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Tara Mae

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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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Girl Scout Troop 1343 in front of the American flag mural at Paws of War in Nesconset.

By Tara Mae

“I really like the feeling of helping people and making their lives better, like when we did the food drive for Paws of War.”

This assessment by Cecilia Schultz, part of Junior Girl Scout Troop 1343, encompasses the members’ ongoing experience of sustaining social works. Comprised of nine  and ten year olds from Stony Brook and Setauket in the Three Village School District, Troop 1343 recently partnered with Nesconset-based animal rescue Paws of War that works with soldiers, veterans, and first responders.  

Members of Girl Scout Troop 1343 work on the stars for the mural.

Troop 1343, consisting of many reported animal lovers who have family dogs or other pets, reached out to Paws of War in an effort to merit its Bronze Award. The highest honor Girl Scout Juniors (grades 4 and 5) can achieve, it is earned by a troop that has finished a project to make a difference in the community and completed 20 hours of service. 

To this end, the girls initiated a seven month long multifaceted community service enterprise on behalf of Paws of War.  

“We focused primarily last year on community service, with everything circling that theme…The girls wanted to go for a Bronze Award; it is considered the first stepping stone to building up to bigger awards,” Lisa Unander,  co-leader of Troop 1343 with Kaethe Cuomo and Christine Colavito, said.

Under the guidance of artist Denise Backman, a family friend of Unander’s who acted as artistic advisor to Troop 1343 and has collaborated with it in the past, the girls chose to paint a mural at Paws of War headquarters; an act of service for those who have served the country.

“I like helping people, so I just think it would make people happy to have the mural,” Junior Girl Scout Emily St. Germaine said. 

The mural proved a many-tiered educational endeavor for Troop 1343. As freelance artists of a kind, members learned about the art and business sides of such labor. They not only had to work together but had to get feedback about what the client —Paws of War — needed.   

The finished mural at Paws of War in Nesconset.

“Backman mentored the girls in the creative aspects and business aspects of the project: how you take criticism; how if you take on this role, there is creativity but a lot of direction too; how you pitch ideas to a client — even though its the girls’ idea, Paws of War gets final say, since it is its space,” Unander said. 

Creating the mural also furthered the development of inter-troop communication. Part of the members’ learning process was simply exploring how to communicate through collaboration.

“I was learning how to cope with different people, and learn everyone else’s ideas. It is different to cope with people — not difficult, but something you have to stay patient about because other people have different ideas,” Junior Girl Scout Emma Taranto said. 

Through these growing pains, troop members reached a consensus about their subject. With audience in mind, the Junior Girl Scouts agreed to create a mural of the American flag to adorn the wall in front of which the animals and their found families pose for photos during meet and greets. The mural, 7’ x 5’, required exact measurements and a number of drafts, according to Unander. 

The plaque next to the mural at Paws of War in Nesconset

“Doing this, I learned that the flag was actually really complicated to make correctly. Veterans are going to see it, so it was nice for it to be the best we could get it,” Junior Girl Scout Hannah Unander said.

A nonprofit entity, Paws of War works closely with veterans, soldiers, and first responders. The organization saves shelter dogs and trains them to be companions for military veterans. It also reunites troops with the animals they befriended overseas but were unable to take home. 

These informally adopted pets are not considered military service animals, and it is against Department of Defense policy for troops to have companion pets, officially adopt them, or transport them on military planes. 

“I learned that soldiers find dogs and cats in other countries and make friends with them, and want to bring them back over. That’s the purpose of Paws of War: dogs are happy and people are happy,” Schultz said. 

Paws of War raises money for rescue and reunification. The nonprofit facilitates the transportation and adoption of these animals as well as the cost of training service dogs. 

In support of its mission and as part of Troop 1343’s community outreach project beyond the mural, the Junior Girl Scouts wrote letters to veterans; donated blankets and dog toys; volunteered at an informational table during a local Community Day; and, hosted a pet supply drive.

And while this venture may be completed, the Junior Girl Scouts remain committed to Paws of War. With their families, many of the girls are baking homemade dog treats to donate to the organization. 

“It has been so rewarding seeing the girls so excited to learn about an organization that none of them knew,” Lisa Unander said. 

“All of these factors contributed to their excitement: really seeing the impact of how the project changed the space, meeting members of the organization, fundraising and donating, etc. The girls wound up being more enthusiastic, and now want to help more,” she added.

To learn more about Paws of War, including how you may contribute to its services, visit pawsofwar.org.

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Photo courtesy of Theatre Thre

By Tara Mae

Peace, love, and music!  Time to get your groove on and party like it’s 1969 when “Woodstockmania: Woodstock in Concert” returns to Theatre Three, 412 Main Street in Port Jefferson. The tribute concert will take the stage for the first time since 2019 on Friday, August 16, and Saturday, August 17 at 8 p.m. 

Its 17-member band includes ten instrumentalists and eight individual vocalists singing at least two songs each, covering music from the original 1969 Woodstock lineup — an experience so organically soulful its reverberations are still felt today. 

