'Art in the Park' Celebrates Local Artists

Local artists took over the village green Saturday to exhibit their original artwork for the community during the fourth annual

"This is the highlight of the whole fall," said New York State Senator Kemp Hannon, who said he hasn't missed the event in all four years. "It is all about having fun and meeting great people. It is a way to lift spirits and it gives a chance for expression. We're celebrating Long Island."

Fran Rotondo, chairperson of the Farmingdale Women's Club who was also one of five members in the club to have her art on display at the event, said the event's goal is to raise money to give scholarships to art students at . For the past three years the Women's Club has sponsored the event and this year they added to the profits by selling cakes and raffling off one of local artist paintings. 

"We wanted to bring art appreciation to the Village of Farmingdale," said Rotondo. "Last year we gave two $1,000 scholarships to students and this year we are hoping to do the same."

Second year participant Hicksville resident Peter G. Boyle said he enjoys displaying his photography at the festival.

"Last year I sold a few pieces. It's just a nice day to be out," he said. As a grand knight for the Knights of Columbus group, Boyle said he is happy to be a part of the celebration. "This one is for the community. They give money back and I understand the importance of that."

Ten year Farmingdale resident and new abstract artist Kathie Domney said she thought it was time to unveil her art to the public for the first time this year. "I just started painting abstracts two years ago and I thought I should just start showing them," she said.

Domney said she is considering attending next year's Art in the Park and thinks artistic events are important for a community. "I gives people a different perspective on a different idea of art, not just a painting of a flower or animals," she said. "My main interest is for people to stop and look at the different colors, textures, layers and get into a meditative state."

Members of the Syosset Suburban Art League also were at the event. "This show is a great opportunity for us to show our art which is lovely," said watercolor artist Phyllis Coniglio. "Last year was our first time here and we even got a few new members from it." 

Among the Suburban group is Bob Kaufmann, a past sculpture professional for the Walt Disney Company and Jim Hanson, who won second place for his painting "The Bird."

Other winners included an honorable mention for Virginia Musantry for her watercolor painting "Cathedral." Third place went to Patrick Cusack for his painting of "The Nymph." and first place went to Sandy Matte for her oil painting of "A Hand Playing the Violin."

Overall, Rotondo said she was pleased with the turnout and thankful for the support of the Chamber of Commerce.

"I think it is wonderful," she said. "We couldn't have asked for a better day and there is a lot of foot traffic. People do enjoy the festival and I think running this at the same time of the carnival helped us."