Art Walk / First Thursdays in Downtown Oyster Bay! 7-9pm

Note: For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official Oyster Bay Art Walk website.

Welcome to the 2010 Oyster Bay Art Walk! Please join us the 1st Thursday of each month from 7-9pm in Historic Oyster Bay. Our walk features an international spectrum of contemporary artists, displaying their work at several downtown locations. Many businesses and sites throughout the town will be displaying artwork. Many restaurants also will be exhibiting art and offering a percentage off on meals, wine tastings, and more. Live entertainment will take place, and restaurants and cafes will be open for coffee and dessert.

Art Walk Map, click to enlarge

These galleries and arts-related venues all will be open:
1. Chase Edwards Gallery, 15 East Main Street, chaseedwardsgallery.com
2. Atelier Fine Arts/Studio, 9 East Main Street, jerelynhanrahan.com
3. Art That Matters, 55 West Main Street, artthatmatters.com
4. the Teaching Studios of Art, 115 Audrey Avenue, teachingstudios.com
* 5. Peter Charles Designs, 17 East Main Street, petercharlesdesigns.com
* 5a. Maison Verte - Organic Green Products, 17A East Main Street, maisonverteny.com
* 6. Oyster Bay Frame Shop, 3 East Main Street, oysterbayframe.com
7. Chrison & Bellina, 24 Audrey Avenue
8. BayKery Cafe, 124 South Street
* 9. Teri's Color Creations, 5 East Main Street
* 10. Bens Garden, 95 Audrey Avenue, bensgarden.com

* Art Venues and Specialty Shops

Also, please be sure to patronize the following restaurants:
a. Canterbury's Oyster Bay, 46 Audrey Avenue, canterburyalesrestaurant.com/
b. Wild Honey, 1 East Main Street, wildhoneyrestaurant.com
c. Fiddleheads, 62 South Street, fiddleheadsnewyork.com
d. Cafe al Dente, 2 Spring Street, cafealdenteny.com
e. The Homestead, 107 South Street, homesteadoysterbay.com
f. The BayKery Cafe, 124 South Street,

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Not a member of Oyster Bay Main Street already? Make an online donation and receive a free 1 year membership to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, 6 issues of Preservation magazine, and reduced price admission to several historic sites. Join OBMSA Today!

Study Finds Long Island's Downtowns Are Good to Grow

By Nancy Rauch Douzinas

A team of researchers went looking for land in all the right places-and found oodles of it. Enough to start building a new, more vibrant and prosperous Long Island.

That's the news contained in a study just released by the Long Island Index.

The researchers, from the Regional Plan Association, explored for usable land located within ½-mile of downtowns or railroad stations.

Those are the places where it's smart to build the townhouses and apartments Long Island desperately needs to staunch the brain drain that is crippling our economy.

Downtown and transit-centered development stimulates the local economies. Expands opportunities for jobseekers and employee pools for business. Eases traffic, cuts pollution, and helps preserve open space. And most of the time, this type of development is tax positive, meaning that if you build it, taxes will go down for everyone.

That's why regions across the country are focusing their growth on downtown areas. It's happening even in places that essentially have to create their downtowns from scratch.

By contrast, Long Island is blessed with great and historic town centers. Some have become frayed in the past decades, but yet are rich in infrastructure and potential. But some have questioned whether these existing areas have the capacity to absorb significant new growth.

The answer, in turns out, is a resounding YES.

Counting only vacant land, land used for surface parking, and unprotected open space, located within ½-mile of downtowns or rail stations, the RPA researchers found some 8,300 acres.

To put that number in perspective: if we were to build single-family homes on all of the available open space left on Long Island, it would get us 90,000 units of housing. We could get those same 90,000 units with a mix of townhouses, garden apartments, and apartment buildings-on just half of those 8,300 downtown acres.

The land is to be found in 156 places, large and small. Twenty-nine downtowns were identified as having high potential for redevelopment. These range from large town centers such as Mineola, Freeport, and Hicksville, to small and mid-sized downtowns like Bay Shore, Port Jefferson Station, and Wyandanch. (The complete list is contained in the report, available on the Index website. Interactive maps identify the specific parcels and provide detailed information on every Long Island downtown.)

The study emphasizes that planning must be done case-by-case, based on numerous factors. Not the least of which is compatibility with the town's existing character.

Many of the high-potential places have been previously identified by counties, towns and others as good targets for redevelopment. Some of the places have already begun.

Mineola based its 2004 Master Plan on expanding residential and mixed-use development around its rail station while preserving the integrity of single-family neighborhoods. Patchogue moved to replace five acres of rundown properties near its railroad station with a new mixed-income, two-bedroom townhouse development.

Patchogue's stunning progress over the past decade shows what smart growth can do for a village. Better still, the new report reveals, if you put Long Island's villages together, it's enough to remake the region.

Nancy Rauch Douzinas is president of the Rauch Foundation and convener of the Long Island Index. The Index provides data about the Long Island region, in order to promote informed public debate and sound policy making. For more information visit http://www.longislandindex.org/.

