NAC Wednesday MAY 13 - The
Northport Arts Coalition, in cooperation with the Northport Library,
presents
"Strings Attached", a
collaboration between violinist Matthew Pierce and dancers led by
Danskinetics instructor Ghislaine Grillo. Matthew has written
numerous works for modern ballets including a piece inspired by Antoine de
St. Exupery's The Little Prince. Ghislaine, a native of Paris, will
read an excerpt (en francais) from this acclaimed work after which Matthew
and pianist Christine Dore will perform Matthew's musical
interpretation. The Little Prince holds a special place in the hearts of
local residents since St. Exupery wrote this charming story during the
summer of 1943 while renting the Bevin House overlooking Duck Island Harbor
on Eaton's Neck. Thanks to the efforts of Yvette O'Brien,
the courtyard of the Northport Library features a beautiful bronze replica
of this much loved literary character that was created by sculptress
Winifred S. DeWitt Ganz. Following a brief intermission, Ms. Grillo will
lead a group of local Danskinetics dancers as they improvise to other
original pieces composed and performed by Mr. Pierce. Ghislaine will
conclude the evening with some guided audience participation.
7:00 p.m. Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport.
Free Admission. For additional information call (631) 261-6930.
Happy 11th Birthday NAC!!!
April 29, 1998 a dedicated band of artists and local residents gathered at the East Northport Library to share ideas on how Northport could become a vibrant hub for the arts and humanities. Pat Bond recorded the following comments at that first meeting.
Doris Rowe, “Marilyn Foodim encouraged me to coordinate this event. After being introduced, would each person express their ideas and visions for this venture”.
Lee Holcomb, “There is a growing desire to share and do art in our community”.
Kate Kelly, “We need to educate the public about the many resources available.”
Ward Hooper, “There is a desire for spaces in which to display art in its many forms.”
Sally Wadsworth, “We should develop programs that would encourage the Children’s Theatre.”
Isabella Eredita, “I hope to expand the soirees I’ve been conducting in my home that have brought local artists, writers, musicians, and philosophers together.”
Des Mas, “I look forward to developing a program to encourage the performing arts in the community.”
Diana Cherryholmes, “We need a ‘decentralization program’ that would be a clearing house to educate the public on the wonderful talents available in the community.”
Elsa Posey, “I am so enthusiastic about the goals of this group and am interested in joining the steering committee.”
Arlene Handel, “Expanding the arts in Northport is a worthwhile endeavor for the village and its residents.”
At the end of the first meeting the name NAAC – Northport Area Arts Connection was proposed, a month later other names were suggested such as Northport Arts Community, Northport Arts Group, All the Difference and ultimately the Northport Arts Coalition aka NAC.
June 2, 1998 the Mission Committee comprised of Ed Dwyer, Charlotte Koons, Bill O’Brien, and Jerry Reynolds met at the home of Chairman Ed Dwyer where, after much lively discussion, it was agreed that NAC’s mission would be: “To provide a supportive network that inspires and connects artists, their art, and the community”
Throughout the spring, summer, and fall of 1998 weekly meetings were held at various sites such as the Clothes Line Laundromat, the Northport Sweet Shop, Lee Holcomb’s Soma Gallery (attendees brought their own chairs), Baristers, the Davis Building, the Northport Library, and the homes of Doris and Fred Rowe, Isabella Eredita-Johnson, Kate Kelly and Jim Friel, and Ed Dwyer. Attendance grew at those early meetings; Barbara Fitzgerald, Dolly Hooper, Joyce Gardiner, Otto Hess, Andrea Miller, Thea Monier-Williams (Lansizero), Yvette O’Brien, Lizbeth Thalheimer, Patrick Shea, Anne Santoriello, Tom Santoriello, Cheryl Senzer, BJ Cassidy, Ronnie Valerio, Patrick Shea, Veronica Cruse, Aragon Batsford, Bill Baisch joined the ranks of the first NAC members.
