Artist Stan Brodsky in his studio. Photo from Pam Brown
‘Santa Barbara #5’ by Stan Brodsky
Stan Brodsky, noted Huntington painter and C. W. Post professor emeritus of art, will be featured at the Reboli Center for Art and History’s second Third Friday event to be held Friday, Jan. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. This event is one of a series of free monthly cultural programs sponsored by the Center, located at 64 Main St., Stony Brook, that bring new perspectives on art and artists.
Stan Brodsky has been painting for more than 60 years and is known for his colorful abstract landscape paintings. He exhibits at a number of galleries and his paintings were the subject of a retrospective at the Hecksher Museum in 2013. Joe Reboli was an admirer of Brodsky’s paintings.
Doug Reina, a well-known local artist who has studied with Brodsky, will be interviewing Mr. Brodsky about his evolution as an artist, his sources of inspirations, and his observations about the art world in general. Although Mr. Brodsky is now 91, his passion for painting continues and his current work reflects his vigilance to his work as an artist.
The Reboli Center’s Third Friday program is free to the public and no reservations are required. For more information about the event, go to www.ReboliCenter.org or call the Reboli Center at 631-751-7707.
From left, outgoing Secretary of the Department of Energy Ernest Moniz with BNL Laboratory Director Doon Gibbs taken at the opening of the National Synchrotron Light Source II at BNL. Photo courtesy of BNL
By Daniel Dunaief
Before Ernest Moniz ends his tenure as Secretary of the Department of Energy, he and his department released the first annual report on the state of the 17 national laboratories, which include Brookhaven National Laboratory.
On a recent conference call with reporters, Moniz described the labs as a “vital set of scientific organizations” that are “critical” for the department and the country’s missions. Experts from the labs have served as a resource for oil spills, gas leaks and nuclear reactor problems, including the meltdown at Fukushima in 2011 that was triggered by a deadly tsunami. “They are a resource on call,” Moniz said.
In addition to providing an overview of the benefit and contribution of the labs as a whole, the annual report also offered a look at each of the labs, while highlighting a research finding and a translational technology that has or will reach the market. In its outline of BNL, the report heralded an “exciting new chapter of discovery” triggered by the completion of the National Synchrotron Light Source II, a facility that allows researchers at BNL and those around the world who visit the user facility to explore a material’s properties and functions with an incredibly fine resolution and sensitivity.
Indeed, scientists are already exploring minute inner workings of a battery as it is operating, while they are also exploring the structure of materials that could become a part of new technology. The DOE chose to shine a spotlight on the work Ralf Seidl, a physicist from the RIKEN-BNL Research Center, has done with several collaborators to study a question best suited for answers at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider.
Seidl and his colleagues are exploring what gives protons their spin, which can affect its optical, electrical and magnetic characteristics. The source of that spin, which researchers describe not in terms of a top spinning on a table but rather as an intrinsic and measurable form of angular momentum, was a mystery.
Up until the 1980s, researchers believed three subatomic particles inside the proton created its spin. These quarks, however, only account for a third of the spin. Using RHIC, however, scientists were able to collide protons that were all spinning in a certain direction when they smash into each other. They compared the results to protons colliding when their spins are in opposite directions.
More recently, Seidl and his colleagues, using higher energy collisions, have been able to see the role the gluons, which are smaller and hold quarks together, play in a proton’s spin. The gluons hadn’t received much attention until the last 20 years, after experiments at CERN, in Geneva, demonstrated a lower contribution from quarks. “We have some strong evidence that gluons play a role,” Seidl said from Japan, where he’s working as a part of an international collaboration dedicated to understanding spin.
