Firefly Lights! Gratitude, Veterans, Holiday Prep!!!

The Firefly Artists Logo

Thank you for making us the 2022 Best Art Gallery on Long Island and for all you do to support local art and artists. We’re pleased to learn we’ve been nominated again — Thanks! It means a lot!!!

Vote for us here every day through December 15th!!!

In this update:
– GRATEFULLY GETTING READY – Our FIreflies are creating and planning all sorts of wonderful things!
– HONORING OUR VETERANS we are pleased to host “Ink Stories: Symbols and Service.” 
– KIRK LARSEN will be hosting a special exhibition in our Darcy Arts Center
– DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS? We are excited!!!

There are so many people to thank, so much to organize, so much now to do! We’re so busy, I didn’t even have time to find my own picture of a wreath for this post. Thank you Milada Vigerove and Unsplash!
There are so many people to thank, so much to organize, so much now to do! We’re so busy, I didn’t even have time to find my own picture of a wreath for this post. This one is beautiful! Thank you Milada Vigerove and Unsplash!

GRATEFULLY Flying Into the Holiday Season!!!

 
As we race from the excitement of last summer straight into the holidays, the first thing we have to say is THANK YOU!   

 

Thank you to all who have supported our transition! Our future is bright because of our amazing community. We would no longer exist if not for you. Thank you for helping keep the Firefly Light Shining!!!
 
Our Fireflies are making like busy elves, crafting all sorts of things for the holiday season. Once again we will offer our popular “100 works at $100,” as well as a $50 and under table where you can come find something modestly priced, and uniquely handcrafted by our talented artists for everyone on your list. 
 
If you want to commission something special, ask now! Many of our artists would love to create that special gift for you. 
 
Many Fireflies will be hosting trunk shows and demonstrations throughout the holiday season. Stay tuned for details. They’re so much fun!!!
 
…and now...NOW…we hear we are receiving a MAJOR AWARD set to light up our whole beautiful, slightly wacky village! 
Do you already know what we’re talking about? Find out below!!!
Images of Ink Stories: Symbols of Service on loan from the Northport-East Northport Public Library to The Firefly Artists.

Special Exhibition: “Ink Stories: Symbols and Service”

 

Thank you to all who served.

In honor of Veterans’ Day, we are hosting “Ink Stories: Symbols of Service”

This is an amazing project assembled in 2019 by Librarian Kathryn Heaviside of the Northport-East Northport Public library to share Veteran’s stories and experiences through photographic representations of their tattoos.

The show will be on view at The Firefly Artists 11/4-11/13.  

Here’s an article on the show in the TBR News Media from back when it was put together in 2019.

 
Image of landscape painting postcard by Firefly Kirk Larsen
Image by Firefly Kirk Larsen

Special Exhibition: “Take Me Home: Oils Watercolors & More by Kirk Larsen

 

We are pleased to announce that Firefly Kirk Larsen will be holding a solo show of works in our “Darcy Arts Center”
 
Kirk’s an internationally known Plein Air painter (painting outdoors in Natural light) and one of America’s foremost Marine Artists. His landscape, seascape and nautical images grace the walls of homes throughout the area, globally and in museums reflecting his passion for discovering new places, seeing the commonplace with fresh eyes, the water, the environment and sailing.

Learn more at kirklarsenfineart.com and by following @kirklarsenart on Instagram and Facebook

The show will be on view November 15-30
Opening Reception: Tues 11/15 from 6-9pm
Closing Reception and Mini Auction: 11/30 from 5:30-8:30pm

All works are for sale.
Photo of a photo by Firefly Jennifer Lau of the Northport Hardware Company

The Leg Lamp Returns! We are so Psyched (and a Little Overwhelmed!) to Receive this Major Award

 

Fundamentally, the Firefly is the best because it has the best community ever.

Thanks to our community—starting with folks at Firefly’s core and spilling out into the streets, across LI and beyond — we are privileged to be racing from our wild adventures last summer into all that it means to host forty small businesses on Main Street during the holiday season.

