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Kieran Johnson

Huntington Arts Council holds Long Island Grants for the Arts award ceremony

by Press Release - December 21, 2024

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The Huntington Arts Council (HAC) celebrated the 2025 recipients of their Long Island Grants for the Arts Program with an award ceremony on December 16 at the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington.

The evening was well attended with over 90 people which included artists, arts organizations, friends, family and local elected officials. 40 Artist Fellowship Grants were awarded and 20 GOS totaling $358,000 in granted funds. (See the list below) Huntington Arts Council’s Long Island Grants for the Arts Program is the first to administer an Artist Fellowship Grant on Long Island.

“HAC continues to provide critical support to Long Island’s creative sector through the Long Island Grants for the Arts Program.” Said Executive Director, Kieran Johnson.

“Monday evening was a testament to the dedication of the leadership and staff’s work to support the arts and culture communities across Long Island. It has been, and continues to be, HAC’s goal to nurture the growth of artists and cultural organizations who provide increased access to culture and creativity. We are looking forward to the remarkable work that will be created through these grants. HAC is grateful to State and Local officials for providing fiscal resources to grow this program. Thank you to Assemblyman Steve Stern, Assemblyman Keith P. Brown and Town Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo for attending our event and their words of support,” he said.

The Artist Fellowship Grant prioritizes funding individual artists to support, expand and grow their artistic practice. The Artist Fellowship is a $5,000 grant for individual artists working in all disciplines.

The General Operating Support Grant seeks to provide an impact on strengthening smaller, community-based arts and culture organizations. General Operating Support Grant is for arts and cultural organizations with a fiscal year budget of $400,000 or less. Funds are awarded at $7,000 or $10,000.

“The arts and culture sector on Long Island spans the length and width of the island. It lives in all of the community bands, orchestras, arts councils, theater groups, museums, and artists of all disciplines. They work hard, wherever they can, to create art, music, theater, film and more to share with their communities. I am proud to be part of an organization that supports and advocates for all the artists and organizations providing arts experiences for everyone on Long Island.” Said Patty Eljaiek, Grants Coordinator

Long Island Grants for the Arts are made possible through funding from the NY State Legislature and the office of the Governor of New York. Our ongoing grant opportunities, Artist Fellowship General Operating Support and Community Impact Micro Grants, have been tailored to meet the expressed needs of individual artists and non-profit arts organizations throughout Nassau and Suffolk.

Congratulations to all of the 2025 Long Island Grants for the Arts Awardees.

2025 Artist Fellows

Nassau County

Alicia Evans

Brooke Di Spirito

Donald Vega

Jaishri Abichandani

Jared Long

Michael Shapira

Paul Anagnostopoulos

Suffolk County

Brianna Hernandez

Brianna Sander

Christina Lee Stow

Christine Baum

Christine Donnelly

Constance Maria Wolf

Dana Parsons

Edward Acosta

Emma Pinezich

Gabriella Grama

Galina Carroll

Jessica Payes

John Testa

Karen Michel

Lauren Gotard

Luanda Lozano

Lydia Rivera

Margarita Espada

María Spector

Mark D. Nikirk

Mary Elizabeth Benedetto

Melanie Diane Berardicelli

Melissa Dennihy

Michael Celentano

Michael Krasowitz

Michelle LaPorte

Moriah Ray-Britt

Oksana Danziger

Ron Becker

Salvatore Santiago

Sarah Gross

Segundo Orellana

Sherry Davis

General Operating Support Grantees

Nassau County

Dance Visions NY, In

eVoco Voice Collective

Friends of North Shore Symphony Orchestra

The Art Guild of Port Washington

The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, Inc.

Westbury Arts, Inc.

Suffolk County

Arts Center at Duck Creek, Inc

Arts Project of Cherry Grove, New York Inc

Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts

Bay Shore Schools Arts Education Fund (BSSAEF)

Eastline Players Corp

Hamptons Doc Fest

Island Symphony Orchestra

Long Island Orchestra, Inc.

Rites of Spring Music Festival, Inc.

Smithtown Community Band

Stage the Change, Inc

Teatro Experimental Yerbabruja Inc.

The Jam Session, Inc.

