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Fred Bryant

Kayleigh Smith Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

By Kimberly Phyfe

The Three Village Historical Society (TVHS) is proud to announce Kayleigh Smith as their 2024 Research Fellow.

TVHS embarked on the ambitious Historical House Marker program earlier this year, expanding well beyond the original scope of the first markers by the Society at its founding. Six decades on, this new iteration of the program re-imagined the parameters for what qualifies as a historic home in our community.

So how could they pull off researching the 60+ homes that applied to see which would receive a marker? That’s where Kayleigh Smith comes in.

Kayleigh Smith Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

Smith recently graduated from Stony Brook University where her “major in anthropology has fueled my aspiration to work in an environment that both preserves historical heritage and actively engages and inspires the public. The Three Village Historical Society exemplifies this mission, making it an ideal environment for applying my skills and furthering my professional growth.”

Always eager to dive deeply into the rich tapestry of cultural diversity, Smith was seeking a meaningful volunteer opportunity in the TVHS archives. Exhibits & Collections Coordinator, Scott Ferrara, recognized what a talented researcher Smith is, and recommended an extended project for her.

“Kayleigh’s work with archival management and research has been profound,” said Ferrara. “She quickly picked up on local historical geography and the many genealogical connections between families in the Three Village community. Kayleigh’s efforts particularly shined through the organization of the Society’s archival collections and the navigation of our extensive collections in support of the Historic House Marker Program. Going forward, the lessons learned from Kayleigh’s efforts and the successes she’s had will lay the framework for future historical house research,” he said.

The Historic House Marker program has been years in the making and six long months of in depth compilation of more than fifty research packets for approved home owners. The binders are full to the brim of deed histories, genealogy, newspaper articles, photographs, drawings, and anything Smith could find related to each property and the generations of residents.

“While my research is deeply fulfilling, it is the opportunity to connect with people and share my findings that truly underscores the value of my work,” Smith shared. 

Special events such as Culper Spy Day, the Spirits Graveyard Tour, and the Candlelight House Tour have given Smith additional insight into why TVHS is treasured by the community. 

“Participating in these events and engaging with the community on a personal level instills deep reverence for the significance of this research,” she said.

Funding for this new position was made possible by the generous support of long-time Society Member, Fred Bryant. In 2023, the Three Village Historical Society renamed one of their annual awards in his honor. The newly titled Fred E. Bryant Community Award is “in appreciation of valuable contributions to the advancement of the quality of life in the Three Villages and the fostering of pride in the rich historical heritage of our homes and lands.”

For 2024, the first recipients of the Bryant Community Award were Joe and Laura Troffa. Bryant graciously attached a significant donation to his new award, to be made in honor of the Troffas. Thus, the Bryant/Troffa Research Fellowship was created, and the Society is able to bring on exceptional talent such as Smith to fill the role.

“It was an incredible honor and complete surprise to be awarded the first Fred Bryant Community Service Award” stated Laura Troffa. “Joe and I, like Fred, share a mutual passion for preserving the history of this amazing community.”

Smith said that she is “grateful for the Bryant/Troffa Fellowship because it represents the next stepping stone in my career path. I have long aspired to work in a museum setting — curating exhibits and making meaningful discoveries that resonate with people. This Fellowship has validated that my skills transcend the confines of the classroom and can be effectively utilized in dynamic settings, where I engage with historical, community, and personal narratives on a daily basis.”

The Troffas moved to Setauket in the 1970’s and “we knew it was a very special place,” said Laura. 

“We became avid supporters of the TVHS to learn more about the historical buildings and the events that took place in our community dating back to the Revolutionary War. From that day forward,  we’ve had the pleasure of sponsoring the Annual Candlelight Tour, as well as contributing to various projects that helped preserve and enrich many of the Society’s historical buildings that we all cherish!”

The Troffas “are so excited to hear Kayleigh’s hard work has been instrumental in the success of the upcoming Historic House Marker celebration! Our collections and archives are so important and integral to promoting education within our community!”

Author Kimberly Phyfe is the  Community Engagement Manager at the Three Village Historical Society in Setauket.

Greg Philipps

Last week, the Three Village Historical Society (TVHS) celebrated the inauguration of its 2024 board of trustees with a swearing-in ceremony. The event, held on Tuesday, February 13th, marked the official introduction of the newly appointed leadership team.

Bob Lauto

Greg Philipps, assuming the role of president, and Bob Lauto, taking on the position of vice president, were both sworn in during the ceremony. The honor of administering the oath fell to Fred Bryant, a respected longtime member and former trustee of the Society.

