A Fairy Tale Evening…Do You Know About the Festival?

A “Fairy Festival” at Sands Point Preserve has become an annual thing. It starts with a uniquely fantastic art show. 

Did You Know About The Fairy Festival? Re-Wild? The MOSAIC Festival?

Did you know there’s a Fairy Festival that happens every year in that fairy tale castle out at Sands Point Preserve? You can still get tickets. They’re $100 per parking vehicle, so we’d definitely carpool! 

Oh, my goodness. We are grateful Firefly Loretta Cerame brought us out there. The show is fantastic and her work is beautiful. The 2D works gracing the walls are amazing, and we are delighted by the focus on sculptural “Fairy Houses.” Among those artists, Dianna Facci, chose to use her prize winning piece to showcase the creative potential of Native Plants and to use the whole event as an opportunity to seed awareness of the sustainable landscaping organization, Re-Wild Long Island.

Loretta Cerame with her enchanting oil painting, “Vedia-Forest Spirit” (photo provided by Loretta) and Dianna Facci with her naturally derived sculpture, “Soaring to New Heights”

A Win for Re-wild: The Art of Native Gardening

Flowers in Dianna’s Fairy House, “Soaring to New Heights,” were made from the seed cases of Butterfly Milkweed and what my daughter always called “Spiky Balls.” There were dragonflies crafted from them as well, and so much more. Maybe 80 hours of work, she wondered? We talked about how, when you’re doing something like that, it’s kind of all day every day. Sometimes especially when you’re sleeping. So maybe a bit more than that…

Other projects Dianna’s working on – which apparently literally seed her art — include endeavors like helping design and realize the Valley Stream Community Garden and other projects of the South Nassau Chapter of Re-Wild.

Detail of Dianna Facci’s piece. Love the bees!

Word from the East End Arts Council

We also got to meet Melissa Pressler of the East End Arts Council, and learn a little bit about what’s going on out there in Riverhead. Her collage is amazing! They just moved out of their historic offices so that the building can be lifted to protect from floods. We pray for a smooth elevation and a quick return to the charming building they have long called home! 

She was excited about the mixed media artwork her young students created for this show, and the Arts Council’s upcoming 30th Annual MOSAIC Festival, which happens on Memorial Day. It’s actually mostly about chalk…and community. There is other art, too, and music, and more. This year, it will include a community street mural to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

They call it “Long Island’s Most Colorful Day of the Year.” I’d like to check it out after the parade.

Melissa Pressler, who works for the East End Arts Council, and her captivating collage, “Year of the Wood Snake.” This piece includes authentic skin donated by a slithery friend. After years of receiving that gift of texture from him, she has recently returned the kindness by giving that snake a home. His name is Stanley. 

Thank You

There was more. The exhibition truly is stunning. On beyond grateful for friends like Loretta who give us great reasons to do these things, and for all the folks who make these things happen at all. We wish all an enchanting weekend! 

More detail of Dianna’s “Soaring to New Heights”

Image of a young artist and appreciator provided by Loretta Cerame

“Blink and You’ll Miss It” a remarkable tiny sculpture (yes, that’s an acorn he’s transformed into a cottage!) by Patrick Louie

Honoring the 250th Annivesary of the Declaration of Independence

Above, the logo for a Huntington Historical Society Project: “What Liberty Means to Me,” which collected reflections from all willing to offer them earlier this year. We look forward to seeing what they’ve captured. 

250 Years Ago, A Bold and Righteous Proclomation Was Made.

It has been 250 years since America’s lofty revolution and the remarkable war inevitably to follow. This July, we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a mighty document inscribing self-evident truths; truths clear to the enlightened men of the time and truths standing as guiding principles to those living in these United States since. 

In recognizing this arc of freedom, we celebrate words and ideas coming from not only those of the 18th century (who studied hard the thoughts of those who came before), but also the 19th, 20th and 21st.  We think about the creation of our Constitution, and the robust intellects and passionate hearts whose words and deeds have shaped our enchanting, individualist nation. We pray that folks take interest in the noble ideals in which this county is grounded, and give their best to uphold and strengthen them.

