March's Artisan of the Month | John Houle

If you are interested in seeing some unique artwork, then stop by the Reboli Center for Art and History during the month of March to see the “Burnt Offerings” by Connecticut artist John Houle. “His work is absolutely amazing and to watch him create a piece of art through pyrography is an incredible experience,” said Lois Reboli, a founder and president of the Reboli Center, who saw his work and a demonstration at a show in Massachusetts.

Houle’s “Burnt Offerings” are created by woodburning or pyrography – a form of scrimshaw on wood and the details are crafted by etching or burning the wood with heat from a wood burning tool. According to the artist, “Pyrography is the art of burning or etching a design into wood, leather or in some cases, gourds. The time the burner is in contact with the wood determines how dark the piece will be. I use two burners. One has a constant temperature of around 900 degrees. The other has a rheostat that allows temperatures of up to 2000 degrees. I only use the hotter one about five percent of the time. Many woodburners have a variety of tips. I only use two.” He adds that a slip of the hand cannot be corrected.

As far as his technique, John said, “I treat all my works just as if I am drawing with a pencil ... a very hot one! Some woodburners will trace a design and transfer it to the wood and then burn the lines as they appear on the wood. I never have, and would never trace. All my works are done freehand. I prefer to use birch wood, which is a light color and does not have large knots. During the pandemic, birch was hard to find so I started using bamboo, which is readily available. I then enhance my work with a wax of acrylic and then apply three coats of UV resistant polyurethane to protect it.” John frames most of his artwork and makes his own frames out of pine although some pieces have been mounted on such exotic woods as cherry, spalted maple and black walnut.

John started as an oil painter. In fact, he won his first regional contest in second grade and continued to enter contests throughout college. At Central Connecticut College he studied under Jacques Rommel, specializing in oils. He amassed many regional awards. When John painted, he constantly would go back and rework something in the painting. He always wanted to improve his artwork. About 50 years ago he received a gift of a woodburner with a note saying, “See if you can paint over this…” and he never went back to oil painting.

After retiring as a trainer and developer of sales and service seminars, he now focuses on woodburning full time. John noted that one of his favorite things to do at shows is to start a piece from scratch in front of a group and over a period of time, complete it. He thinks it is important for people to understand his technique so he tries to do live demonstrations at his shows if electricity is available.

About being the Reboli Center’s March Artisan of the Month, John said, “I am very humbled, and appreciate the opportunity to show woodburning as fine art, especially in such a beautiful gallery. I love Joe Reboli’s work and it is wonderful to see how his memory is being honored at the Center.”

February’s Artisan of the Month | Tracy Levine

Tracy Levine has been making jewelry since 1984, when she started her company, Hanging Dreams, and has been a regular vendor at the Gallery North Outdoor Art show since that time. She grew up in East Setauket and graduated from Boston University. Tracy is a mental health counselor at Metropolitan Hospital in Manhattan where she lives, and manages to balance creating jewelry with her health career.

A diverse collection of jewelry including necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets created by Tracy Levine will be on display at The Reboli Center during the month of February. “I am inspired by all things beautiful and my designs are driven by an eclectic mix of materials that are old and new, precious and semi-precious stones, oxidized sterling silver as well as 18 and 22K gold,” she said. Tracy aspires to create pieces as unique as the individuals who wear them.

Lois Reboli, the president and founder of the Reboli Center, was impressed by her unique and beautiful creations and thought they would be a perfect fit for the Center’s Design Shop, especially around Valentine’s Day.

January’s Artisan of the Month | Shamma Murphy

This January, The Reboli Center is showcasing the whimsical, captivating creations of Shamma Murphy, a needle felting expert from Stony Brook. The Center is displaying a variety of her work, focusing on fanciful sheep and cows – “ewes and coos” (Scottish Highland cows that have long fur that hangs over their face), as well as other adorable creatures.

An experienced civil engineer, she now works at a local horse farm promoting organic farming and gardening. She grew up in Port Washington, NY, but Stony Brook has been her home for more than 10 years. It is where she is raising her two teenagers and loves the sense of community that Stony Brook offers.

Shamma has always enjoyed making things and cross stitching and crocheting were her favorite winter hobbies until she discovered needle felting. Her passion for this craft has developed over the past two years. She is fascinated by the process of needle felting: “Poke a barbed needle into unspun wool as this ‘knits’ the fibers together compressing the wool into whatever shape you choose to sculpt. It is a dry process much like crocheting and knitting, using coarse wool in most cases. Wet felting, on the other hand, is ‘knitting’ the fibers together by agitating the wool with soapy water, and usually using a finer fiber like merino wool,” said Shamma.