“Woodstock performances have become part of the fabric of Theatre Three. This is a group of outstanding musicians…It’s extraordinary to see these exceptionally talented artists brought together,” said Theatre Three’s Executive Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel.

Held on the 55th anniversary of Woodstock, “Woodstockmania” features approximately 34 numbers from 21 of the artists who played the stage at Max Yasgur’s dairy farm in Bethel, New York, including Jimi Hendrix; Sly and the Family Stone; The Who; Grateful Dead; Janis Joplin; Jefferson Airplane; Country Joe and the Fish; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; The Band; Santana; Sweetwater; Creedence Clearwater Revival; Joan Baez; and Joe Cocker.

“This music is from a highly creative time in our culture. There was so much varied music to become attached to; everyone could find something that resonated with themselves,” Musical Director Michael Chiusano said. 

More than just a harmonious homage, “Woodstockmania” is a musical tribute to the passionate artists whose creative contributions continue to inspire today. 

Having not performed “Woodstockmania” together in 5 years, the show is an opportunity to reconnect with friends as they honor the woman who first brought many of them together: Theatre Three’s longtime musical director Ellen Michelmore, who passed away in 2016.

“It’s a reunion of friends that have been through the fire together…Mostly though, it’s a tribute to Ellen; to keep the memory of her fresh in our minds and hearts. She was a special lady,” Chiusano said. 

Michelmore developed “Woodstockmania” from Summer of ‘69: Return to Woodstock, which she co-created with Bill Van Horn. The original musical, using songs performed at the Woodstock festival, was a hit for Theatre Three and had an off-Broadway run. 

Following that success, Michelmore organized annual Woodstock tribute concerts. After her death, the show was dubbed “Ellen Michelmore’s Woodstockmania,” according to Sanzel.

While Chiusano has added other songs and musical numbers to the show, much of its repertoire was originally chosen by Michelmore. 

Eight of the songs have been in every incarnation of the show: “Going Up the Country” by Canned Heat; “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane; “Dance to the Music” by Sly & the Family Stone; “Star Spangled Banner” as done by Jimi Hendrix; “The Weight” by The Band; “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin; “With a Little Help from My Friends” as done by Joe Cocker. 

“That era, roughly 1965 to 1975, was the golden age of pop music. It will never be like that again. I also believe that people need to be reminded of all the great tunes there were,” Chiusano said.

Tunes are not the only entities enjoying this encore; the musicians recognize it as an opportunity to embrace an era that still enraptures performers and patrons. 

“Everyone who’s ever been involved in the production always remembers it fondly when they talk to me…we’re thrilled to be a part of it,” said Theatre Three’s Artistic Associate/Director of Development Douglas Quattrock. An original company member of Summer of ‘69: Return to Woodstock, he is now in the “Woodstockmania” band as the emcee and a vocalist. 

Such consistency underscores the steadfast surety of music. Personal classics and timeless songs are the soundtrack to our lives, dependable narrators of enduring emotions. In this shared language, “Woodstockmania,” is a dialect understood by artists and attendees. If “Woodstockmania” is a celebration of legacy and life, it’s main theme may be appreciating community synchronicity. 

“I think the legacy of the show over the years is that it has brought so much joy and kept so much wonderful music alive for the audiences in our area,” Quattrock added.

“Woodstockmania” is part of Theatre Three’s annual Summer Concert Series that includes special one or two night only performances on its main stage. Tickets are $65 per person. For more information or to order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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'The Light' by Barry Bernstein
'Mystical' by Barry Bernstein
'Sherwood-Jayne Farm' by William Hammer,

By Tara Mae

Behold the beauty as seen through another’s eyes with the Port Jefferson Photography Club’s (PJPC) exhibit, Through the Camera Lens, at Emma Clark Library, 120 Main Street in Setauket. 

On view through the month of August, the exhibit features approximately 30 photos by club members Ralph Baldasarra, Barry Bernstein, Wendy Beaton, Michael Boren, William Hammer, Terry Murphy, Kathy Pisculli, Darlene Prowse, Anneliese Scheef, Irene Stern, C. Visconti, and Peter Willstein.

Housed on the walls of the library’s new Level Up Kitchen Library Café on the first floor next to the reference desk, all images in Through the Camera Lens have a card that lists the title of the photo, the photographer’s name, and contact information. Many of these photos are for sale; visitors are encouraged to contact the photographer if interested in purchasing a photo. 

The images illuminate a spectrum of perspectives and personalities, taking the viewer on a tour of instances and ideas.

“We have such a diverse, well-traveled membership that we ask members to display what they would like to share with the audience. Travel, black & white, landscape, architecture, animals, portraits, etc,” said Prowse. 

A variety of outlook and style enables attendees to see the world from individual points of view: common sights may reveal uncommon insights and fleeting moments are made forever spellbinding. 

“It gives us an opportunity to share with others the places we have been, the way we see the world and our creativity in unusual and artful creations,” Prowse added. “It is like sharing a family photo album with someone who is really interested in what you are showing them. It is also an affirmation of the work we have put into creating an image.”

