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Working side by side, husband and wife artists, Helen and Claus Hoie shared not only a studio space in East Hampton but a love for each other. The two had separate highly successful careers that spanned decades. Made possible by a generous donation by the Claus and Helen Hoie Foundation, The Claus and Helen Hoie Gallery exhibits a rotating selection of work that captures and distills the essence of their artistic practices.
Claus (1911-2007), born in Stavanger, Norway, moved to New York in his early teens and went on to study at the Pratt Institute and the Art Students League in New York.
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Claus went on to serve in World War II with the elite and highly specialized, 99th Infantry Battalion. After the war he had a successful career as a commercial artist in New York city.
Click Claus's Picture for link to Artist's Page
Helen, née Helen Hunt Bencker, (1911-2000) attended Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh and graduated with a bachelor's degree in painting and illustration.
She went on to work in the fashion industry as a designer and executive for several renown international fashion companies including Elsa Schiaparelli's American line.
Click Helen's Picture for link to Artist's Page
The couple met and then married in 1956, trading city life and the world of commercial art for East Hampton in the 1960s. It was in the Hamptons that they became fully focused on creating fine art.
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Claus was focused on his watercolors of East End life (past and present), from noble and bearded whaling captains to the agricultural charms of the farm stands. He also painted whimsical scenes of insects and moving, emotionally charged fantastical landscapes. Helen continued to work with textiles for her collages and larger Paintings, drawing upon her life experiences.
Claus and Helen Hoie, © Ann Sager
WORKS PRESENTLY ON VIEW IN THE GALLERY
Claus Hoie (1911-2007)
#1 Watermelon
watercolor on paper
unframed: 18 ½ x 28 in. (57.2 x 71.1 cm)
framed: 23 ¾ x 31 ¾ in. (60.3 x 80.6 cm)
Courtesy of the Estate of Claus and Helen Hoie
Claus Hoie (1911-2007)
Untitled
watercolor on paper
signed “Claus Hoie” lower right
unframed: 32 x 24 in. (81.3 x 61 cm)
framed: 36 ¼ x 28 ¼ in. (92 x 71.6 cm)
Courtesy of the Estate of Claus and Helen Hoie
Claus Hoie (1911-2007)
Refutation, c. 1973
acrylic on canvas
signed “Claus Hoie” along lower edge
60 x 42 in. (152.4 x 106.7 cm)
Courtesy of the Estate of Claus and Helen Hoie
Exhibited:
East Hampton, NY, Guild Hall, “LI Painters”, March 17-April 7, 1973
Claus Hoie (1911-2007)
Seascape, 1978
watercolor on paper
signed and titled “ Seascape Claus Hoie” along the lower edge
unframed: 22 x 31 in. (55.9 x 78.7 cm)
Courtesy of the Estate of Claus and Helen Hoie
Claus Hoie (1911-2007)
School of Mackerel Frightened by Halley’s Comet
watercolor on paper
titled and signed “School of Mackerel Frightened by Halley’s Comet Claus Hoie” along the bottom edge
unframed:24 x 20 in.(61 x 50.8 cm)
framed:23 ¾ x 32(60.3 x 81.3 cm)
Courtesy of the Estate of Claus and Helen Hoie
Helen Hoie (1911-2000)
Beyond Boundary #2
titled “Beyond Boundary #2” on the overlap; signed “H.Hoie” lower left
acrylic on canvas
Unframed:30 x 40 in.(76.2 x 101.6 cm)
Framed:31 ¼ x 41 ¼ in.(78.7 x 104.8 cm)
Courtesy of the Estate of Claus and Helen Hoie
Helen Hoie (1911-2000)
Untitled
signed “H.Hoie” (lower right)
collage on paperboard
Unframed:9 ¼ x 11 ½ in( 23.5 x 29.2 cm)
Framed:21 x 21 in.(53.3 cm x 53.3 cm)
Courtesy of the Estate of Claus and Helen Hoie
Helen Hoie (1911-2000)
Contemplation
titled and inscribed “Cont A Contemplation” on the overlap; signed “H.Hoie” lower left
acrylic on canvas
Unframed:50 x 54 in.(127 x 137.2 cm)
Framed:51 x 55 in.(129.5 x 139.7 cm)
Courtesy of the Estate of Claus and Helen Hoie
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