Gallery Talk: DETOUR VI | AI

Join a selection of artists from the DETOUR VI exhibition, curated by Glen Hansen, in conversation with Matter of Spark producer, Chris Jones.

About the moderator:

Chris Jones is a multifaceted talent in the realm of audio production, boasting a diverse background as a composer, sound designer, and experienced sound engineer at East End Arts. With a deep understanding of audio production, Chris possesses the technical know-how and creative insight necessary to deliver exceptional results. His extensive expertise and meticulous attention to detail enable him to work closely with artists, ensuring that the final sound aligns perfectly with their artistic vision.

Having contributed his skills to renowned television shows such as American Idol, Saturday Night Live, and The Sopranos, as well as commercials for major brands like McDonald’s, Adidas, and Nissan, Chris Jones has an impressive portfolio that showcases his versatility and professional excellence. Furthermore, his sound design productions have been featured in over 100 movie trailers, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier sound engineer.

Chris’s journey in music began as a performer playing electric bass alongside jazz drummer Jim Chapin when he was just sixteen. He further developed his musical abilities by receiving classical training on contrabass and studying drums with his bandmate, Chapin. This early foundation laid the groundwork for his future success.

After attending Long Island University Post (LIU), where he studied percussion with esteemed musician Frank Cassara and minored in film, Jones transferred to Berklee College of Music. As a student in Berklee’s esteemed Film Scoring program, he continued to excel as a performer, playing in various ensembles spanning bluegrass, top 40, country, and African drumming.

Following his graduation from Berklee, Chris began scoring films for networks like Nick Jr. and MTV, while also holding the position of Senior Producer at the prestigious VideoHelper Production Music Library in Manhattan for eight years. Now working as a freelance composer, he collaborates with multiple PMA labels, showcasing his versatility across different musical genres.

Currently based in the Hamptons, Chris Jones serves as East End Arts’ experienced sound engineer, utilizing his comprehensive understanding of audio production to achieve the perfect sound for each project. Whether it’s capturing live performances, recording studio sessions, or fine-tuning the mixing and mastering process, Chris’s expertise and dedication are instrumental in bringing artists’ visions to life. With his meticulous approach and unwavering commitment to excellence, Chris Jones continues to be a driving force in the world of sound engineering, providing invaluable contributions to the artistic landscape.

About the Artists:

Mark Van Wagner received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago andstudied Art History and Urban planning at Colorado College. He has since exhibited in numerous venues across the U.S. including, most recently the Long Island Biennial 2024, 2022 and 2020 at the Heckscher Museum (Huntington, NY), 57W57ARTS (New York, NY), High Noon Gallery (New York, NY), Idlewild (Los Angeles), 325 Project Space (Queens, NY), One River Gallery (Woodbury, NY), Marquee Projects (Bellport, NY), Providence Art Center (Providence, RI), Proto Gallery (Hoboken, NJ), Jamestown Art Center (Jamestown, RI), and Nancy Lurie Gallery (Chicago, IL). His media coverage includes articles in Artnet.com, Artsy.net, Artdaily.org, WLIW public Radio Interview, HamptonsArtHub.com, The Long Island Advance, the Chicago Tribune, Boulder Daily Camera and NPR radio, among others. His work is included in many private and public collections throughout the United States and Europe including the Rockford Art Museum (Rockford, IL), Capital One Corporate Collection (Melville, New York), The Weill Cornell Medical Center (New York, NY) and the Sunneziel Meggen Corporate Collection (Meggen, Switzerland). The artist currently lives and works on Long Island in the village of Bellport, NY. His deconstructive abstract paintings and sculptures are made of natural and pigmented sands that poignantly remind us of interdependence and life’s cycles.

Mark Webber is an artist based in Sag Harbor, New York, originally from Greenwich, Connecticut. He holds a BFA in Sculpture from SUNY Purchase, and he studied sculpture at Windham College. With a background in high-end custom woodworking, which he practiced for 40 years in both New York City and East Hampton, Webber’s deep understanding of materials and craftsmanship informs his artistic practice today. His work is largely inspired by his lifelong connection to wind and water, stemming from his personal passion for sailing and kayaking. Webber has participated in artist residencies at The Vermont Studio Center and The Church in Sag Harbor. He is represented by Anita Rogers Gallery in Tribeca, New York, where he is preparing for his second solo show in 2026.

Artist Statement: Drawing on my experience as a cabinetmaker, my work merges functional design with artistic exploration, balancing precision with creativity. I primarily work with glass and Hydrocal, a type of plaster, combining poured plaster with dry mixes to create pieces characterized by intricate surface details and subtle color palettes. My process is a deeply meditative one, often created in silence, allowing me to focus on the relationship between form, function, and the human hand. There is a fluidity to my work that reflects both improvisation and intentionality, resulting in pieces that convey a sense of curiosity and the embrace of uncertainty.Four years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, a challenge that has reshaped my artistic practice. It has inspired me to find new ways to incorporate change and adaptability into my work, embracing the evolving nature of both my process and my creative expression.

This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP here for updates on this and other exhibition-related events.

Take a DETOUR to the nexus of the two forks to East End Arts Council’s annual summer art exhibition curated by Glen Hansen and running across two galleries in the Arts District of Downtown Riverhead. Each year DETOUR showcases a variety of artists and their divergent mediums, techniques, and voices. The curation strives to bring a museum-quality cohesion of work into a premier gallery format, and the exhibition is filled with gallery programming, including artist panels and curator-led tours, throughout its run.

DETOUR artists live or work locally on the East End and are often nationally or even internationally recognized. A portion of art sales benefits East End Arts.

DETOUR VI participating artists:

Rick Brosen • Marc Dalessio • Eric Dever • Michele Dragonetti • Francine Fleischer • Kathryn Maher • Frankie Neptune • Zelie Rellim • Mark Van Wagner • Mark Webber

Please note, photos and/or video may be taken during this event and used for marketing purposes. Please reach out to ZWVhZ2FsbGVyeSB8IGVhc3RlbmRhcnRzICEgb3Jn if you require any accommodations.

The DETOUR VI exhibition is on view Thursdays-Sundays, June 7th - August 23rd and will include other special gallery events throughout the show.

Also check out other Arts events in Riverhead, Entertainment events in Riverhead, Exhibitions in Riverhead.