The Victor D’Amico Institute of Art

For more information on our Long Island Grants for the Arts Program go to www.huntingtonarts.org

It’s baaaack! Nightmare on Main Street exhibit returns to haunt Huntington for 13th year

by Press Release - October 19, 2024

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Just in time for Halloween, the Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Gallery will present its 13th annual student exhibition, Nightmare on Main Street, from Oct. 22 to Nov. 9.

According to HAC’s Executive Director Kieran Johnson, this year’s call to student artists in grades 6 to 12 expanded to new districts across both Nassau and Suffolk counties, resulting in submissions from 19 individual schools.

Each year the Nightmare on Main Street theme takes a different twist. Juror Candido Crespo inspired the students with the following thought-provoking statement.

“Art is a bridge, where cultural symbols dance between the vibrant hues of joy and the chilling shadows of fear. It reveals the soul of a society. Through its forms, we see celebrations of festivals painted in jubilant colors, yet whispers of anxieties told through stories molded by mythology or etched in ancient monuments. … Using the medium of your choice, create a work that exemplifies your culture as a vibrant tapestry. This tapestry should reflect the joys, fears, and traditions that make your community unique.”

Of the 147 pieces submitted by 103 students, Candido chose 47 pieces to be featured in this year’s show.

“I’m truly honored to have reviewed such exceptional submissions. All the young artists are incredibly talented and have promising futures. The selected works showcase a remarkable combination of skill, effort, and compelling narratives. I eagerly anticipate seeing the exhibition,” he said.

Exhibiting artists include Maxwell Asadourian, Ava Beck, Isabella Bermudez, Eden Bonamassa, Gwen Carfora, Audrey Chen, Jacqueline Chen, Yijia Chen, Maggie Deegan, Shawn Delcasse, Daniela DeLillo, Grace Deng, Pavithra Eswar, Iiyah Fearrington, Madeline Francis, Divya Ganshani, Rebecca Gillon, Alice Hammerquist, Henry Hartmann, Khushpreet Kaur, Yitong Ke, Zahra Khan, Hannah Lee, Wandaly Leo Perez, Caitlin Liu, Liam McGrory-Luikart, Melanie Mejia, Kaitlin Melling, Eva Mena, Amanda Morales, Christopher Murray, Taylor Nappi, Karin Pan, Lillian Pu, Toni Reyes-Sorto, Deanna Santos, Corey Shack, Grace Schoonmaker, Mickayla Sharkey, Kyla Simms, Alivia Stephenson, Maxine Tian, Leah Trope, Thomas Wasylyshyn, Emma Wilck and Sophia Wolinetz.

The remaining 100 pieces of artwork will be featured in the online gallery at www.huntingtonarts.org.

Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Gallery, 213 Main Street, Huntington is open from Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends TBD. For more information, call 631-271-8423.

Kieran Johnson appointed to Suffolk County Citizens Advisory Board for the Arts

by Press Release - October 2, 2024

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0-4 — Pictured Above: Legislator Bontempi with Kieran Johnson of the Huntington Arts Council

On September 4, at the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting, Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-18th L.D.) sponsored a resolution to appoint Kieran Johnson as a member of the Suffolk County Citizens Advisory Board for the Arts, representing the 18th Legislative District. The Advisory Board, comprised of one member from each of Suffolk’s 18 legislative districts, plays a vital role in shaping, reviewing, and recommending arts policies and programs that enhance the cultural landscape of Suffolk County.

Kieran Johnson has long been a key figure in the Long Island arts community. Since 2022, he has served as the Executive Director of the Huntington Arts Council, an organization he has been actively involved with since 2017. His leadership extends beyond this role, having previously chaired the Town of Huntington’s Public Art Advisory Committee. Kieran Johnson also currently serves as Co-Chair of Arts & Experience for the Huntington Chamber of Commerce, further demonstrating his dedication to promoting the arts.

“Kieran’s extensive experience and deep commitment to the arts makes him an ideal representative for the 18^th Legislative District. I’m confident that his leadership will be instrumental in advancing arts initiatives across Suffolk County.” said Legislator Bontempi.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed to the Citizens Advisory Board for the Arts for Legislative District 18 and this opportunity to support and uplift the creative sector in our community, ensuring that the arts continue to thrive and remain accessible to the public. I look forward to working collaboratively with the CAB and Legislator Bontempi to continue to foster a vibrant cultural landscape across Suffolk County.” said Kieran Johnson.