We remember Abraham Lincoln and Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; these and others who led us to realize the natural rights of millions, who led this body of United States to grow closer to its stated founding principals, and who made the idea of “America” an inspiration worldwide.

As we reflect on this poignant moment and the journey here, we encourage you to check out various ways our neighbors are celebrating the occasion. If you have your own related events to promote, many of these are good places to do that, too!

America 250: Celebrating Huntington, NY

John Daniello has put together a seven-month series that has been unfolding at the Huntington Public Library. It will be on view through July. This website serves as a companion piece, allowing the viewer “to dive even deeper into the exhibit with added details, stories and discoveries.”  It’s a fascinating look at the story of the Revolutionary War, and the particular role the Town of Huntington played in it. Not a bad place to start!

Huntington Historical Society

The Huntington Historical Society website offers a beautiful events tab where you can find tours of historical sites, and events connected to their “Liberty 250: Huntington Celebrates American Independence” project. Accessed directly through their homepage, you can find biographies of Revolutionary War Patriots, and a virtual tour of Huntington’s Revolutionary War Trail hosted by town historian Robert Hughes. We are excited to see the product of their “Liberty 250: What Liberty Means to Me” project, and are thinking a lot ourselves about that. 

We The People: A Conversation About Art & Democracy

One upcoming event will occur at the intersection of civic life and artistic expression: A Democracy Dinner, hosted by The Huntington Historical Society and the Heckscher Museum.
 
When: Thursday, May 14 from 6-8:30pm
Where: Dr. Daniel W. Kissam Property, 434 Park Avenue, Huntington
To Register: Visit The Huntington Historical Society website
 

There will be food, conversation, and human connection. Artists from the Museum’s Just Powers: Long Island Biennial 2026 exhibition will join as special guests, enriching this already ripe conversation. Looks like an interesting night! 

There’s a lot more going on, too! For starters, if you like the art aspect, this Historical Society is also hosting “Revolutionary Incidents in Huntington: Occupation & Resistance” in the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial,  the Nassau County Museum of Art and the Long Island Museum each have fascinating exhibitions, and The East End Arts Council is working on a community street mural as part of it’s annual MOSAIC festival. We’re sure there’s more….for artists, historians, folks who care about civics and what it all means today. Lot’s more. Check it out: 

The Town of Huntington's Liberty 250 Page

The Town put together a planning committee of local heritage organizations and museums to plan and coordinate exhibits and programs commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. As part of this, they have crafted a web page that offers an app on Bloomberg Connects that provides educational videos, an interactive map of local Revoluntionary War sites, and a calendar of events from organizations such as the Walt Whitman Birthplace, Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve, Heckscher Museum, and Huntington Historical Society, 

Suffolk250.org

Exploring a little further afield, Suffolk County has worked with a an impressive array of local museums, cultural organizations, and historical societies to assemble Suffolk250.org, a website that invites you to explore and celebrate our region’s pivotal role in the American Revolution. There, you can find an interactive map of events throughout the county, get a passport book to log your own exploration, view a documentary series, and even sign up to plant a legacy tree.

Nassau County

Nassau County Tourism has put together Nassau County 250: It’s Revolutionary. According to the website, “a curated series of America 250 blogs and features, Nassau County Tourism highlights Revolutionary War landmarks, historic estates, presidential connections, and waterfront villages across the county. Each story is designed to inspire real-world exploration, encouraging you to visit the sites where history happened.” The website also lists events and programs occurring throughout the year. 

 

Discover Long Island

Last but not least, Discover Long Island, the full region’s one and only destination marketing organization, has it’s own page, LongIsland250. This, it promotes as “the official guide for commemorating & celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution on Long Island.” Designed to “showcase Long Island’s integral role in the Revolutionary War effort and profound ties to then Gen. George Washington, this site will serve as the ultimate guide for experiencing Long Island’s fascinating wartime history filled with spies and intrigue.”

