MUSEUM PALETTE CAFÉ A SUMMER SUCCESS
hope the Museum can provide an inspirational relaxing gathering space year-round for neighbors, friends and families to connect with one another and great art.”
“The food truck’s menu is diverse,” said Grezzette Kellier, one of the chefs from Off the Bone, the inaugural food truck on the list. As reported in HuntingtonNow.com: As a Black and Hispanic woman with Ecuadorian and Jamaican roots, Kellier did not make it in the culinary business easily and exemplifies Arnet’s vision. “It is hard for a woman of color to jump into a male-predominant field, especially competitive barbecuing,” Kellier said. “I’m very happy [the museum] is doing something like this, so they highlight different women and different businesses and backgrounds. It’s tough but it’s what we love to do. I’ve been doing it for over 20 years.”
Opening day welcomed enthusiastic Museum trustees, members, supporters, elected officials, and special guests including Supervisor Smyth; Legislator Bontempi; Councilwoman Lupinacci; Bank of America Long Island President Marc Perez; New York State Senator Mario Mattera; Susan Broderick, District Office Chief of Staff for NY Assemblyman Keith P. Brown; Michelle McCarthy, Chief of Staff for Supervisor Smyth; Jennifer Cassidy, Vice President, M & T Bank, and
THE HECKSCHER MUSEUM OF ART BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Bruce A. Lev, CPA, Chair
Robert J. Aquilina, Vice Chair
Trudy H. Calabrese, Vice Chair
Priscilla C. Hughes, J.D., Treasurer
Richard T. Cunniff, Jr., Secretary
Robin T. Hadley, Chair Emerita
Pien Bosch
Jessica Brassler
Colette Buzzetta
John T. Callaghan, CPA, CFE
John E. Coraor, Ph.D.
Susan Futter
Elizabeth Halpern, J.D.
Bette Schneiderman, Ph.D.
Bruce Segal
Susan Van Scoy, Ph.D.
Ex-Officio Trustee
Greg Wagner
The Heckscher Museum debuted its Museum Palette Café in August with comfortable –and ADA compliant -- seating on the terrace, and a rotating roster of amazing food trucks. Thanks to a generous grant through the Suffolk County JumpStart program, each week saw a new food truck showcasing a diverse range of cuisines curated by Black, Indigenous, and female chef owners of color. “Thanks to the support of Former County Executive Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, the Town of Huntington Board, and Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth, we were thrilled to welcome the hundreds of visitors to the new Museum Palette Cafe this summer,” said Heather Arnet, Executive Director asn CEO. “We
Liaison from the Town of Huntington, Director of Cultural Affairs
Chair of the Huntington Chamber of Commerce.
Clockwise, from above, B Bistro, a Vietnamese Food Truck was one of the visitor favorites; The Museum Palette Café provided great seating and views from the terrace; Ribbon cutting was well attended on opening day.
ANNOUNCING AN EXCITING 2025/2026 MUSEUM SEASON
Dear Friends,
The Heckscher Museum is thrilled to be the recipient of a $250,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through The Museums for America program. The Museum was awarded this federal grant selected from hundreds of submissions nationally. The grant will support exhibitions and community engagement programs focused on LGBTQ+ art and artists.
The IMLS grant is the perfect foundation for an exciting and robust 2025/2026 exhibition and program calendar that will focus on freedom and democracy.
As the nation prepares to commemorate the United States 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, The Heckscher will join museum colleagues across the country in engaging community members, and exploring and celebrating the concepts of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These universal themes will be interpreted at the Museum through the work of two centuries of American artists, whose identities and experiences are different from the original Framers. The Museum has designed a 2025-2026 exhibition calendar robust with engagement opportunities to connect with these themes.
The year will open in February, with two solo exhibitions, highlighting the work of Robert Graham Carter, whose skillful work over fifty years has portrayed Black families and communities exploring universal intergenerational themes of freedom, celebration, and struggle; and Berenice Abbott, who in
the 1930’s broke ground for women in a male-dominated field with her iconic photos documenting the revolutionary transformation of Old New York.
In June, Pride in the Collection will open, filling the entire Museum with major works in the Museum’s collection by LGBTQ+ artists, including Marsden Hartley, Betty Parsons, the PaJaMa collective (Paul Cadmus, Jared French, and Margaret French), Alice Rahon, Robert Rauschenberg and many more. Throughout the summer, the Museum will join in community celebrations commemorating Pride and Juneteenth, mark the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and tenth anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges (the historic Supreme Court case recognizing same-sex couples’ right to marry), providing opportunities to explore generational efforts to expand liberties and freedoms.
