LIPAF

The Long Island Public Arts Festival (LIPAF)

The Long Island Public Arts Festival (LIPAF) is an immersive, multi-site, multi-exhibition public arts installation series. It all started as a partnership between Colored Colors and BACCA (Babylon Citizen’s Council on the Arts) at Phelps Lane Park in the Town of Babylon, with support from the Suffolk County Office of Cultural Affairs (SCOCA). 

They call these tri-fold elements dotting the landscape “prisms.” What they are, are larger than life canvas prints of works of artists from throughout New York State thoughtfully displayed in public parks for all to enjoy. Founded on the South Shore, the concept has quickly spread north, gaining support and appreciation, while bridging communities and connecting people through the power of art.

Check out the beautiful LIPAF website for developing details Each show is unique, providing ample opportunity for Long Island’s rich artist community and all who appreciate or participate.

Photo of Phelps Park LIPAF Artists by Felipe Catano

The First Leg: Phelps Park, Babylon

The first exhibition ran 7/1-8/9 at Phelps Lane Park in the Town of Babylon, showcasing over 50 artworks in these striking life-size prisms running along the park’s waterside. It was a pleasure to get to tour the works with participating artist, Rae Cerulean.

Photo of Phelps Park installation by Katheryn Laible
Photo of Rae Cerulean by Katheryn Laible

Up Next: Geiger Park, Deer Park

Opening 9/1 and running until 10/4, the mid-summer anchor of LIPAF 2026 is a display at the newly refurbished Geiger Park, in Deer Park. According to the website, “this location focuses on the intersection of public space and community education, highlighting the park’s transformation through immersive installations.” 

We can’t wait to see it!

Coming This Fall: Heckscher Park, Huntington

The third leg will run 10/9-11/1 at Heckscher Park in Huntington. This one is part of a special collaboration with the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce. Its kickoff will occur during the Long Island Fall Festival, richly enhancing this largest event of its kind in the Northeast.

Photo of Liberty 250 Exhibition by Felipe Catano

Special Exhibition: LIBERTY250

Running through August 31st, LIPAF 250: The Liberty Trail is a landmark public arts initiative inspired by and taking the concept of LIPAF to a deeper level.

Created in close cooperation with Town Historian Robert C. Hughes and the Huntington Historical Society, this special adjunct to the main Arts Festival involves a physical “Liberty Trail” commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Its purpose is to invite exploration and reflection on three core principles: Heritage, Unity, and Liberty. As an enduring record, selected works will be professionally digitized and included in the permanent LIPAF 250 Historical Archive.

A series of Instagram reels featuring Huntington Historical Society Executive Director Stephanie Gotard, Huntington Town Historian Robert Hughes and Huntington African American Museum Executive Director Barry Lites explain the inspiration, purpose and perpetual relevance of this project and the Declaration of Independence itself. 

Said Hughes, “The 250th is such a milestone that we think it’s very important that everyone understands not only the ‘who what and where’ of the revolution 250 years ago, but the concepts behind it, such as liberty. The arts are a perfect way…”

Photos of Liberty 250 Exhibition by Katheryn Laible
Photo of Liberty 250 Exhibition by Katheryn Laible
Photo of Liberty 250 Exhibition by Katheryn Laible

Go. Take It All In. Bring Someone You Love

All in all, it’s a remarkable exercise in human expression, artist appreciation and the opportunity to deeply reflect on much. For free. In beautiful places not so very far from our own back doors. 

We are grateful to Jose, Jason and all who have come together to make this concept a reality. We look forward to seeing this further develop. 

It’s good stuff.

Photo by Felipe Catano

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Updated: Honoring the 250th Annivesary of the Declaration of Independence

Above, the Flag of the Town of Huntington is the basis of this logo for  “What Liberty Means to Me,” a project of the Huntington Historical Society that collected reflections, and has served as something of a theme for their year-long celebration. 

Updated 7/2/26

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

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 ever since. 

In recognizing this arc of freedom, we celebrate the enlightenment 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, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 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, as well as the depth of the statement that “Freedom is Not Free,” we encourage you to check out various ways our neighbors are honoring the occasion. If you have your own related events to promote, many of these are good places to do that, too!

Events are Happening Everywhere

There’s a lot going on, including lots of art! To start, the Huntington Historical Society is hosting “Revolutionary Incidents in Huntington: Occupation & Resistance” in the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial. John Daniello has put together a seven-month series that has been unfolding at the Huntington Public Library. The Nassau County Museum of Art and the Long Island Museum each have fascinating exhibitions. There’s more….for artists and historians, as well as for folks who care about civics and what it all means today. Lots more. Check it out: 

Huntington Historical Society: Ribbon Cutting for the LI Public Arts Festival 250: The Liberty Trail

According to the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, “This landmark public arts initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence will transform Heckscher Park into an immersive living gallery, bridging the gap between 1776 and 2026 through the power of contemporary art.”
 

This LI Public Arts Festival 250: The Liberty Trail is running  in concert with the Summer Arts Festival. It includes original works from New York State artists. A series of Instagram Reels featuring Huntington Historical Society Executive Director Stephanie Gotard, Huntington Town Historian Robert Hughes and Huntington African American Museum Executive Director Barry Lites explain the inspiration, purpose and perpetual relevance of this project and the Declaration of Independence itself. 

Said Hughes, “The 250th is such a milestone that we think it’s very important that everyone understands not only the ‘who what and where’ of the revolution 250 years ago, but the concepts behind it, such as liberty. The arts are a perfect way…”
 
The LI Public Arts Festival Will Run: July 1 through August 31
The Liberty Trail Ribbon Cutting will Occur: Wednesday, July 8 at 6 pm
Where: Heckscher Park, Prime Ave & Route 25A, Huntington
To Register for the Ribbon Cutting: Visit The Huntington Chamber of Commerce Events Page
 

More at the HHS

As a proud front line of The Revolution, The Huntington Historical Society offers a wealth of other 250-related events, including a way to win prizes by visiting historic sites across Long Island called the “History Hunt Challenge.” You can also find a guided virtual tour of “Huntington’s Revolutionary War Trail” hosted by Town Historian Robert Hughes.

In addition to the Nation’s birthday, they and the Huntington Militia will be celebrating Huntington Independence Day  July 18th from 12-5pm, at the Kissam House. 

Keep an eye on their website for more! 

The Town of Huntington's Liberty 250 Page

More broadly, The Town of Huntington 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. It provides educational videos, an interactive map of local Revolutionary 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. We’d love to hear what other Towns are doing!

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 its 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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