Kristin Künc Classes at the Teaching Studios of Art, March 8 - May 1

The Portrait: Instruction by Demonstration

Tuesdays 6:00pm - 9:00pm

This unique class is built around a simple concept: Watch a great artist at work, and try to emulate what she does.

Kristin Künc excels at working from the live model. While serious in her approach, she tries to cultivate an enthusiastic atmosphere that is welcoming for the beginner. She demonstrates, in a very slow and methodical manner, a traditional approach to portrait painting. At variously scheduled intervals, she breaks from working and critiques student's attempts to work in a similar manner. It takes a special talent to instruct students individually and execute a beautiful portrait painting simultaneously. Künc has grown a loyal following because she that unique ability.

$340 for 8 weeks, with a discount for taking more than one class. Kristin did this painting of Kate, as well as the portrait above, during class as a demonstration for her students.


Classical Drawing and Painting
still lifes and plaster casts

Tuesdays, 2:00pm - 5:00pm

This class represents the very core of what we try to achieve at the Teaching Studios of Art. Künc teaches the foundations of great Realism by helping students become better draftsmen and painters. It is meant for beginners, or for artists who have had some training, but would like to brush up on technique with a professional.

Künc patiently guides students through the fundamentals of drawing by utilizing plaster casts and a method of drawing that she learned from Jacob Collins at the Water Street Atelier.

For still life painting, Künc encourages students to bring in objects they love and find beauty in. Students then carefully plan out a composition that is aesthetically pleasing, and begin to paint with a full palette, using both earth and prismatic colors.

This class is offered for a special price this session:
$275 for 8 weeks, a phenomenal bargain for an opportunity to study with an artist of Künc's caliber.

We are offering the following discounts for taking multiple classes this session:
2 classes - 10% off
3 or more classes - 15% off
20% off for any faculty of CUNY school or public high school. To learn more, click here.

Upcoming Events at the TR Sanctuary & Audubon Center in Oyster Bay

Baby it's cold outside! Bundle up and join the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center staff as we present wonderful wintertime programs!

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Friday through Monday, February 12 – 15 – Great Backyard Bird Count

11:00am – 12:00pm daily, All ages

Held at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center

134 Cove Road, Oyster Bay, NY

For more information: (516) 922-3200 or trsac@audubon.org

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent and in Hawaii. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds. Come to the Sanctuary between 11:00am – 12:00pm on any or all days to help survey the birds and learn how you can do it from home!

FREE PROGRAM

Sunday, February 14, 2010 - Animals in Love

1:00-2:00pm, All ages.

Held at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center

134 Cove Road, Oyster Bay, NY

For more information: (516) 922-3200 or trsac@audubon.org

Bring your sweetheart (or Mom) to learn how animals around the world show their love for each other. Join us for a 45-minute indoor live animal presentation, followed by 45-minute trailwalk to find and observe animals in love and their habitats.

FREE PROGRAM for members / $3 non-members

Monday-Thursday, February 15-18, 2010 – Winter Audubon Adventures

9:00am – 2:00pm. Kids ages 4-12 years old

Held at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center

134 Cove Road, Oyster Bay, NY

For more information: (516) 922-3200 or calbanese@audubon.org

The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center’s Winter Program will introduce your child to the wonders that await them in the natural world. Educators instruct your child through nature hikes, games, crafts, stories and live animal presentations, all based around an exciting daily theme. This year’s themes are: Monday, February 15 – Valentine’s Party! Tuesday, February 16 – Pajama Party! Wednesday, February 17 – Green Party! Thursday, February 18 – Theodore Roosevelt Party!

Contact Chrissy Albanese calbanese@audubon.org or 516-922-3200 for costs and registration information.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

LAST OWL PROWL OF THE SEASON!!

Friday, February 19, 2010 - Owl Prowl at Nassau County Museum of Art

7:00-9:00pm

Held at Nassau County Museum of Art's Art Workshop

1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor, NY

For more information: (516) 922-3200 ortrsac@audubon.org

Owls, the stealth, silent hunters of the night, have become an integral part of myths, legends, and even popular entertainment. Unfortunately, they are often portrayed as bad omens, creepy haunters of old buildings and cemeteries, or evil denizens of the dark. However, they are actually fascinating creatures. Join us for a live owl presentation to discover the lives of owls in your neighborhood. Then venture outside to hear the calls of Great Horned and Eastern Screech Owls. This is a popular program, so register early!

$7 members / $10 nonmembers

Sunday, February 21, 2010 - Volunteering for Kestrels in Need

10:30am-12:00pm

Held at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center

134 Cove Road, Oyster Bay, NY

For more information: (516) 922-3200 or awinters@audubon.org

With any luck, warmer weather and nesting season are right around the corner, and we are looking for volunteers to help build homes for North America's smallest falcons, American Kestrels. These nest boxes will later be placed in open areas across Long Island to provide homes for families of Kestrels. This morning activity will include an introduction with a live Kestrel, followed by nest box building. Great for anyone looking to help out their feathered friends!
Please call ahead to confirm your volunteer position for this day and bring a drill if you have one!
FREE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Sunday, February 21, 2010 – Crafty Critters

1:00-2:00pm, All ages.