‘Nightmare on Main Street’ returns to haunt Huntington

by Press Release - October 26, 2023

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The spookiest month of the year signals the return of the Huntington Arts Council’s (HAC) highly popular annual student exhibition, Nightmare on Main Street, a Halloween-inspired juried art exhibit for Nassau and Suffolk County students in grades 6 to 12. The show opened on Oct. 20 and runs through Nov. 12.

This year’s juror, Holly Hunt, asked students to interpret and represent the concept of fear in their artwork.

“As a professional photographer who regularly submits to art calls and attends gallery shows, I was beyond impressed by the 224 submissions that showcased not only fresh ideas, but a true understanding, yet a broad interpretation of the theme that I presented of fear. The level of skill and sophistication I experienced as I viewed the submissions was mind-blowing,” said Hunt.

She continued, “I had my hands full as I culled through this diverse collection of artwork, not only because of the number of submissions, but I had to balance many factors in my choices; innovation, subject matter, interpretation of the theme, and more, but most importantly, originality — which I know in this day and age is an accomplishment in itself. Many pieces stopped me in my tracks, some at times eliciting an audible ‘wow!'”

Hunt ultimately chose 58 pieces to be featured at the Main Street Gallery.

Congratulations to the following students: Alyana Abreu, Ava Beck, Ameila Bhario, Eden Bonamassa, Cassidy Conkiln, Lindsay Connolly, Carly Corcoran, Ava Coco, Emily Dahl, Clare DeSario, Maya Flam, Lily Fu, Divya Ganshani, Sarah-Kate Giarrizzo, Juliet Granz, Matthew Holcombe, Alyssa Huang, Soraya Jabir, Emma Jacob, Jada Joseph, Kashish Kochar, Samantha Koepele, Jayla Koster, Mattie Krakoff, Olivia Lanci, Abigail Laureta, Molly Lebolt, Rachel Learned, Kendra Saint Louis, Chamille Malcolm, Giselle Marquez, Isabella Mascetti, Mairead Matthews,Emily Miccio, Kaylee Neems, Sulayman Noori, Lily Orjiako, Jillian Ostrow, Samantha Peace, Alexis Rabinovich, Reece Rene, Marianna Rountos, Ava Sarrocco, Abby Schiff, Grace Schoonmaker, Keira Searson, Mickayla Sharkey, Xavier Tian, Jessica Wang, Warren Wei, Amanda Weng, Scarlett Willems, Lilly Zarmehrbakhsh, and Christina Zhong.

The additional 110 pieces of student art work that was submitted will be featured on the HAC’s website.

“In it’s 12th year, Nightmare on Main Street represents not only one of our most popular exhibitions, but an incredibly rewarding one as well. The Halloween theme, regardless of how it is interpreted, is a familiar one to most of us. This opportunity we provide has proven to be an accessible and rewarding arts experience for students. Very often this show is a first for many young artists. Seeing their own work in a gallery setting can often be the motivation and encouragement a student needs to continue to create. As a community based organization this show is inspiring to all of us. Please continue to support and encourage our next generation of artists,” said HAC’s Executive Director, Kieran Johnson.

Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Gallery, 213 Main Street, Huntington is open from Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends TBD. For more information, call 631-271-8423 or visit www.huntingtonarts.org.

Huntington Summer Arts Festival returns to Heckscher Park in July

by Press Release - July 4, 2023

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Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Co. Photo by Darin Reed — Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Co. head to the Chapin Rainbow Stage on July 13. Photo by Darin Reed

Summer is finally here and that means the return of the Huntington Summer Arts Festival at the Chapin Rainbow Stage at Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., in Huntington. Now in its 58th year, the festival will offer four weeks of free, live performances Wednesdays to Sundays from July 1 to 30. Sunday performances start at 7 p.m., all others performances start at 8 p.m. unless noted.

Produced by the Town of Huntington and presented by the Huntington Arts Council (HAC), the festival clearly has something for everyone whether it be music, dance or theater. This year features festival mainstays such as the Huntington Community Band and The Huntington’s Men’s Chorus while highlighting new acts such as Tito Rodriguez Jr./Huntington Latin Night, Dr. K’s Motown Revue and Swing Sessions with Dudley Music and Guests.