Mari Irizarry, Director of the society, expressed enthusiasm for the new trustees, citing their diverse backgrounds and wealth of experience. She underscored their capacity to provide strong leadership and varied perspectives crucial for addressing the significant challenges and opportunities facing the organization in the coming year.

“As we welcome Greg Philipps and Bob Lauto to their respective roles, we are invigorated by the fresh energy and expertise they bring to our board,” remarked Irizarry. “Their appointment enhances our ability to navigate the complex landscape ahead, ensuring that we uphold our commitment to excellence in education and community-based programming.”

Falling leaves and cooler weather signal the arrival of the Setauket Artists’ annual fine art exhibit at the Setauket Neighborhood House. Now in its 40th year, the event will be held from Oct. 25 to Nov. 17. What an exciting time for the organization where many of the artists have been together since the very beginning!

Exhibiting artists include Ross Barbera, Ron Becker, Eleanor Berger, Rina Betro, Joan Bloom, Kyle Blumenthal, Joyce Bressler, Renee Caine, Al Candia, Gail L. Chase, Anthony Davis, Julie Doczi, William Dodge, Marge Governale, William Graf, Melissa Imossi, Anne Katz, Flo Kemp, Karen Kemp, Celeste Mauro, Judith Mausner, Lorraine McCormick, Jane McGraw-Teubner, Terry McManus, Eleanor Meier, Fred Mendelsohn, Muriel Musarra, Iacopo Pasquinelli, Paula Pelletier, Joe Reboli, Dino Rinaldi, Joan Rockwell, Robert Roehrig, Irene Ruddock, Carole Link Scinta, Barbara Jeanne Siegel, Angela Stratton, Marie Lourdes Velez, Marlene Weinstein and Patricia Yantz.

Founded by Flo Kemp, the organization has been led by the group’s president Irene Ruddock for the last 15 years. “The health of our artists and community members are most important so we were not planning an in-person show. However, after learning that the New York State allowed art shows if all the guide lines were strictly followed, we decided to go ahead with our celebration,” said Ms. Ruddock. “Fellow artist, Dr. Frederick Mendelsohn is chairing the safety committee to ensure that all precautions are taken,” she added.

A grand opening reception is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 25 from noon to 4 p.m. and the group will host two open house weekends, Nov. 7 and 8 and Nov. 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two oil paintings, “Eventide” by Margaret Governale and “Poquott Boats” by Al Candia, will be raffled off.

“We will be requiring social distancing of six feet, the wearing of masks, regular sanitizing, and allowing only a certain number of people in at a time as well as many other suggested NYS procedures,” said Dr. Mendelsohn.

Art lover Fred Bryant is honoring the organization again by being its sponsor which will pay for many of the organizations many expenses. This year, because of COVID, the organization needed an outdoor tent with heaters and pre-packaged snacks for people waiting to enter the show. “Fred’s generous contribution will certainly help defray those costs,” said Ms. Ruddock.

The outside tent with heaters will become the waiting area where smaller paintings and unframed paintings and prints will be exhibited. Light refreshments that are individually wrapped will be offered.

Every year, the artists choose an artist whom they honor. This year’s award goes to watercolorist Anne Katz. Ms. Katz is treasurer of the organization as well as being responsible for the brochure. “Anne is  truly dedicated  to this organization, a person who absolutely never says no to any request! We wonder how we would ever do without her. Her work in watercolor and oil is art at its best-luminous light with a joyous tone that speaks to her love of local Long Island scenes,” said Ms. Ruddock. 

The Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket presents the 40th annual Setauket Artists’ Exhibition daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Oct. 25 to Nov. 17 (closed Oct. 30 and 31). For more information, visit www.setauketartists.com.

‘Pumpkin,’ watercolor by William Graf, will be on view at the Setauket Neighborhood House from Oct. 27 to Nov. 19. Image courtesy of the Setauket Artists

The cooler weather signals the return of a perennial favorite, the Setauket Artists Fall Exhibition at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket from Oct. 27 to Nov. 19. The annual juried exhibit was founded by Flo Kemp, a much admired local artist. Thirty-nine years later the group, now coordinated by the group’s president, Irene Ruddock, consists of about 50 artists from all over Long Island. Together they continue the tradition of exhibiting paintings at the historic Setauket Neighborhood House along with several other venues during the year. 

