Welcome To My World!
Holly Hunt is a New York-based photographer whose work consists primarily of self-portraits where she uses darkness and light in unconventional attire and surroundings to represent her personal journey. Her images are inspired by her childhood or forgotten memories that have been triggered through her exploration and discovery.
Holly’s first photograph was captured with a Polaroid and her love for photography started on film. Eventually, she moved to digital format, self-improving and perfecting her craft through research, trial and error, and practice. In 2016, she started her photography business focusing on capturing beauty in abandoned and historical places.
Before photography, Holly was a choreographer, actress, and playwright. Her play “The Parking Lot” received high accolades in NYC, was published, and is still performed around the country. With experience spanning over three decades in all facets of the arts, Holly is no stranger to the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to create a piece of artwork or to leave your entire soul out there for the world to see.
Holly’s artwork has been exhibited in over twenty-five galleries. She is a photography instructor and in 2020, she self-published her autobiographical, photography book, “Exploring Home”.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I find refuge in places most would fear.
My artwork is an extension of my insecurities, my struggles, my trauma, and my journey toward healing. Often focusing on my battles with confidence, my pain, grief, and loss, I capture self-portraits or intricate details in unorthodox objects to depict pieces of my story. As part of my artistic process, I intentionally utilize atypical and unconventional surroundings, props, and lighting. Through my photography, I find solace, inspiration, and comfort and I can unleash deep-rooted feelings and emotions that have plagued me. Integrating both symbolism and realism, I challenge the viewer to see past the unpleasant, unbury the beauty, and discover their own story within my work.
Holly’s first photograph was captured with a Polaroid and her love for photography started on film. Eventually, she moved to digital format, self-improving and perfecting her craft through research, trial and error, and practice. In 2016, she started her photography business focusing on capturing beauty in abandoned and historical places.
Before photography, Holly was a choreographer, actress, and playwright. Her play “The Parking Lot” received high accolades in NYC, was published, and is still performed around the country. With experience spanning over three decades in all facets of the arts, Holly is no stranger to the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to create a piece of artwork or to leave your entire soul out there for the world to see.
Holly’s artwork has been exhibited in over twenty-five galleries. She is a photography instructor and in 2020, she self-published her autobiographical, photography book, “Exploring Home”.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I find refuge in places most would fear.
My artwork is an extension of my insecurities, my struggles, my trauma, and my journey toward healing. Often focusing on my battles with confidence, my pain, grief, and loss, I capture self-portraits or intricate details in unorthodox objects to depict pieces of my story. As part of my artistic process, I intentionally utilize atypical and unconventional surroundings, props, and lighting. Through my photography, I find solace, inspiration, and comfort and I can unleash deep-rooted feelings and emotions that have plagued me. Integrating both symbolism and realism, I challenge the viewer to see past the unpleasant, unbury the beauty, and discover their own story within my work.