Smaller and more abundant than quarks, gluons are like termites in the Serengeti desert in Africa: They are hard to see but, collectively, play an important role. In the same report, the DOE also celebrated BNL’s work with fuel cell catalysts. A senior chemist at BNL, Radoslav Adzic developed a cheaper, more effective nanocatalyst for fuel cell vehicles. Catalysts for fuel cells use platinum, which is expensive and fragile. Over the last decade, Adzic and his collaborators have developed a one-atom-thick platinum coating over cheaper metals like palladium. Working with BNL staff scientists Jia Wang, Miomir Vukmirovic and Kotaro Sasaki, he developed the synthesis for this catalyst and worked to understand its potential use.
N.E. Chemcat Corporation has licensed the design and manufacturing process of a catalyst that can be used to make fuel cells as a part of a zero-emission car. This catalyst has the ultra low platinum content of about two to five grams per car, Adzic said. Working at BNL enabled partnerships that facilitated these efforts, he said. “There is expertise in various areas and aspects of the behavior of catalysts that is available at the same place,” Adzic observed. “The efficiency of research is much more convenient.”
Adzic, who has been at BNL for 24 years, said he has been able to make basic and applied research discoveries through his work at the national lab. He has 16 patents for these various catalysts, and he hopes some of them will get licensed. Adzic hopes this report, and the spotlight on his and other research efforts, will inspire politicians and decision makers to understand the possibility of direct energy conversion. “There are great advances in fuel cell development,” Adzic said. “It’s at the point in time where we have to do some finishing work to get a huge benefit for the environment.”
At the same time, the efficiency of fuel-cell-powered vehicles increases their economic benefit for consumers. The efficiency of an internal combustion engine is about 15 percent, whereas a fuel cell has about 60 percent efficiency, Adzic said.
BNL’s Laboratory Director Doon Gibbs welcomed the DOE publication. “This report highlights the remarkable achievements over the past decade of our national lab system — one that is unparalleled in the world,” he said. Gibbs suggested that the advanced details in the report, including the recognition for the NSLS II, span the breadth of BNL’s work. “They’re just a snapshot of what we do every day to make the world a better place,” Gibbs said.
While the annual report is one of Moniz’s final acts as the secretary of the agency, he hopes to communicate the vitality and importance of these labs and their work to the next administration.“I will be talking more with secretary nominee [Richard] Perry about the labs again as a critical jewel and resource,” Moniz said. “There’s a lot of support in Congress.” Moniz said the DOE has had five or six lab days, where labs share various displays with members of the legislative body. Those showcases have been “well-received” and he “fully expects the labs to be vital to the department.”
WINTER BREAK Mimi Hodges of Sound Beach captured this image of the lifeguard hut at Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai on a frigid Jan. 8 using an Olympus OM-D E-M1 with an Olympus M Zuiko 12-40mm 2.8 lens.
From left, Matt Paredi, Louis Brady, Emma Geer and David Gow in a scene from 'Peter and the Starcatcher'. Photo by Justin Albinder
By Heidi Sutton
We’re all familiar with J.M. Barrie’s beloved story of “Peter Pan” about the wonderful adventures of a young boy who can fly and never grows up. The bedtime story filled our dreams with fairies, pirates, Indians, mermaids and who can forget Nana, the Darling’s St. Bernard. Many of us remember Disney’s 1953 animated version with great fondness.
The cast of ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’. Photo by Justin Albinder
But have you ever wondered how Peter Pan came to fly, why he lives on Neverland, how Captain Hook really lost his hand, how the crocodile came to swallow a clock and why he’s so big? Have you puzzled over where Wendy’s brother John got that top hat, why Peter and Captain Hook are bitter enemies and why Peter Pan came to visit the Darling family in London in the first place?
“Peter and the Starcatcher,” which opened last Saturday at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, answers all these burning questions and more. Billed as a prequel to “Peter Pan,” the Tony award-winning musical written by Rick Elice and based on the children’s novel “Peter and the Starcatchers” by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, catches up with Peter right before he becomes Pan.
Best suited for ages 10 and above, the hilarious, yet sometimes confusing, production invites the audience into an imaginary world where ropes represent walls, people stand in for squeaky doors and pirates fight with plungers and broom handles instead of swords.
