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Fire Island National Seashore is celebrating the National Park Service centennial this summer and is inviting Long Islanders to join in through the find your park arts program.
Artists and art lover of all ages are invited to a series of free exhibits, workshops and contests from June through August, from the William Floyd Estate to the Fire Island Lighthouse.
“Artists have drawn inspiration from and connected with national parks since the late 19th century,” said FINS Superintendent Chris Soller. “This tradition continues today and right here at Fire Island.”
Below is a full list of centennial events, starting with a June 23 reception at the Keepers Quarters Museum at the lighthouse.
Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society Art Show
Exhibition: June 24 to July 17, 2016
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 23, 2016 – 6:00 to 9:00 pm
This Fire Island-themed art show is set up throughout the Keepers Quarters Museum and features original artwork in acrylic, pastels, oils, and mixed media in a wide variety of sizes and prices. A portion of sales benefits the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society.
Wilderness Art Workshops at the Wilderness Visitor Center
Sunday, June 26, July 17, and August 21, 2016 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Join local mixed-media artist David Adams for this series of monthly art workshops exploring and experiencing the landscapes and seascapes of the dynamic Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness. Workshop participants may display their wilderness-inspired works in the workshop exhibit, August 25 to September 5, 2016.
Artist-in-Residence Exhibition at the Patchogue-Watch Hill Ferry Terminal
Saturdays and Sundays, June 26 to July 24, 2016
See Fire Island inspired art on display by the Seashore’s 2015 Artists-in-Residence. The exhibit features the works of mixed media artist Anna Golici, painter Amanda Kavanagh, installation artist Jane Ingram-Allen, and poet Anthony DiMatteo. The artists’ unique interpretations reflect their uninterrupted two-week exploration of Fire Island National Seashore.
Catching the Light Photography Workshop at the Wilderness Visitor Center
Friday, July 8, 2016 – 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Learn tips and techniques for photographing Fire Island’s landscapes, wildlife, plants, and people. After a short indoor presentation, head outdoors for some early evening practice with your camera.
Painting Watch Hill at the Watch Hill Dune Station
Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17, 2016 – Noon to 3:00 pm
Sketch and paint with former Fire Island National Seashore Artist-in-Residence Amanda Kavanagh. Discover the details of color during a short talk and watercolor demonstration then continue “en plein air” at Watch Hill. For adults and teens; all levels of experience welcome.
The Art of Decoy Carving at the William Floyd Estate
Saturday, July 30 and August 27, 2016 – All day
Join Village Historian and expert decoy carver Jaime Reason on the front porch of Old Mastic House as he demonstrates duck and shorebird carving and shares the rich history of decoy carving of the south bays on Long Island.
Find Your Park Juried Art Exhibition at the Patchogue-Watch Hill Ferry Terminal
Exhibition: July 31 to September 5, 2016
Opening Reception: Thursday, August 25 – 6:00 to 8:00 pm
In honor of the National Park Service Centennial, this juried art exhibition will feature creative reflections on the diversity of national parks through a wide variety of media.
Children’s Centennial Art Contest at the Patchogue-Watch Hill Ferry Terminal
Application Deadline: July 31, 2016
Exhibition Dates: August 25-September 5, 2016
Children ages 5 to 17 are invited to share their national park-inspired art showcasing the landscapes, resources, and stories of any national park in the system. Information, rules, and entry forms are available at visitor centers or by email.
#100FireIslandPhotos on Social Media
Take and share #100FireIslandPhotos. Tag @FireIslandNPS and use hashtag #100FireIslandPhotos to be featured on Fire Island National Seashore’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. Look for special photo challenges throughout the summer.
For more information on these and other FINS summer programs please visit nps.gov/FIIS.
