(Photo by Cynthia Paulis)
The month of October has been dedicated to the arts. Studio 5404, a not for profit art space located on Merrick Road in Massapequa introduced its beautiful studio and upcoming events to the public.
The art studio, which opened in June 2013 and is the first of the south shore, has featured many local artists. The studio has even caught the eye of local politicians Assemblyman Saladino and Legislator Michael Venditto, who have stopped by and given a citation to owner and artist Lori Horowitz for her extraordinary efforts of bringing art and culture to the south shore.
Horowitz discussed her upcoming event on Oct. 18 called ‘Taking it to the Streets,’ which will showcase urban art and feature the work of 11 artists.
“We are unveiling our outdoor graffiti art wall. I have three graffiti artists from the Bronx and one local who is also a policeman from Freeport,” said Horowitz. “Their work is very fresh and energetic. It brings the vibrancy of the city to the gallery,” continued Horowitz, adding that artists are all local New York and Long Island artists that will be showcasing all kinds of urban art. The event runs from 4-7:30 p.m. and will include artisan vendors sharing their goods along with two hip hop bands and a reading from three Long Island poets.
“This is a much needed event on Long Island and we need to encourage the arts,” said Horowitz. “The Arts Alliance is a fantastic organization which has been very instrumental in getting the word out to the Long Island community and to bring together artists from the east end to the Nassau Queens border,” she continued, stating that the message brings culture to Long Island and helps other organizations come together.
Dr. Ned Horowitz, Lori’s husband, and the owner of Pet Vet (a veterinary hospital at 5330 Merrick Road in Massapequa) concurred.
“The festival is really nice. There’s a lot of really good art and music; it’s also wonderful for the children,” he said.
Dr. Horowitz has his own event coming up on Oct. 26 called ‘Barktoberfest’ at Pet Vet taking place from noon to 4 p.m., where it will be his wife’s turn to support him.
Massapequa resident Beth Ann Magazzo stopped by the 5404 booth with her son to admire the art.
“I am a member of the NY State Art Teachers Association, NYC Art Teachers Association and I just joined the Long Island Art Teachers Association,” said Magazzo. “I wanted to volunteer and bring my son with me to help out and enjoy the activities.”
Magazzo was intrigued by the fact there was an art studio in Massapequa and planned to visit Horowitz’s gallery and attend an opening night event.
For more information on Horowitz and Studio 5404, visit www.environvisiondesigns.webs.com.