Opening weekend sets the stage for this breakthrough season featuring Brooklyn based Sunny Jain’s Red Baraat on July 1 and the popular Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra on July 2. The Festival will go dark on Mondays and Tuesdays but ramp up again with the Huntington Community Band each Wednesday for the duration of the month.

The Englishtown Project is an exciting addition this year on July 7th. Followed by six-time Grammy winner Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, classic Motown sounds with Dr. K’s Motown Revue, The Hot Sardines’ take on classic jazz tunes, and the return of Huntington-born Chieli Minucci & Special EFX All Stars rounding out the weekend.

The 17th Huntington Folk Festival, a collaborative effort of the Folk Music Society of Huntington and HAC, returns on July 22. The open mic session at 12:30 p.m. will be followed by L.I. based singer/songwriters swapping songs on the hill from 1:30 to 3:45 p.m., and on-stage from 4 to 6 p.m. The day culminates with co-headliners Lucy Kaplansky and Cliff Eberhardt, pre-concert at 8 p.m.

Additional regulars include the North Shore Pops Concert Band, and Plaza Theatrical Productions with a presentation of the Broadway Rock Musical RENT. Fabulous dance performances are highlighted once again by Sol Y Sombra Spanish Dance Company, and the L.I. Dance Consortium.

Closing out the Festival will be The Jazz Loft Big Band and Tom Manuel with Grammy nominated guest vocalist Nicole Zuraitis on July 29 and Orchestra L.I., conducted by Musical Director David Stewart Wiley, serves up a delightful “In Concert With Nature” with works by Handel (Water Music), George Walker, the Mendelsohnn siblings Fanny & Felix, and for this year’s Festival Finale, Pastorale—Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Opus 68 on July 30.

“Huntington Arts Council takes pride in being able to present an exciting, free summer series of live performances. This year in particular, I am happy that our selection of acts is more representative of the diversity in our community. Our goal is to make the festival relevant, entertaining and accessible to everyone. All are welcome to attend!” said Kieran Johnson, Executive Director, Huntington Arts Council.

Below is the complete schedule for the season.

For a copy of the printed calendar click this link.

Saturday, July 1 – Sunny Jain’s Red Baraat

Sunday, July 2 – Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, 7:00PM start time

Wednesday, July 5 – Huntington Community Band, “All Around The World”

Thursday, July 6 – Huntington Men’s Chorus, “Seriously Sinatra”

– Northport Community Band 8:30PM, start time NPT Park

Friday, July 7 – The Englishtown Project

Saturday, July 8 – Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra

Sunday, July 9 – RENT Jonathan Larson’s Broadway Rock Musical by Plaza Theatrical Productions, 7:00PM start time

Wednesday, July 12 – Huntington Community Band, “Viva Long Island”

Thursday, July 13 – Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Co.

– Northport Community Band 8:30PM, start time NPT Park

Friday, July 14 – Dr. K’s Motown Revue

Saturday, July 15 – The Hot Sardines

Sunday, July 16 – Chieli Minucci & Special EFX All-Stars, 7:00PM start time

Wednesday, July 19 – Huntington Community Band, “Una Celebracion de la Musica Latina”, 7:00PM Jazz Band start time; 8:00 PM Concert Band start time

Thursday, July 20 – North Shore Pops Concert Band

– Northport Community Band 8:30PM, start time NPT Park

Friday, July 21 – Huntington Latin Night: Tito Rodriguez Jr. Orchestra; Opening Act – ZapOte Band; DJ Acito; Salsa Demo – Star Ballroom Dance Studiio 7:00 PM start time.

Saturday, July 22 – 16^th Huntington Folk Festival, Cliff Eberhardt & Lucy Kaplansky, pre-concert interview at 7:15, concert at 8:00PM. Daytime open mic session hosted by Toby Tobias at 12:30, is followed by L.I. based singer/songwriters swapping songs on the hill from 1:30 to 3:45 PM, and on-stage from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.

Sunday, July 23 – L.I. Dance Consortium, “Long Island Dances!, 7:00PM start time

Wednesday, July 26 – Huntington Community Band,”…and Home Again!”

