Saturday and Sunday 11am through 4pm. The gallery is located at 107 East Deer Park Road in Dix Hills, NY. For more information call (631) 462-5400 or visit www.artleagueli.org.

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