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Firefly Lights: April 29, 2026

Photo of the exterior of The Firefly Artists

Click here for the latest edition of Firefly Lights, all about our beautiful downtown gallery of local art and artists. In this edition, please find:

IN THIS ISSUE

The Gift of Art 
Hive Exhibition Tomorrow: “Cross Pollination”
Call to Artists: 5th Annual Works on Paper
Coming Soon: A Celebration of Young Artists
Exhibition Schedule
Honoring the Life of Firefly Jim Darcy
Thank You for Making Us the Best!
About the Firefly

Below: Works by Fireflies Helen Towey, Rebecca Bahr, Rachel Kalina & Kate Sydney, and Lisa Federici
COME. BREATHE. SAVOR
Find That Perfect Thing

We have gifts for Mom and your favorite grad, sweet little treasures and very special things. Located at 90 Main Street in beautiful downtown Northport, The Firefly is open seven days a week. We stay open until 9pm Wednesday through Saturday, and until 7pm on Sundays. For you early birds, we’re also open by 9am on the weekends.

Every purchase helps keep local artists creating. We deeply appreciate your support, and are honored when our work enhances your life and that of those around you. Enjoy the blossoming! 

To subscribe to The Firefly Artists newsletter, please drop us a line indicating interest here.

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Repair Café Heading to Sayville

The Repair Café is Coming to Sayville

In a time where buying something new often comes before fixing what we have, The Repair Cafe is a great place to get advice, offer your expertise, and be inspired! There are no guarantees, but a promise to try. Many find the experience itself worth the effort. Folks involved are excited to announce that the next one will be held:

When: May 9, 12pm-3pm 
Where: Sayville Public Library, 88 Green Ave, Sayville, NY 11792

Want to Help?

Are you handy with machines? Electronics? Even a needle & thread?

Would you share this knowledge with the community? Help keep folks from throwing good things into landfills? Maybe just help folks save a few dollars? Come with your kids and teach them, come to teach others, or just come to learn and make new friends?

We imagine The Repair CafĂ©  would be an EXCELLENT service project for Scouts, and really anyone who wants to promote the fine art of giving things a second chance at life. Help make the world little thriftier and more self-reliant.

The best way to get in touch is through the Repair Cafe Long Island Facebook Page. You may also contact Laurie at starflexp@aol.com to learn more!!!

Get involved in The Repair Café!

Laurie Explains

You don’t have to be mechanical. Everybody can teach or help with something.

Said Laurie: “The more volunteers, the faster folks can get things repaired. People need to be able to bring their own tools. We get a lot of TVs and lamps and small electronics. We also could use people who are good with furniture, clothing/textiles (with sewing machine), more people for jewelry, anyone for watches and clocks, and other miscellaneous things (last time we had an ironing board, bicycle, a small statue that needed to be glued back together…).

We could also make space for a mental health person who would take time to listen to folks who just have a need to talk, or anyone who can do massage (sure, we can ‘fix’ people, too!).

Anyone who’d like to do some small DIY demos like how to sew on a button, darn a sock, rewire a lamp… Join us!

Learn More!

Check out The Repair Café Long Island on Facebook. Just scroll through the images there and look at these folks helping each other and learning so much together. Oh my goodness!

For years now, Laurie Farber of Starflower Experiences has made it part of her mission to help people fix things rather than just throw them out. Starting in Wyandanch, they built on the idea and carried it through covid. A natural partner, libraries which already work to provide communities with a number of educative resources, allow her to use to their space to strengthen their peoples capability. They’ve been to Huntington before, as well as a number of locations across Long Island. Anyone willing to volunteer and help the program is greatly appreciated!
 

Additional Events Will Be Held

June 20 – Longwood Public Library 10:00 – 2:00
August 1 – Hauppauge Public Library 11:30 – 3:30
August 8 – Huntington Public Library (Main) 10:00 – 2:00
August 15 – Bayshore Brightwaters Library 11:00 – 3:00
November 7 – Copiague Public Library 11:30 – 3:30
Feb 27, 2027 Harborfields Public Library 1:00 – 4:00
March 13, 2027 – South Huntington Public Library 1:00 – 4:00

Photos of Repair Cafe’s across Long Island. Photo Credit: Laurie Farber.