Thursday, July 27 – Swing Sessions with Dudley Music & Guests, local emerging Artists. Performers include Gabi Rose; saxophonist/vocalist, alt-rock trio MJT; and bassist Andraleia, leader of Empathology. 7:30PM start time.

– Northport Community Band 8:30PM, start time NPT Park

Saturday, July 29 – Jazz Loft Big Band, Tom Manuel Conductor, Nicole Zuraitis, Guest Vocalist

Sunday, July 30 – Orchestra L.I., David Stewart Wiley, Conductor “In Concert With Nature”, 7:00PM start time, 6:15 PM pre-concert talk by Maestro David Stewart Wiley.

For more information, visit www.huntingtonarts.org.

Flora & Fauna exhibit opens at Main Street Gallery in Huntington

by Press Release - February 16, 2023

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The Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Gallery held an opening reception for its latest exhibit, Flora & Fauna: Allegories of Nature, on Feb. 10. Juror Liz Fusco invited artists to submit artwork exploring the broad, interpretive scope of the connection and relationship to nature while encompassing the specific focus on flora and fauna. All media were welcome.

Over 130 artists submitted work of which 47 artists and pieces were accepted. Participating artists include Sal Agnello, Georgia Ardito, Shain Bard, Ron Becker, John Benevento, Joyce Bressler, Zintis Buzermanis, Jane Cairns Irvine, Kristin Calderone, Galina Carroll, Dorothy Chanin, Anne Cognato, Tobi Cohen, Donna Corvi, Caryn Coville, Victoria Field, Kaitlin Gardella, Arlene Gernon, Andrea M Gordon, Gabriella Grama, Brian Grandfield, Kathleen J Graves, Jan Guarino, Tara Hlaing, Mark Holmquist, Philip Jordan, Ralph Laudano, Michelle Lesser, Christophe Lima, Jeanette Martone, Celeste Mauro, Eileen Novack, Jairo A. Ortiz Cc, Howie Pohl, Denis Ponsot, Susan Ryan, Michael Sansone, Gianne Shin, James Slezak, Ginger Sosnowski, Nicholas Striga, Joanna Szczurkowska, Mary Jane Tenerelli, Steven Vando, Jo Wadler and Nancy Wernersbach.

“It was really a pleasure and an honor for me to be the juror for this exhibit, especially given the fact that flowers and nature are what inspires me in my own personal art. There were so many wonderful submissions with diverse interpretations of flora and fauna. All of the artwork was wonderful, even the ones not chosen for the exhibit,” said Fusco.

“The task of choosing a ‘Best in Show’ and ‘Honorable Mentions’ was a difficult one, considering the talent. Art is very subjective as we all know and what draws us to a work of art is so personal. Ultimately, the pieces I chose were the ones that were drawing me back to look at again and again, whether it was the color, the drama or the composition. Each one called out to me for prolonged observation and investigation. Reading the artists’ statements, as well, gave me context to the artwork which also helped me in my decisions,” she added.

Best in Show went to “Lotus” by Arlene Gernon, and “Ailanthus Webworm” by Dorothy Chanin, “I See You” by Jeanette Martone, “Bloom” by Gianne Shin and “Pink Peony” by Joanna Szczurkowska received Honorable Mentions.

“Flora & Fauna: Allegories of Nature is not your typical landscape and wildlife show. This jury exhibition taps into the layers of symbolism used by Baroque, Renaissance, Romantic, Contemporary and Modern artists throughout the course of art history,” explained Kieran Johnson, Executive Director, of the Huntington Arts Council.

“We are proud to see so many mediums convey the allegorical nature of the natural world. Come see this wonderful and deep exhibition at our Main Street Gallery soon.”

The Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Gallery, 213 Main Street, Huntington presents Flora & Fauna: Allegories of Nature through March 11. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 631-271-8423 or visit www.huntingtonarts.org.

Images courtesy of Huntington Arts Council

Students create Nightmare on Main Street exhibit in Huntington

by Press Release - October 21, 2022

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Lost Souls by Sophia Lin — 'Lost Souls' by Sophia Lin

The spookiest month of the year signals the return of the Huntington Arts Council’s annual student exhibit, Nightmare on Main Street, a Halloween-inspired juried art exhibit for Nassau and Suffolk County students in grades 6 to 12. This year’s show runs from Oct. 21 to Nov. 15.

