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Tara Mae

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One of the gardens featured during last year's tour. Photo courtesy of Northport Historical Society
One of the gardens featured during last year's tour. Photo courtesy of Northport Historical Society
One of the gardens featured during last year's tour. Photo courtesy of Northport Historical Society
One of the gardens featured during last year's tour. Photo courtesy of Northport Historical Society
One of the gardens featured during last year's tour. Photo courtesy of Northport Historical Society
One of the gardens featured during last year's tour. Photo courtesy of Northport Historical Society
One of the gardens featured during last year's tour. Photo courtesy of Northport Historical Society
One of the gardens featured during last year's tour. Photo courtesy of Northport Historical Society

By Tara Mae

The Northport Historical Society and Museum’s annual garden tour fundraiser is a celebration of friendship and flora, an acknowledgement that both require care and attention to flourish. 

This year’s event, titled the Remembrance Garden Tour: In Memory of Arlene Handel, will be held on Sunday, July 13, from noon to 4 p.m. Visitors will be able to take a self-guided tour of gardens from six private homes including an English-style parterre with David Austin roses and foxgloves; a formal garden influenced by Charleston design with cast iron furniture and boxwood-lined paths; a tranquil woodland garden with family-heirloom elements like “Grandpa’s Rock;” and an apiary and organic pollinator landscape kept by a professional designer. 

Additionally, there are serene gardens ensconcing historic homes; naturalistic beds; native plantings, ponds; and, even a chicken coop guarded by “Bella the Guard Goose.” One of the locations will provide refreshments and more than 20 raffle baskets featuring a variety of lifestyle items and recreational experiences on which to bid.  

“What makes this experience special is not only the diversity of garden styles — from historic backdrops to whimsical pollinator havens — but also the stories behind them. Visitors can expect personal touches, deep-rooted family histories, and meaningful tributes woven into the landscapes,” said Northport Historical Society Director of Marketing and Membership Cary Bianculli.

Flowers have different meanings: remembrance, love, friendship. Motifs of cultivated gardens offer insight and understanding as well as charm and quietude. These gardens are tales written in a richly unique language, means of self-expression and communication between the gardener, nature, and visitors.

President of the Board of Trustees and Garden Tour Chair Carolyn P. Hyatt-Basche, who selected the current participants, recognizes that dialect. 

“We have both big and small gardens on the tour. The homeowners are so enthusiastic, and it is so nice to share that with people,” she said. 

Hyatt-Basche used her association with various other gardening organizations — the Long Island chapter of the Rock Garden Society; the Long Island Horticultural Society; the American Hosta Society; the Asharoken Garden Club; the Planting Fields Arboretum; and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden — to recruit residents to showcase their floriferous retreats. 

“The Garden Tour is not only a fundraiser for the Northport Historical Society and Museum but also an invitation to step into the stories, history, and beauty of the Northport community,” Bianculli said. “It’s a meaningful way to honor the past, support the present, and plant inspiration for the future.” 

Honoring that heritage involves commemorating the contributions of individual people. This year’s tour is a tribute to Arlene Handel, a longtime Northport Historical Society member and garden tour supporter, who passed away in February. Handel, the former Village of Northport deputy mayor, served on the Society’s board of trustees, and on many other local boards. 

“Arlene Handel was a deeply cherished member of the Northport community, known for her lifelong commitment to public service, preservation, and beautification efforts,” Bianculli said. “She was an avid gardener whose passion for horticulture was well known. Her own garden was featured on the tour one year, reflecting her personal connection to the event.” 

Permeating the tour is Handel’s legacy of enriching her environment, embodied by its sensorial locations. Designed to delight, the artful gardens are curated to satiate the senses and invigorate the imagination. A resplendent revelry of sumptuous scents, vibrant colors, and individual intricacies, they are a testament to the bond made from nurturing nature.

“The event is a celebration of beauty, yes, but also resilience, creativity, and shared inspiration. It encourages each of us to nurture our own ‘little corner of the world’ into something we can be proud of,” Bianculli said. “That spirit of connection and transformation is what we most look forward to each year — and why this event continues to resonate with so many.”

Tickets to the Remembrance Garden Tour are $45 per person, $40 members in advance. Day-of tickets are $50. 

Ticketholders can drop by the Northport Historical Society and Museum, 215 Main Street, Northport on Saturday, July 12 between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. or Sunday, July 13 between 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to pick up a Guide to the Gardens which will serve as your ticket. For more information, call 631-757-9859 or visit www.northporthistorical.org.

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Waterlily Vase, Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory, Waterlily Vase, 1900, Blown and cameo glass. Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., Image courtesy of the Chrysler Museum of Art, Photograph by Edward Pollard, © Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory.
Tiffany Studios, Eighteen-Light Pond Lily Lamp, ca.1900, Blown glass and bronze. Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., Image courtesy of the Chrysler Museum of Art, Photograph by Edward Pollard, © Tiffany Studios.
Alphonse Mucha, Summer, 1896, Color lithograph, 41 1/2 × 22 in., Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., Image courtesy of the Chrysler Museum of Art, Photograph by Edward Pollard, © Alphonse Mucha.
Buffet by Louis Majorelle, ca. 1900, Fruitwood and marble, Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., Image courtesy of the Chrysler Museum of Art, Photograph by Edward Pollard, © Louis Majorelle Buffet.

By Tara Mae

On view from June 12 to September 21 at the Long Island Museum (LIM) in Stony Brook, The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art explores the sense and sensation of an art form that lauds the intricate vibrancy and nuances of nature.

