Take a Walk on The Art Side

Written by Arline Goldstein, Coordinator of ART WALK

Photo by Mark Goldberg

Artists lined the streets of Lake Avenue that was turned into a pedestrian mall, from the railroad south to Woodlawn. Nearly 2,000 visitors strolled the avenue, enjoying the exhibits, demonstrations and performances.
 
Jack Ader, our in-house graphic designer and a Vice-president of “Celebrate St. James” designed a magnificent brochure where a visitor could easily find their favorite artist while admiring the art of other artists, and to be on time to catch the entertainment going on at one of the two venues where scheduled entertainers were performing. Many thanks to Karen Bella, Dance Magic Dancers, Alexandra Calabro”s String Quartet, Willy & The Poor Boys - The Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute Band, Danny Kean, Smithtown High School East’s Jazz Ensemble, and Larry Wurtzel’s “Stars of the Future”, who performed “Suessical the Musical”. All the entertainers donated their talents to perform and we are grateful to them for sharing their talents at ART WALK. ​

​Continuing its mission to promote the arts, provide cultural experiences and promote the revitalization in our town “Celebrate St. James” celebrated the arts on May 19  with, “Take a Walk on The Art Side”.
 Kevin McEvoy, of the Atelier of Flowerfield, a master portrait painter attracted a crowd around him to watch, while he painted a portrait of Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, who was sitting for the painting. The Brick Studio of Flowerfield was represented by a potter who demonstrated the potter’s wheel, awing his audience of youngsters and adults when they saw what can be made from a hunk of clay!
Chef Nick Trovato was so generous when he gave discount tickets to Husk and Vine, his restaurant on Middle Country Road in St.James.
 
Artists enjoy sharing their work with community, and with 80 artists applying to exhibit, we knew that ART WALK would be a great success. Hearing comments like,” This is the first time that St.James had an event like this.”….. It’s wonderful!, and I
hope it continues yearly”……”Wonderful event, love it”, made the ART WALK committee members… and to say delighted, is an understatement. Committee members have worked diligently for months and many, many thanks to the efforts of Jack Ader, Tricia Busby, Eileen Minogue, Charlie McLaughlin, Bob Retnauer and Natalie Weinstein.
 
Cash prizes and ribbons were given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners in the following categories: 2 dimensional art, 3 dimensional art, photography, and jewelry design.
Judging the artists were Christine Sheahan, House Magazine, Kristin Shea, Director of Educational and Cultural Center, Ward Melville Heritage Organization, and Arline Goldstein, artist, instructor Studio 455. Congratulations to ALL the artists. See you all in 2020!