July 22 1998, a hot and steamy summer evening, the first NAC election was held in the cool, damp basement of the Northport Historical Museum. Each candidate made a short speech outlining their qualifications. Votes were cast and the tie for Treasurer was resolved with the toss of a coin. Members of NAC’s first Board of Directors were:
Co-Chairs
Secretary
Treasurer
Sites and Venues Isabella Eredita -Johnson
Humanities
Exhibitions and Exhibits Thea Monier-Williams (Lansizero)
Digital Communications Pat Shea.
The election meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. and everyone migrated to Junior’s Pizza where congratulations were delivered all around.
With a balance in the treasury
of $210.36, a newly elected Board of Directors whose enthusiasm for the arts
knew no bounds, and a growing membership that included Grace Taylor who
celebrated her 90th birthday at her first NAC meeting, NAC was ready to make
its vision a reality. Pat Shea began work on the first NAC Newsletter
and Isabella Eredita-Johnson negotiated with the Northport Library to
hold NAC meetings and events the second Wednesday of the month.
On September 9, 1998 NAC
launched its first community event. Over 100 people assembled in the
new Northport Library Community Room replete with stage and piano.
Isabella hosted the evening that included an introduction of board members,
wearing pith helmets designed by Doris Rowe and performances by a talented
array of poets, visual artists, musicians, actors, and dancers. NAC’s
first fall season culminated with a Costume Party/Fun Raiser on October 30
at the Soma Gallery. Bill O’Brien built a coffin for the
occasion and Randy Bond and Charlotte Koons looked into crystal balls and
read tarot cards to answer the question, “Where would NAC be in 11 years?”
Today, NAC, under the
leadership of Lauren Paige Director, Pat Bond Director, Charlotte Koons
Community Liaison, Marsha Bartley Treasurer, Christine Darch Assistant
Director, and Terry Lister Corresponding Sect’y, has over 400 members and
electronically publishes a Newsletter that reaches more than 1200
subscribers. NAC events include Poets in Port, NAC Wednesdays, the
Northport Reader’s Theater, Wine Tasting Room Art Shows, Do-ing Music
concerts, and the annual Plein Air and Sunday in the Park events. To
learn more about NAC and how to become a member visit
www.northportarts.org
Art at Northport Village Hall – Mayor George Doll and Northport’s Village Hall Trustees are pleased to have local artists work displayed from May through July 15th . Village Hall Clerk (Tel. 261-7502) for more information.
The
Northport Reader's Theater will be reading the play
"Hattie's Daughter" by M. Ryan Loughran, a play about three generations of
jazz singers, their trials and accomplishments, followed by a discussion
with the playwright. All are welcome to read or to listen. 7:30 p.m.
at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 270 Main St., Northport. May 11th.
To sign up to read or for further information contact Jo Ann Katz 631
261-5089 or
JoAnnKatz@gmail.com
Northport Arts Coalition presents Poets in Port, a series of poetry readings on the last Friday of every month at 7:30 at Caffé Portofino, 249 Main St., Northport, opposite the theatre. Each month there is a featured poet and an Open Reading —May 29, 2009 featured poet will be Gloria g. Murray & Shannah Levy. Music is also welcome. For more information, contact Steven Schmidt.
A call to NAC members to
conduct
Youth Art Workshops! Youth
Directions and Alternatives (YDA) in East Northport is looking to plan some
art groups for the youth that attend their programs, single workshops or
8-10 week programs with local artists interested in volunteering. If you
would like to share some of your talent and passion with children who have
little or no art background, please email
nacnewsletter@gmail.com . All disciplines are welcome, (dance,
painting, music, etc.)Time frames for workshops will be range between 3 and
6 PM, Mondays through Thursdays.
www.ydaonline.org
Plein Air:
Once again the region’s most accomplished plein air painters will gather in
Northport, Long Island for the Northport Arts Coalition’s 3rd
Annual Plein Air Painting Event. On Friday and Saturday, June 26th
and 27th, selected artists will be set up in locations
throughout the village, painting their interpretations of the scenery that
is so unique to Northport. On both days spectators can observe the creative
process from start to finish and talk with the artists as they work. Sunday,
June 28th, will feature an exhibition and silent auction for the
“wet” paintings at LaMantia Gallery. Interested artists please find
prospectus on our web site,
www.northportarts.org
.