Fair Media Council: “The First 60 Minutes: A Crisis Management Masterclass for Communicators”

When things go awry, the most important thing is how we respond. Trust is hard to build and easy to break. No matter what the truth is, public perception is huge. Managing that effectively is an important skill set, especially for those giving it their best to serve the common good.

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Thank you! Listening Party with Yasuhiro Fujioka and Hollis King at The Firefly

Listening Party with Friends of the Coltrane Home.

Folks who love history. Folks who love jazz. Folks who love art and deep conversation all came together at the Firefly on March 28th to spend some time with Yasuhiro “Fuji” Fujioka, Hollis King and excellent music. 

It was a wonderful evening filled with joy, and deep reflection. We learned about John Coltrane, the space he inhabited and new grounds he forged. Profound historic moments and some of the Coltranes’ deep responses were noted. Discoveries made upon years of careful study were shared, as were anecdotes of life working with diverse artists. Among these, curious Beatles and other connections were proffered, as we considered courses of destiny and twists of fate.

Several folks who have been involved with the effort to transform the John and Alice Coltrane home in Dix Hills into a museum and cultural center were on hand. In addition to the deep dive into Coltrane himself, they shared news of that endeavor and stories of the multi-decade journey this has been. We are very excited at the progress and can’t wait for the home to open! Stay tuned…

Coltrane Scholar Yasuhiro Fujioka

Coltrane Scholar Yasuhiro “Fuji” Fujioka is a Board member of the Friends of The Coltrane Home in Dix Hills, President of the Coltrane House of Osaka, and owns the Kimono shop, “Fujioka.” He is also a freelance jazz writer/ producer/ photographer/ educator and the author of four books on the subject of John Coltrane.

Hollis King, former Vice President & Creative Director, Verve Music Group

Hollis King is the former vice president and creative director at the Verve Music Group, the largest jazz record label in the world. He has worked with some of the greatest musicians of all time, and has himself received numerous achievement awards and citations.

Thank You

As Fuji would say, “Arigato!”

We are deeply grateful for the experience and look forward to them coming back soon.

Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day!

Independent Book Store Day logo provided by the American Booksellers Association

With World Book Day happening April 23 and Independent Bookstore Day arriving on Sunday April 26, it’s a good time to remember to shop local. In local bookstores, you often see current events on one side, immortal stories that have entertained for 500 hundred years on another, and in the middle series of books that tell tales of how we got from the old to the new.

At Northport Books, down by the Firefly, they are getting started Thursday night! (See flyer below). At Theodore’s Books of Oyster Bay, another local book store we know well, events will be held with authors from the 26th to the 29th. They will also have a number of exclusive items on sale. Details can be found at their website.

We love watching the extraordinary child of Book Revue, The Next Chapter develop. While sad to see Finley’s gone, we are excited to learn about Published in this great article by Melissa Farrell of Going Local LI 

Below, please see an incomplete list of these and other local book stores. We encourage you to check out their websites and see if they will be hosting events. If not, go check them out anyways. Book stores are a treasure from winter to summer and back again. Some bookstores may not be listed. We’d love to learn about your favorites! 

List of Book Stores, ordered by hamlet: 

The Arts & Culture of Huntington Station

The Underpainting of a Paul B. & Phillip Young exhibition entitled, “CHEER UP” currently on view at Nautilus Roasting Company

Art Across Huntington Station

From the firehouse to underpass murals to the library walls, Huntington Station showcases its local art across places folks drive past and visit every day.

On a warm morning or a beautiful evening, you can grab a cup of coffee or a delicious bite, and see sculptures, murals, gardens, art centers, and gallery spaces. Suite Pieces offers space for local artisans. Nautilus Coffee is a work of art unto itself. More artists live here than we can count. There is history. There is culture. There is civic pride. Tastes of this are shared through public artworks created by folks who call Huntington Station home.

When putting together last autumn’s “Station Celebration of Arts & Culture” with the Huntington Station BID, we were delighted to work with the office of Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin to put together this list of art available to be seen for free across Huntington Station. Now that that we can feel the sun again, it’s a great time to share it!

