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Contribution in the name of ART

Local Art

Article by Genevieve Garruppo

Photography by Benny Migliorino

Originally published in Patchogue Lifestyle

The core to any flouring community is an active art scene and Patchogue is in full bloom. The majority of programming ahead in 2020 is made possible by the constant support of the community and love of the arts. Two major organizations come to mind when thinking of art in our community: The Patchogue Arts Council and The Patchogue Theatre. This year, we can look forward to The Patchogue Theater to put on a performance of the harrowing life of Anne Frank, bring world-renowned Branford Marsalis to perform his latest Jazz album, and screenings of feature films like Titanic, West Side Story, and Rocky just to name a few. And The Patchogue Arts Council’s theme for all programming this year is “Clear Vision for 20/20” which will kick off with Dyptics, curated by John Cino, including work by artists Tobi Kahn, Jason Paradis, Kimberly Radochia, Darlene Charneco, Jayne Dion and Jessie Smillie. All of this is possible because of the generous donations from people like you! 

Patchogue Arts Council, or PAC, had it’s conception and creation over a decade ago. Now, the board of directors is comprised of Lori Devlin, Jennifer Berotti, Jessie Valentin, Loretta Corbisero, Lori Hand, Dr. Thomas Ferb, Beth Giacummo (Gallery Director) and John Cino (Senior Curator and Program Director) all who are artists or art historians or collectors in their own right. Their mission is to support the development of artists at any stage in their career. They encourage new work, hold events that expand to all walks of life, and enrich the culture of our community. Almost all events are free of charge allowing public access -no matter your budget. The gallery (Museum of Contemporary Art) is 100% volunteer run under the leadership of Linda Beckerman and Pat Sweeney. When asked to elaborate on the physical space, or gallery for the PAC, she explained “Museums are meeting and gathering places for everyone, of all ages and backgrounds. People come together to explore thoughts and experiences that may or may not be like their own. They create inclusive cultural programming and strengthen the cultural fabric of the community. Museums are a place to enjoy the benefits of art; to be inspired to create, to learn, or to experience. PAC’s gallery has always served this purpose for the community. ”

When thinking about a gallery space, one might immediately think of the sale of art. The goal of the Patchogue Arts Council is not to sell art, but the intention is to make art accessible. Funding comes from the many fundraisers that are held throughout the year. Biennials, Walking Arts Tours, Patchogue Arts Festivals, PAC MAC festivals, exhibits and public art installations have enhanced the reputation of Patchogue as a vibrant cultural center, all while giving PAC the tools to continue to build and grow. One of the more exciting fundraisers is the annuel Raku party, hosted by various members of the council in conjunction with Bill Shillalies. For the past 10 years, supporters of the arts and their guests have been painting pots and enjoying the raku process, all while getting to take home their creations! Keep an eye out for all announcements at patchoguearts.org.

The historic Patchogue Theatre venue that originally opened as Ward & Glynne’s Theater in 1923 has gone through severals evolutions in the near-century it’s been open. Initially, the theatre was used as a fully functioning playhouse presenting the rise and fall of vaudeville in the 1930’s. Then, about twenty years later after a fire damaged the lobby, it was stripped (well, thankfully just covered up) of its ornate interior in the 1950’s.  Moving into the 1980’s, the theatre was just used to screen movies and other forms of the performing arts were put on hold. Then, in 1996, three local businessmen came up with the initial funds to purchase the Theatre while the Incorporated Village of Patchogue applied for grants to renovate and restore the venue to its former glory, allowing us to enjoy the many fruits of the arts into today. 

PatchogueTheatre.org has a wealth of information in regards to the programming and future events that the organization is planning on, but also full transparency in how the theatre is run. “Although the Village of Patchogue owns the historic Patchogue Theatre venue, the staff and volunteers of Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts manage the Theatre, under the leadership of a volunteer board of directors, through a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization known as the Patchogue Village Center for the Performing Arts. PTPA leases the building from The Village of Patchogue and covers all of the costs of operating the building, including programming, without any taxpayer subsidies” which makes it all the more important to donate and participate in the various fundraisers that are put on throughout the year. 

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