Ken Washington brilliantly directs a multitalented 12-member cast, each playing multiple roles (over 100) throughout the show with boundless energy and harmony, effectively moving from one character and stage position to another to tell the story.
On orders of the Queen, two ships, The Neverland and The Wasp and their crews are bound for the Kingdom of Rundoon, each carrying identical trunks — one containing precious “star stuff” and the other filled with sand to distract pirates. Joining the crews on their mission is 13-year-old Molly Aster (the future Mrs. Darling) who is studying to be a “starcatcher” under the direction of her father, Lord Leonard Aster, and three young orphan boys — Peter, Ted and Prentiss — who are to be sold into slavery. When The Wasp turns out to be a pirate ship led by a pre-Hook Black Stache, Molly’s father is captured, leaving Molly and Peter to make sure the pirates never get their hands on the treasure, which has magical powers.
David Gow is terrific as Peter the orphan who, with a little nurturing from Molly (played by the wonderful Emma Geer) comes out of his shell and saves the day. Peter’s friends, Ted and Prentiss (Louis Brady and Matt Paredi,) compliment each other perfectly; one obsessed with being the leader and the other with food, especially pork.
Ryan Nolin as Black Stache and Rick Grossman as Smee in a scene from ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’. Photo by Justin Albinder
While the entire cast delivers top-notch performances, it is Ryan Nolin, as Black Stache, who steals the show with his flamboyant and over-the-top performance in every scene, made possible only by his sidekick Smee, played by Rick Grossman. When he loses his hand, Black Stache asks Smee, “What do I do now?” “I’m stumped sir,” is the reply. Special mention should be made of Jordan Hue’s spirited performance in the role of Fighting Prawn, leader of the Mollusk tribe.
Washington perhaps describes the show best in his director’s notes: ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ … begins with a mob of actors center stage, a community waiting to happen, and we end with those same people, back with a purpose … we know it’s the beginning of something. It is that collective strength and community purpose that I hope you’ll remember. It’s what this play is all about, but it’s also what all theatre is, why we love it and need it so.”
The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown will present “Peter and the Starcatcher” through Feb. 25. Tickets are $35 adults, $32 seniors, $20 students. To order, call 631-724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
From left, John Blatny, Jenny Minett, Leanna Jones, artist Robert Jones and Theda Clesceri. Photo by Sal Filosa
A WARM RECEPTION The Port Jefferson Free Library hosted an art reception for artist Robert Jones last Wednesday, Jan. 11. Jones’ exhibit, “Complicating Abstracts,” featuring 40 oil and acrylic paintings, is on view in the Meeting Room and display cases of the library through Feb. 28.
Above, from left, Brittany Lacey as Syliva and Steve Ayle as Greg. Photo by Brian Hoerger, Theatre Three Productions Inc.
By Michael Tessler
There are few bonds greater than between a man and his dog, and sometimes there are few bonds stranger! Theatre Three begins the new year with the wonderfully clever off-Broadway comedy, “Sylvia,” written by A.R. Gurney.
This light-hearted romp introduces us to Greg, a man midway into his midlife crisis. He’s had it all: a happy family, a stable corporate job, even a great apartment in the heart of Manhattan … but now with an empty nest, retirement just around the bend and a fading flame of a marriage, he does what any sane person would do — he adopts a stray puppy from the park!
Brittany Lacey and Steve Ayle in a scene from ‘Sylvia’. Photo by Brian Hoerger, Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
Directed by Bradlee E. Bing, this performance offers more than laughs; it is a philosophical journey through the complexities of aging and relationships. One can’t help but become emotionally invested in Bing’s incredibly talented cast of actors. His production never wastes a beat. Even as dialogue happens on one side of the stage, Bing cleverly places subtle action on the other, giving way to a truly immersive performance.