The 2025 year will culminate with the first-ever solo exhibition of American neoclassical sculptor Emma Stebbins (1815–1882), the sculptor of one of the most iconic and recognized sculptures in the world - the Angel of the Waters/Bethesda Fountain (1873) in Central Park. While her work is widely recognized, few people know the artist behind it. This exhibition aims to restore Stebbins to her rightful place in the American and international art canon, showcasing the full scope and impact of her prominent transatlantic life and career.
Finally, in 2026, the Heckscher Museum will partner with Art Bridges to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of George Grosz’s
masterwork, Eclipse of the Sun, as the nation celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Eclipse of the Sun Now will present George Grosz’s masterwork, Eclipse of the Sun in dialogue with works by the leading political artists of our time, including Kerry James Marshall, Howardena Pindell, and Alison Saar. It will position Grosz’s masterwork alongside those of his peers, including Henry Koerner, Jacques Lipchitz, and Rufino Tamayo and highlight his impact on artists such as Philip Guston, Jack Levine, and May Stevens. It will engage viewers to consider the continued relevance of art in the struggles for freedom and democracy.
With support from the IMLS grant, The Heckscher Museum of Art will center community members in collaborative efforts to develop public programming connected to these exhibitions, honoring the work of generations to ensure all people have access to the liberatory rights and promises held within the Declaration of Independence.
With gratitude,
The Museum joins the Huntington Pride Parade
THE BODY POLITIC: LONG ISLAND BIENNIAL
THROUGH JANUARY 19, 2025
SPONSORS
Robert and Linda Aquilina
Bruce and Cheryl Lev
Anonymous
The Heckscher Museum of Art is pleased to present the The Body Politic: Long Island Biennial, the prestigious juried exhibition featuring works by contemporary artists from across Long Island. The Museum received 762 artwork submissions from 313 artists. This year, applicants were tasked with submitting work that engaged with contemporary social, cultural, or political issues. The result is a compelling museum-wide exhibition that features seventy-nine works of art by 60 artists. The artists chosen represents the breadth of communities across Suffolk and Nassau counties stretching from Floral Park to Montauk, literally “the end.”
“We remain committed to sharing inspiring and thought-provoking new art with our visitors.” said Heather Arnet, Executive Director & CEO. “The Body Politic will resonate with the entire community given the diversity in artists and the universality of the important themes in their work.”
Now in its eighth edition, the 2024 Long Island Biennial is curated by Meredith A. Brown, Consulting Curator of Contemporary Art at the Museum. The art was selected by jurors Ian Alteveer, Beal Family Chair of the Department of Contemporary Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Patricia Cronin, sculptor, Artistic Director of the LGBTQ+ VR Museum and Distinguished Professor of Art, Brooklyn College; and Grace Hong, Assistant Director, Galerie Lelong & Co.
“There was artwork submitted addressing every theme you could think of: homelessness, addiction, immigration, global warming, voting rights, civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights and different on-going war,”
said Cronin. “It was impressive and inspiring to learn how deeply Long Island artists really care about the world right now and express it in their art.”
Visitors will also be treated to a diverse program of events to coincide with the exhibition. Several Long Island Biennial artists will be in the galleries on select Sundays throughout the exhibition, as well as participating in Draw Out, Huntington Art Walk, Lunar New Year, and other cultural and community events. For more information visit Heckscher.org
FULL CIRCLE MOMENT FOR BIENNIAL ARTIST
In 2020, Kailee Finn was a Long Island’s Best finalist and Valley Stream Central High School senior when she received the Achievement Award in Social Commentary (albeit in the middle of a pandemic). Now the college graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology –pursuing a master’s in illustration from the School of Visual Arts – has come full circle as a chosen exhibiting artist in The Body Politic: Long Island Biennial. Here, Finn reflects on her experiences with both exhibitions.
“As a child, I watched my brother sketch graffiti tags and draw cartoon characters. I looked up to him and I just copied everything
page: Joan Kim
paper. This page, clockwise from above, Susan Kozodoy
inkjet print; Artist Kailee S. Finn; Kailee S. Finn
pastel paper.
he did, from how he dressed, played video games, and eventually how he drew. He piqued my interest in art, and I then developed a passion for it at a young age,” said Finn.
“Receiving the Award in Social Commentary for Long Island’s Best further solidified what my purpose is as an artist,” she noted. Learning the theme of Long Island Biennial addressed social and cultural issues made it a perfect fit.
Finn explains: “Initially my work was driven by trauma and anger related to my Black experience. However, as I have evolved as an artist and individual, I seek to prioritize resolution with the awareness I raise through creations of artwork that are spiritual and Black centered. The Black community needs healing and through my art I illustrate an end to our suffering
spiritually, physically, and generationally. I also hope to merge my passion for film with my artwork somehow in the future.”