“The Triumph of Nature celebrates the florid, languorous curves, natural motifs, and refined elegance of Art Nouveau furniture, glass, and other works that have entranced generations of collectors and museum-goers since the apex of this brief but intense movement around the turn of the twentieth century,” said LIM Co-Executive Director Joshua Ruff.

Large enough to span two of LIM’s galleries, this 120 piece exhibit is visiting from the Art Nouveau collection of the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, Virginia. 

It includes glassworks, furniture, paintings, and sculptures from artisans and artists of the late 1800s and early 1900s, including Louis Comfort Tiffany, Tiffany & Co., Gustav Klimt, Louis Majorelle, Alphonse Mucha, Emmanuel Lansyer, and Émile Gallé. 

LIM’s showcase is just one stop on a 13 museum national tour. 

“We heard about this traveling exhibition in 2022 and signed on as soon as we could, excited to share this incredible collection of objects with our audience. We are glad that we booked it when we did, it was fully scheduled almost immediately,” Ruff said. “It is traveling to art museums all around the country, including California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, so we are pleased to be the only museum hosting it in New York.”

Both The Triumph of Nature and the Chrysler Museum have ties to Long Island. Tiffany lived on a 600-acre estate in Laurel Hollow, Laurelton Hall, an 84-room mansion of Art Nouveau design that blended Islamic and nature motifs. Walter P. Chrysler and his family, for whom the Chrysler Museum is named, had a summer home in Kings Point; it is now Wiley Hall at the US Merchant Marine Academy. 

Walter P. Chrysler Junior grew up visiting the house and with his wife, Jean, established the Chrysler Museum’s extensive Art Nouveau holdings. 

This is LIM’s first exhibit solely dedicated to the genre. A style generally inspired by natural imagery, defined by foliate forms and sinuous lines, its influence is found in many mediums. Popularized during the Belle Époque period, which started in France and swept Europe, Art Nouveau celebrates the whimsy, wit, and wonder of the movement, as well its ongoing impact on art. 

“I think people are much more familiar with Art Deco, and this exhibition indicates the inheritance that Art Deco had from Art Nouveau. But I think that the curves and beautiful forms influenced much modern design, and you can see the continuing influence of Nouveau in contemporary graphic design, textile design, furniture, and fashion,” Ruff said. 

Its narrative thread also weaves through two exhibits LIM will be installing later this season: Gatsby at 100, which looks at the centennial of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, and Giants and Gems, which examines scale in art and design. 

“I think that there is a lot of synergy between these three exhibitions, and I’m looking forward to seeing it all through our visitors eyes and see what they take away and enjoy and learn from,” Ruff said. 

Located at 1200 Route 25A in Stony Brook, the Long Island Museum is open Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Fridays through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults; $10 for seniors, age 62 and older; $10 for students, ages 6-17 and college students with ID; $5 for persons with disabilities, personal care assistants are free. Admission for children under age six, active and retired military, and LIM members are also free.

For more information about The Triumph of Nature and other upcoming shows and events, visit www.longislandmuseum.org. 

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Artist Angela Stratton at a previous Wet Paint Festival. Photo courtesy of Gallery North

By Tara Mae

The scent of paint permeates the promise of potential during Gallery North’s 21st annual Wet Paint Festival on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Approximately 50 artists working in diverse mediums — acrylics, oils, pastels, mixed media — will demonstrate the utterly unique experience of en plein air painting, the act of painting outdoors.

“It is a special event and loads of fun for everyone,” Gallery North Executive Director Ned Puchner said. 

Artist Laura DiLeone at a previous Wet Paint Festival. Photo courtesy of Gallery North

Children’s art activities will be offered by Gallery North. Members of the Four Harbors Audubon Society will give guided nature walks. History walks will be led by members of the Three Village Dads Foundation on Saturday and Margo Arceri of Tri-Spy Tours on Sunday. Food from Level Up Kitchen will be available for purchase.

With WUSB 90.1 fm/107.3 fm radio, Gallery North will have live music by The Fox Hill Chamber Consortium playing classical and baroque music on Saturday and singer-songwriter Kane Daily performing rock music on Sunday. 

“This is a celebration of our local artists and history of plain air painting — outdoor painting capturing beauty of a location — as well as art, history, and music,” Gallery North Director of Development Erin Smith said. 

Held this year on the verdant properties of the historic 9-acre Merritt Hawkins Homestead (c. 1774) and adjacent Nassakeag Elementary School at 490 Pond Path in Setauket, the event invites artists to dare to paint plein air in a location resplendent with authentic ambiance and natural beauty. 

Participants will set up in places of their choosing on the estate — all other activities will be held on the school grounds. Visitors will be able to observe them in action as they share an esteem of the environment. 

“Each year, the gallery picks a new location, or rotates between locations — a spot artists may not find when looking for places to paint — a place with historical significance, a different vantage point and view, in order to increase community’s awareness of the area,” Gallery North curator Kate Schwarting said.

Settings are chosen for their aesthetic appeal and cultural significance. Selecting these sites cultivates a camaraderie among participants and observers while they engross themselves in local lush landscapes, perhaps for the first time. The Wet Paint Festival is a singular opportunity for audience and artists to enjoy an inspiring scene at the same time. 

Artist Stuart Friedman paints at Frank Melville Memorial Park during a previous Wet Paint Festival. Photo courtesy of Gallery North

“We want to bring artists together, celebrate the art of plain air painting, and teach people what it is and how it is different from painting in studio. Art generally tends to be a solitary practice; the festival is a way for artists to get together and celebrate each other,” Schwarting said. 