Now! Now we hear from diverse corners that Northport is bestowing upon us “A Major Award”…

All kidding aside, this event is really much bigger than us…a very special torch folks are coming together to help us light as part of a very special Small Business Saturday Northport tradition…

They then had a wonderful pop-up/trunk show together in our Darcy Arts Center. In addition to showcasing their wares, Michele also raised money for the Lighthouse selling cards made of Jan’s beautiful painting. It was a lovely day!

We've Been Nominated! Best of LI 2023 Logo

We’ve Been Nominated! Again!!!

Not only have we been nominated, but we are more sure than ever that our Fireflies are THE BEST!!!

We are thrilled to have been nominated for “LI’s Best Gallery” in the annual “Bethpage Best of LI” contest. If it was you who nominated us, THANK YOU! If you’re one of the many who’s votes made us Best of LI 2022, THANK YOU!!!

You can vote for us – and other great local treasures – EVERY DAY between now and December 15th!

Please vote often and help spread the word! Thanks!!!

Here’s the link To VOTE for The Firefly Artists

Photo of The Firefly Artists, 90 Main St., Northport

About the Firefly Artists

 

Come to our beautiful new location, The Old Hardware Store at 90 Main Street, in Northport!

***NEW HOURS***
Mon-Wed 11am-6pm  
Thurs-Sat 11am-9pm  
Sun 11am-5pm

We were established in 2011 to create a gallery setting for local artists. The goal was to create a space where artists could meet, collaborate, and sell their beautiful creations.

Over more than a decade, The Firefly Artists has had the great privilege to display a stunning variety of work by hundreds of Long Island creators through our Main Street locations and pop-up galleries. We boast extraordinary talent, while maintaining a very down to earth and supportive atmosphere that is unique to Long Island.

In 2020 we expanded our offerings to create the Darcy Arts Center, featuring special exhibitions and classes in addition to the rich selection of works by our resident artists. While we are adjusting to our new space, we are thrilled to be able to continue these expanded offerings, right in the center of everything! 

Come see, and bring home that perfect thing to brighten your world or someone else’s!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check our website for all the latest updates!

Thank you for your support!

 

Firefly Lights: Grateful…

Max moving art from the old gallery

This is what moving a family centered Main Street gallery – specifically The Firefly Artists in Northport – looks like.

Or a little bit of it, anyway.

Honestly, Beth and her kids have been doing a brunt load of the labor. Here are two of mine helping me last weekend.

Then there’s been Drigo and maybe a buddy or so moving giant stuff or setting up hanging systems after his day job, while Jen busts her butt virtually cranking out so many things we need…so grateful for this amazing team…it really is something special…

And so many Fireflies, helping out each in their special ways, and otherwise picking up their stuff and bringing it down the road, piece by ever loving piece…

Here’s our GoFundMe. We have an amazing raffle going at 90 Main Street now, the prize winners for which will be pulled on Cow Harbor Day, 9/18/22. We also have a silent auction coming together. Mostly, we hope you will support our Fireflies, the local artists who are the reason we do all of this, by buying their beautiful works and telling others about this wonderful place to find them.

Thank to all who are helping make this move possible. Since our lease was broken, if it wasn’t for our great community, we wouldn’t be continuing at all.

Now, we move forward with great hope:

May the best be yet to come!

Photo peek of a peek through the window of volunteers beginning to hang our new Firefly Artists gallery
Photo peek of a peek through the window of volunteers beginning to hang our new Firefly Artists gallery
The Firefly Artists

About the Firefly Artists

Our NEW location is 90 Main Street. Throughout the month of September, 2022, we are also still located at 162 Main Street in beautiful downtown Northport, where we have a GORGEOUS exhibition, “pARTy til the Cows Come Home” running. Hours will be extending soon. For now, our galleries are open:
 
Tues-Thurs 11am-6pm  
Fri-Sat 11am-8pm  
Sun 11am-5pm
 

Over the past decade, The Firefly Artists has had the great privilege of displaying a stunning variety of work by hundreds of Long Island artists through our Main Street locations and pop-up galleries in the community. We boast some extraordinary talent, while maintaining a very down to earth and supportive atmosphere that is unique to Long Island.