HOLLY HUNT ARTIST CV
AWARDS
2024 Best in Photography - 2nd place for "Hideaway"
South Bay Arts Association, Judged Members Show
Merit Award- "Rebirth"
Grey Cube Gallery, Juried International Art Call
2023 People’s Choice Award- "Hideaway"
Babylon Citizens Council of the Arts, Babylon NY
2023 People’s Choice Award- "The Light"
Heckscher Museum of Art, Huntington NY
2022 Most Outstanding Photography Award
Gallery North, Setauket NY
2022 Best in Photography - 3rd place for "Self Portrait"
Babylon Citizens Council of the Arts, Babylon NY
2021 People’s Virtual Choice Award- "The Wait"
Heckscher Museum of Art, Huntington NY
EXHIBITIONS
Art League of Long Island, Dix Hills, NY
Instructors Showcase, August 2024 - September 2024
Museum of Contemporary Art, Patchogue NY
Juried Group Show, "Patchworks", August - September 2024
Memorial Gallery @ Farmingdale College, Farmingdale NY
New York Educators Showcase, "Meet You After Class", June - August 2024
Huntington Arts Council, Huntington NY
Members Show, June 2024
Nike International Gallery, Huntington NY
Juried Show "An Ode to Motherhood", May 2024
Islip Arts Council, Bay Shore NY
Juried Show "What Was I Made For?", March 2024
Tranquility Within, Patchogue NY
Group Show "Tranquility", February - March 2024
Art League of Long Island, Dix Hills, NY
Members Show, February - March 2024
Huntington Arts Council, Huntington, NY
Juried Group Show, "Face to Face", February - March 2024
BAFFA Art Gallery, Sayville, NY
1st Annual Members Show, "Reflections", February 2024
East End Arts, Riverhead NY
Juried Show "Where is the Human?", November 2023
Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts, Sayville, NY
Members Show "Big Works", September 2023
Art League of Long Island, Dix Hills, NY
Instructors Showcase, August 2023 - September 2023
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Patchogue NY
Juried Group Show, "Patchworks", August - September 2023
Gallery North, Setauket, NY
Winners Circle Showcase, May 2023 - June 2023
South Bay Art Association, Bellport NY
Judged Members Show, May 2023/June 2024
Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts, Babylon NY
Juried Show, "33rd Annual Judged Art Show", May 2023- June 2023
Harborfields Public Library, Greenlawn, NY
Solo Show, December 2022
Heckscher Museum of Art, Huntington NY
Juried Show, "Long Island Biennial 2022", October 2022 to January 2023
Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts, Babylon NY
Juried Show, "32nd Annual Judged Art Show", September 2022
Comsewogue Public Library, Port Jefferson Station NY
Solo Show, August 2022
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Patchogue NY
Juried Group Show, "Patchworks", July to August 2022
Firefly Artists, Northport NY
Juried Group Show, October to November 2021
Island Kava, Patchogue NY
Solo Show, August 2021
The Catbird Seat Gallery, Sayville NY
Group Show "My Long Island", August 2021
Toast Coffee House by JI Presents, Port Jefferson NY
Group Show "Flower Power", July 2021
The Cheese Patch, Patchogue NY
Solo Show, March to April 2021
Heckscher Museum of Art, Huntington NY
Juried Show “Long Island Biennial 2020”, October 2020 to January 2021
Patchogue Medford Library, Patchogue NY
Member Show, September to December 2020
East Islip Public Library, East Islip NY
Solo Show, January to February 2020
Watermark Gallery, St James NY
Group Show, June to July 2019
Rosalie Dimon Gallery, Jamesport NY
Solo Show, May to September 2019
Emma Clarke Library Gallery, Setauket NY
Solo Show, April 2019
Harmony Vineyard, Head of the Harbor NY
Solo Show, January to February 2019
Riverhead Town Hall with East End Arts, Riverhead NY
Solo Show, August to November 2018
Heckscher Museum of Art, Huntington NY
Juried Show “Long Island Biennial 2018”, September to November 2018
American Beauty Bistro, Massapequa NY
Solo Show, January to February 2020 & Solo Show, July to August 2018
Middle Country Library, Centereach NY
Solo Show, February to March 2020 & Solo Show, January to February 2018
Clovis Point Winery, Jamesport NY
Solo Show, August to September 2017
Paper Doll Vintage Boutique, Sayville NY
Group Shows: Independence (2016), Celebration (2016), Portrait (2016), Fear (2016), Water (2017), Change (2017), Stories (2018), Home (2018), Music (2018)