Participating artists also appreciate this distinctive approach and how it differs from their regular artistic practices as well as other festivals. 

“I just love the adventure of it — the chance to paint outside and feel part of a community with other artists. There’s something really special about the energy of everyone out there together, each of us trying to find something interesting to paint while working through the challenges of our own pieces,” participant William Low said. With Steve Behler, another regional artist, he will be offering guided tours on plein air painting. 

Plein air art incorporates a component of excitement unlike other forms. Artists are at the mercy of the outdoors’ whims. Rather than painting from pre-conceived concepts, they commit to encapsulating a part of their world as it exists and even changes around them.

“It is a race to produce the work before weather and elements change. Artists never know what final piece will be. It’s about looking and being mindful, a very meditative practice — [as an artist] you have to be all there, you cannot be overthinking things,” Schwarting said. “It is a great exercise to be immersed in nature, environment, and location.”

For artists and attendees alike, the festival is an occasion to engage all their senses as they celebrate not only their art, but how the process of creation is a means of connection and communication.

‘’The Wet Paint Festival is such a welcoming and inspiring event, not just for the artists, but for anyone who loves seeing creativity in action. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a festival that celebrates all kinds of expression, and I hope people leave feeling inspired to make something of their own,” participant Loretta Oberheim said. 

Sponsored by the Village Art Collective, Bryant Funeral Home, Tasty Frosty, and Suffolk County’s Department of Economic Development and Planning, the Wet Paint Festival goes on rain or shine. All works created at the event will be featured in an art exhibit at The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook from July 8 to July 13 with a reception on July 12. 

Both the Wet Paint Festival and subsequent exhibit at the Reboli Center are free and open to the public. 

For more information, call 631-751-2676 or visit www.gallerynorth.org. 

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The Reverend and Mrs. H. W. Floyd Allen, minister of the Allen A.M.E. Church, Church Street circa 1950. Photo courtesy of NHSM

By Tara Mae 

More than merely a necessity or form of self-expression, throughout history fashion has been a means of storytelling, a type of communication. The Northport Historical Society (NHSM) and Museum’s newest exhibit, In Fashion, which opens on April 5, examines local sartorial dialect and how it is part of a communal language. 

A photograph of female impersonator Julian Eltinge. Photo courtesy of NHSM

“In Fashion explores identity through historic fashion and fashion movements, and what it means culturally for those groups,” said NHSM curator Elizabeth Abrahams Riordan. 

The exhibit showcases multimedia items: textiles, archival pieces, digital and print photographs, recorded oral histories, etc. A focal point of the collection is church hats on loan from local residents, many of whom have ties to the Northport African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, which closed in 1955. 

In Fashion is part of an ongoing discussion about the different communities and cultures that comprise the larger Northport enclave: part of the exhibit’s run will correspond with Pride month in June and complement it.

“[This] is a way for individuals to access history about how people share their identity and life through fashion: what they are wearing can be a sort of spiritual connection, an extension of community and cultural groups as well as an indication of what was [socially] permitted,” Abrahams Riordan said. “The exhibit is hopefully opening dialogue in the community for people to have a better understanding of communities within the Northport community.”

Style is a statement without speech, but a purpose of In Fashion is to inspire conversation. Personal objects and archival items weave together a narrative of truths less told. 

In an effort to highlight Northport voices, Abrahams Riordan sought the contribution of Thelma Abidally, author of African American in Northport, an Untold Story (Maple Hill Press 2000) for insight into how articles of clothing are emblems of different identities.

“Fashion can teach us several lessons about our ancestors. In particular African American women culturally were known to wear their Sunday best to church. My ancestors believed that this is how a woman should dress in going to church,” Abidally explained. 

Magazine from 1904 promoting the work and life of female impersonator Julian Eltinge. Photo courtesy of NHSM

Such cues were, and remain, both a celebration and a means of connection, solidifying heritage while affirming clothing’s ever evolving contextual message. Fashion is another entry into assessing the past and how it affects the present. 

“I really want to tell histories, but I also really want to bring people together in a way that they have their own personal perspective and also humanize other experiences. It is all about making personal connections and wanting to come back and learn more,” Abrahams Riordan said. 

The Northport Historical Society and Museum, 215 Main St., Northport presents In Fashion through June 30 on Wednesdays to Sundays from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $15 per person, $12 for members. 

The exhibit is one of several events planned at the NHSM for the month of April. Other programs include a Doll Tea Party on April 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Volunteer Open House on April 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and a Historical Main Street Walking Tour on April 27 at 1:30 p.m. For more information, call 631-757-9859 or visit www.northporthistorical.org.

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You are are cordially invited to Dorothy's wedding! Photo courtesy of Keith Dougherty

By Tara Mae

Theatre Three gives the public an opportunity to say “Thank you for being a friend,” with The Golden Girls Gone Wild: A Murder Mystery at Dorothy’s Wedding & Brunch on Sunday, April 13, at 11 a.m.

A benefit for Theatre Three, this interactive experience on its Second Stage is based on characters from The Golden Girls (1985-1992), a television comedy series about four previously married women: Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Dorothy’s mother, Sophia, who share a Miami home, hardships, and happiness as they navigate life and love together.

In this installation, Dorothy is about to get remarried, but seeing the bride before the ceremony proves to be fatally bad luck for the groom.