We were established in 2011 to create a gallery setting for local artists. The goal was to create a space where artists could meet, collaborate, and sell their beautiful creations.

In 2020 we expanded our gallery by creating the Darcy Arts Center on the second floor of our building. This beautiful gallery space is rich in natural light and dedicated to special exhibitions and art workshops featuring world renowned instructors.We are eager to continue to be an outlet for local artists, offering a place to create, grow and connect to customers.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check our website for all the latest updates!

Thank you for your support!

Firefly Lights: Great Classes, Local Art, Lovely Artists!

The Firefly Artists Logo

Thank you for making us the 2022 Best Art Gallery on Long Island!

We’re located at 162 Main Street, in beautiful downtown Northport. In this installment please find:

– Exquisite Local Art for Sale by our Fireflies
– Special Exhibitions: “Honey I Shrunk the Art!” and “Reflections”
– Call to Artists: BIG INK
– Classes: Nuno Felting, Acting, Calligraffiti, Jewelry Making, Illustration
– 3-day Workshop with Watercolor Master Fabio Cembranelli
– Featured Guest: LI’s Best
– Featured Firefly: Michelle Schroeder

Photo of handcrafted mirror by Rebecca Bahr
Digitally enhanced photograph of a bicycle by Steve Caputo
Painting of Northport Dock by Jo-Ann Corretti

Clockwise from top: a hopeful illustration from Firefly Helen Murdock-Prep, a beautiful pieced-together mirror by Firefly Rebecca Bahr, The Northport Dock by Firefly Jo-Ann Corretti, bicycle by Firefly Steve Caputo. Below: a tranquil sailboat by Firefly Kirk Larsen, mermaid by Firefly Darnel Tasker.

The Sun is Out! Come Savor our Village and Get Your Art On!!!

Our Fireflies work like busy bees to create, to teach, to make life sweet! Come find that perfect thing to brighten your world or someone else’s.

Located at 162 Main Street, Northport
We’re open:
Tues – Thurs, 11am-6pm
Fri and Sat 11am-8pm (late!)
Sunday 11-5


painting of a moored sailboat by Kirk Larsen
Mermaid illlustration by Darnel Tasker
SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS
Honey I Shrunk the Art logo
Photo entitled "Late Autumn" by Joe Papagoda

Above from left: “Late Autumn” by Joe Papagoda, “Poppies” by Jennie McCoyUnsplash

Now on view in our upstairs Darcy Arts Center*: Honey I Shrunk the Art

Artists from throughout the region have sent us a treasure trove of tiny delights. Catch them before they leave!

The show is on view April 30-May 29. All works are for sale.

*Please Note:There is no handicapped access to our Darcy Arts Center as it is located on the second floor of the historic building that houses our gallery.
Artwork by Dan Welden

Artwork by Dan Welden

Up Next: "Reflections" by Dan Welden and Greg Corn

Join us for a very special exhibition of works by world renowned Printmaker Dan Welden and Sculptor Greg Corn.
 
The show will be on view: June 11-July 15
A reception will be held: June 18, 5-7pm
 

All works are for sale. Additional pieces may be found at The Omni Gallery, 333 Earl Ovington Blvd, Uniondale from April 25 to August 27, with a reception August 7 at 7:30pm. 

*Please Note:There is no handicapped access to our Darcy Arts Center as it is located on the second floor of the historic building that houses our gallery.

CALL TO ARTISTS

BIG INK is Coming! We Can't Wait!!!

This August will mark the third time we get to host BIG INK and its incredible large-scale printing press, “The Big Tuna.”  It’s a fantastic event for participants and onlookers alike. Those who participate must be prepared to carve a woodblock at least 24″ x 36″.
 
The call can be found on our website. Please read it carefully and note that the print dates have changed to August 20-21! No prior printmaking experience is necessary.
 
Artists of all skill levels are encouraged to apply. First, you submit a design. Accepted work is evaluated on the applicant’s ability to complete the project based on the complexity and scale of the proposed carving.
 
