The Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library will celebrate the work of six local artists with a special reception open to the public on Saturday, January 31st, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the library auditorium, located at 407 William Floyd Parkway in Shirley.
Community members are invited to attend the afternoon event, which will feature light refreshments and the opportunity to meet the artists and hear about their creative processes. The reception highlights a range of artistic styles and mediums currently on display throughout the library’s exhibit areas.
Featured artist Jeannie Baker, a collector and craftsperson, will present “Statuary,” a collection of three-dimensional figures gathered from around the world alongside her own handmade basket creations. Photographer Whitney Bell will share “Seasons,” a nature-focused series capturing the beauty of winter landscapes and the outdoors.
David Bradshaw, also a photographer, brings “Brooklyn Ready,” a collection of black-and-white film photographs featuring neon signs, bridges, vintage cars, and atmospheric urban scenes from Brooklyn, along with recent work from Egypt. Collector Cathy Drees will exhibit “Tumbled by the Sea,” a sea-glass-and-pottery vignette inspired by a lifelong love of beachcombing, as well as items from her “Buoy the Bus” project.
Charles Gerbino Jr., known as an “artful surfer,” will display sculptural sea creatures made from clay and found marine materials inspired by Smith Point Beach. Painter Peter Russo will feature “Wild Seas,” large-scale oil paintings capturing the power of stormy waters and the Moriches Inlet.
Since completing a major building program that included new neighborhood branches and a fully renovated main facility, the library has expanded exhibit space at both its Shirley headquarters and the Moriches branch. The goal of the program is to showcase the diverse artistic talent of residents across Mastics, Shirley, Moriches, and surrounding communities.
The library welcomes works in a variety of formats, including paintings, photography, sculpture, carvings, and curated collections displayed on pedestals or within secure glass cases.
Artists interested in exhibiting their work at the library may contact Maura Feeney at (631) 399-1511, ext. 2038, or email mfeeney@communitylibrary.org.