Satisfaction comes from sharing their passion not only with each other, but the public. To this endeavor, the PJPC seeks to exhibit its work in community spaces as a means of connection.

Now in its 12th year, the club has an ongoing installation at Port Jefferson’s Pasta Pasta restaurant which changes seasonally. Among other accolades, its booth won first place at a recent St. James Art Walk. And PJPC has also displayed work at Gallery North’s Outdoor Art Show in Setauket, Watermark Galleries in St. James, and Bayport-Blue Point Public Library in Blue Point.

August’s show at Emma Clark Library follows July’s exhibit at the Port Jefferson Village Center. Having both personal and pragmatic benefits — friendships, greater exposure, and refinement of craft — the library exhibit is the members’ latest foray into artistic communication with an audience and one another.

“…it shows that our area has an interest in the arts and appreciates local clubs and organization involvement. Hopefully, this will encourage others to show an interest in the PJPC,” Prowse said. 

In addition to its community involvement, PJPC cultivates its artistic presence in part by facilitating its social network. The club hosts monthly lectures and goes on monthly field trips, visiting museums, beaches, New York City, etc. for group bonding, motivation, and inspiration.

“Photography gives me a chance to be creative and I love to show off my work…I love the social aspect of it,” said the Club’s Vice President Barry Bernstein.

Participating in the organization allows its members to focus the poetic precision of photography while benefiting from the camaraderie of a shared passion. It galvanizes participants to hone their craft and nurture their artistry.

“What I think is most rewarding about photography is the ability to capture a moment in time; to be able to freeze a moment of a bald eagle flying, to capture the colorful sunrises or sunsets, and to add my own creativity to what I photograph. It can be done anywhere, at anytime, with a group of people or by myself,” said PJPC President Anne DePietri.

The PJPC is committed to nurturing the creative nature of its members. Its outreach endeavors are part of a diligent effort to foster imaginative understanding and entice an engaged network. 

“Belonging to a group is so inspiring. There might be a day that is gloomy and I’m not motivated to go out and find something interesting to shoot. It helps to know that my fellow members are expecting me to present something I looked at in a different way and made an interesting photo,” Prowse said 

From those presentations, PJPC expands dialogue to move behind the club: its exhibit at Emma Clark Library is broadening the conversation between artists and audience, inviting individuals not only to observe but to partake in the process.

Photographers of any level are invited to join PJPC, which meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Port Jefferson Free Library and on the fourth Tuesday of the month over Zoom.

“We welcome new members who want to explore photography or enhance their skills,” Prowse said. “Belonging to a group is so inspiring.”

For members of PJPC, getting to show their work with their community is as gratifying and a source of continuous encouragement.

“I think one of the most rewarding parts of being a member of the Port Jefferson Photography Club is the non-judgemental support of everyone and the eagerness to share and learn from each other,” DePietri said.

To learn more about the PJPC, visit portjeffphotoclub.org or email [email protected].

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'Right and Left,' 1850, by William Sidney Mount Image courtesy of the LIM
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'Right and Left,' 1850, by William Sidney Mount Image courtesy of the LIM
Portrait of Captain Jonas Smith by William Sidney Mount. Image courtesy of the Long Island Museum
Portrait of the Mount family. Image courtesy of the Long Island Museum
'Self Portrait with Flute', 1828, by William Sidney Mount. Photo courtesy of Long Island Museum
'The Banjo Player,' 1856, by William Sidney Mount Image courtesy of LIM

By Tara Mae

Art is more than a communion between artist and audience. It is a point of entry into understanding the past, assessing the present, and perhaps even informing the future. A Noble Art: A New Look at the Portraits of William Sidney Mount on display at Long Island Museum’s Art Museum (LIM) through December 15, examines this dynamic through a 27-piece exhibit.

Considered to be the premier American genre painter, William Sidney Mount (1807-1868), who was born in Setauket and spent much of his time in Stony Brook, was a prolific portraitist who expressed the emotional essence of a person and period. 

Mount’s first solo show at the LIM since 2018, A Noble Art encompasses paintings, lithographs, drawings, correspondence, and other artifacts from the 19th century Long Island artist.

“Not many museums in the country have this depth of materials for a single artist, including personal effects…The exhibit showcases rich archival materials and works,” said Joshua Ruff, Co-Executive Director at the LIM and the curator of this exhibit.

LIM houses the largest repository of Mount materials.  A Noble Art spotlights prize items of its collection, such as Right and Left, which has been displayed in previous shows, as well as four pieces that have not previously been on public view at the museum. Among that selection are portraits of Long Island’s reputed first millionaire Captain Jonas Smith and his wife Nancy Williamson Smith, acquired by the LIM at auction in 2022. 

In addition to new acquisitions, the exhibit also reflects new information gathered in the ongoing scholarship about the 19th century Long Island native’s work, particularly his portraiture and its subjects. 

