by Mariana Oliva / Islip Bulletin
The cold weather earlier this week cleared up just in time for the Art Crawl. The event was held on Oct. 12 from noon to 5 p.m. on Bay Shore's Main Street. Vendors, artists and musicians lined up along Main Street and had the opportunity to display or perform their work for locals.
The Art Crawl was presented by South Shore Arts and the Islip Arts Council. It was made possible thanks to a grant provided through Suffolk County Legis. Steve Flotteron via Suffolk County's Hotel and Motel Tax Program. The program helps fund the cultural arts community, events in Bay Shore such as the Islip Arts Council's Summer Series held at the band shell, or those organized by the Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce.
Over 25 vendors and artists were featured, each with a unique style.
Poet Chaka Knice, known as Chaka, performed his poetry at The Babe Stage in Poets Alley, which was located to the right of the Boulton Center, hosted by Production Babes. Eight poets performed their poetry. Being able to share his work was meaningful to Chaka.
"The world can be very frightening if we don't find places to remember the things that make it worth living," Chaka said. "My work is mostly inspired by my emotions and responses to the work of others that inspire me."
Some artists featured at the event included Little City Paint, owned by Brooke Frey. Frey is based in New York and some of her artwork consists of abstract oil paintings, acrylic paintings and custom pet portraits. She recently moved from Oregon to New York and discovered her passion for the arts.
"My style has matured over the years and now has become a complete obsession," Frey said.
"Sharing my work with others is a priceless joy. I'm inspired by the idiosyncrasies of life and existence, and utilize my art as a vessel to grow and understand who I am at the core."
Businesses along Main Street also participated in the event, including restaurants such as Changing Times, Goldy's Gems and Pecado. Retail shops included Pride Embroidery and Nalu Dry Goods.
Hina Khan's artwork spans across different mediums. Khan uses canvas, paper, and wood to explore her artistic ability with texture, form and color. She is inspired by travel and her admiration for art with an interest in the flora and fauna themes.
'The beauty and variety that nature offers us has been a subject of art since the beginning of times and will always remain." Khan said. "Expressing your inner self in natural elements is what makes us human and connected as well as concerned for our natural environment."
Additionally, at the band shell, the Islip Arts Council, organizers of the event, hosted a "Masters on Main Street" free sketch. Anyone was invited to participate in a sketch session of a live scene featuring live models.
Not only was there art to enjoy, but live music at the band shell. Five different performers took to the stage starting at noon, and performed until 5 p.m. Musicians had the stage for one hour before passing it off to the next performer. It was a great turnout for the Bay Shore community.