Each year the artists choose an honored artist and this year’s choice is Renee Caine. “Renee has contributed an enormous amount of time to this group, creating and implementing new ideas. Because of her boundless energy Renee is always ready to help out on any occasion,” said Ruddock. Caine will be exhibiting a piece titled “Giverny #4,” part of the “Giverny Series.” 

Fred Bryant, art collector and loyal supporter who has shown his dedication to the group for over a dozen years, returns as this year’s sponsor. “Because of Fred, our group had been able to purchase many items that have added to the professionalism of the Setauket Artists and for that we are grateful,” said Vice President Rob Roehrig. 

This year’s event will be judged by contemporary realism artist David Peikon who teaches at the Art League in Dix Hills.  An open house will be held on Nov. 9 and 10 and again on Nov. 15 to 17 to meet the artists, attend tours of the exhibit and observe an artist demonstration by pastel and oil painter Anthony Davis. Visit www.setauketartists.com or call 631-365-1312 for further information.

'Harvest's End' by Marge Governale

When autumn arrives, residents of the Three Village area may start to think of the annual fall art show that has become a true community treasure. The Setauket Artists will host its 38th Artists’ Exhibition 2018 from Oct. 28 to Nov. 19 at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main Street, Setauket. 

‘Last Cottage’ by Fred Mendelsohn

Over 40 award-winning artists will participate in the show this year including Lana Ballot, Ross Barbara, Shain Bard, Eleanor Berger, Rina Betro, Joan Bloom, Renee Caine, Al Candia, Gail L. Chase, Anthony Davis, Julie Doczi, Jeanette Dick, W.A. Dodge, Marge Governale, Peter Hahn, Melissa Imossi, Laurence Johnston, Anne Katz, Flo Kemp, Karen Kemp, Michael R. Kutzing, John Mansueto, Jane McGraw Teubner, Terry McManus, Eleanor Meier, Fred Mendelsohn, Muriel Musarra, Genia Neuschatz, Iacopo Pasquinelli, Paula Pelletier, Denis Ponsot, Joseph Reboli, Joan Rockwell, Robert Roehrig, Irene Ruddock, Carole Link Scinta, Sungsook Setton, Barbara Jeanne Siegel, Angela Stratton, Mac Titmus, Nancy Weeks, Marlene Weinstein, Laura Westlake and Patricia Yantz. 

‘Perfect Day’ by Lana Ballot

The exhibition will kick off with an opening reception on Sunday, Oct. 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. All are invited to this free event to enjoy some light refreshments while viewing the beautiful artwork, all of which will be for sale. Take a chance on winning a painting by four Setauket artists, the proceeds of which support the art organization. Marlene Weinstein will offer a photograph titled “Fishing Boat Trio,” John Mansueto will offer an original oil, Muriel Mussara will offer a watercolor titled “Conscience Bay” and Frederic Mendelsohn, this year’s honored artist, will also offer an original oil painting. 

For over 10 years, Fred Bryant of Bryant Funeral Home has sponsored the Setauket Artists, allowing this exhibit to be one of the most attended functions in the Three Village area.  

‘Autumn Reflections’ by John Mansueto

This year’s distinguished guest artist is David Peikon, renowned oil painter and winner of many awards throughout the country. Tom Mason, known for his old master paintings and portraiture, will be the distinguished judge.  

If you miss the first reception, you will have a chance to meet your favorite artists at the second reception at the annual Wine and Cheese Art Event held on Friday, Nov. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. Many new paintings will be displayed for the evening, just in time for holiday giving.

“Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to attend the receptions or daily viewing to see paintings that are classic and enduring and have given credence to our motto “Art for a lifetime,” said Irene Ruddock, coordinator of the event, adding, “After the exhibit, visit www.SetauketArtists.com to learn about the group’s Art Consultation feature where you may arrange to see paintings in your home before you decide whether or not to purchase them. The paintings of the artists include a wide range of modalities featuring work that is impressionistic, contemporary or traditional, including a portrait artist who will paint the perfect likeness of your loved ones or pet.”

For further information, you may contact  Irene Ruddock at [email protected]. or 631-365-1312. For viewing hours at the Setauket Neighborhood House, visit www.setauketartists.com on the Events page.

'The Red Rocker' by Laura Westlake will be on view at the exhibit

By Irene Ruddock

As autumn rolls around, people start to think of the comforts of home: a cozy fireplace, baking and perhaps redecorating their homes. What better way to perk up a home than to bring in some beautiful art to soothe the soul?