“Our Mount artwork and artifacts are the jewels of our collection — something we are really fortunate to have. It has been a long time since we had an exhibit focused on Mount’s portraiture,” Ruff said. “There have been some changes in research and improvement of knowledge about the portraits’ subjects, so it feels like time to introduce them to visitors.” 

A primary motivating factor for assembling this exhibit is the new details that have been excavated about the individuals immortalized in Mount’s paintings. In recent years, especially with the publication The Art of William Sidney Mount: Long Island People of Color on Canvas by Katherine Kirkpatrick and Vivian Nicholson-Mueller, particular attention is being paid to the Black and Indigenous people who Mount represented rather than caricatured.

“These are sensitive, not stereotypical portrayals…when you really look, there is a lot going on, like subtle symbolic references to the backgrounds of his subjects and nuanced details,” Ruff said. 

From an artistic family, Mount’s most well-known portraits are frequently of people he knew, and their warmth adds elements of intimacy and liveliness. His portraits convey both dynamically diverse and culturally unifying insights into the persons, settings, and circumstances of Long Island during the 1800s. 

A Noble Art even offers context for Mount’s own kin. His family portraits from the 1840s provide a glimpse at a creative clan and further emphasize his progression as an artist. Mount’s sister Ruth and niece Evalina were talented artists in their own right. Mount’s brother Shepard was also a portraitist, and the show features one of his pieces. 

Yet, the heart of the exhibit remains Mount’s ability to forge a connection between creator, subject, and observer. Personable renderings illuminate the evolution of Mount’s artistic intricacies, spanning decades of his work from a self-portrait made when he was 21 years old to two of the three members of his musician series: The Banjo Player and Right and Left. (The third painting of this trio, The Bone Player is on display at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.) 

His work invites the viewer to appreciate an eternal moment and recognize enduring  humanity. “With portraiture you might anticipate an element of sameness, but if you really look at Mount’s portraits there is a lot happening within them. We are excited to share this opportunity for discovery with the public,” Ruff said. 

The Long Island Museum is located at 1200 Route 25A in Stony Brook. Hours are Thursday to Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 adults, $10 seniors and students, children under age 6 are free. For more information, call 631-751-0066 or visit longislandmuseum.org.

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'Swallowtail' by Lorena Salcedo-Watson will be on view at Gallery North through Aug. 11. Image courtesy of Gallery North

By Tara Mae

So much of nature exists in the balance of tension and release: the unrelentingly gray palette of winter gives way to the expansive vibrancy of spring blooms; birds sit on their nests for weeks in the hopes that their young will be strong enough to crack through their shells; and, people dare to dream of brighter tomorrows.

Morpholgies: Recent Works by Lorena Salcedo-Watson, on view at Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket from June 27 to Aug. 11, explores this interplay. Featuring 30 pieces including large-scale charcoal and pastel drawings, lithographs, and first drafts, the exhibit is a meditation on how the environment and nature merge with human experience.

‘Let It Go’ by Lorena Salcedo-Watson

“Having her do a solo exhibit here has been a goal for a while…This exhibit examines our symbiotic relationship with nature, our reliance on it, how we communicate with it,” said Gallery North Curator Kate Schwarting who met Salcedo-Watson while a student at Stony Brook University, where the artist is an art professor. 

Many pieces implement chiaroscuro —contrast between shadow and light — as a means by which to address ideas about the tenacity of life, the inevitability of death, and the determination of survival.

“Working in chiaroscuro — I want the drama, sense of falling into a black hole, you can stick your hand in there; I don’t want you to think in pretty terms — [do] not want color to add any other information. So, color is used to evoke mood in really specific moments,” Salcedo-Watson said.

Elements of color are deliberate contrasts; audacious vibrancy in stark relief. The art’s openness represents the vastness of the outdoors. “The abstract world she creates in her work is very singular; it is a celebration of beauty, nature, and curiosity,” Schwarting said. “The language Lorena creates with her art invokes organisms and structures that inhabit a totally unique space.”

It speaks to an understated grandeur that commands attention as it revels in the more abstract details of an exact image. For Salcedo-Watson, artistic scope and medium reflect the majesty of her subject matter. 

“Large scale gives you a sense of magnitude and awe. There have to be awesome things in your life. I encourage students to work large — it is liberating — keeping your drawing restricted to your wrist can be kind of sad since your experiences are life sized or larger,” she added.

Working in this manner enables Salcedo-Watson to create her own domain, in which she can guide and develop the narrative as she tracks its evolution. 

“I have always loved to draw, which is necessary to be a good printmaker. Lithography is a natural way of drawing, but you have multiples prints from the matrix, which allows you to see how you function as a problem solver. You have a record of your progress the whole way through,” Salcedo-Watson said.

The exhibit illuminates this process while also immersing its patrons in Salcedo-Watson’s interpretation of how nature nurtures. Her work is an invitation to envelop oneself in the wonder of the world while remaining rooted in realism.

“I always draw from observation, take what’s interesting to me, and play around with that,” she said. 