Collaborations are welcome. If accepted, your application fee will go toward the printing cost. You then get two months to carve, the thrill of the printing party, and the satisfaction of seeing your work hanging in our upstairs Darcy Arts Center for a late-summer exhibition.

 

It’s a great time!

Photo of Theo Lau revealing Jim Darcy's BIG INK print
FIREFLY CLASSES
photo of felted flower by Oksana Danziger

Nuno Felting with Firefly Oksana Danziger to Benefit Ukraine Charity

Felting is a user-friendly technique that is simple to learn and create with. Popular projects include decorative pillows, quilts and jewelry. Here, Firefly Oksana Danziger will teach the technique, leading you to bring home a beautiful felted flower! 

THIS FRIDAY: May 20, 3-5pm
To Register: Email Firefly Oksana Danziger: danzigeroksana@gmail.com
 

Oksana is a Russian of Ukrainian descent who cares deeply about the the ongoing war. She tells us she will donate all proceeds from this next class to benefit the Kharkiv Regional Charitable Foundation “Conference of St. Vincent de Paul, which is now dedicated to evacuating refugees from the war zone and collecting humanitarian supplies.

Acting Out! Adult Acting Classes

Acting Out! with Firefly Helen Murdock Prep

Come join Firefly Artist and Theater Educator Helen Murdock-Prep for lots of fun exploring the wonderful world of acting in this workshop featuring Improv, Monologues and Scenes.

When: Tuesday, June 7th; 6:30p-8:30pm
Course Fee: $50

To register, please email Helen at hmurdock@optonline.net

"Firefly" writted in Calligraffiti

Calligraffiti with Firefly Helen Murdock-Prep

Folks have had so much fun with Helen learning this fine art of beautiful handwriting. Here’s another chance to learn!
 
When: Wednesday, June 8, 6:30p-8:30pm
To Register: Please contact Firefly Artist Helen Murdock-Prep: hmurdock@optonline.net. The class fee is $50.
Metalstamping Sample
Metalsmithing Sample

Jewelry Making Classes with Firefly Rachel Kalina

Learn to craft your own jewelry! You can see Firefly Rachel Kalina’s beautiful work at instagram.com/thewoodandwatch. She has more than two decades of experience and has taught students across Long Island. She looks forward to working with you!

 

Metal Stamping 
When: June 15, 6:00-8:00pm
Class Fee: $74

Learn to hammer a short quote, song lyric, or special name onto metal. Fee includes all materials and tool usage.

 
Beginner Metalsmithing for Adults
When: June 22 and June 29, 6:00-8:00pm (this is a 2-session, 4 hours total course)
Class Fee: $215

A great place to begin metalsmithing! Design and create a pendant or earrings in copper or brass. Cut shapes from sheet metal with a jeweler’s saw. Add texture, patina, and/or metal stamp patterns. Professionally finish your work to be comfortably worn. Fee includes all metal sheet, wire, and findings are included as is tool usage. Note: There are no torches in this class. However, it is a prerequisite for any future soldering or stone setting classes.

 
For More Info and to Register: Email Rachel Kalina at rachelkalina@gmail.com. Classes are open to adults ages 18 and older. Masks are preferred.
Image of "The Cat Came Back" book cover by Renee Reichert

Intro to Illustration with Firefly Renee Reichert

Join Firefly Teaching Artist Renée Reichert in exploring “What is Illustration?” through the art of professional illustrators. Elements of design, color theory and the relationship between images and text will be discussed. Students will create their own illustration using their choice of media and style.

 

“What is Illustration? with Firefly Renée Reichert
When: July 30th and August 6th, 9:30am-12:00pm
Course fee: $100 for the two sessions
To Rgister: Email Renée Reichert at reneereichert@icloud.com

 

Award winning artist and illustrator Renée Reichert is known for lush velvety pastels which often take on both a narrative and a fantasy quality. Her work has been exhibited in The Society of Illustrator’s Annual Exhibition, Spectrum 8: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art and can be seen in numerous private collections. She is the illustrator of the children’s picture books This is the Wind and The Cat Came Back.

artist sample by Fabio Cembranelli

Up Next in our Watercolor Masters Series: Fabio Cembranelli's "Intuitive Approaches to Watercolor"

Firefly Jan Guarino is an ever learning watercolorist and teacher with a passion for bringing the best in her craft to teach at the Firefly. These intensive workshops are incredible. In this next installment, Fabio Cembranelli will come to us from São Paulo, Brazil to guide artists in developing loose and intuitive watercolor techniques, enhancing their own personal approach. Join us!

