Sporadic bursts of rain could not hold back the eager appreciators of art and residents of Westbury alike from the Westbury Art Council’s first-ever “Art Mart” on Saturday, May 16. And with peeks of sunshine, the artists’ work shone brightly amongst the event-goers.
Being that this was their first “artist market” event, the council’s efforts proved positive at the piazza as the turnout was, according to Council President, Chrissy Lorusso Shelley, “modest, but successful.” From paintings and photography to sculpture and jewelry, 14 artists set up 10×10 squares to display and sell their art. Many of the artists offered discounted prints and smaller pieces for purveyors to purchase alongside larger works. Cost for each space was $20 for new members and $30 for non- or reoccurring members, but the amount of effort put into each of the artists’ pieces was priceless.
Circling the Piazza, guests got a glimpse the vendors’ goods, including CD’s, bracelets, homemade teas and food from two different food vendors: Mediterranean Kebab House and a “Car-Be-Que” or “a barbeque on wheels.” There was chalk for those wishing to create art on the grounds of the Piazza and plaster characters for participants to paint. Live music was also a crowd pleaser, as provided by “Stick-Tet:” a three-piece band composed of Steve Finkelstein on drums, Nydia “Liberty” Mata on percussion and Steve Adelson on the Chapman stick. Adelson’s instrument resembled the sound of a guitar and played like a standing bass. Finkelstein took notice on the event and its impact on the community,
“This is very important to make Post Avenue a happening place, now that they’ve got The Space and His and Hers,” he said. “I’ve been living here for 19 years and to see the Arts Council and the town of Westbury working together…it really makes sense.”
Much like the art that brings them together, one artist in particular, Suzanna Shayer, mixed her career with her artistry. Shayer has been a long time musician, though she found a calling to the fine arts later in life. “Art has been in my family my whole life…but I only began showing and selling my art for about two years,” Shayer said.
Shayer has been practicing as an art therapist for two years, and works primarily with kids with special needs. When asked what her subject matter is when creating art, she referred to it as “organized abstraction.”
Another artist, Maxine Nodel, who has been creating for over 40 years, also comes from a family of artists. Nodel currently writes and paints full time, as she is a retired arts high school principal. She was recently a Featured Artist at the Edward Hopper House in Nyack, and stated that she sells her work online, at galleries and other art marts.
Other artists included singer and co-recording secretary of the Council Julie Lyon, illustrator Jay Stuart, jewelry maker and Co-Recording Secretary of the Council Maureen Baranov and Director of the Council Patty Eljaiek.
This opportunity engaged a variety of goers, from neighbors of Westbury to art lovers and those who are simply interested in what the community has to offer. Shelley makes it apparent that the point of these events is to bring awareness and community together, while also helping artists who wish to sell their art to the public.
The next event in the Westbury Art Council’s Summer Concert Series is the performance of Time Passages, a group that performs hits from the sixties to today, on Friday, June 5.
