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.
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.
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.
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…”
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.