MUSIC
The North Shore
Symphony Orchestra will present a concert “Celebrating Mendelssohn”
at 8 PM on Saturday May 9, 2009 at
the J. F. Kennedy High School at 50 Kennedy Dr. in Plainview; including
Beethoven – Coriolan Overture; Mendelssohn – Violin concerto (M. Kimura –
Violin); Mendelssohn – Symphony No. 5 (Reformation). Tickets at the
door are $10 and $8 for Student/Senior. 516-695-4476,
www.northshoresymphonyorch.org
Northport Arts Coalition and
Barefoot Image will again present
Happenings on Main
Street in 2009.
Musicians
wanted – The Northport Community Orchestra
seeks new members. Continuing education credits available for music
educators. For information or to schedule an audition, please contact Music
Director Richard Hyman, (631) 462-6617 or visit
www.northportorchestra.org.
The Concert for
Clean Water - Friday, May
8, 7:30 p.m., East Northport Middle School, 1075 Fifth Avenue, East
Northport. Concert of classical music performed by The Northport
Community Orchestra to be followed by a dessert buffet. All proceeds
benefit NCO and a Rotary-sponsored clean water project in Haiti. $25 per
person. For reservations and information: (631) 757-8166.
Canta Libre’s
Last Concert of the Season:
Sunday May 3rd, 3:00 p.m. at the Elegant Burns Hall Mansion on the Campus of
St. Joseph’s College 245 Clinton Ave. Brooklyn, N.Y. The concert is
free and also includes a historic house and garden tour.For Information:
Call (718) 636-6811 or 718.399.0358 or refer to
http://www.sjcny.edu/page.php/
Batata Café hosts
open mics on Fridays. Batata Café, 847 Ft. Salonga Rd (Rt. 25A) Northport,
NY 11768(corner of Waterside=2 0Ave. & Rt. 25A) Phone (631) 754-4439 Email:info@batatacafe.com
Vocal coaching
at the Posey School: Daniel
Ragone, famed NYC vocal coach, is offering lessons for singers at all levels
at 57 Main Street in Northport. Explore your vocal possibilities with one of
the experts in the field. Build repertoire, refine diction, record demos,
prepare for NYSSMA, learn roles, plan recital programs. For information:
(631)473-0127or email:
pjvoce@aol.com
THEATER
The Northport
Reader's Theater will be reading the play
"Hattie's Daughter" by M. Ryan Loughran, a play about three generations of
jazz singers, their trials and accomplishments, followed by a discussion
with the playwright. All are welcome to read or to listen. 7:30 p.m.
at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 270 Main St., Northport. May 11th.
To sign up to read or for further information contact Jo Ann Katz 631
261-5089 or
JoAnnKatz@gmail.com
New Five Star
Millennium Entertainment presents: Hamilton House-
a three act play- comedy-starring John Carey, Linda Randolph, Caitlin Nofi
and Peter Vicari. This event is a fundraiser for the Muscular
Dystrophy Association. Admission is $10; checks payable to Muscular
Dystrophy Association. Place: William J. Brosnon Administrative building;
located: at 158 Laurel Avenue, Northport, NY. Time: 7:30pm June 24 (Wed.)
and 7:30 June 26 (Fri). Doors open at 7pm. Plenty of free parking.
The
John W.
Engeman Theater at Northport
will present
Little Women, based on
Louisa May Alcott's own family experiences, Little Women, follows the
adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they grow up in Civil War
America. The timeless story of the beloved March sisters beautifully
illustrates the thrill of chasing a dream and the power of love in a
war-stricken family. This musical embodies the complete theatrical
experience, guaranteeing laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirit. The
powerful score soars with the sounds of self-discovery, heartache and hope
-- the sounds of a young America finding its voice. Also, the John W.
