The Long Islander News
Huntington Weekly
May 11-17, 2017
By Janee Law
Jlaw@longislandergroup.com
Northport Village is known for the beautiful scenery, quaint atmosphere and artistic vibe produced by art galleries, the John W. Engeman Theater and events hosted across the village.
Erica Berkowitz, co-owner of Haven Gallery at 155 Main St., said that Long Island as a whole boasts a dearth of art galleries, but Northport has “a number of independently run stores that are very unique… And you also have numerous events that happen in Northport itself that I think really create a destination and a place of culture and enrichment.”
Berkowitz, who co-owns the gallery with husband Joseph Weinreb, added, “Having as many galleries as we fortunately have now in Northport is a wonderful thing.”
Offering representational artwork with touches of surrealism and emotion, particularly in paintings, drawings or sculptures, Haven Gallery will be featuring two exhibits May 13, 6 to 8 PM, “It Came From Beneath The Sea,” which is guest curated by Travis Louie, and works by Syd Bee. Other upcoming summer exhibits include Nadezda: Fly-By-Night, Alex Garant, Annie Stegg Gerard and Ornamented.
With Northport being the home to five art galleries, The village has both natural and artistically created beauty, which draws many people to the village, said Kate Sydney, co-founder and managing partner of Firefly Artists.
Based out of 180 Main St., Firefly Artists offers photography, jewelry, oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, linoleum cuts, etchings, and more.
Sydney, who co-owns Firefly with Jennifer Lau, said that Northport has become a landing strip for art and artists, adding that it’s rare to find a town defined by artists and artisans.
Home 2/30 Long Island artists, Firefly is currently featuring photography by Lau, Constance Sloggatt-Wolf, and art teacher at Northport High School; Ray Rothaug, A photographer and dynamic oil painter; and Lisa Golub, A renowned portrait artist.
When it comes to Art, James LaMantia, owner of LaMantia Gallery, said that art isn’t just an important part of Northport Village it’s an important part of everything.
“Art is a continual reminder of love and hope,” he said. “Through the centuries, art is what kept people excited about life. It brings so much to people’s lives, rather than just decorating a wall.”
LaMantia gallery at 127 Main St. represents nationally and internationally known artists, particularly painters.
“I love the fact that Northport has five galleries and each gallery leans in its own direction so we’re all complementing one another,” LaMantia said. “We are getting a reputation. There aren’t too many villages that I could think of that boast that number of art galleries so Art took the village is a tremendous draw.”
On May 13, 6 to 8 PM, LaMantia Gallery Will be hosting a fundraiser called “The Tale of Two Cities” that will feature LaMantia’s work. Attendees can make donations to Gift of Life. Other upcoming solo exhibits for the summer include works by Romero Britto and Nina Girolamo.
Other than art galleries, the village is also known for performances at the John W. Engeman Theater, located at 250 Main St. The theater’s production of “Oklahoma!” began its run today and will continue through June 25. Later in the summer, “Grease” will hit the stage July 6 to August 27. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or engemantheater.com.
Two rounds of the Long Island Sound and Art Festival are also set to hit Northport this summer. The first is set for May 21 and the second August 20. The free festival, which kicks off at 12 noon and runs through 6 PM, is hosted at Northport Village Park and will feature artists painting in the park and music out of the gazebo from 1 to 6 PM. All artists are welcome with no sign-up required.
Recent Comments