Previous
Suzuki (Jericho) A Spa Day, 2022, Gouache, acrylic, watercolor and ink on
Silkowitz (Lynbrook) Pink Shoes, 2022, Archival
(Valley Stream) Our Scarecrow, 2022, Chalk pastel on
Ways to Give
CREATE YOUR LEGACY: BECOME A VISIONARY
More than 100 years ago, Anna and August Heckscher contemplated how to share their love of art with future generations and, in a powerful gesture, created The Heckscher Museum of Art. Today, it is a vibrant cultural and educational center for people of all ages and walks of life. We invite you today to continue their legacy by remembering the museum in your estate plan at any amount and by any means.
In doing so, you’ll become a member of our Visionaries, who enjoy a variety of benefits including exclusive invitations to exhibition openings and complementary catalogs. Including the Museum can be as simple as adding a single sentence to your will or working with us to identify other tax-beneficial ways to support the Museum’s mission. Learn more at Heckscher.org/give/planned-giving/
"Because The
or by contacting Associate Director of Development Caitlynn Schare at 631.380.3229 or Schare@Heckscher.org.
VISIONARIES
Joan & Milton Bagley, Robin T. Hadley, Margaret M. Hargraves, Catherine A. Jansen, Alexander W. Katlan, Danielle & Jay Klahr, Andrea B. & Peter D. Klein, Carl G. Markel, Anonymous
BEQUESTS RECEIVED
Ernst Basch, Lachlan P. Braden, Miner D. Crary, Jr., Theresa A. Cwierzyk, Norris Darrell, Jr., John Nicholas Estabrook & Dorothy Coogan Estabrook, Carolyn Fostel, Agnes Trill Funk, Dr. Mary B. Holt, Elisabeth S. Livingston, Mary Torr Rehm, Marion Wiethorn
Heckscher Museum
is so important to this community, the greater New York area, and to me, I have included it in my will. I want future generations to benefit from The Museum as much as I have."
— MARGY HARGRAVES, TRUSTEE EMERITA AND MEMBER OF THE VISIONARIES.
ANNUAL APPEAL: BRING ART AND PEOPLE TOGETHER!
As the giving season approaches, consider putting The Heckscher Museum at the top of your contributions list. Here are just a few examples of who will benefit from a gift – of any size – to our Annual Appeal:
• Over 25,000 visitors will find joy, inspiration, and insight – completely free of charge – in our timely exhibitions and permanent collection. And, more than 70,000 annual viewers see our art online.
• More than 6,000 K-12 students from 72 schools will learn through the Museum’s Discovery Programs – for many it’s their first-ever visit to a museum.
• A local sculptor exhibiting her work for the first time as part of the Long Island Biennial and a high school watercolorist who earns honors at Long Island's Best.
• A middle school art teacher learning a new photography technique in a Professional Development Workshop.
You can make your Annual Appeal gift by using the attached envelope; visiting Heckscher.org/donate; or contacting Associate Director of Development Caitlynn Schare at 631.380.3229 or Schare@Heckscher.org.
Contact us to learn about the special advantages of giving appreciated securities or making a gift directly from your IRA tax free, if you are over the age of 70.5.
Free Museum admission gives full access to art for the entire community.
Programs
THE BODY POLITIC: LONG ISLAND BIENNIAL ARTISTS IN THE GALLERIES SUNDAYS, 12 - 2 pm
Free
Meet the artists behind the artwork in the exhibition Long Island Biennial. Exhibiting artists will be in the galleries to provide insight into their work that only they can give, and answer visitor questions.
October 6 See Huntington Village Art Walk October 20 Barbara L. Ludwig, Riccarda de Eccher, Rosa Pinky Urmaza, & Sally Edelstein
November 3 Susan Kozodoy Silkowitz, Teresa Cromwell, Kailee Finn, Hwa Young Caruso, & Jenny LaMonica
November 17 Kelynn Z. Alder, Jane Kirkwood, Anna Jurinich, & Karen Kirshner, December 1 Monica Banks, Andrea Baatz, Angela Classi, Ruth Douzinas, & Maria Spector December 15 Madeline Daversa, Lori Horowitz, Laura Siegelman, Kenny Ng, & Edward Acosta
HANDS-ON WORKSHOP WITH PROTÉGÉ ART STUDIO
TUESDAY, OCT. 8
10 am - 12 pm
$10 Members, $15 Non-Members Registration recommended at Heckscher.org/sketch
Ages 18+. All levels welcome
Enjoy a morning of exploring and drawing in the galleries. Begin with a guided tour of the current exhibition. Then join artist and owner of Protégé Art Studio, Robyn Cooper, as she guides you step by step to tackle your own self portraits! Like the artists in the exhibition, we will reflect on our roles in a social, cultural and political context.