Engeman Theater at Northport, is proud to announce spring classes at the
John W. Engeman School for the Performing Arts. Classes will run from March
28 - June 14, 2009. Tickets (631) 261-2900, by visiting
www.engemantheater.com
, or at the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport.
Theater lovers are invited to
join
Township Theatre Group,
Long Island’s longest (56 years) operating community theatre, with
opportunities to enjoy performing on-stage or expressing creativity in such
areas as set building, sound, lighting or costuming. No special skills are
necessary as training is provided. During monthly meetings, members
have a chance to try their hand at performing or directing small workshop
presentations. Join the next free monthly meeting at 7:45 on MAY
18th at Countrywood School, Huntington Station. For information:
631-9832 or
www.TownshipTheatreGroup.com.
Township Theater Group
concludes its 56th season with the Neil Simon comedy,
The Sunshine
Boys, directed by Scott
Saperstein, that tells the story of Al Lewis and Willy Clark, a once a
popular vaudeville comedy team known as “The Sunshine Boys” who after
forty-three years as a team, parted company on not too friendly terms and
haven't spoken in over 12 years. Now a major network wants to feature a
reunion of the classic duo on a variety show about the history of comedy.
Can the producer convince the crotchety old comedians to put aside their
mutual dislike before the big show? "It's ham on wry... Simon's sure footed
craftsmanship and his one-liners are as exquisitely apt as ever." said the
N.Y. Post. Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor. Laurel
Avenue School Theatre, Northport 5/29, 30, 31 and 6/ 6 & 7. 8:00 PM Fridays
and Saturdays, 2:00 PM Sunday. Tickets $20, students/seniors $18.
Information/tickets at (631) 421-9832 or
www.TownshipTheatreGroup.com.
Jeff Bennett’s Bare Bones Theater Co. presents “Six Degrees of Separation,” by John Guare, at 8:00 p.m. on May 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at the Posey Dance School, 57 Main St, Northport. The cast is comprised of members of the Bare Bones Repertory Co., which Bennett formed in 2008 with students from his own acting classes. Based on the true story of a con man who assumed the identity of Sidney Poitier’s son, the play opened in 1990 for a long run at Lincoln Center and was later made into a movie. Advance tickets $20, www.Brownpapertickets.com. Or 1-800-838-3006.
FILM
Cinema Atrs Center Creativity Film Series Sponsored by Stuart and Ginger Polisner
Tuesday, May 19 at 7:30pm @
Cinema Arts Centre Delta Rising: A Blues Documentary. Live Performance by
legendary blues & jazz pianist Mose Allison, Harmonica Player James
Mongomery & 16-Year-Old Saxophone Prodigy Grace Kelly! In Person: Filmmaker
Laura Bernieri. Over 5 years in the making, this glorious Blues documentary
features appearances by numerous luminaries including Willie Nelson, Morgan
Freeman, Bill Luckett, Jimbo Mathus, Scott Bomar, James Montgomery, Ruby
Wilson, and James Super Chikan Johnson, For more info & advance tickets:
www.CinemaArtsCentre.org
POETRY
Northport Arts Coalition presents
Poets in Port,
a series of poetry readings on the last Friday of every month at 7:30 at
Caffé Portofino,
249 Main St., Northport, opposite the theatre. Each month there is a
featured poet and an Open Reading — the audience is encouraged to bring
their poems and participate. May 29, 2009 featured poet will be Gloria g.
Murray & Shannah Levy Music is also welcome. For more information, contact
Steven Schmidt.
Saturday July 25th 10:00 A.M.-5:00 p.m rain or shine
Northport Arts Coalition presents the 2009 Saturday Art in the Park with Art, Crafts and Poetry. Poetry feature 4:00 – 5:00 P.M.at the gazebo is Tammy Nuzzo-Morgan.
An Open Mic follows. Northport Harbor Park at the foot of Main St Northport, NY
Sunday, May 3rd, at 3:00 pm
Featured poet David Axelrod, current Poet Laureate of Suffolk County, will read, hosted by Barbara Novack Multi Purpose Room, Wilbur Arts Center , Molloy College
1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre, NY.
Call(516)678-5000 for
directions, ext. 6272/6468 for further information.
Friday,May 8th, 7:30 – 9:30 PM
PPA presents featured readers, Barbara Hoffman and Barbara Reiher-Meyers, hosted by Lisa James at Barnes and Noble , 380 Walt Whitman Rd ,
Huntington Station, NY 11746 Open reading to follow.
Monday, May 11th, 7:00 – 9:00 P.M.
PPA presents featured reader, Antthony Policano, hosted by Gladys Henderson and Ginger Williams atCool Beanz Coffee House, 556 North Country Rd. St James, NY(Route 25a, just east of Lake Ave.)
Thursday, May 14th, 7:00pm – 9:30pm
Open mic begins at 7:30 p.m. Host: Joe Iadanza at Canvas gallery, 51 Gibson Ave.
Huntington Admission: $5 Call (631) 351-6480
Saturday, May 30th, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
X. J. Kennedy poetry reading, open to the public at Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Rd South HuntingtonAdmission $3.00 WWBA members= free
Sunday, May 31st, 6:00 – 8:00 P.M.
The North Sea Poetry Scene presents featured poet, Robert Savino and Nancy Keating, hosted by Marq Wells at Best Bargain Books , WalMart Shopping Center
217 Middle Country Road,
Centereach (631) 737-7777
VISUAL ARTS
NAC Tasting Room Gallery:Landscapes of Long Island, paintings by Donna G. Sponsored by the Northport Arts Coalition, On view May 17th through June 17, 2009 Opening Reception: May 17, 2009 2 – 5 PM Northport Tasting Room & Wine Cellar70 Main StreetNorthport, NY 11768 631-261-0462 Hours: Daily, 1PM to closing
Smithtown native Donna G. has
been painting and drawing for about 15 years. Her paintings and
drawings are of landscapes (located on Long Island) - woods, old trees,
broken fences, paths, and light. Her influences and inspirations come mostly
from the French Impressionists of Pisarro and Van Gogh.She has been the
artist of the week on WLIW's (Ch. 21) award winning cultural arts show,
"Ticket" and cover artist for the Huntington based cultural arts magazine,
"Canvas".
Living Colours, photographs
by Burt Reminick are on view through May 14, 2009; Poster Exhibit, by
Northport artist Doris Rowe titled
Tease Shirt
Factory: Watch for Change.
Opening reception from 2 to 5 p.m. on June 21 – Father’s Day. The artworks
will be on exhibit through July 30, 2009.
James Daga
Albisons' newest paintings
will be available to view at the Grenning Gallery this Saturday April 25th
Spring Group Show. Please join us for the Opening Reception on Saturday
April 25th, 6:00 - 8:00pm.http://www.
Artists interested in
participating in the upcoming
Plein Air event,
sponsored by the Northport Arts Coalition and LaMantia Gallery, June 26-28
in the Village Park in Northport, please visit NAC's website,
www.northportarts.org
, for additional information. Application for event can be downloaded
from the NAC website.
LaMantia
Gallery is honored to host Master European artist Erich Paulsen
May 15th from 7-9 pm and May 16th from 3-5 pm. All are invited to meet the
77 year old palette knife master on his first-ever USA visit. For more
information contact Rob Bluver at 631-754-8414 or visit LaMantia Gallery’s
website at
www.lamantiagallery.com. 1-631-754-8414
Calling All
Artists! The Long Island Museum Presents A Juried Art Show: “Works on
Paper.” All amateur and
professional artists are eligible to enter the Long Island Museum’s 2009
juried artcompetition, Works on Paper. Cash prizes awarded; no photography.
Deadline is July 10, 2009.Winning entries will be on display in the Art
Museum from September 10 through October 25, 2009.For submission guidelines
please contact Lisa Unander, Assistant Director of Education at
631-751-0066x214 or art@longislandmuseum.org.1200 Route 25A; Stony Brook, NY
11793; (631) 751-0066;
www.longislandmuseum.org
A
call to NAC members to conduct
Youth Art
Workshops! Youth Directions
and Alternatives (YDA) in East Northport is looking to plan some art groups
for the youth that attend their programs, single workshops or 8-10 week
programs with local artists interested in volunteering. If you would like to
share some of your talent and passion with children who have little or no
art background, please email
nacnewsletter@gmail.com
All disciplines are welcome, (dance, painting, music, etc.)Time frames
for workshops will be range between 3 and 6 PM, Mondays through Thursdays.
www.ydaonline.org
DANCE
Posey School
announces summer schedule,
please check on line at
www.poseyschool.com
or call 631-757-2700. Join for the 2009-2010 School Year—become a member
now! Summer dance for teens and adults July 6 to August 14. Children’s Dance
Program meets on Wednesday, July 1 to July 15, and August 5 to August 19.
A new
Othello
choreographed by Dwight
Rhoden and designed by NAC Board member and ballet costume designer
Christine Darch will premiere in Charlotte with the North Carolina Dance
Theater, on May 14th.
www.christinedarch.com.
NAC MEMBER NEWS
In an effort to get the word
out about the abundance of cultural activities in Northport, journalist
Elise Pearlman has written several articles that celebrate village life for
Village Connection Magazine. Of particular interest is a calendar of events
in Northport. Village Connection Magazine is available online at
www.villageconnection.biz
and in hard copy in shops up and down Main Street. If you would like
to learn more, or have a story that you think would be of interest for this
publication, contact Elise at
LotusElise1@aol.com.
The NAC Board
strongly appeals to our readers to renew their memberships. NAC events are
free, and we are fortunate to bring many diverse artistic programs to the
community with our member’s generous support. NAC depends on membership as
the major source for performer’s stipends, publicity, office supplies,
printing and promotional material, accounting fees, mailings, and liability
insurance. Our NAC Arts NEWS is an excellent free publicity resource for
community artists with over 1,200 monthly readers.
Email updates needed! NAC asks
all members to please keep us informed if you have had an email or physical
address change. Please send your new information to
nacnewsletter@gmail.com.
Please submit your arts related
announcements for next month’s newsletter to
nacnewsletter@gmail.com
by the 26th of May. Announcements should be clear of excessive
formatting, and limited to six lines, 100 words. Photos in jpeg format may
be included when appropriate. Photographs which include children must
indicate parent’s permission granted. Please note that in order to post
information, NAC requires current membership. Please renew your membership
prior to submitting your announcement to be included in the upcoming
newsletter. Thank you for reading the NAC Arts NEWS!
The Northport Arts Coalition thanks our present and past supporters:
NAC MEMBERS
Northport Fire Department
Northport Chamber of Commerce
Northport Parks Department
Northport/East Northport Public Library
Northport Village Hall
Huntington Arts Council
Suffolk County Legislature, Jon Cooper
Assemblyman Andrew Raia
Chase Manhattan Bank
Scherer and Sons Aquatic Gardens
Eclipse Signs
Times of
Northport
NAC BOARD
Lauren Paige, Executive Director
Pat Bond, Director
Charlotte Koons, Outreach Specialist
Terry Lister, Public Relations
Marsha Bartley, Treasurer
Christine Darch,
Assistant E.D.; Editor, NAC Arts News
ADVISORY BOARD
Laura DeSalvo, Membership Advisor
Craig Fligstein, Grant consultant
Kate Kelly, Visual Art Advisor
Mary Ellen Moll, Library Liaison
Daniel Paige, Community Liaison
George Rehn,
C.P.A.
Kevin McMahon, Web Master
Web page by STOOMZEE.