Rather than spectators of this unfolding performance, attendees are cast as wedding guests. While patrons partake of a menu provided by Theatre Three that includes mimosas, Bloody Marys, cinnamon French toast casserole, sausage-egg-and-cheese casserole, yogurt, fruit parfaits, cakes and cookies, festivities take a fun, funereal turn when the groom meets a suspicious end.

Now tasked with finding the murderer, participants get clue packets to help Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia solve the crime. Ballots are also supplied so people can write down who they think the murderer is and why. Hilarity and hijinks ensue as they work together on the whodunit.

“I’m excited to have our audience members—many of whom are longtime subscribers and friends of the theater—actively involved in the theatrical experience. It’s also a great opportunity to break the fourth wall in a way that’s usually not possible,” Theatre Three’s Artistic Associate/Director of Development Douglas Quattrock said. 

Instead of actors and audience, cast and congregants are collaborators in amateur sleuthing.

The show is the brainchild of writer/director/producer Keith Dougherty. Proprietor of Murder Mystery Manhattan, he specializes in writing unauthorized parodies that spoof popular TV shows and film, as well as spoofs of cult classic films and TV shows. This is his first time working with Theatre Three. 

“Personally, I like writing all the Golden Girls scripts because not only are the main characters iconic, but the show was so ahead of its time with many of the topics they tackled that are still relevant today,” Doughtery said. 

The Golden Girls Gone Wild features Dougherty as Dorothy Soreback; Laurel Riley Brown as Rose Nylon; Teri Monahan as Blanche Devilho; Amanda Baumler as Sophia Barilla; and Timothy Scott Harris in a dual role as Phil and Pat McCrotch.

“One of our longtime patrons had seen them perform before, and when she attended our previous murder mystery event, she recommended them to me,” Quattrock said. 

This partnership is part of Theatre Three’s ongoing creative effort to raise money for the arts and simultaneously regale its supporters. Unlike many previous fundraisers, which have been project oriented, this production is designed to support the theater as a whole.

“While we typically allocate fundraisers to specific causes, this one will support all of Theatre Three’s ongoing programs. We wanted to ‘spread the wealth,’ so to speak,” Quattrock said. “There are many worthwhile causes, and we felt that supporting all of them would be particularly helpful at this time.” 

Showcasing The Golden Girls Gone Wild for such an endeavor is a worthy undertaking to Dougherty, melding entertainment with outreach. “Murder Mystery Manhattan always likes to give back to the community and is happy to perform for a good cause,” he said. “We love what we do and appreciate the audiences and venues whose support allows us to continue to do what we love.”

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Tickets are $125 each and includes brunch. The show runs approximately three hours. All proceeds benefit Theatre Three, located at 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

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'Every Little Thing' will be screened on March 13

By Tara Mae

As we become more dependent on home screening services, the social element of going out and experiencing a film together becomes a special occasion. The award-winning Port Jefferson Documentary Series (PJDS) returns for the Spring 2025 season with accounts of individual feats and community achievements that are worth leaving home to see. 

Presented by the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council (GPJAC), all screenings will be held at The First United Methodist Church, 603 Main Street in Port Jefferson, on select Thursdays between March 6 and April 24 with a start time of 7 p.m. 

‘Dust to Dust,’ below, will be shown on April 10.

Stories traverse topics featuring the historical accomplishments of women in politics; environmental integrity and enterprise; socio-economic factors of fashion; celebration of self-expression; friendships forged from shared struggles; and moments of triumph amid tribulations. This season’s documentaries investigate the impact of individual acts of courage and compassion. 

They acquaint audiences with persons and perspectives, situations and sensibilities that they may otherwise not encounter.

“PJDS looks for a high-level of craft as well as a depth of emotional connection. We are also attuned to the opportunities provided by a film to spark local collaborations or to showcase local voices as part of the overall screening experience,” said Kelly DeVine, Board Member and Chair of film programming at GPJAC.

After many of the screenings there will Q&As between the audience and guest speakers associated with the documentaries’ productions or subject matter, or an event with a local community outreach partner. Tom Needham, executive producer and host of “Sounds of Film” on WUSB, will moderate discussions for three of the films. 

‘Man from Pretentia’ will be screened on April 3.

And there will be other interactive elements, such as an upcycled fashion show. Arranged and emceed by Marcela Pinzon, owner of The Fashionable Stylista, a fashion design school in Syosset, the show will model her students’ upcycled designs: clothing deconstructed and re-sewn into new articles; repairs incorporated into new patterns, etc. 

“We have been trying to bring more community groups into the post-screening planning to increase our collaborations, reach new audiences and craft post screening activities that reflect the spirit or the topic of the film. PJDS is more than a movie night, it’s a community event,” DeVine explained.

Sponsored by Maggio Environmental Waste Collection, Dumpster Rentals & Recyclin, Metal Masters, Paumanok Veterinary Hospital, Covati & Janhsen CPAs PC, and Port Jeff Storage Inc. with a Suffolk County grant from the Suffolk County Office of Cultural Affairs & the Suffolk County Film Commission, the series is a symbiotic exercise in communal conversation. 

“We strive to get people off their tiny smart phone screens and enjoy a much larger screen as a community gathering,” GPJAC chairman Allan Varela said in an email. 

PJDS aims to foster interest not only in the arts, but in each other.

“Part of the benefit is that the PJDS has won Best Film Festival award in the Best of Long Island contest nine years in a row,” Varela continued. “We compete against Gold Coast, Huntington, Stony Brook and the Hamptons [film festivals], among others…Our stature brings in audience from all over the Island and therefore into the Village of Port Jefferson.”