CERTIFICATIONS
United States Dept of Education Professional Development Training for Partners in Education, Arts, and Community Empowerment
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
2024 Certificate of Recognition for participation, involvement, and support in the arts
PUBLICATIONS/NEWS & PRESS/SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Publications
Self-published “Exploring Home”- autobiographical photography book
Retro Lovely Magazine
Vacate Magazine
Chaotique Magazine
2023 Nomination for Best of Long Island
Photography Category - Sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union
Cover Stories
The Times of Huntington
The Times of Middle Country
The Village Beacon Record
The Port Times Record
The Village Times Herald
The Times of Smithtown
Full Page Articles
The Independent East End Newspaper
Northforker Newspaper
Suffolk Times Newspaper
Times Beacon Record Newspaper
The Suffolk County News
Dan's Papers
Newsday "Faces of Long Island"
Small Articles/Radio/Video/Podcasts
LI Pulse Magazine
LI Advance
Podcasts/Interviews
So You Say Podcast- Creator/Host
Art & Fashion with BluChip Marketing
State of the Arts WPKN-FM 89.5 CT
MCPL Podcast
Brazenly Beautiful Podcast
NoTracers Podcast
Speaking Engagements
Pricing Your Artwork (a bilingual roundtable discussion) - Babylon Citizens Council of the Arts
The Business of Art- Brightwaters Art Council
Artists in the Gallery - Heckscher Museum of Art
Virtual Panel Conversations with the Curator - Heckscher Museum of Art
Special Guest - Port Jefferson Photography Group
Community/Volunteerism
Volunteer curator for South Bay Art Association
Events Coordinator for Patchogue Arts Council Photography Group
Creator and Host of "The Great Smartphone PAC-tography Challenge"
Art Educator
Guest Juror for Huntington Arts Council Student Art Show, "Nightmare on Main Street"
Office Manager for Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts
AWARDS
2024 Best in Photography - 2nd place for "Hideaway"
South Bay Arts Association, Judged Members Show
Merit Award- "Rebirth"
Grey Cube Gallery, Juried International Art Call
2023 People’s Choice Award- "Hideaway"
Babylon Citizens Council of the Arts, Babylon NY
2023 People’s Choice Award- "The Light"
Heckscher Museum of Art, Huntington NY
2022 Most Outstanding Photography Award
Gallery North, Setauket NY
2022 Best in Photography - 3rd place for "Self Portrait"
Babylon Citizens Council of the Arts, Babylon NY
2021 People’s Virtual Choice Award- "The Wait"
Heckscher Museum of Art, Huntington NY
EXHIBITIONS
Art League of Long Island, Dix Hills, NY
Instructors Showcase, August 2024 - September 2024
Museum of Contemporary Art, Patchogue NY
Juried Group Show, "Patchworks", August - September 2024
Memorial Gallery @ Farmingdale College, Farmingdale NY
New York Educators Showcase, "Meet You After Class", June - August 2024
Huntington Arts Council, Huntington NY
Members Show, June 2024
Nike International Gallery, Huntington NY
Juried Show "An Ode to Motherhood", May 2024
Islip Arts Council, Bay Shore NY
Juried Show "What Was I Made For?", March 2024
Tranquility Within, Patchogue NY
Group Show "Tranquility", February - March 2024
Art League of Long Island, Dix Hills, NY
Members Show, February - March 2024
Huntington Arts Council, Huntington, NY
Juried Group Show, "Face to Face", February - March 2024
BAFFA Art Gallery, Sayville, NY
1st Annual Members Show, "Reflections", February 2024
East End Arts, Riverhead NY
Juried Show "Where is the Human?", November 2023
Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts, Sayville, NY
Members Show "Big Works", September 2023
Art League of Long Island, Dix Hills, NY
Instructors Showcase, August 2023 - September 2023
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Patchogue NY
Juried Group Show, "Patchworks", August - September 2023
Gallery North, Setauket, NY
Winners Circle Showcase, May 2023 - June 2023
South Bay Art Association, Bellport NY
Judged Members Show, May 2023/June 2024
Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts, Babylon NY
Juried Show, "33rd Annual Judged Art Show", May 2023- June 2023
Harborfields Public Library, Greenlawn, NY
Solo Show, December 2022
Heckscher Museum of Art, Huntington NY
Juried Show, "Long Island Biennial 2022", October 2022 to January 2023
Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts, Babylon NY
Juried Show, "32nd Annual Judged Art Show", September 2022
Comsewogue Public Library, Port Jefferson Station NY
Solo Show, August 2022
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Patchogue NY
Juried Group Show, "Patchworks", July to August 2022
Firefly Artists, Northport NY
Juried Group Show, October to November 2021
Island Kava, Patchogue NY
Solo Show, August 2021
The Catbird Seat Gallery, Sayville NY
Group Show "My Long Island", August 2021
Toast Coffee House by JI Presents, Port Jefferson NY
Group Show "Flower Power", July 2021
The Cheese Patch, Patchogue NY
Solo Show, March to April 2021
Heckscher Museum of Art, Huntington NY
Juried Show “Long Island Biennial 2020”, October 2020 to January 2021
Patchogue Medford Library, Patchogue NY
Member Show, September to December 2020
East Islip Public Library, East Islip NY
Solo Show, January to February 2020
Watermark Gallery, St James NY
Group Show, June to July 2019
Rosalie Dimon Gallery, Jamesport NY
Solo Show, May to September 2019
Emma Clarke Library Gallery, Setauket NY
Solo Show, April 2019
Harmony Vineyard, Head of the Harbor NY
Solo Show, January to February 2019
Riverhead Town Hall with East End Arts, Riverhead NY
Solo Show, August to November 2018
Heckscher Museum of Art, Huntington NY
Juried Show “Long Island Biennial 2018”, September to November 2018
American Beauty Bistro, Massapequa NY
Solo Show, January to February 2020 & Solo Show, July to August 2018
Middle Country Library, Centereach NY
Solo Show, February to March 2020 & Solo Show, January to February 2018
Clovis Point Winery, Jamesport NY
Solo Show, August to September 2017
Paper Doll Vintage Boutique, Sayville NY
Group Shows: Independence (2016), Celebration (2016), Portrait (2016), Fear (2016), Water (2017), Change (2017), Stories (2018), Home (2018), Music (2018)
CERTIFICATIONS
United States Dept of Education Professional Development Training for Partners in Education, Arts, and Community Empowerment
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
2024 Certificate of Recognition for participation, involvement, and support in the arts
- Kathy Hochul- New York State Governor
- Andrew R. Garbarino- United States Congressman
- Dominick S. Thorne- Suffolk County, New York Legislator
- Paul V. Pontieri- Mayor, Patchogue, New York
- Edward Romaine- Suffolk County Executive
- Daniel Panico- Town of Brookhaven Supervisor
PUBLICATIONS/NEWS & PRESS/SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Publications
Self-published “Exploring Home”- autobiographical photography book
Retro Lovely Magazine
Vacate Magazine
Chaotique Magazine
2023 Nomination for Best of Long Island
Photography Category - Sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union
Cover Stories
The Times of Huntington
The Times of Middle Country
The Village Beacon Record
The Port Times Record
The Village Times Herald
The Times of Smithtown
Full Page Articles
The Independent East End Newspaper
Northforker Newspaper
Suffolk Times Newspaper
Times Beacon Record Newspaper
The Suffolk County News
Dan's Papers
Newsday "Faces of Long Island"
Small Articles/Radio/Video/Podcasts
LI Pulse Magazine
LI Advance
Podcasts/Interviews
So You Say Podcast- Creator/Host
Art & Fashion with BluChip Marketing
State of the Arts WPKN-FM 89.5 CT
MCPL Podcast
Brazenly Beautiful Podcast
NoTracers Podcast
Speaking Engagements
Pricing Your Artwork (a bilingual roundtable discussion) - Babylon Citizens Council of the Arts
The Business of Art- Brightwaters Art Council
Artists in the Gallery - Heckscher Museum of Art
Virtual Panel Conversations with the Curator - Heckscher Museum of Art
Special Guest - Port Jefferson Photography Group
Community/Volunteerism
Volunteer curator for South Bay Art Association
Events Coordinator for Patchogue Arts Council Photography Group
Creator and Host of "The Great Smartphone PAC-tography Challenge"
Art Educator
- Three courses: "Smartphone Photography 101", "Smartphone Photography 102" and "Smartphone Photography 103"
- Two courses: "Canva Basics" and "Canva Intermediate"
Guest Juror for Huntington Arts Council Student Art Show, "Nightmare on Main Street"
Office Manager for Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts