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By Adriana Tardugno
As a winter chill settles over Sayville this holiday season, warmth blooms inside the Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts (BAFFA) Gallery, where a beloved November tradition is celebrated.
For over 50 years, a small group of artists has come together to share their passion for various forms of multimedia art. Currently, the Bell Street Artists comprise 10 members who collaborate to express what the warmth of winter means to them. All of the pieces on exhibit are for sale.
Nancyruth Cronin, the president of Bell Street Artists, has been exhibiting her work at BAFFA for nearly 15 consecutive years alongside her close friends and family. For Cronin, the space represents a place where she paints, draws, and spends time with her closest companions. Each artist in the group has perfected their craft in a variety of mediums, from painting to photography and sculpture.
“We have a little bit of everything,” said Cronin. “No two styles are the same. We’re very different in our outlooks. It’s so funny because you put all these different styles together. You make one big show out of it and it’s always beautiful. And we’re just so fortunate to have found each other.”
Cronin especially loves receiving support from her colleagues and interacting with visitors, creating a welcoming atmosphere. She cherishes the moments when she can share the stories behind her work.
One of her featured pieces, titled “Everything Will Be Alright,” depicts a red baby bird sitting alone in a nest. At first glance, viewers might think the bird seems lonely, but upon closer inspection, the piece reveals a deeper meaning. In the distance, three red birds symbolize her family returning to her side. This inspiration came to her mind while reflecting on nature, the winter season, and her family.
Bernice Corbin, a close friend of Cronin and fellow group member, explores similar seasonal themes through her unique lens. Her work includes familial elements, such as her acrylic piece titled “Storytime,” which features a bear — her daughter’s favorite childhood toy — alongside a bedtime story. Other pieces showcase snowy landscapes with glittering three-dimensional details and cozy fireplaces with glowing embers.
Corbin shares a close connection with each work she creates and appreciates the validation she receives when guests admire her art.
“A person that buys your art or falls in love with the piece, it makes you feel good because art comes out of you,” said Corbin.
She treasures the happiness she feels when someone sees her artwork for the first time. Guests who particularly enjoy the pieces also have the opportunity to purchase prints, postcards, or even donate money to BAFFA’s chosen charities that benefit the Sayville community.
Patricia Ballan, a member of both the Sayville Village Improvement Society and the Bell Street Artists, focuses on enriching her community and continuing her legacy through art.
“Looking back at my life, I am very pleased that I am working in art all of my life. Since I was 17 years old, I’ve been having a great time,” said Ballan.
After being an artist for nearly her entire life, she has dedicated her art to promoting positive feelings and encouraging deep connections between gallery visitors. Ballan’s multimedia pieces tackle serious topics that reflect her current life, such as “Time Flies,” a scene with clocks flying through the air.
Ballan hopes that as more visitors are drawn to the exhibition, younger generations will carry on the tradition and come to love Sayville as much as she does.
Residents and visitors who wish to admire the Bell Street Artists’ work can visit the exhibition at the BAFFA Gallery throughout November on weekends.
— Adriana Tardugno is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
Top: Bell Street Artists Nancyruth Cronin, left, with Patricia Ballan and Bernice Corbin. (Photo credit: Adriana Tardugno)
