A Creative Detour in Downtown Riverhead: East End Arts Unveils DETOUR VII
There’s something special about stumbling into art unexpectedly, the kind that makes you pause, look twice, and feel just a little more connected to where you are. That spirit of discovery is at the heart of DETOUR VII, the annual summer exhibition from East End Arts Council, now on view across two gallery spaces on W. Main St. in Downtown Riverhead.
Part exhibition, part creative journey, DETOUR VII consists of two curations: The Value of Nothing curated by Mary Boochever to explore the creative beauty of everyday objects in art, on view at the 11 West Gallery at Peconic Crossing; and Open for the Stones 3 curated by Kevin Teare to showcase the deep connection between visual art and music, on view at the new Andy Tarshis Fine Art Gallery, now open at 48 W. Main St. Featuring a diverse range of works, from painting and sculpture to mixed media by locally, nationally, and internationally recognized artists and musicians, the DETOUR VII shows reflect not only the talent of their artists, but the energy of a creative ecosystem that continues to evolve right here in Riverhead. Each show invites visitors to step off the familiar path and into a collection that celebrates experimentation, individuality, and the vibrant voices of the East End’s artistic community.
For East End Arts, the move into a new gallery location marks more than just a physical shift—it’s an opportunity to deepen its connection to the community and reimagine how art is experienced locally. Conveniently located across the street from the 11 West Gallery at Peconic Crossing, the newly renovated space itself feels like an extension of the exhibition’s theme: open, exploratory, and full of possibility.
“DETOUR VII is about embracing the unexpected, both for the artists and for the audience,” says Executive Director, Wendy Weiss. “We want people to feel invited in, to take their time, and to discover something they didn’t know they were looking for. These two exhibitions appeal to art connoisseurs, music nerds, creatives, and explorers alike. This new gallery gives us room to create experiences in a fresh modern way, right in the heart of Downtown.”
That sense of invitation is palpable the moment you walk through the doors. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious, the exhibition doesn’t ask you to be an expert—only to be present. Each piece has a story and feels like a conversation starter, encouraging visitors to reflect, interpret, and connect.
As Downtown Riverhead continues to grow as a cultural destination, exhibitions like DETOUR VII’s highlight the essential role that organizations like East End Arts play—not just as curators of art, but as catalysts for community. Gallery programs will be added throughout the season. They create spaces where creativity is accessible, where local voices are amplified, and where residents and visitors alike can experience something meaningful together.
So, the next time you’re Downtown, consider taking a detour of your own. You might just find inspiration that stays with you long after you leave.
ABOUT DETOUR VII: Curated by local artists Kevin Teare & Mary Boochever
On View: June 13 – August 22, 2026
Two Galleries: 48 W. Main St. & 11 W. Main St., Riverhead
Gallery Hours: Thursday – 12-5pm • Friday – 12-5pm • Saturday – 12-5pm • Sunday – 12-4 pm or by appointment
Contact: gallery@eastendarts.org | 631.727.0900
East End Arts & Humanities Council is a 501c3 nonprofit and the third oldest arts organization on the East End. Since 1972, it has enriched and connected our localo communities through the arts from the heart of Downtown Riverhead. Its galleries are free and open to the public, and its Art & Music School is located at 206 Griffing Ave. DETOUR VII is made possible in part by the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development & Planning.