The supplies for this craft are wool and felting needles, which she orders from England. She does get raw wool from a farm in Huntington that she processes herself. According to Shamma, “I use wool that has been processed into a prespun form, one would use this to spin into yarn. Most of the time I use coarse wool with a high micron (fiber diameter) count.  These types of wool needle felt quite nicely and you don't see many needle marks at the end.  For the finer coat of an animal, I will use a very fine merino wool, it is quite delicate, and due to its low micron count, it is rather difficult to needle felt well. The wool locks (wool that is delicately washed without any agitation, this enables the wool to keep its form) are from two different farms, one in New Jersey and the other in upstate New York, all are hand dyed by the shepherdess. Goat mohair locks and a tiny bit of alpaca is also locally sourced.”

Shamma is honored to be selected as artisan of the month. She noted that she never thought of herself as an artisan, but just enjoys crafting and creating cute things.  She met Lois Reboli, founder and president of The Reboli Center, at the Center, and when Lois saw her beautiful and delightful pieces, she invited Shamma to be an artisan of the month. Friday January 20 is the Reboli Center’s Third Friday of the Month and Shamma will be the featured guest speaker, followed by questions and answers. Shamma will speak from 6:30pm – 7:30pm and discuss needle felting, sourcing sustainable materials, different types of fibers and provide a demonstration of her craft. The Center will also sell kits for guests to purchase to make a felted heart – just in time for Valentine’s Day.

December's Artisan of the Month | John Mutch

Jewelry designer John Mutch is the founder of the well-known Port Jefferson boutique Earring Tabú. Established in 1989, Earring Tabú was the result of John’s desire to put down roots while continuing to explore his passion for designing and creating unique and quality pieces, as well as discovering and curating exceptional jewelry and accessories from local artists and around the world. It was also, interestingly enough, the result of being a dad. “When my children came of age and started school, I stopped doing the Florida art show circuit, which was January 1st to April 30th. That’s how The Earring Tabú came to be” said Mutch in an interview with The Reboli Center.

Using the experience from his life as a traveling artist, which brought him from Columbus Avenue in Manhattan, down the east coast, and all the way to the Florida Keys, John was able to bring a rare and personalized touch to his shop’s inventory. “I’ve worked closely with Mutch for a number of years now and I am consistently impressed by his natural affinity for curating and designing highly unique and aesthetically pleasing pieces.” stated The Reboli Center’s Director. 

Despite not having substantial retail experience, John relished the opportunity to create a distinctive space reflecting both his taste as an artist, and the eclectic variety he had been exposed to during his “nomadic life.” It was a labor of love, and one that thankfully did not go unnoticed.  “I never had any retail experience other then setting up a 10’ x 10’ tent…It was a nomadic life. One I enjoyed very much. That life was on hold. Hello Brick and Mortar…     …24 years later my son graduated college and it was time for me to unfold the tent and pass on a tradition [his brick and mortar location].” shared Mutch.

John is now back to the nomadic life as stated, appearing in shows annually up and down the east coast. The Reboli Center for Art and History is honored to feature John Mutch as our Artisan of the Month for the month of December 2022 and grateful that he has taken the time to create a collection specifically for our audience to enjoy this holiday season. Mutch’s pieces will be available for viewing and purchase through the month of December while supplies last. Our Center has no entry fee and no reservations are required to visit during our regular business hours. Don’t forget to ask for gift wrapping at check out to receive complimentary gift wrapping!

November's Artisan of the Month | Brian Tierney

Brian Tierney grew up in Port Jefferson and has lived in Saint James since 1972. He was in high school the same time, but a different grade when the late artist Joseph Reboli was a student. The two did not know one another. It was while in high school that Brian developed an interest in woodworking and a hobby turned into a career. Many of the pieces of furniture in his home have been made by Brian. They include night stands, a jelly cupboard, shelves, benches and many more items. All were made with power tools and it wasn’t until about four years ago that he mastered hand tools, and had to learn how to sharpen chisels, planes and saws. With this new skill set, Brian learned how to make stars. At first, he created four pointed stars and then with a lot of practice was able to make stars with up to eight points. All the stars are finished with mineral oil to bring out the grain, add a little sheen and prevent drying out. No dye or stain is used.

“I love the quietness of using only hand tools, and what I consider the artistic choices involved, like planning how many points to have, what size to make the star, and what combinations of wood to use. I look at a finished star and think, wow, I made that,” Brian said.

Brian obtains his wood from several sources and uses a variety of woods. Some pieces are reclaimed from unwanted furniture providing his with oak, sycamore, birch, and cedar, along with fir, pine, spruce and maple. He also buys wood online, such as walnut, African mahogany, purpleheart, zebrawood and padauk, which is a west African wood. According to Brian, “All wood has unique characteristics of color, grain pattern, and hardness. Purpleheart is a beautiful color, but is over three times as hard as red oak, and dulls saws and planes blades very quickly. It doesn’t even glue well because it is so waxy.”