Art in general, and PJDS specifically, is an avenue through which individuals may find common ground. 

This season begins with Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter on March 6. 

The film explores the story of the eponymous woman who was witness to and involved in some of the most historically significant moments of the 20th century, as among her many roles, she was the first female executive assistant to a vice president for Lyndon B. Johnson and then press secretary for Lady Bird Johnson. A conversation with director Abby Ginzberg will follow.

In Every Little Thing on March 13 filmmaker Sally Aiken profiles bird rehabilitator Terry Masear, who has devoted her life to saving and protecting hummingbirds in the Los Angeles area. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Terry Masear, Dr. Carl Safina, Patricia Paladines of the Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments, and Dr. Maria Bowling.

A Man with Sole: The Impact of Kenneth Cole on March 20 follows the career of fashion designer Kenneth Cole and how his professional success supports his philanthropy. Director Dori Berinstein will join a Q&A via Zoom. 

Facing the Wind on March 27 examines the connection forged between two women as they care for their spouses stricken with Lewy Body dementia. Director Deirdre Fishel will join the post-film discussion in person with Cindy Morris of the Benson Agency.

Man from Pretentia on April 3 is tender portrait of “quirky” art dealer, Paul Bridgewater, who became a fixture of the Downtown NYC art scene. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Director Chih Hsuan Liang and producer Steve Zehentner.

Dust to Dust on April 10 chronicles haute couture designer Yuima Nakazato’s realizations about the detrimental effect of “fast fashion” on the world and how he shifts his attentions to sustainable fashion. Resources on recycling and a upcycled fashion show led by the head of The Fashionable Stylista academy of Syosset, Marcela Pinzon will follow the screening.

The season closes with Front Row on April 24 which showcases the Ukrainian National Ballet’s poignant company tour as it performs far from the frontlines and invites a soldier who lost his legs to partake in a singular performance. The screening is followed by a discussion about the film and Ukraine with Professor Juliette Passer of Stony Brook University.

Selected by PJDS co-chairs DeVine and Wendy Feinberg, the films are sourced from number of different festivals: DocNYC, Tribeca, Sundance, etc. Personal industry connections, honed from years of working on this and other series, also helped shape the lineup. 

Contenders were then voted on by a team of long-term PJDS board members and volunteers, including DeVine and Feinberg; community outreach coordinator Barbara Sverd; co-chair emeritus Lyn Boland; Denies Livieri; Yvonne Lieffrig; Ronnie Levy; and, Lise Poulos.

The group shares a commitment to seeking and sharing documentaries that enhance human understanding as they invoke personal insights.  

“PJDS is always looking for films that offer distinct points of view, that open up new ways of looking at the world and that provide opportunities to reflect on the connections we may share however far-flung or different the story may appear initially,” DeVine said. “All of our films will offer great experiences and each brings its own emotional tone and opportunity for connection.”

Individual film tickets are $10 each while a season pass is $58. For more information about the PJDS or to reserve your seat, visit www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.

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'Social Center/Barbershop' by Robert Graham Carter will be on view at The Heckscher Museum through May 25. Image courtesy of Heckscher Museum

By Tara Mae

Heritage, humanity, and hope are explored through works of legacy and lineage in Robert Graham Carter: The Art of Reflection. The exhibit at the Heckscher Museum of Art, from February 2 to May 25, 2025, encapsulates as it illuminates the past six decades of the artist’s career. 

“It’s a retrospective—a little glimpse into virtually all the stages and turning points within my art career. It’s interesting for me to see it put together like this—it gives you a perspective that you don’t get working day to day,” said Carter, who is also a long-time art professor at Nassau Community College.

Robert Graham Carter, Proud Queen, Tribute To My Wife, 1995 Wood and acrylic, Robert Graham Carter Family Collection

Featuring 22 artworks and several archival pieces, the show explores three themes central to Graham’s work: charm of childhood; importance of spirituality in his life; and, social inequities, with a concentration on topics that connect to Black experiences. 

“Mr. Carter came up with the three messages, or themes, he wanted to have the exhibit explore.  We selected the works with that focus,” Heckscher guest curator Sarah Battle said. Battle is affiliated with the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, where Carter is set to have an exhibition in 2027. 

Influenced by his youth in Louisville, Kentucky, during Jim Crow, and his adulthood and career on Long Island, the exhibit is an exchange between past and present as well as Carter and the audience. 

“It is really special to be able to see some early works in conversation with larger pieces,” Battle said. 

Art is the language Carter uses to discuss his individual narrative and how it is a chapter of a larger story. It evokes memories, moments, and imagination. 

“All of us wear many masks. For example, I am a father, a husband (before my wife passed), an educator, an artist, a neighbor, a friend, and on and on,” he said. “I found myself responding to the things that were interesting and important to me within these roles. I would end up making a series of works based on one of these masks.”

Robert Graham Carter
If Der Be Angels Then Some Must Look Like Me, c. 2000s,
Wood and acrylic, Robert Graham Carter Family Collection

His examination and meditation on these concepts are expressed through mixed media works from the 1970s-2010s, including pencil or pastels on paper; sketches; multi-scale paintings; and  sculptural components. One of Carter’s high-relief sculptural paintings, “Mama Taught Me Piano and Much More,” is part of the Heckscher’s permanent collection. 

The versatility of his form underscores the sometimes subtle vibrancy of his scenes, like striking portraits or snippets of everyday life.

