America's Foremost Painter Of Wine To Visit Northport

The glass is always more than half-full; in fact, it’s been overflowing for artist Thomas Arvid, whose oversized portraits of wine and its accoutrements have made him not only the toast of the town, but an international sensation.

A Detroit native and sef-taught artist, Arvid was working in the printing and sign industry when he decided to pursue a dream in 1991. His proclivity for the color red led him to focus on wine and he soon noticed that his oil paintings showcasing the delights of red wine garnered the most interest, so much so that they were often purchased before he completed them. Today, Arvid is represented by more than 50 elite galleries throughout the USA, Canada, and Japan.

Wine is often associated with celebration--with toasting special occasions or simply savoring a moment in time. Arvid, a wine connoisseur and collector, reawakens these pleasurable associations by virtue of his almost photographic representation of the craftsmanship of wine bottles, corks, and labels. The rich, jewel-like burgundy of the wines depicted in his paintings echoes the tantalizing depth of flavor embodied by fruits of the vine. By making composition and the space between objects as important as the subject matter itself, he’s given the still life genre a whole new spin.

Guests can meet the man behind the palette on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 7 to 9 p.m at the in Northport. It’s the third time that Arvid has visited the gallery and co-owner Robert Bluver expects a full house.

“He’s a celebrity in the wine world and travels to vineyards. His work resonates with warmth and detail, and he has a great following among wine collectors and enthusiasts,” Bluver said.

Arvid will be dedicating purchases of any of the 25 limited edition signed and numbered canvases, original watercolors, and rare, sold-out pieces that will be on display. Guests can also see Arvid’s first limited edition hand-painted sculpture, “Cork Envy,” of a 20-inch-long Silver Oak cork.

Arvid's visit will also benefit a great cause. The LaMantia Gallery,  touted for retail excellence by Décor Magazine, has long linked  openings with charitable fundraisers. Those who write a $50 check payable to Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk (VIBS), an organization assisting domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault victims, will be entered into a raffle drawing for a limited edition Arvid canvas.

LaMantia Gallery is located at 127 Main St. in downtown Northport. To RSVP, call 631-754-8414 or visit www.lamantiagallery.com.