Abby
W. Day’s
Portfolio
Sconset Casino
Architect John Collins drafted plans following the association's request for "a building ... with an audience room with a floor to be laid with special reference to dancing, a stage, ante-room, dressing, reading, and smoking rooms." The no-frills, barn-like design with cupolas and open front porch was in keeping with its surroundings.
In mid-July 1900, the Casino and two tennis courts were opened with a celebratory first-season party. An entertainment on August 4 brought a wildly enthusiastic audience of 820 "who came by special train from Nantucket as well as by pleasure wagon, single team, and bicycle." In 1901 a tradition began when the Casino opened the season with a village-wide children's party featuring ice cream, lemonade, and sweets, along with games, races, and charades.
The Siasconset Casino (or 'Sconset Casino) was built in 1899 to serve as a hub for social, tennis, and dramatic events in the Nantucket village of Siasconset, functioning more as a social club or community center than a gambling facility. Founded to provide entertainment for summer residents and the "Actors Colony," it has hosted movies, performances, and community meetings for over a century.
Abby has designed and created merchandise almost every year for the club since 2021.
Borsari Gallery
The Barn that currently houses the Borsari Gallery was originally built in the early 1800's by Sea Captain Uriah Howe. The first use of the barn was to serve as a commercial Abattoir for Cape Cod and the surrounding areas. Both the Sea Captain's home and abattoir were then owned by the Crowell family for nearly a century; until 1960 when it was purchased by Cape Cod local artist David Grose and used to showcase his art. In 2008 Bob and Kathy Borsari purchased the property and began an elaborate & historically sensitive 3 year transformation. Every effort was made to meticulously restore the post and beam structure back to its original New England rustic beauty. This restoration included exposing the original pumpkin pine flooring, making use of the century-old “ice box”, and showcasing the historic 1800s track & pulley system that was used on the property when it was a working abattoir. It was at this time that the original beauty of the barn was revealed. While the original intent in the restoration process was to create an environment to continue the tradition of displaying fine art; it became obvious at the end of the restoration that Bob and Kathy had created much more than an art gallery. Hence, “Exceptional Image & Memorable Events - the Borsari Gallery - was born. A warm and elegant setting, filled with ambience; a perfect and certainly unique venue for intimate events for up to 100 people.
I curated new artists, branded the gallery, curated art experiences, and built the website from scratch before the gallery sold earlier this year.
Logos & Graphics
Abby Wright Day
ahwphotographs@gmail.com
Curator and exhibition leader with extensive experience conceptualizing, managing and executing complex exhibitions. Specializes in original historical research, photographic research and art acquisition. Builds strong relationships with photographers, artists, estates and foundations.
At Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, developed and led six or more exhibitions annually within a public museum setting. Directed projects from initial research and concept through exhibition design, acquisition, fabrication and installation. Worked closely with artists, photographers, estates and foundations while maintaining responsibility for production, budgets and timelines.
Projects included exhibitions with Patti Smith and Olivia Harrison as well as collaborations with the Calder Foundation, Gordon Parks Foundation and Lynn Goldsmith. For George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life, researched the history of Friar Park and worked extensively with archival material from the Harrison estate. Selected and acquired photographic material and developed exhibition elements throughout the space. Most notably, created a botanical wallpaper for the Harrisons based on the gardens and archival imagery. Olivia Harrison has since enquired about having the wallpaper installed at Friar Park.
Frequently lectures on contemporary photography and visual culture and serves as a resource for scholars, collectors and the general public. Independent photographic work has been exhibited at Tate Modern, the Saatchi Gallery and The Ringling Museum. Holds an MA in Contemporary Photography: Practices and Philosophies from Central Saint Martins and a BFA in Photography from the School of Visual Arts.