“What draws me to them and his art in general is that it works on a couple of different levels; they usually reveal something personal, like a memory or experience of the artist and makes you reflect on your own memories or experiences,” Battle said. “Or, his art acts as commentary for the artist.”

These elements offer insight into both process and progress. Both the singular perspective and the collective understanding are presented as Carter’s art evokes emotional introspection and community celebration through subject and substance. 

“This has been a positive experience for me, and I hope that the people who see this exhibit are positively affected also. Basically, I feel that art is a communication process and for me I am hoping visitors have a good response,” Carter said. 

Admission to The Heckscher Museum of Art is free. Located at 2 Prime Avenue in Huntington, the museum is open Thursday through Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 631-380-3230 or visit www.heckscher.org.

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A selection of Bebe Federman Designs at Gallery North's Holiday Gift Bazaar in a previous year. Photo courtesy of Gallery North
Carré Griggs of Carré Bouquets at the Three Village Historical Society's Winter Holiday Market. Photo by Kimberly Phyfe
Julia Vogelle of Julia Vogelle Fine Arts at the Three Village Historical Society's Winter Holiday Market. Photo by Kimberly Phyfe
Mark & Lyndell Cassin of The Big Cheese at the Three Village Historical Society's Winter Holiday Market. Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

By Tara Mae

The holidays are a time to celebrate community, both big and small. Local holiday markets abound with opportunities for festive fun and merry memories in the making. 

Whether singular excursions or weeks-long endeavors, these holiday affairs are designed to foster a jovial mood. More than just shopping sites, they enable attendees to forge new traditions as they support local craftspeople and discover one-of-a-kind items. 

Upcoming celebrations include the Holiday Market Wonderland at the Reboli Center in Stony Brook, Winter Holiday Market at Setauket Neighborhood House, and Holiday Gift Bazaar at Gallery North in Setauket, Station Yards Ronkonkoma’s Holiday Market and Holiday Markets of the Huntington Holiday Spectacular.

Set up in a large heated tent behind the Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook and organized by Tracey Balaker of Freebird Events, the third annual Holiday Night Market Wonderland will be held on Saturday, November 30, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Reboli’s gallery and gift shop, which normally close at 5 p.m., will stay open for the duration of the occasion.

“I am excited to bring this event to the Reboli Center, right in the heart of magical Stony Brook Village; it is such a great location. I was trying to create a Bryant Park village, Christmas market feel — everyone comes dressed and adorns their spaces with lights,” said Balaker. 

Approximately 55 vendors — both inside and outside the tent — will offer items such as baked goods, handmade crafts, unique gifts, and clothing. A food stand will provide sweet treats, including cider and hot chocolate, for visitors to  enjoy as they are serenaded by carolers, the Celestial Singers. Frosty the Snowman, the Gingerbread Man, and other holiday characters will make cameo appearances, and a pony from Peaches Pony Parties will be decked out as a reindeer and pose for photo opportunities. 

“Everyone who has come to it the past few years says it feels like a Hallmark Christmas movie,” said Balaker. 

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From a film scene to a historic setting, Three Village Historical Society’s (TVHS) fourth annual Winter Holiday Market will take place at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket on Sunday, December 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Displaying an array of evergreen accent pieces, edible artistry, and artisanal craftsmanship, 32 vendors will be situated throughout the building and on the porch. 

“We have stunning greenery displays and floral arrangements, New York cheese, balsamic glazes, local honey, decorated cookies, delicious baked goods, spices and seasonings and soups, farm fresh preserves, and a brand new distillery with a Culper Spy theme,” said TVHS Community Engagement Manager Kimberly Phyfe. 

Other participants will be offering their artisanal products: jewelry, soaps, candles, pottery, knitwear, clothing, personalized drinkware, and artwork. TVHS will likewise have a pop-up gift shop with trinkets, books, and other selections from its inventory. 

“We are so looking forward to giving our guests a place to shop small & support local,” Phyfe said. 

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Located at 90 North Country Road in Setauket, Gallery’s North’s fourth annual Holiday Gift Bazaar is another celebration of communal appreciation as well as artistic expression. On Saturday, December 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., it will highlight the work of 12 artists displaying their jewelry, ceramics, wood craft, fiber art, candles, and printmaking. 

“The Gallery North Holiday Gift Bazaar is a special indoor holiday gift market that provides an alternative to online and department store shopping. Artists will display their work on tables in both the Gallery and the Studio,” Gallery North Director of Development Erin Smith said. 

Patrons will also be able to choose works from the gallery’s current exhibition, Deck the Halls, and choose from an array of handmade, local goods in its gift shop. Level Up Kitchen will be onsite, selling food and drinks. 

“The Bazaar is an excellent opportunity to support local artists and businesses,” Smith said. 

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The newly opened Station Yards at 3 Hawkins Avenue in Ronkonkoma and the Holiday Markets of the Huntington Holiday Spectacular will give audiences multiple chances to embrace the joyful camaraderie of the season. 

On Saturdays, November 30 to December 21, from noon to 4 p.m., Station Yards will premiere its first Holiday Market around the Village Green. Shop from a curated selection of local vendors and artisans, offering unique gifts, handmade goods, and seasonal treats—perfect for holiday gifting.

Available every Friday and Sunday in December, from noon to 5 p.m., except Friday, December 6, when it turns into a night market from 5 to 9 p.m., the Holiday Markets along Wall Street in Huntington will be multi-sensory spectacles presenting a collection of shopping and social conveniences. 

At the heart of these five holiday markets is the enticement of strengthening existing  human connections and forging new ones while promoting common interests. 