A longtime collector, Morpholgies features items from the artist’s cabinet of curiosities that have inspired her such as leaf fossils and root formations unearthed while gardening; insect exoskeletons gifted by friends; and other found objects that influence Salcedo-Watson’s work. 

Her fascination with nature’s detritus and remnants began at an early age and inspired her artistic practice.   

“I started drawing insects because the possibilities were huge with different varieties, but I also made stuff up and it was okay,” Salcedo-Watson said. “Not feeling like you have to follow the rules or always be accurate gave me permission to enjoy it more.”

Likewise, freedom of thought is what she seeks to convey to her audience. The ability to invoke the imagination is an ultimate endeavor of her art. 

“It’s not what I am trying to show you; it is what you think you are getting out of it. I try to put things forward and make you make sense of it. I could have a title to prompt you that this is what I am thinking about, but I want to actually engage you and make you think,” Salcedo-Watson said.

An opening reception will be held on Thursday, June 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. Salcedo-Watson will give an ArTalk and Print Demonstration on Saturday, July 20, from 3 to 5 p.m. These events are free and open to the public. For more information, call 631-751-2676 or visit www.gallerynorth.org.

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A scene from a previous Maker Faire Long Island. Photo courtesy of Long Island Explorium
A scene from a previous Maker Faire Long Island. Photo courtesy of Long Island Explorium
A scene from a previous Maker Faire Long Island. Photo courtesy of Long Island Explorium

By Tara Mae

Ingenuity and imagination synthesize into innovation. The Long Island Explorium, a science and engineering museum in Port Jefferson, celebrates the projects and persons involved in this process with the 7th annual Maker Faire Long Island at the Port Jefferson Village Center, LI Explorium and Harborfront Park at 101 East Broadway on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Featuring more than 75 exhibits and 120 presenters showcasing their creations, this multi-sensory experiential event lauds efforts in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Exhibits range from robotics and cosplay design to environmental engineering projects, scientific advancements, kinetic art, and fire sculptures.

Highlights include:

Adam Foster’s Royal Trumpets: Majestic 15-foot kinetic pyrotechnic sound sculptures.

Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club: Bringing the Star Wars universe to life. (pictured above)

Long Island Drone Soccer: An electrifying new sport combining drone technology with soccer.

Princesses with Powertools: Empowering young engineers with hands-on projects.

Balloon Bot Brawl: A thrilling robot showdown led by high school maker Ray Rumore.

Learn to Solder Workshop: Taught by Elijah Horland of Mythbusters Jr, sponsored by PCBWay.

Besides individual contributions, organizations such as Suffolk County Community College, Brookhaven National Labs, and Stony Brook University will show some of their work. Scientists and educators from the university will also participate in ‘Ask a Scientist” Q&A sessions that enable young attendees to cultivate their curiosity as they ask scientific questions of professionals. 

In addition to the dialogues, displays, and demonstrations, the Faire will have live musical performances, including a songwriter showcase, from 1 to 5 p.m., and two performances by the Umisora Taiko Drummers.

“Maker Faire is a global movement that combines elements of classic science fairs with innovation, creativity, and STEAM. It is known as the ‘Greatest Show & Tell on Earth,’ showcasing makers’ ingenuity and creativity. Maker Faire Long Island…embodies this spirit,” said Long Island Explorium’s Director of Digital Media/Marketing/Programming Lisa Collet Rodriguez.

With conventions in other locations like New York City, San Francisco, Barcelona, and Berlin, the Maker Faire Long Island is part of a larger international initiative that fuses scientific experimentation with artistic expression. By embracing these pursuits, the family-friendly occasion seeks to engage audiences of all ages, with interactive elements geared towards youth. 

“I wish I had [Maker Faires] when I was younger. They have provided me a platform and support to share my works with tens of thousands of makers across the country, and inspire future generations of makers. It’s a win win,” said maker Adam Foster, of Rochester.

A musician, steel fabricator designer, and engineer, Foster made “The Royal Trumpets,” six 15 foot tall kinetic sculptures. They allude to the trumpets that historically announced royalty. And at the Maker Faire, this grandeur is both a celebration of community and an invitation for new members to join it. 

Encouraging visitors to dream and learn are not the only collective goals shared by many of the participants. The Faire is an opportunity for pragmatic ponderers and methodical mavericks to network with each other.

“Popular subcultures always have places to gather, such as Comic-Con. Maker Faire is that place for people passionate about the intersection of Arts and STEM now called STEAM,” maker Elijah Horland, of Brooklyn, said. “At a Maker Faire we gather, not just to show off our skills, but to collaborate with peers, mentors, and beginners alike in a supportive environment.”

Through his company, Not-A-Bomb, Horland develops mechatronic projects that incorporate engineering lessons curated to entertain and educate. He is a MythBuster from the Discovery Channel reality show and the executive producer of Maker Faire Coney Island. 

A number of the makers participate in other Maker Faires throughout the country, sharing their projects with interested parties and building relationships. 

“Maker Faires are these amazing events where people from all different backgrounds and with all different interests can come together and find a bigger community,” said maker Caeley Looney of Austin, Texas.