“Our Nightmare on Main Street student exhibit is now in its 11th year! This exhibit continues to be one of our most popular, both for the students and the overall community,” said HAC’s Executive Director Kieran Johnson. “The submissions spanned across Long Island with both public and private school students from 21 districts participating in the call. Congratulations to all of the students who submitted to this show.”

Guest juror Lauren LaBella, co-owner of The Gallery @ in Huntington, invited participants to broaden their artistic interpretation of the Halloween inspired exhibition by referencing the Plague Doctor during the Bubonic Plague “which became a momento mori, a symbol for one’s last earthly moments, as this was usually the last thing a person would see before meeting their death. The long beak of the mask was filled with herbs and spices that were believed to filter out the ‘bad spirit,’ protecting the wearer from those he was visiting; the long, waxy coat and hat protecting their skin and clothes underneath. A long staff was used to make contact with the bodies without having to touch them directly. … Similarly, Halloween is a once-a-year opportunity to disguise yourself or be unknown, and to celebrate the darker parts of life. In the medium of your choice, show us how you interpret these concepts.”

“Just under 200 pieces from 145 artists were submitted this year to Nightmare on Main Street,” said Sarah J. McCann, HAC’s Gallery & Operations Director.

“One of the highest submissions in the history of the show, the work does not disappoint. Our juror has chosen 41 pieces to be featured in the Main Street Gallery and on our website. In recognition of the dedication and enthusiasm the students have shown for this call to artists, we have decided to expand the online gallery to include a special section so that all of the artists’ work that was submitted can be shared with the community,” she said.

Exhibiting artists include Maya Almaliah, Meggie Baxter, Lilah Black, Colby Burns, Joseline Canales-lazo, Scout Chen, Elaine Ching, Jazmin Corrujedo, Victoria Czoch, Sophia Dolinsky, Madeline Dombrow, Gilana Etame, Sally Feliciano, DJ Fusco, Michael Gallagher, Mary Getzoni, Emma Gutierrez, Kelly Halversen, Alexandra Hugel, Molly Lebolt, Sophia Lin, Isabella Mascetti, Liza McPherson, Samantha Medley, Finn Monte, Natalie Parrott, Gianna Purpura, Sivan Pyle, Elliot Rosenblatt, Zayed Sattaur, Grace Schoonmaker, Nicole Schrock, Jasmine Sedra, Jack Semelsberger, Alexa Shafy, Juliana Silva, Peyton Silvestri, Charlotte Tsekerides, Bennett Vitagliano, Warren Wei and Kerry Yeung.

“We pride ourselves in working hard to be inclusive with our call to artists and all of our programs. Our gallery is open to all and we certainly encourage you to stop in to see the exhibit and visit our website regularly to learn more about the work that we are doing for the community,” added Johnson.

The Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Galley, 213 Main Street, Huntington is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 631-271-8423 or visit www.huntingtonarts.org.

‘Uncommon Threads’ exhibit opens in Huntington

by Press Release - July 20, 2022

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June by Emily Martin — 'June' by Emily Martin is on view at the HAC's Main Street Gallery. Photo courtesy of Huntington Arts Council

Currently on view at the Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Gallery is a fiber show titled Uncommon Threads. The juried exhibition opened on July 15 and runs through August 27.

The exhibition focuses on fiber arts in all its forms. Juror Patty Eljaiek invited artists to provide entries that included either fiber-based materials or unconventional materials used in typical fiber art techniques such as crochet, weaving, sewing, felting, embroidery, etc.

‘Sattva’ by Luda Pah is on view at the HAC’s Main Street Gallery. Photo courtesy of Huntington Arts Council

As a mixed media artist, Eljaiek exhibits nationwide, in galleries from New York to California. Her work reflects her experience as a first generation American immigrant focusing on themes of belonging and identity. She continues to explore traditional fiber arts to create new and evolving work incorporating repurposed materials.

“I am so very excited about this exhibit,” said Eljaiek. “The original concept was to highlight contemporary works that celebrate fiber, in all its forms. The selected works show a wide variety of techniques, subjects and materials. It is thrilling to see artists creating work specifically for this show and also inspiring to know that there are artists who are working with fiber arts today in so many different ways. The Uncommon Threads exhibit is a perfect example of why fiber arts is fine art.”