Now in its 36th year, the Setauket Artists’ Exhibition, featuring the works of over 40 artists, will return to the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket from Oct. 23 to Nov. 17 with viewing daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The show will be judged by respected watercolorist and juror Lucy Taylor of the Art league of Long Island.

‘Fall Colors at Stony Brook’ by Lana Ballot
‘Fall Colors at Stony Brook’ by Lana Ballot

The artists

Lana Ballot

Rina Betro

Sheila Breck

Renee Caine

Al Candia

Gail Chase

Anthony Davis

Jeanette Dick

W.A. Dodge

Paul Edelson

Stu Gottfried

Donna Grossman

Melissa Imossi

Laurence Johnston

Anne Katz

Flo Kemp

Karen Kemp

Michael Kutzing

John Mansueto

Jane McGraw-Teubner

Terrance McManus

Eleanor Meier

Fred Mendelsohn

Jim Molloy

Muriel Musarra

Iacopo Pasquinelli

Paula Pelletier

Denis Ponsot

Joan Rockwell

Robert Roehrig

Irene Ruddock

Eileen Sanger

Carole Link Scinta

Sungsook Setton

Barbara Siegel

Patricia Solan

Angela Stratton

Mary Jane van Zeijts

Annemarie Waugh

Laura Westlake

Marlene Weinstein

Patricia Yantz

Reinforcing the group’s motto — “Art for a Lifetime” — the artists strive to provide art that has a meaningful impact on the viewer. It is art that invites you to breathe softly, to take a walk down a hidden path, put your feet into the cool waters or sit in a rocker on the porch enjoying the last days of summer. (See Laura Westlake’s “Red Rocker.”)

The Setauket Artists revel in capturing the beauty of our local scenes such as Carol Linke Scinta’s atmospheric “Gamecock Cottage,” Patricia Yantz’s soothing “West Meadow Wonder,” Barbara Siegel’s nostalgic “Sound View Pavilion” or Rina Betro’s “Sweet Caroline” — an oil painting of the beloved and historic Caroline Church.

Collectors of Anne Katz’s and Paula Pelletier’s watercolors will enjoy their luminescent, pastoral paintings while others will seek out Stu Gottfried’s pastels that define the hustle and bustle of city life. 2016 Honored Artist Robert Roehrig will lead you to stroll along Long Island’s South Shore delighting you with a stunning sunset, Jeanette Dick will charm you with her alluring “Geisha,” and Renee Caine will guide you through the elegant splendor of “Monet’s Giverny.”

 

In a contemporary turn, view Annemarie Waugh’s “Avenue of Trees,” which is magically childlike and truly a breath of fresh air. The Setauket Artists are joined for the first time by the well-known oil painter W.A.Dodge who will display his stunning “Orange Rhymes with Blue,” and Denis Ponsot, instructor of watercolor at the Art League of Long Island, whose painting of “The Red Canoe” will make you want to grab the oars and paddle away.

Portraitist Terrance McManus captures the sweet innocence in “Island Boy” and the warmth and wisdom emanating from “The Professor.” Other well-known artists joining the group for the first time are the renowned oil painters Laurence Johnston and John Mansueto and pastel painter Lana Ballot, instructor at the Atelier at Flowerfield. The Setauket Artists are honored to have as our guest artist, master watercolorist and former judge Antonio Masi, famous for his paintings of New York City bridges.

Several artists have donated paintings to be raffled off including 2015 Honored Artist Jim Molloy who will contribute his giclee painting, “Turning Tides,” with proceeds to benefit the organization. Fred Bryant of Bryant Funeral Home in Setauket will once again sponsor the exhibit. Fred, patron of the arts, has generously contributed to the art group for ten years leading it to the professional organization that it is.

An opening reception will be held on Sunday, Oct. 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. at which scholarships will be awarded to three local students, Daniela Winston and Lexie Buynoch for art and Jacob Henretta for science in memoriam of recently deceased Setauket Artists Michael R. Kutzing, David Smith and Flori Sternlieb. If you miss the first reception, you may join Setauket Artists for their free evening wine and cheese reception on Friday, Nov. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. where many new affordable paintings will be featured just in time for the holidays. Entertainment will be provided by singer Caterina Dee whose lilting and sultry voice made the evening complete last year.

For additional information, visit www.setauketneighborhoodhouse.com, Setauket Artists on Facebook or call 631-365-1312. Irene Ruddock is the coordinator of the Setauket Artists.