Originally from Farmingdale, Looney is the founder and CEO of Reinvented Inc., a nonprofit organization that hosts Princesses with Powertools. The program connects girls with women in Science, Technology, and Math (STEM) professions who, while dressed as princesses, teach them how to operate their first power tools. 

“Innovation is diversity driven. Without having diverse minds and voices working on the leading edge of science and technology, new ideas, products, and solutions will never be created. Women play a huge role in this, but historically have been left out of these fields and conversations — and that bias and pushback is still felt by students today,” she added. 

Bringing STE[A]M to individuals who historically have less access to it is a motivating factor and ongoing endeavor for many Faire associates, according to Long Island Explorium Executive Director Angeline Judex.

“Many people don’t think of museums as agents of social change in communities, but the Long Island Explorium plays a vital role on Long Island as a lighthouse of enriching STEM programs that foster inventive thinking and serve as a catalyst for empowerment,” Judex said. 

“The Maker Faire is strategically aligned with our vision to promote STEM discovery, learning, and innovation that will shape the intellect, social values, and principles of future generations,” she added.

Advanced tickets may be purchased online through EventBrite. Individual tickets, including fees, are $13.36 per person. A family pass, which has tickets for two adults and up to five children, are $57.65 including fees. Tickets at the door for individuals are $16.65, including fees. Tickets at the door for family passes are $62.80, including fees. 

For more information, including a complete list of exhibitors and schedules, visit longisland.makerfaire.com. 

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Scenes from Museum Day 2023 at the Middle Country Public Library. Photos courtesy of MCPL
Scene from Museum Day 2023 at the Middle Country Public Library. Photo courtesy of MCPL
Scenes from Museum Day 2023 at the Middle Country Public Library. Photos courtesy of MCPL
Scenes from Museum Day 2023 at the Middle Country Public Library. Photos courtesy of MCPL
Scenes from Museum Day 2023 at the Middle Country Public Library. Photos courtesy of MCPL
Scenes from Museum Day 2023 at the Middle Country Public Library. Photos courtesy of MCPL
Scenes from Museum Day 2023 at the Middle Country Public Library. Photos courtesy of MCPL

By Tara Mae

Like separate entries in an anthology, different community organizations offer rich options for diverse cultural endeavors that form a cohesive collection of experiences to encourage understanding and appreciation.

In this spirit, Middle Country Public Library’s Centereach branch at 101 Eastwood Blvd. will host Museum Day on Thursday, May 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. The event is free and no registration is required. 

This year 30 local institutions are participating, including the Long Island Museum of American History, Art and Carriages (LIM) in Stony Brook, Three Village Historical Society (TVHS) in Setauket, Whaling Museum and Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, Railroad Museum of Long Island in Riverhead, and Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown.  

“The purpose [of Museum Day] is to provide a forum for community members to interact with representatives from local museums, historical societies, science and nature centers that participate to share information regarding their collections, programs, and exhibits in a festival type setting,” said Deborah Hempe, Middle Country Public Library’s Coordinator for Outreach Services and Museum Corner.

Held at the Museum Corner section of the library, which is part of the Youth Services Department, Museum Day is geared towards children and their families. Interactive elements across multiple mediums include science experiments, arts and crafts, live animal visits, and interaction with museum displays and artifacts. 

“For many children, looking and listening isn’t enough to activate the desire to learn. At events like this, children are presented with opportunities to also create, explore objects for themselves, and feel a connection that is personal,” said Lisa Unander, Director of Education at the Long Island Museum. “That feeling can be a catalyst to spark wonder and a lifelong love of art and history.”

The LIM will have a collage project inspired by the art of Reynold Ruffins, whose work is featuring in one of its current exhibits, Painting Partnership: Reynold and Joan Ruffins. The activity will concentrate on how using color and geometric shapes can create art. 

TVHS will set up a mini-exhibit and teach hands-on crafts, like making colonial whirligigs. Sweetbriar Nature Center will attend with two of its ambassador animals; traditionally, a resident owl and snake come as its guests. The Railroad Museum of Long Island will set up a train display. 

“I enjoy seeing the families who attend Museum Day and [engaging] with the children on hands-on learning activities we offer during the event,” said Education Coordinator of TVHS Lindsey Steward-Goldberg.

These offerings are made to energize minds and excite imaginations. 

“Museums can be places that introduce new ideas, unique perspectives and often challenge people’s ways of looking and thinking. Giving children a chance expand their way of thinking and encouragement to be creative in unexpected ways is often a goal of museum educators,” Unander said. 

For 35 years, Middle Country Public Library has organized the gathering in conjunction with International Museum Day, which falls on or around May 18. In 2023, more than 37,000 museums in about 158 countries and territories took part in the celebration.

Coordinated by the International Council of Museums, International Museum Day has a distinctive theme every year; 2024’s focus is Museums for Education and Research.

Although the motif changes, primary objectives of the official occasion and the library’s exhibition remain consistent: to alert people to the role museums play in the advancement of society and fortify the cooperation between neighboring operations.