Exhibiting artists include Mara Ahmed, Eileen Bell, Mary Brodersen, Amanda Burns, Kathy Cunningham, Oksana Danziger, Sherry Davis, Barbra Ellmann, Alicia Evans, Josefina Fasolino, Veronica Haley, Marilyn Hamilton Jackson, Conor Hartman, Andrea Larmor, Samantha Lopez, Emily Martin, John Michaels, Claudia Monnone, Luda Pahl, Eileen Palmer, Bernadette Puleo, Lauren Singer, Lisa Stancati, Devlin Starr, Robert Stenzel, Kim Svoboda, Rebecca Vicente, Debra Fink Bachelder, Ann Marie Miller, Deborah Monteko and Cindy Russell.

“Huntington Arts Council prides ourselves in providing opportunities that inspire artists to showcase their work. Uncommon Threads is an exhibit that features the work of both up and coming and seasoned artists; many new to HAC,” said Kieran Johnson, Executive Director of Huntington Arts Council. “The use of fiber to convey a story, feeling or message is at its best in this exhibit. I hope you will stop by to experience the unique and impactful medium of fiber art.”

The Main Street Gallery, 213 Main Street, Huntington is open from Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 631-271-8423 or visit huntingtonarts.org.

Huntington Arts Council appoints new Executive Director

by Press Release - March 12, 2022

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The Huntington Arts Council has announced that the Board of Directors has chosen Kieran Johnson as the organization’s new Executive Director.

Most recently HAC’s Director of Community Partnerships and Development, Johnson has been an integral part of the organization since first joining as Business Manager in July of 2017. He currently serves as the Town of Huntington’s Chair of the Public Art Advisory Committee and Co-Chair of the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce Arts & Experiences Committee. Prior to HAC Johnson was Operations Manager at Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, Office Manager/Financial Coordinator for the Richard Avedon Foundation, served as the Chair for the Society for Photographic Education North East, and on the The Penumbra Foundations Associate Board.

Johnson’s work over the last several years has focused on expanding the reach and depth of the Huntington Arts Council. He has dedicated his time as a cultural steward, building meaningful community relationships/partnerships, targeted art initiatives, and strengthening the financial platform of the organization.

“I’m honored to be the next Executive Director of the Huntington Arts Council with its storied history, and it’s stewardship of the arts on Long Island. My lifelong passion has been about increasing accessibility, opening doors, and enforcing that the arts are for everyone,” said Johnson.

An educator and practicing artist, Johnson has exhibited his photographs in New York City at New Century Artists, Rogue Space, and Greenpoint Gallery as well as throughout Michigan at ActiveSite in Grand Rapids, and Delta College in Saginaw. More recent exhibitions include Huntington Art Center, NY, The Memorial Gallery at SUNY Farmingdale, NY, Project Basho in Philadelphia, PA, Ricoh Photo Gallery in Tokyo, Japan and the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City, Indiana along with being included in the Postcard Collective. In addition to exhibiting his work, he has lectured at Adrian College, Commack High School on Long Island, New York, and at the SPE Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.Johnson holds a BFA from Purchase College School of Art and Design and an MFA from Kendall College of Art and Design.

Johnson fills the Executive Director position vacated by Marc Courtade who retired on Feb. 28 after 7 years with the HAC.

HAC’s Sights and Sounds exhibit explores the music in visual art

by Melissa Arnold - February 6, 2020

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Naomi Diracles_ Music and Art — Music and Art by Naomi Diracles

By Melissa Arnold

Looking at a beautiful painting, photo or sculpture can sometimes evoke strong memories or emotions. For many people, the same is true when listening to music. It’s even possible to have a piece of music conjure up an image in the mind’s eye, or for artwork to seem musical.

The Huntington Arts Council is exploring the intersection of visual arts and music in its newest exhibit, Sights and Sounds: Rhythms and Scales, on view at its Main Street Gallery from Feb. 7 through March 14.

The unique subject has been on business manager Kieran Johnson’s mind for some time.