For more information about great stuff going on in the Station, please join the Huntington Station Business Improvement District (BID)’s email list

List of Arts & Culture Points of Interest

Here’s the list of sites on the flyers pictured here. We know there are more. Let us know of them. Tell us about great places to catch a bite to eat, too!

1. Nautilus Coffee 📍 1249 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746 A work of art in itself — owned by a local history enthusiast. Features a rotating gallery space; artist Kristen Memoli (HS resident) is on view through October. Great place to start your walk and grab a coffee!

2. “Generations” Sculpture 📍 Median outside Nautilus Coffee (New York Avenue) Artist: Madeline Wiener Installed: 2012 A public sculpture celebrating the connection between generations and community roots.

3. Suite Pieces 📍 1038 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746 📍 1038 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746 Founded by Amanda Peppard, Suite Pieces is a three-story design showroom and creative hub featuring Long Island’s largest wallpaper library, custom furniture, and The Shops at Suite Pieces — a marketplace of local artists and makers.

4. Huntington Station Library đź“Ť 1335 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746 Two murals in the front vestibule by the Tiny Arts Council. Splashes of Hope painted a joyful mural in the Young Adult Room. Also features the Old Station Exhibition near the meeting rooms.

5. Assembly of God Church đź“Ť 1700 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746 Brand-new mural painted by Officer Kent (2nd Precinct), completed last weekend.

6. Gateway Garden 📍 Lowndes Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746 Community garden space featuring local art and environmental projects. Home to one of Lucienne Pereira’s murals.

7. Huntington Manor Fire Station Statue đź“Ť 1650 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746 Bronze sculpture honoring the courage and service of local firefighters.

8. Spirit of Huntington Art Center 📍 2 Melville Road, Huntington Station, NY 11746 Inclusive community art center offering programs for artists of all abilities. Exhibitions, art therapy, and classes — a must-see final stop.

9. Murals Along New York Avenue 📍1450 New York Avenue – Mural by Segundo Orellana @orellana_art on Instagram 1705 New York Avenue – “Car Mural” 1548 New York Avenue – Huntington Deli Mural Gateway Gardens – Mural led by Lucienne Pereira Family Service League Mural – Also led by Pereira; focuses on unity and community. 211 Depot Road (B.C. Communications) – Bright community-themed mural.

Signal Box Art Installations Route 110 Corridor 📍 “Check Me Out” Artist: Karmira Mohanty (Farmingville, NY) Location: NE corner of Rt. 110, Seaman Rd. & Jacobson Ave. Medium: Digitally printed vinyl wrap 📍 “Radio” Artist: John A. (Jack) Pierce (Huntington, NY) Location: NE corner of Rt. 110 & E. 12th St. Medium: Digitally printed vinyl wrap 📍 “Rubber Ducky Party” Artist: Roy Biederman (Roy Arthur Photography, Patchogue, NY) Location: SE corner of Rt. 110 & E. 13th St.  Medium: Digitally printed vinyl wrap 📍 “Image of Guitars” Artist: TBD (seeking info) Location: Corner of Rt. 110, E. 15th St. & Railroad St. Medium: Digitally printed vinyl wrap

16th Annual Huntington Station Spring Clean-Up

16th Annual Spring Clean-Up

The Friends of Huntington Station Latin Quarter is holding its 16th Annual Spring Clean-Up on Sunday, May 3rd. 

Sponsored by Palacios Law Group, Huntington Matters, Quality Island Landscaping, and the Huntington Station Business Improvement District (BID); the flyer states, “Join our efforts to make Huntington Station clean & welcoming. All are invited to help us beautify & instill pride in our community.” 

We are grateful for all the folks who come together each year to make this happen. Those involved say it’s a wonderful way to serve the community, and catch up with neighbors. Not only does it make a tremendous difference at the time, the cleanup effort inspires others to keep things nice throughout the year. 

What: Friends of Huntington Station’s 16th Annual Spring Clean-Up
Where: 1399 New York Ave, Huntington Station
When: Sunday, May 3 at 1pm
For More information: Call 917-836-8772, email info@hslq.org, or visit them on Facebook.