“The public is able to learn about what these local organizations have to offer in a fun and interactive setting…Additionally, it provides a nice way for the organizations to do a bit of networking with each other,” Hempe said.  

A welcome chance to fortify interdisciplinary dynamics for the attending entities while engaging with a new audience and enchanting existing patrons, Museum Day is both a synopsis and preview of the organizations’ services. Many vendors return annually to maximize and solidify their exposure.

“Each year we meet many patrons who know our museum, and also many who have not ever visited the LIM. It is a wonderful way to showcase what the LIM has to offer and to extend a personal invitation to these families to visit for the first time or to come back and see what is new since their last visit,” Unander said. 

Through nurturing partnerships of longevity and consistency, Museum Day invigorates  lifelong interest in learning as well as sustained support for assemblages dedicated to historical preservation and intellectual enrichment. 

“I look forward to further cultivating those relationships, interacting with the staff and volunteers of participating organizations, and seeing the event attendees interacting with them as well…all are welcome,” Hempe said.

Participating organizations include:

American Airpower Museum

Bayard Cutting Arboretum

Bethel Hobbs Community Farm

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Community Education

Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society

Fire Island National Seashore

Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council

Hallockville Museum Farm

Hofstra University Museum of Art

Long Island Explorium

Long Island Maritime Museum

Long Island Museum

Long Island Telephone Museum

LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum

Montauk Historical Society/Lighthouse

NY Marine Rescue Center

Old Westbury Gardens

Patchogue Arts Council

Railroad Museum of Long Island

Sagtikos Manor

Smithtown Historical Society

Southampton History Museum

South Fork Natural History Museum

Sweetbriar Nature Center

Three Village Historical Society

Town of Brookhaven Historian

Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium

Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor

Water Mill Museum

To learn more about Museum Day, call 631-585-9393 or visit www.mcplibrary.org.

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Sweetbriar Nature Center is currently taking care of baby owls, ducks, rabbits, opossums and squirrels. Photo courtesy of Sweetbriar

By Tara Mae  

Spring harbors hope for new life. A promise of possibility soars on wings of a compassionate community that sees the specialness of not only the human species.

The most beautiful beasts will be in attendance at Sweetbriar Nature Center’s Baby Shower for Wildlife on Sunday, May 5, from 1 to 3 p.m. Come join staff members, volunteers, and ambassador animals to enjoy a meet and greet, crafts, and a walking tour of the property. 

An annual event, this preparation party is thrown to help offset the practical and monetary strains that hatchling/birthing season puts on the Center. This year has been particularly taxing as a mild winter led to an early baby boom. 

Sweetbriar Nature Center is currently taking care of baby owls, ducks, rabbits, opossums and squirrels. Photo courtesy of Sweetbriar

“Honestly you are never prepared for baby season; it comes at different times every year. This year it was very, very early. Ducklings and goslings were being hatched in January. We never really had a winter so to speak…if it is warm and it never gets cold, animals get confused,” Sweetbriar Curator and Wildlife Rehabilitation Director Janine Bendicksen said.

Although it began sooner, it is not winding down, and so supplies are urgently needed.

Like any well organized shower, this one provides a detailed registry for its guests. Curated to the delicate needs of its charges, Sweetbriar’s Amazon Wish List includes rabbit and squirrel formula, meal and wax worms, and supplies like gallon size ziploc bags, trash bags, white vinegar, baby bottle warmers and latex gloves. Monetary donations are also appreciated. 

“The public support goes a very long way,” Bendicksen said. “We are not allowed to charge for the care of wildlife, so we are not funded by government entities.” Caring for infants is time consuming, but Sweetbriar is determined that it not be cost prohibitive. It hosts the yearly baby shower as a way to gather the supplies it needs and garner public interest. True to its nature, this event offers opportunities for socializing and promises party activities. 

Meet Turnip the Screech Owl at Sweetbriar’s Baby Shower for Wildlife. Photo courtesy of Sweetbriar Nature Center

Its guests of honor are Turnip, a screech owl, and Little Blue, a bluejay. Although they are now adults, the attendance of these creatures is particularly poignant. As babies, Turnip and Little Blue each benefitted from a previous shower. Permanent residents of Sweetbriar, they are unable to be rereleased into the wild. 

Turnip was injured when the tree in which he resided was knocked over, causing him to fall to the ground and sustain life-altering injuries. Little Blue was born blind. Witnessing their individual distress, concerned citizens reached out to Sweetbriar to save them. Neither animal would have survived without the intervention of the nature center. As with the other ambassador animals, Turnip and Little Blue continue to rely on its resources while educating the public about wildlife and conservation. 

These are lessons that Bendicksen hopes citizens heed. 

“If you find wildlife and you know it needs help, make a phone call before doing anything,” she said. “One of the biggest mistakes is feeding the animal, causing the animal to aspirate. It is easier to bring back a dehydrated animal rather than an aspirated animal. On our social media we give you options, including how to re-nest baby birds, baby squirrels, etc.,”

Sweetbriar’s primary service is as a rehabilitation for injured and/or orphaned animals, but part of its efforts include teaching individuals what to do if they encounter an animal they fear may be in distress. Correcting any well-intentioned misconceptions about “saving” wild animals is a large component of that. 