“The overlap of music and visual art has always been a fascination of mine with my favorite visual artists, both contemporary and historical, having their background in music,” Johnson said. “I was reviewing video and listening to tracks from our monthly Singer-Songwriter Night and decided I wanted to do [an exhibit] about auditory and visual art.”

Artists were asked to consider a series of questions as inspiration for their submissions: Does your work exude rhythm, melody, lyrics, harmony or dissonance from a social, political or musical perspective? Does it elicit a reaction in sounds, words or movement? Does it dance or sway? Does it move or move the viewer? Does it sing?

Johnson called on friend of the Huntington Arts Council Kevin McEvoy to jury the exhibit. McEvoy has worked with the council in a number of capacities, from a member and past juror to panelist and educator.

“Kevin has been a supportive partner in the work we do for over a decade. He is an incredibly skilled artist and arts educator, and his professional and personal background make him an interesting person to know and work with,” Johnson said.

A Long Island native, McEvoy studied fine arts at Stony Brook University and refined his painting skills while in Chile and Italy. He is also the founder of The Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James.

“I’ve always appreciated the relationship of mutual respect and support I’ve had with the Huntington Arts Council. They are so warm and encouraging not just with me, but with all of the artists who approach them,” McEvoy said. “I’ve painted a lot of musicians, musical instruments and music inspired pieces, and I’m excited to jury an exhibit on a subject I feel passionately about.”

In total, 60 artists from across the country submitted 156 pieces for consideration. McEvoy narrowed the field to 44 pieces by 40 artists. The final exhibit includes oil paintings, pastels, graphite drawings, photography and more.

Participating artists include Rose Ann Albanese, Sheri Berman, Zintis Buzermanis, Lisa L. Cangemi, Linda Ann Catucci, Kenneth Cerreta, Kaylynn Chenn, Jody Cukier, Doris Diamond, Naomi Diracles, Vicki Field, Jim Finlayson, Cori Forster, Andrea Fortunoff, Kathleen Gerlach, Roxana Gheorghe, Bill Grabowski, Jan Guarino, Margaret Henning, Nayyar Iqbal, David Jaycox Jr., Wendy June Jensen, Marc Josloff, Julianna Kirk, Beth Laxer-Limmer, Jacques LeBlanc, Stephanie L. Marcus, Kristen Memoli, Margaret Minardi, Mary Nagin, Thais Osorio, Luda Pahl, Eli Rabe, Andrea Rhude, Olivia Rodson, Saul Rosenstreich, Barbara Stein, Victor Vaccaro, Pamela Waldroup and Ella Yang.

“Long Island is a musical place. Our identity is rooted in music and it’s a big part of the culture here, so it’s a natural fit for artists to explore,” McEvoy said. “I tried not to bring any preconceptions of what a piece should look like. Whether it is a lilting line of a kinetic wire sculpture, an atmospheric photo of a violin that almost reads as a mountainscape, or the joyful pluck of an instrument in beautiful pastel colors, indeed, across Long Island, painters, sculptors and musicians are still singing.”

Andrea Fortunoff of Syosset created a digital collage entitled “Dance the Floor: Generations in Rhythm,” depicting dancing people of African heritage in various styles of dress.

“The Huntington Arts Council artist call for Sights and Sounds: Rhythm and Scales spurred me to reflect on the historical synergy between music and dance,” Fortunoff stated in an email. “As an ancient and ephemeral art, dance relies on passing cadence from body to body. My collage is a visual representation of how rhythm and pattern intertwine and are inscribed in a dancer’s memory; reverberating from dancer to dancer through time.”

The exhibit’s opening reception on Friday, Feb. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. will allow artists and visitors the chance to get to know each other while appreciating the variety of media on display. McEvoy will select a best in show and honorable mention before the reception begins.

“We are thrilled to feature this exhibit and have Kevin McEvoy as the juror. This show is a wonderful depiction of the intertwined nature of art. The work is beautiful and highlights a wide array of artists,” said HAC Executive Director Marc Courtade. “Kevin has been a longtime friend of HAC. His talent, knowledge and contribution to the arts have meant so much to us and the Long Island community. We are looking forward to seeing him at the reception.”

The Huntington Arts Council will present Sights and Sounds: Rhythms and Scales at its Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington through March 14. For further information, call 631-271-8423 or visit www.huntingtonarts.org.

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