YOGA IN THE GALLERIES: ART & MOVEMENT WITH JESSE CURRAN
SATURDAY, OCT. 5, and DEC. 7
10:30 - 11:30 am
$15 Members; $25 Non-Members
Space is limited. Registration recommended Register at heckscher.org/yoga
Enjoy the uplifting experience of hatha yoga in one of Huntington's most inspiring architectural spaces. Please bring your own mat and a blanket, as well as any other yoga props that you use in your practice.
PORTFOLIO REVIEW NIGHT FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23
6 - 9 pm
Free
Each October, the Museum offers this event for high school students preparing for the college admissions process. Gain insight and receive invaluable feedback from admission counselors! Bring your portfolio for one-on-one review by representatives from the following colleges/universities:*
Adelphi University
California College of the Arts
Maine College of Art and Design
Maryland Institute College of Art
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
New York Institute of Technology
Parsons School of Design at The New School
Ringling College of Art and Design
School of The Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University
St. John’s University
*Schools are subject to change
Top, Kelynn Zena Alder (Saint James) Chamula Accordion Player, 2023, Acrylic on canvas, The Body Politic: Long Island Biennial 2024.; Celebrating Dia de los Muertos
COMMUNITY EVENTS
FREE
HUNTINGTON VILLAGE ART WALK
SUNDAY, OCT. 6
12 - 5 pm
12 - 2 pm: The Body Politic: Long Island Biennial Artists in the Galleries
Lisa Stanko, Mark Van Wagner, Adam Straus, Lauren Skelly Bailey, Julia Moore, and Melissa Pressler
3 - 4 pm Artists in Conversation: Identity, Community, & Culture
Featuring Kelynn Z. Alder and Marlon Lainez
As part of its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Museum offers this exclusive opportunity to meet artists Kelynn Z. Alder and Marlon Lainez. The artists will have an insightful conversation on topics including immigration, identity, community, and more, moderated by Lisa Sayedi, Manager of Docents and Community Outreach. Several works of art by each artist will be on view. The conversation will be followed by a reception in the galleries from 4 - 5 pm.
LONG ISLAND FALL FESTIVAL FALL KIDS ART ACTIVITY
SUNDAY, OCT. 13 12 - 5 pm
Celebrate fall at the Museum during the Long Island Fall Festival! Kids of all ages are invited to join us on the terrace to create a fun fall-themed art activity. Please note that this art activity will be located inside the Museum in the case of inclement weather.
HALLOWEEN AT THE HECKSCHER SUNDAY, OCT. 27 & THURSDAY, OCT. 31 12 - 5 pm
Kids and families are invited to celebrate Halloween at the Museum! Create a spooktacular art activity, make a haunted Digital Action painting, and take home a festive treat.
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS FAMILY CELEBRATION
SATURDAY, NOV. 2 12 - 5 pm
In collaboration with artist Sueey Gutierrez, Latina Moms Connect, Inc., and the Town of Huntington Hispanic Advisory Task Force. Families are invited to celebrate Día de los Muertos at this special event. Learn about the holiday and how it is celebrated around the world. Create colorful works of art inspired by the celebration and Gutierrez. Bring something personal to leave at our altar, to honor and remember loved ones.
THE HECKSCHER MUSEUM OF ART CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE TO EXPERIENCE ART THAT BROADENS UNDERSTANDING OF THE PAST, FOSTERS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS TO THE PRESENT, AND CREATES DIVERSE POSSIBILITIES FOR THE FUTURE.
VISIT HECKSCHER.ORG FOR EXHIBITION AND PROGRAM INFORMATION
HECKSCHER MUSEUM HOURS
Thursday through Sunday 12 to 5 pm (Closed Monday through Wednesday)
DOCENTS IN THE GALLERIES
Docent volunteers are available in the Museum to answer visitor questions on select days. Please see Heckscher.org/calendar for details.
DIRECTIONS
LIE or Northern State Parkway to Route 110 North. Turn right onto Route 25A East, Main Street, in Huntington. Left onto Prime Avenue.
PRIVATE GROUP TOURS
Tours for groups now available. For scheduling and fees, register at Heckscher.org/visit/groups-tours/
BOOK YOUR VISIT IN ADVANCE WALK-INS WELCOME
Go to Heckscher.org/planyourvisit
GENEROUS SUPPORT PROVIDED BY THE TOWN OF HUNTINGTON.
Emily Rose Larsen (Ridge), RYB 02, 2023, Archival pigment print. The Body Politic: Long Island Biennial 2024.