“When your holiday gifts come from small business owners and local vendors, the money stays within the neighborhood. It’s more than purchasing the perfect present, it’s building up our own community,” Phyfe said. 

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Lily is one of Kent Animal Shelter's longest-term residents.

By Tara Mae

The Furever Home Gala is going to the dogs! On Thursday, Nov. 7, from 6 to 9 p.m., Kent Animal Shelter will host a fundraiser at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead to raise money for its new facility in Calverton.

Attendees will have access to different areas of the aquarium and be ensconced in the vibrant vista of wall-to-wall fish tanks as they partake in an evening that offers dinner, drinks, and entertainment. 

The event will be emceed by Doug Geed.

Creator, producer, and former host of News 12 Long Island’s “The East End Show,” Doug Geed, will emcee the event. The now retired, 10 time Emmy Award winning anchor/reporter first became involved with Kent when he and his family adopted Jessie, a pitbull mix, from the shelter in 1996.

“As a reporter, you do so many terrible stories, having to interview people who went through tragedies. I like being involved with good people united for a good cause and feeling the positive energy in the room while rallying around an important cause,” said Geed in a recent interview.  

Featuring well outfitted special guests (the aquarium’s African penguins will make an appearance before they go to bed)  the festivities should satiate the senses. An open buffet will have seafood, meat, and chicken dishes as well as vegan and gluten-free options with complementary wine and beer provided by Atlantis Banquets and Events. Local folk-rock band Phoenix Rising will perform. A plethora of raffle prizes will be available, and an auction will boast a variety of entertainment and experience opportunities to bid on. 

Ophelia is one of Kent Animal Shelter’s longest-term residents.

Proceeds from the gala will go towards the shelter’s $4.5 million in-progress project to demolish its existing dog kennel structure in order to rebuild and upgrade its complex; $2,250,000.00 has already been raised. 

“This will be a really fun night. It is kind of an end goal of what we have been trying to do for 20+ years: build a new shelter,” said Kent Animal Shelter Executive Director Pamela Green.

“We finally came up with a plan that everyone is happy with and we are moving forward. It will be a beautiful new state-of-the-art kennel: 32 runs; heating and air conditioning; play yards; and a quarantine for new dogs while they get vet care before they go into the general population,” she added. 

To aid this effort, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine secured a county grant for Kent, which also received two New York State grants. In memory of  a beloved Long Island Equine and Large Animal Veterinarian Dr. John Andresen, national animal welfare organization Maddie’s Fund will match donations up to $200,000, not limited to money garnered at the gala. 

“If people have a few dollars to could spare … I know there are a million tremendous charities out there, I know money is tight for everybody, but a few dollars will make a difference,” Geed said. 

As it continues fundraising and awaits construction of the new facilityk, Kent’s commitment to its charges remains unchanged. The organization is temporarily housing its rescue dogs at Bideawee in Westhampton, including its longest-term residents: Ophelia, an eight-year-old shepherd mix  rescued from a meat market in Thailand, and Lily, a five-year-old terrier mix.

Kittens up for adoption at Kent Animal Shelter.

They, along with approximately 13 compatriots, are adoptable from the temporary shelter. About 30 adoptable cats remain on the Calverton property, which additionally has Snowball’s Place, a feline retirement home for cats who have outlived their humans.

Established in 1968, several thousand animals have come through Kent on their way to their forever homes. On average, approximately 650 animals are adopted from the shelter each year, though this year has had fewer adoptions since the Westhampton accommodations are more limited. 

In addition to its adoption operations, Kent has a low-cost clinic. Since 1974, more than 200,000 animals have been spayed or neutered there. Maddie’s Fund recently awarded Kent the Dr. John Andresen Wellness Grant to give assistance to pet owners who need their animals spayed, neutered, and/or vaccinated.

At its very core, Kent Animal Shelter exists to both protect and improve the lives of creatures who cannot advocate for themselves. This gala is in service to that mission. Any money collected for the cause gets Kent that much closer to its goal and enables more animals, a number of whom come from out of state or even another country, to be helped by the shelter.

“This is a huge celebration of this building project that we have been trying to and are finally able to do,” Green said. “The new facility will be a healthier, more comfortable environment for the animals.”

Tickets to the gala are $150 per person. To purchase, visit https://kentanimalshelterfureverhome.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 631-727-5731.

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A scene from 'Checkpoint Zoo' which will be screened on Oct. 17.

By Tara Mae

Like the next chapter in an ongoing serial, the Port Jefferson Documentary Series (PJDS) returns with new tales to tell in its fall season. Running on select Thursdays between September 5 and November 7 at 7 p.m., seven distinct films explore the strands of connection that galvanize and unite people despite social, economic, and geographic divides.

Held at a new location, the First United Methodist Church in Port Jefferson, the screenings explore interpersonal relationships, honed in common cultures or communal responsibility. 

“When the program began to take shape, that celebration of community became apparent and guided this season’s curation process,” PJDS co-chair Kelly DeVine said. 

Following the documentaries, there will be Q&A sessions between patrons and guest speakers associated with the films’ productions or subject matter.  

Tom Needham, executive producer and host of “Sounds of Film” on WUSB, will reprise his role of moderator for four of the films, leading post-viewing discussions. The moderators of the other three films have yet to be announced. 

This personable exchange invites deeper understanding between artists and attendees, both in intent and practice. 

“There is a theme running through all seven films despite coming from different continents and approaches. That theme is the importance of community and small “d” democracy — citizen engagement and agency,” DeVine said.