“It is very complimentary to have my work chosen to be displayed at the Reboli Center, a place of such good taste and style, by such talented artists and artisans,” Brian added.

Lois Reboli, a founder of the Center and president said, “As the holiday season approaches, I think Brian’s work will find a new home with many of our visitors. The stars will be a beautiful addition to one’s holiday decorations or as gifts.”

October's Artisan of the Month | Renee Fondacaro

Renee Fondacaro founded Old Field Apothecary in 2020, with the goal of creating beautiful, clean, naturally scented candles and home accessories. She is an artisan and registered nurse with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SUNY Oneonta and a Nursing degree from Syracuse University. Rene creates natural, handmade products with ingredients sourced sustainably.

As a two-time cancer survivor, this aspect of her business is very important to Renee. According to Renee, “Our mission at Old Field Apothecary is to create hand poured, small batch candles, wax melts and home accessories with captivating scents, beautiful minimalist designs, and the best ingredients.  All products are made from a luxurious vegan wax blend made of natural coconut and apricot. Coconut and apricot waxes are gluten free, toxin free, paraben free, phthalate free, and come from renewable sources. The entire blend utilizes only FDA approved waxes.” In addition, all candles have a crackling wooden wick and each candle is wicked, poured and labeled by hand by Renee. Lois Reboli, a founder of the Reboli Center, said, “Renee has had a pop-up store at the Center in the past and it is wonderful that she is the Artisan for October. With the holidays just around the corner, this is an excellent opportunity for residents to shop for their homes, as well as for gifts for family and friends.”

September's Artisan of the Month | Mark Strayer

Mark Strayer had a long career as an Industrial Designer, designing toys and furniture for manufacturers. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from California State University and is a native Californian who now resides in Lamar, Missouri. While a designer at Fisher-Price Toys, employees were encouraged to learn other creative disciplines so that they could utilize that experience in their designs. He enrolled in a ceramics class at the Buffalo Clay Art Studio in Buffalo, NY. Little did he know then that this decision would create another career path.

The work that will be on exhibit and for sale at The Reboli Center for Art and History will feature miniature houses, buildings, trees and other designs. He uses the Japanese technique of Raku for firing. Raku is a low heat firing process where the heat in the kiln reaches to about 1800 degrees within a short period of time. The pottery is removed when glowing red and placed into a container with combustible materials, such as sawdust and newspaper, to give them color.

According to Mark, “My ceramic business, North Star Pottery, is a place of experimentation and having fun with clay. My work is primarily functional ware, but I also love small architectural forms using the Raku process of firing.” He added, “Clay is an amazing material, natural, fluid and organic to touch, and my ability to transfer a lump of clay into beautiful and useful objects gives me joy. Being the artist of the month at the Reboli Center is a milestone in my career.”

Lois Reboli, president and one of the founders of The Reboli Center said, “I am thrilled to showcase Mark’s unique and intriguing creations. The shapes, style, and color of his pieces are fascinating. Another founder of the Reboli Center, Secretary Colleen Hanson, serendipitously discovered Mark when she relocated to Missouri. It’s wonderful when looking for art we discover such fabulous artisans, like Mark Strayer.”

August's Artisan of the Month | Julia Vogelle

Julia Vogelle is a multi-faceted artist who creates a wide range of ceramics, sculpture, drawings and paintings, as well as jewelry. She has a Master’s in Fine Art /Education from C.W. Post University and a Bachelor’s in Fine Art from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Julia was raised on Long Island and lives in Miller Place. She taught art to students in k-12 for 32 years in the Miller Place school district.

According to Julia, “As most of my work is in clay, I begin with slabs and then incorporate wheel work. I decorate slabs with lace and stamped patterns. In addition, I like to draw either directly into the clay surface or with oxides and glazes.” She notes that all platters and pottery are dinnerware and dishwasher safe. She is one of the founders of the Brick Clay Studio in St. James and currently the President. The studio was established in 2017 and offers pottery classes and a gallery. Julia Vogelle said, “I’m very honored to be recognized as the August Artisan of the month at the Reboli Center. Being a resident and lifelong artist on the North Shore of Long Island, I have very strong ties to the community. While I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Joe Reboli, my husband Michael Vogelle interviewed Joe for the program “Working Artists.”

Lois Reboli, president and one of the founders of The Reboli Center said, “Julia’s work is truly amazing and her being our August Artisan of the Month will certainly compliment the work on display at the Center.”