Peter Casdia, the stage manager, runs a tight and efficient shift backstage. The show’s set, designed by Randall Parsons, is simple but very effective. Alternating between an apartment, local park and office, you’ll easily keep track of where you are from location to location. Robert W. Henderson Jr.’s lighting design is subtle but quite efficacious.
This show’s quick-wit script and sublime cast doesn’t require the usual pomp and circumstance when it comes to the show’s lighting or set. Its simplicity is its strength, letting the audience dive head first into this character-centric performance.
Steve Ayle, who portrays Greg, is perfectly cast. His ability to transcend both comedy and drama give him a unique ability as a performer. Many actors on stage tend to become victims of overacting, a desperate need to evoke a reaction from the audience. Ayle, as testament to his ability as actor, does just the opposite. His authentic humor is a delight and is so genuinely played that you will in earnest believe him in all of his actions. When watching his performance you’ll find yourself asking:“Why the heck isn’t this guy on TV? He’s great!”
From left, Kate (Linda May) and Sylvia face off in a jealous rage in a scene from ‘Sylvia.’ Photo by Brian Hoerger, Theatre Three Productions Inc.
Theatre Three veteran Linda May plays Greg’s wife Kate, a witty English teacher who has dedicated her life to educating underprivileged youth in the works of William Shakespeare. With her children off at college, Kate delves into her work, turning a new leaf in her professional career. Things are turned upside down when her husband of several decades finds himself with a rather unhealthy attachment to his new dog, the eponymous Sylvia.
In one of my favorite exchanges, Kate finds herself on the floor facing off with Sylvia in jealous rage. The act of one woman and one dog, going nose to nose over the affection and love of their shared man is strikingly comical and brilliantly performed.
Brittany Lacey, the star of Theatre Three’s wonderful performance of “Legally Blonde,” is back and is nothing short of a real (dog) treat! Her versatility as an actress shines as she takes on the show’s titular four-legged character, Sylvia, a bouncy, frisky poodle mix. Lacey wastes no time in establishing believability, capturing and personifying perfectly the internal dialogue of a dog. Her physicality during the show is tremendously funny and her dialogue is delivered with refreshing gusto. Lacey’s profanity-laced rant about cats is perhaps the show’s greatest sequence, saying what we’ve all felt about cats at one time or another!
Sylvia’s sensuous romp with neighborhood dog Bowser gives way to some incredible comedic material. You’ll find yourself desperate for air during her barrel of fun performance. When paired with her owner, Greg, you get the opportunity to see two incredibly talented actors really delve into their craft. Their scenes together are some of the best in the show and really capture the unique love between a man and his dog.
Matt Senese in a scene from ‘Sylvia’. Photo by Brian Hoerger, Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
Last but certainly not least is the show’s everyman (and woman) Matt Senese. Though I don’t want to spoil all the fun, this multifaceted actor delivers huge laughs playing three separate supporting roles as both a man and a woman. For his explosively funny performance alone, go see this show!
Theatre Three’s Athena Hall is looking more beautiful as ever. The cozy, elegant and historical theater is the perfect venue in which to escape reality. Now offering accessibility with an elevator lift and a refurbished wheelchair-friendly bathroom, the theater remains a sanctuary for all those with a love of the arts. Oh, and the ushers are the best around! All in all, “Sylvia” is a perfect way to start the new year. Light, funny and endearing, this show’s short run doesn’t stop it from being big fun!
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will present “Sylvia” on the Mainstage through Feb. 4. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 ages 5 to 12. Children under 5 not permitted. Wednesday matinee is $20. For more information, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
The Knox School’s 2016 Poetry Out Loud winners Kyle Pursaud and Isabella Benrubi with Donna Pergola, center, chair of the English Department at The Knox School. Photos courtesy of Knox School
POETRY OUT LOUD Congratulations to juniors Isabella Benrubi and Kyle Pursaud for winning the 2016 Poetry Out Loud competition at The Knox School in St. James. Poetry Out Loud is an annual competition that requires students to recite poems from memory. All competitions start at the school level and require students to recite two poems. One poem must be 25 lines or more and the other must be a pre-20th century poem of any length. The top two contestants from each registered school then go on to the district competition.