Sponsored by Maggio Environmental; Metal Masters; Covati & Janhsen, CPAs; Port Jeff Storage; and the accounting firm of Saranto Calamas, CPA with support from Suffolk County and the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council, the Series begins with Happy Campers which chronicles families, both found and of blood, choosing to enjoy the last days in a blue-collar summer colony as they contend with their imminent eviction from the seasonal trailer park that has been sold to developers.

One Person, One Vote? investigates the complications and intricacies of the apparently enigmatic Electoral College as it follows four presidential electors of different parties during the 2020 presidential election. 

Join or Die traces the devolution of the United States’ civic structure over the span of 50 years, through the lens of scientist Robert Putnam’s career and research.

Invisible Nation provides uncommon access to Tsai Ing-wen, the first woman President of Taiwan, and examines the delicate balance she must maintain between the interests of China and the United States. 

Checkpoint Zoo depicts the residents of the Feldman Ecopark animal rescue in Ukraine as well as the courageous zookeepers and volunteers who risk their lives to save the nearly 5,000 creatures from the crosshairs of conflict during the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

It’s Basic traces the expansion of the Guaranteed Basic Income program and how, as it gains popularity, it attracts pushback amidst increasing social and economic disparities. 

Searching for Amani chronicles the journey of 13-year-old Kenyan aspiring journalist Simon Ali who, with the help of his best friend Haron, investigates his father’s mysterious death. 

(For dates and times, please see Film Schedule below)

“Documentaries provide a unique perspective on real-life events and issues, allowing us to learn about the world beyond our own experiences. We can learn about places and people we know just a little about or get a more in-depth look at issues or people or subjects,” PJDS co-chair Wendy Feinberg said.

This season’s nuanced community focus on the screen aligns with the community cohesion behind-the-scenes. Shared passion for a story well-told continues to inspire the team that produces PJDS.  

“What intrigues me is the sense of discovery that dawns when you see a film that opens up a puzzle, reveals a hidden world or unwraps the interior life of someone fascinating,” PJDS co-chair emeritus Lyn Boland said.  

Pre-screened by PJDS’ film board and a selection of long-time volunteers, the documentaries, which this season were chosen by DeVine and co-chair Wendy Feinberg, elucidate as they entertain. 

“For 20 years I have watched documentaries with a critical eye, searching for what I thought would be a perfect fit for our audience. I looked for the basic elements: does it tell a story, what can I learn from it, is there a balance between talking heads and a good narrative,” PJDS community outreach coordinator Barbara Sverd said.

Such attention to detail and dedication extends beyond the board, consisting of DeVine, Boland, Sverd, and Feinberg. 

“We could not put on our fun, friendly events without our amazing volunteers Yvonne Lieffrig, Denise Livieri, Honey Katz, Suzanne Velazquez, Ronnie Levy, and Lise Poulos along with our tech wizard, Jeuel Bryant,” DeVine said. 

With a steadfast support system, PJDS’ upcoming season is a multifaceted testament to the ambition, artistry, and acumen found when a group of individuals come together in support of a common cause.  

“Programming for the film series rests on curating work that resonates with our audience and which lends itself to connecting our audiences to a meaningful communal experience,” DeVine said.

Film Schedule:

 

◆ The Fall 2024 season kicks off with a screening of Happy Campers on Sept. 5. The film chronicles the final days of a working-class summer colony in a scrappy trailer park that just happens to hold the secret to a rich life. When their affordable paradise is sold to developers, the residents brace for eviction and the loss of friendships that span generations. Guest speaker will be Director Amy Nicholson.

◆ One Person, One Vote?, to be screened on Sept. 12, unveils the complexities of the Electoral College, the uniquely American and often misunderstood mechanism for electing a president. Panel discussion including Maximina Juson, the director, and Nancy Marr from the League of Women Voters to follow.

◆ Next up is Join or Die on Sept. 26, a film about why you should join a club … and why the fate of America depends on it. In the spirit of the film’s theme, the PJDS will host various local volunteer & civic groups to join in conversation about our community. Please consider bringing a small dessert to share. Bring a sweet, make a new friend and join a group!

◆ After a brief hiatus, the season continues with Invisible Nation on Oct. 10. With unprecedented access to Taiwan’s sitting head of state, director Vanessa Hope investigates the election and tenure of Tsai Ing-wen, the first female president of Taiwan. Q&A discussion to follow.

◆ Checkpoint Zoo on Oct. 17  delves into the gripping account of a daring animal rescue that unfolded during the early days of the Russian-Ukrainian War, where over 5,000 animals were trapped in a besieged Feldman Ecopark. Panel discussion to follow including the director Joshua Zeman on Zoom.

◆ It’s Basic on Oct. 24 brings the issue of Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) to national light by following the progress of the program against a backdrop of widening income gaps, politics, and growing social concern. Panel discussion to follow with coordinating producer Elizabeth Sehring.

◆ The season concludes with the heartfelt Searching for Amani on Nov. 7. In the heart of Kenya, a tragedy shatters a young boy’s life. Simon Ali, 13, finds himself in a world of mystery when his father, a respected conservancy guide, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Armed with his video camera and an unwavering desire for truth, he embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the secrets behind his father’s demise. Panel discussion to follow.

All films begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets to the PJDS fall season are $10 adults and $5 students. Season passes are $58 each. First United Methodist Church is located at 603 Main Street, Port Jefferson, 11777. For more information, visit portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.

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