Fabio Cembranelli: Intuitive Approaches to Watercolor
When: Tues-Thurs July 19-21, 10am-4pm
Workshop Fee: $525 for the three-day session
To Learn More and Reserve Your Space: Visit our website

A renowned Brazilian artist, Fabio teaches all over the world. Nowadays his work is focused on plein air painting, observing and studying nature firsthand at inspiring outdoor locations. This workshop will include a number of demonstrations and promises to touch on a number of valuable aspects, such a composition, light and shadow, color mixing and other techniques. It will provide deep insight into how the artist achieves his unique and luminous floral watercolours
FEATURED FIREFLY
Photos of Students from Heckscher LI Best

Featured Firefly: The Student Artists of LI's Best

Ok, These high school students from throughout Long Island are not Fireflies — YET — but they’re absolutely amazing. We got to give three of them scholarships! Those talented winners and a number of honorable mentions WILL be coming to our Darcy Arts Center this June.
 
Heartfelt to congrats,to our 2022 Firefly Artists “Next Generation” Scholarship Recipients:  Justine Blaine, Yuyu Liu and Zhezhong Yu!!!
 
The works are technically proficient and deeply profound. Do check our this Long Island’s Best show in its entirety at the Heckscher Museum if you can. It was really hard for them to select works for that show and next to impossible for us to choose our own winners.

They give us high hopes for the future!

Photo provided by Firefly Michelle Schroeder:  “Healing happening—-one day at a time”

Featured Firefly: Michelle Schroeder

Among treasures in our gallery are works of Firefly Michelle Schroeder. She’s the one who makes those AMAZING handbags out of old LP record albums. She also happens to be central to the community of art teachers that stretches across NY State, including some very special connections with our own robust community here at and around our nurturing gallery.

Michelle is a wonderful person who can often be found rallying good energy for some important cause. While very near to our hearts, unlike the rest of our Fireflies, she is not so local to Long Island.

Actually, Michelle is a High School Art Teacher in Buffalo. Like so many, she is reeling herself right now, but even moreso giving it her best to share information, to help those in need, and to provide her deeply shaken students healing, one day at a time.

We wish she didn’t have to do it, but we are grateful that she does. We love you, Michelle.

The Firefly Artists

About the Firefly Artists

We are located at 162 Main Street in beautiful downtown Northport. Our galleries are open:
Tues-Thurs 11am-6pm  
Fri-Sat 11am-8pm  
Sun 11am-5pm

Over the past decade, The Firefly Artists has had the great privilege of displaying a stunning variety of work by hundreds of Long Island artists through our Main Street locations and pop-up galleries in the community. We boast some extraordinary talent, while maintaining a very down to earth and supportive atmosphere that is unique to Long Island.

We were established in 2011 to create a gallery setting for local artists. The goal was to create a space where artists could meet, collaborate, and sell their beautiful creations.

In 2020 we expanded our gallery by creating the Darcy Arts Center on the second floor of our building. This beautiful gallery space is rich in natural light and dedicated to special exhibitions and art workshops featuring world renowned instructors.We are eager to continue to be an outlet for local artists, offering a place to create, grow and connect to customers.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check our website for all the latest updates!

Thank you for your support!

Firefly Lights! Local Artists Celebrate the Season of Giving!

Photo of Firefly Michele Miroff Felting away at a recent trunk show...

So many unique, perfect presents to be found at our Main St., Northport Gallery! The people themselves, though, really are the best gifts of all.

Continue reading

Firefly Lights! TOMORROW! Trunk Show with The Original Firefly!!!