Held at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center

134 Cove Road, Oyster Bay, NY

For more information: (516) 922-3200 or trsac@audubon.org

Our animals are feeling a bit crafty lately. Come to the Sanctuary to find out some of the strange habits animals have, and make a cool critter craft! Take your craft home to amaze your family and friends.

FREE PROGRAM for members / $3 non-members

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Not a member of Oyster Bay Main Street already? Make an online donation and receive a free 1 year membership to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, 6 issues of Preservation magazine, and reduced price admission to several historic sites. Join OBMSA Today!

Camellia House Weekend @ Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay, Feb 27 and 28

Vincent A. Simeone, Director of Planting Fields Arboretum State Park will talk about the camellias at 12pm and 1:30pm, and Henry B. Joyce , Director of Planting Fields Foundation will talk about the Camellia House at 12:30pm and 2:00pm.

Children's craft programs will be continuous all day between 11:30am and 3:30pm on both days and will include creating paper flowers, fans, and participation in making a mural.

Flutists from Chamber Players International will perform at 1:00pm and 2:30pm both days.

Free Admission. Refreshments Served.

CALL FOR INFORMATION: 516-922-8682

or email: mbenes@plantingfields.org

GOTO www.plantingfields.org

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Not a member of Oyster Bay Main Street already? Make an online donation and receive a free 1 year membership to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, 6 issues of Preservation magazine, and reduced price admission to several historic sites. Join OBMSA Today!

Oyster Bay's Teaching Studios of Art Announces Spring Term, Starting March 8

Registration is now open for the Spring Session 1 at the Teaching Studios of Art.


In just 8 short months, we have become one of the most exciting places to study art in the New York metro area. We invite you to join us and pursue your artistic growth with some of the region's most talented and dedicated faculty. We aim to foster an environment that is rooted in classical training, and is unpretentious in approach.

Some highlights of this coming Session, March 8 through May 1.

Color
This session, we welcome new faculty member Patricia Lind, who will teach “A Course in Color”, Thursdays 10:00am-1:00pm. The class will explore color concepts and practical mixing of oil paint as handed down from generation to generation by several great artists, from Michael Aviano to Frank Reilly.


Portraiture


Kristin Kunc and Rob Zeller continue to offer two very different, but compatible approaches in Portrait instruction. Rob offers a more anatomical approach, and Kristin a more painterly touch. All model poses last for 8 weeks at the Teaching Studios of Art.

Kristin Kunc • The Portrait: Instruction by Demonstration, Tuesdays 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Rob Zeller • Portrait Drawing and Painting, Wednesdays 2:00pm - 5:00pm


Still Life
In addition, Kristin's Classical Drawing and Painting Class is offered at a special price this session: $275

Tuesdays 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Landscape


Bennett Vadnais is expanding the scope of his Landscape Painting Techniques class to include acrylic paint this session, in addition to oils, for those that are interested.

Mondays 10:00am - 5:00pm

Pastels



Jane McGraw-Teubner continues her Pastel Painting class and is conducting two sold-out workshops this session.

Tuesdays 9:30am - 12:30pm


Discounts/ Incentives
All classes at our Oyster Bay Studio are: $340 for 8 weeks, with discounts for taking more than one class. We are offering the following discounts this session:

2 classes - 10% off

3 or more classes - 15 % off

20% off for any faculty of CUNY school or public high school.

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Not a member of Oyster Bay Main Street already? Make an online donation and receive a free 1 year membership to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, 6 issues of Preservation magazine, and reduced price admission to several historic sites. Join OBMSA Today!

Report and Video from Rauch Foundation a Must See for People on Long Island

Here are some news items shared with us from one of our partner organizations the Rauch Foundation. Certainly food for thought for anyone interested in planning for the future of Long Island. The "Places to Grow Report" is particularly interesting emphasizing the need for transit oriented development, especially in places like downtown Oyster Bay that have immediate rail access. The study also shows how the vacancy rate has decreased in Oyster Bay's downtown from over 20% to around 9% right now. This is the reflection of successful efforts by Main Street working with our partners to make downtown Oyster Bay an attractive place for people to invest and for businesses to locate. If present trends bear themselves out, the vacancy rate is likely to only reduce further in the years to follow. The fact we have 20 acres of unbuilt land within the downtown area is also worth taking note of.

Newsday Editorial: "We are losing"

This Newsday editorial reviews the 2010 Long Island Index and the downward trends that has been plaguing Long Island in recent years. It also focuses on how information from the Index's Places to Grow report can be used as a catalyst for change and future sustainability.



The Clock is Ticking

The Clock is Ticking on Long Island video graphically represents many of the trends and indicators the Long Island Index has been tracking over the years and creates a compelling and frightening argument about why the Island needs to start taking significant action now.

Places to Grow Report

The Places to Grow report, which was prepared for the Long Island Index by the Regional Plan Association identifies 8,300 acres of vacant or underutilized land located within the Island's existing downtowns that could potentially be used for redevelopment. The report points to these areas as a way to begin addressing the Island's dire need for 'next generation housing', economic development and an increased quality of life for all Long Islanders. We are hoping this report serves as a 'conversation starter' to get people thinking about their downtowns differently.