International artist in town to focus attention on Peconic Estuary

Peruvian-Canadian artist Chris Dyer, artist-in-residence at East End Arts, arrived in Riverhead this week for a series of events intended to bring awareness, healing and protection to the Peconic Estuary, according to the Riverhead-based arts organization.

“I get hired to go around the world painting things, mostly walls,” Dyer said Thursday, as he set about to begin painting two boats. “I like painting unusual things, like these boats,” he said.

The artist is conducting a free workshop for teens today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Express Yourself Art Workshop Creativity Jam” will take place at the East End Arts Carriage House at 133 E. Main Street, where participants will join Dyer to paint wooden rain barrels. Dyer will also do a spray-painting demonstration and talk about the history of graffiti, street art, and how he aims to build bridges with visionary art. He will discuss using public art to reinvent places and objects.

Other events included a screening last night of Dyer’s documentary film, “Positive Creations,” stand-up paddleboard demonstrations and rentals from Peconic Paddler and rides in Olympic rowing shells from East End Rowing Institute.

The residency activities are intended to bring awareness and appreciation of the Peconic Estuary, designated in 2012 as an Estuary of National Significance by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — one of just 28 in the country.

East End Arts said the events were made possible by the support of Suffolk County National Bank, Chris Dyer, and the following partners: Cornell Cooperative Extension, East End Arts, East End Rowing Institute, Peconic Estuary Program, Peconic Paddler, Town of Riverhead and Town of Riverhead Business Improvement District.

Peter Blasl contributed reporting.

RiverheadLOCAL photos by Peter Blasl