Flyer for 12/18 trunk show with Kate Sydney and Rachel Kalina

So many perfect gifts at our Main St., Northport Gallery! Come hang with the Original Firefly Kate Sydney and Firefly Rachel Kalina. Submit YOUR work to our upcoming show. Celebrate what happens when artists unite!!!

Continue reading

Call to Artists: The Snowball Effect

Logo for The Snowball Effect

CALL TO ARTISTS! Deadline to Apply is 12/20 for this January show at The Firefly Artists. The theme is winter-inspired works. The term “Snowball Effect” also speaks to the momentum of creative manifestation….so let us know about your inspiration and/or process by sharing a brief paragraph or early sketch as well!

Continue reading

Firefly Lights – 11/21

The Firefly Artists Logo

Come to our community-oriented gallery created by and for local artists at 162 Main St, Northport. We’re open Tues-Thurs 11am-6pm, Fri and Sat 11am-8pm and Sun 11am-5pm. There is ALWAYS something new on the wall, and often being created on site! Send Katie an email if you’d like to meet up down there!

Like elves themselves, Fireflies are planning all sorts of wonderful things for the Holidays. We can’t wait to share! Visit our beautiful new website, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for emerging details.

Now’s the Time! We don’t wish to rush things, but if you want to ask an artist to make something special. NOW is the time to order it! Come on in, see what strikes your fancy and ask to be put in touch with the artist!

Welcome New Firefly Diana Anton! Diana Anton’s work “reflects the process of its making,” yielding beautiful, enigmatic pieces. Check out her Website. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram. Better, come see at the Firefly!

Firefly Friends & Family Exhibition We reserved our beautiful upstairs Darcy Arts Center for the Fireflies for the holidays, and invited them to invite other artists to join them! Some are freshly emerging creators whom Fireflies are encouraging to get their work out there. Others are established artists whom they’ve invited in. All together, it’s marvelous!

Exhibition Date: November 12 – December 31

Reception: December 4th, 3-5pm

Masks are warmly welcomed (we have some beautiful ones for sale!) and required for those not vaccinated.

We’ve Been Nominated “LI’s Best Gallery” in the annual “Bethpage Best of LI” contest! One of our Fireflies, Kirk Larsen, has been nominated as well! You can vote for both of us – and other great local treasures – EVERY DAY between now and December 5th!

Here’s the link To VOTE for The Firefly Artists

Here’s the link To VOTE for Kirk Larsen

Jewelry Making with Rachel Kalina! Want to make a very special gift? Or do the holidays just make you want to hit something with a hammer? Perhaps both? Rachel Kalina of The Wood & Watch is here for you!!!

She can guide in stamping a phrase onto metal for a very special token, or help you commence your own full-on jewelry smithing adventure. See her work on Instagram @thewoodandwatch. Inquire further by emailing thewoodandwatch@gmail.com

We’re being honored! with a “Special Citation for a Business Award by the NYS Art Teacher’s Association (NYSATA). It’s all Beth’s fault, really, what with all she does to keep teaching teachers and advancing young artists, supporting NYSATA and so much else. Her and all those other amazing teachers we get to call our own…Grateful…

More classes, holiday events and specials are coming! Check our website and social media often!!

Firefly Lights – December 2020

What’s going on at our own favorite small business, the community-oriented gallery created by local artists that Katie is proud to be a Managing Partner of….

Continue reading

YOUR Picks: Favorite Local Shops

"Thank you for shopping local" photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again! Please shop local and keep the magic that is our beautiful downtowns alive!

Also, please help me update this list of favorite local shops! There are so many wonderful places run by great people out there. They only exist because people like you spend money there.

The list barely scratches the surface, please help add to it!

Continue reading

A Marriage of Art and Science to Address Global Food Insecurity: PlantingSeed Jewelry

Photo of GrowMore Jewelry

Dr. Kate Creasey-Krainer seems as much an elegant permaculturalist, dedicated to environmental health and sustainability, as she is a highly trained and published plant geneticist. She believes that science is only as good as the integrity of the science communication with those of us who aren’t experts.

Continue reading