For The Knox School, the top two students go to Stony Brook University to compete with students from other surrounding districts. At the district level, students are required to memorize a third poem, but the third poem is only required if they make it to the final round. Participating students included Brandon Persaud, Kyle Persaud, Isabella Benrubi, Isai Bala, Daniel Leach, Tess Pruzan, Aric Liu, Tiffany Chu, Mateja Markovic and Annie Kong.
Overall, the Poetry Out Loud competition helps educators bring a love of poetry, and learning through poetry, to the classroom. The Knox School has participated for almost a decade now, helping students develop skills not only in reading, analyzing and reciting poetry but also in public speaking and presentation.
“It takes a lot of courage and skill to recite poetry from memory and the participants of Poetry Out Loud surpassed all of my expectations for this competition,” said Donna Pergola, chair of the English Department. “I am so proud of all of them for overcoming their fear of public speaking and reciting their poems with such poise and charisma.”
Above, Harbor Country Day students and staff, along with two U.S. Marines, stand in front of a truck filled with Toys for Tots donations. Photo courtesy of Harbor Country Day School
On Dec. 14, United States Marines from the Sixth Communications Battalion, Alpha Company, in Farmingdale, visited Harbor Country Day School in St. James to collect thousands of toys donated to the Suffolk County Toys for Tots program. In addition to collecting donated toys from its own students, Harbor Country Day also served as a drop-off location for the surrounding community.
Harbor Country Day has contributed to the Toys for Tots drive since 1998, when former Harbor employee Mike Guido instituted the program. Now retired from the school, Guido directs the delivery of toys from various sites throughout Smithtown to Harbor Country Day and other drop-off locations. The John W. Cooke V.F.W. Post 395 of St. James, of which Guido is a member, also contributed funds, which were used to purchase toys for the drive.
“We are honored to play a part in the Suffolk County Toys for Tots program,” said John Cissel, head of school for Harbor Country Day School. “During this time of year, when our lives are exceptionally busy and hectic, we cherish the opportunity to slow down a bit and remind our students about the importance of ‘stepping outside of ourselves’ and helping others in need. The Toys for Tots program is a perfect opportunity to do that and, at the same time, to make a valuable contribution to our surrounding community.”
Members of the Laurel Hill student council prepare to wrap presents purchased for two families in need. Photo courtesy of Laurel Hill School
During the holidays this December, Laurel Hill School in East Setauket, led by its student council, partnered with an organization called Toys of Hope and The Child and Family Services of NY to adopt a family in need and help bring a little of the spirit of the holidays to them.
Families chosen for the Adopt-A-Family program are living in homeless shelters or have been referred to Toys of Hope by county social service agencies, schools, hospitals, fire departments, religious institutions and other service organizations. Members of these families often suffer from illness or disabilities that prevent them from working.
The children and families of Laurel Hill raised $2,565 in cash and gift cards and purchased two vouchers for oil deliveries for two Long Island families. On Dec. 18, 2016 the student council members, their parents and third-grade teacher Mrs. Stine met at the Setauket Walmart, Toys R Us and Costco to shop for toys, books, blankets, clothes, boots and health and beauty essentials for the families and their pets as well as cereals, soups, pasta and a complete feast for a family of five and a family of four, making their holiday a little brighter.
Dear Readers, Welcome to our newest column in Arts & Lifestyles! Long Island is home to many wonderful and talented artists. Each month we will feature a local artist who will share his or her favorite paintings as well as their own personal story.
’Art is not what I do, art is who I am.’ — Renee Caine‘In the Moment’
Holbrook resident Reneé Caine has shown her work around Long Island for the past 20 years, most notably with the Huntington Arts Council, East Hampton Guild, Catherine Lorillard Art Club and the Watermill Museum. For the past eight years, she has exhibited with the Setauket Artists at the Setauket Neighborhood House and is a member of LIMarts. Currently, Caine is Artist of the Month at the LIMarts latest exhibit at The Long Island Museum’s Visitors Center titled Inspired By …, which is on view through Jan. 29.
