The Patchogue Arts Council kicked off a busy weekend Friday by celebrating the brand new Summer of Love mural that’s behind Patchogue-Medford Library with a ribbon-cutting.
The 15-by-45 foot mural will provide for a groovy backdrop to Sunday’s Arts on Terry festival (June 4), which runs from noon to 6 p.m. on Terry Street in Patchogue.
After many artists submitted ideas for the mural, Artspace resident John “Jonny Mike” Hollingworth was selected to for the mural to commemorate the 50th anniversary of 1967’s Summer of Love, according to PAC’s executive director, Beth Giacummo.
“Jonny Mike’s proposal for the Summer of Love mural was the perfect phantasmagorical composition, capturing the spirit of the [Summer of Love],” said Giacummo. “His use of color combined with iconic symbols of the time period made it easy for the visual arts committee to choose his proposal.”
Hollingworth, who is a graffiti artist, used hundreds of dollars of paint cans in his artwork but his supplies were covered thanks to the PAC.
“One of my favorite tasks last week was taking Jonny shopping for supplies,” said Giacummo. “He was like a kid in a candy store. As an artist myself, I completely relate to his excitement of choosing supplies without worrying about the expense or financial burden.”
After three weeks of painting, Hollingworth was elated to show off his work, cheerfully yelling, “Thank you all for coming” as he clipped a red ribbon Friday.
For coverage of the Arts on Terry art show, please check back on Sunday, June 4.
(Top photo: Artist Jonny Mike Hollingworth prepares to cut ribbon for his Summer of Love mural.)