“If you find a nest and everything seems normal — nothing has attacked it — leave it alone and enjoy it. For instance, baby birds fledge [go to the ground], parents feed them on the ground, etc. So educate yourself; do not just Google it. Follow Sweetbriar’s social media — we are constantly educating the public every day. Or just call us,” Bendicksen added. 

It may still be difficult to leave an animal alone if an observer notes that an animal is not in distress but may be imperiled by a potential unfortunate encounter, such as with a feral or free range cat. In this or similar scenario, Bendicksen counsels that the animal still be left on its own but advises certain precautions may be taken.

Sweetbriar Nature Center is currently taking care of baby owls, ducks, rabbits, opossums and squirrels. Photo courtesy of Sweetbriar

“We do not accept wildlife based on the fact that they may get eaten by something. We have come up with ways to protect wildlife. For a baby bunny nest, put a wheelbarrow over it upside down. For a fledgling on the ground, pick it up and put in a basket outside,” she said. 

In general, the objective is to support the animal with as little human interference as possible.  

A main goal of Sweetbriar is to rehabilitate the animals in its care so that they may return to their natural habitat. In instances where the animals would not survive being rereleased, they are able to live out their lives in protected enclosures on the nature center’s 54 acres of woodland, field, garden, and wetland habitats along the Nissequogue River. 

This shower allows animal lovers to aid Sweetbriar and its charges in a way that enables it to continue offering a healing haven for both the temporary visitors and permanent population. “Our work is a service to the public, and any assistance is a great help,” Bendicksen said.

Tickets to the Baby Shower for Wildlife are $5 for adults and $15 for children. To learn more about the event and to shop the Amazon Wishlist, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. Located at 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown, Sweetbriar Nature Center is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Its preserve is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 631-979-6344.

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Photo from Gallery North

By Tara Mae

Beach trash becomes community treasure when Gallery North partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island, Atlantic Marine Conservancy, and Center for Environmental Education and Discovery (CEED) to sponsor beach cleanups at the Flax Pond Tidal Wetland Area, 15 Shore Drive, Old Field on Saturday, April 27, and Smith Point Beach, 1 William Floyd Parkway,  Shirley on Sunday, April 28. 

Each clean-up will be conducted in two shifts starting at 9 a.m. and 10:30 am each day. Atlantic Marine Conservancy will provide 50 buckets and trash pickers to volunteers on a first come, first serves basis. 

The cleanups are the brainchild of artist Jack D’Ambrosio, a native of Shirley, who will upcycle gathered plastic garbage into a found object sculpture. With the presentation of repurposed refuse, he hopes to bring awareness to the ongoing dangers of plastic pollution.

“Art is a great way to spread a message and support a cause,” he said. 

Primarily a printmaker, beach cleanups are just one element of D’Ambrosio’s interest in supporting communities through artistic expression. His artistry is immersed in an awareness of illuminating social issues by centering often overlooked subjects. While previous print projects have incorporated found plastic, he has never worked on a sculpture of this scale before. Such an undertaking of reinvention offers D’Ambrosio the chance to create poetic permanence out of problematic potential, an outcome that intrigues Gallery North. 

“The beach cleanup is an opportunity for Gallery North to impact and beautify the community in a different way,” Executive Director Ned Puchner said. “We have never done anything like this before…beyond that, we will be helping to preserve the ecology of the area, making the waterways and beaches cleaner.”

Once the trash has been amassed, D’Ambrosio will sort it and share the loot on Gallery North’s social media. After properly disposing of the non-plastic items, he will clean the plastic articles for the sculpture, the design of which has yet to take shape. 

“I am waiting to see what we find,” D’Ambrosio explained.  Intended to be a permanent installation, the sculpture’s final home is also yet to be determined. “This is a project of many partners, and once plans are drawn up, I will collaborate with one of them to find a location for the piece,” he added. 

A recipient of Gallery North’s 2023 Carmela Kolman Fellowship in Fine Art, in his application D’Ambrosio initially proposed the cleanup and its culmination. 

“Jack shared his desire to involve the community in a beach clean up when he applied for the fellowship and that excited the committee…We were moved by the conceptual aspect of Jack’s work. His idea to use art to educate the community on stewardship interested us,” Gallery North Education Director Larissa Grass said. 

At its core, the beach cleanup/sculpture exercise underscores the need for individual engagement and interpersonal cooperation to ensure the environment and art do not just survive, but thrive. 

“During the pandemic, I went to the beach seeking inspiration. Instead I found garbage. This experience made me want to do something with it, since it will never, ever go away,” D’Ambrosio said. “…I really encourage people to come join us on this journey.”

The clean-ups will be a rain or shine event. Pre-registration is encouraged by visiting www.gallerynorth.org. For more information, call 631-751-2676.

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