What is your background in art?
I have drawn, painted or created some form of art my entire life. I received my bachelor’s of fine arts from Dowling College with a major in art education and a master’s of arts liberal studies with an emphasis in art from Stony Brook University. I have explored all types of medium including watercolor, gouache, oil, acrylic, chalk, oil pastel, pottery, clay sculpture, printmaking, soap stone carving and bronze casting.
I taught art to grades K-12 in several districts with the last 18 years of my career teaching in the Three Village school district. When I taught, I let my students know that I was a working artist and they loved to see my work. It is rewarding to see students show up at my exhibits! I have even been critiqued by a few of them using the skills I taught them!
‘Peconic River’
Who influenced you to become an artist?
My grandmother was a respected watercolorist in St. Paul, Minnesota, so I think some of my talent is genetic. For years, I followed in her footsteps painting in watercolor, but now I am painting in oils.
What is your motivation?
Picasso once said his art “was like a visual diary.” That is exactly how I feel about my work. My paintings are a reflection of where I’ve been and what I’ve seen that has caught my eye or spoken to me. When I paint, I want to draw the viewer into my “Ah” moment. I am showing the viewer what caught my eye: color, light, shadow, contrast and textures in everything around us.
How would you describe your art?
I am a realist. My work is representational. I want the viewer to experience what I felt when I saw “It.” Although realistic, I still use “artistic license” to make changes. I do not try to improve on mother nature, but at times try to clean up man’s debris. My paintings are calm, restful and peaceful and I invite the viewer to step into my world to escape for a while. However, there are times that I wish to experiment with contemporary genres such as “Hello,” which won an award at a LIMarts exhibit titled I’ve Got the Music in Me.
‘Parisian Door, Number 4,’
Do you have any early memories of your art?
My first painting I ever sold was a nine by twelve oil pastel of a horse grazing in a field. I was in ninth grade when the secretary in the office wanted to buy it. She paid me $20 saying, “You will sell many of your paintings in your life, but you will always remember the first one you sold.” She was right as that experience was a wonderful incentive and affirmation for a child.
Do you have a favorite painting?
I remember the day I was in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and saw Johannes Vermeer’s “Young Woman with a Water Jug” painted in 1632. Having seen it only in textbooks, I was surprised by how small it was. Although small, I found it was powerful. Vermeer’s use of light so astounded me that it remains my favorite painting to this day.
Where is your favorite place to paint?
I am quite sure that Giverny, France, is now and will remain the most motivating place I’ve ever been. While walking through Monet’s home and gardens, I felt almost transformed to another time. As I was processing all the beauty surrounding me, I felt the enormous energy there.
What is your process when painting?
When something inspires me I take many photographs of the subject from different angles and with different lighting; then I visualize the composition in my head. It is not unusual for me to think about a painting for a couple of months before I paint it.
What is your vision for your future in art?
I feel my talent is God-given, therefore, it is my wish to develop it to the fullest. I want each painting to be an improvement over the last one. With each painting I learn something new. Growth is my quest! Keep growing, keep learning is my motto! Since I retired, I am devoting myself to my art full time and immersing myself into the art community. In the new year, I am especially looking forward to working with Neil Watson by becoming a member of the steering committee for LIMarts.
What are your other interests?
Outside of my devotion to my husband, daughter, son and three adorable grandsons, I’m an avid gardener. My property is my living sculpture. I have color from early April to late November. I have nooks, crannies and brick walkways I designed and put in myself. My vegetable garden feeds my family all summer and growing an abundance of cucumbers supplies us with pickles that we enjoy all winter. When I’m not gardening, I can be found painting in my garden! I will continue to grow as art is not what I do, art is who I am.
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