July's Artisan of the Month | Chris Kelsch

Chris Kelsch, born and raised in Stony Brook, creates incredible birdhouses, in a wide range of unique woods. He developed his distinctive style over years of education, experimentation, and adventures.

Chris credits his shop teacher, Dean Jenkins, with inspiring his passion for woodworking. After serving in the military, Chris attended Delhi Technical College where he studied carpentry and woodworking.

After college, Chris joined the team of woodworkers at Tanglewood Conservatories in Maryland where they design and build custom high-end conservatories and greenhouses from exotic hardwoods. His role was to focus on the intricate architectural aspects such as corbels, pilasters and detailed window frames to house the stained glass windows.

His fondness for exotic woods led him to discover a mill in Pennsylvania that provides Martin Guitar with beautiful rare woods. He also found amazing antique barn woods.

When Chris retired in 2017, he started making bird, bat, butterfly and bee houses.  “I enjoy creating safe houses for wildlife,” he explains. I love using rare wood and antique barn wood as they create solid birdhouses. The stability of these woods ensures a solid and quality house. I also appreciate how beautiful grains contrast with the patina of barn wood.” He noted that some of the barn wood he uses is 300 years old. 

“I am thrilled to be able to display my work at the Reboli Center,” Chris said. Joe Reboli was a big part of my life as my older brothers were friends with him. In fact, my mother referred to Joe as her ‘other’ son. The Reboli Center is close to my heart, and all involved are beautiful people with a beautiful mission.” 

Lois Reboli, president and founder of The Reboli Center said, “I have known Chris a long time and love his work. His birdhouses are so beautiful and unique that it is a pleasure to sell his pieces in the Design Shop and to have him as our July artisan.”

June's Artisan of the Month | Kyle Blumenthal

Kyle Blumenthal of Stony Brook is a painter as well as an artisan who creates hand painted silk scarves, which will be on display during June, 2022, at the Reboli Center for Art and History. In addition, she has several paintings in the Reboli Center’s exhibition, BLOOM. Kyle is an experienced and New York State licensed Art Education specialist. She studied Illustration and Advertising at the High School of Art and Design. Kyle holds a BFA in Painting and Art Education from Pratt Institute, and a MA and MFA in Painting from Long Island University. She has served as part of the Art/Art History faculty at Empire State College and was recognized for her artistic achievements in 2010, when New York Foundation for the Arts named her a Mark Fellow.

Currently, Kyle teaches painting at the National Art League and leads a portfolio program (which she created) at the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn Harbor, New York. Her work has been written about in Arts Magazine, Newsday, The New York Times and Art News. Kyle simultaneously works in many disciplines. Primarily painting with oil on canvas she has also worked as a Designer of Theatrical Installations for dance. She incorporates the ethereal superimposed upon the material as a concept she strives to convey in her work. Kyle cultivates a large flower garden at her home, which supplies inspiration and resource for her creative works.

Kyle has exhibited her work at such venues as the Harkness House Gallery, Museum of American Illustration, and the Kean Mason Gallery in Manhattan, The Long Island Museum, Islip Art Museum, Guild Hall and Staller Center on Long Island, and Sodarco Gallery in Montreal.

According to Kyle, “I am honored to have been selected as The Reboli Center’s June Artisan [of 2022]. As an artist living in Stony Brook for many years, I feel this brings that sense of community which is important to me. I remember Joseph Reboli picking up frames from the Setauket frame shop as I was also there at the same time getting tips on how to make my own frames. I remember that his were custom ordered and it was the latest framing for oil paintings. Once again it is the kindness extended to artists and the community that carries on.”

Lois Reboli, a founder and president of the Reboli Center said, “Kyle’s work is exquisite and her scarves are just beautiful. Her silk scarves are very popular in our design shop so we are very happy to have her as our June Artisan.”

May's Artisan of the Month | Chris Wagner

Chris Wagner was born and raised on Long Island and resides in West Sayville. He is a trained chef and director of food services at a health care facility. It was while that he was working as a chef and researching ice sculpting that he added another dimension to his career. He was enamored by the technique of carving, all be it a bit dangerous, but was compelled to learn the trade. In the summer of 2013 he spent several days learning the basic techniques with well-known carver Barre Pinske at his studio in Vermont. He left with a new creative side job and a love of the medium.

Over the years he developed his craft and was able to establish a shop at a local firewood  distribution center – provided with a continuous source of discarded wood and an area  conducive to the level of noise he generates during his creative process. 

Chris Wagners’s statues are primarily animals, very detailed oriented. His pieces are carved with a massive blade. He brings birds and animals to life in a variety of woods.When completed, he uses a blowtorch to burn a smooth finish on each design. This technique illustrates the natural grain in the wood and adds a depth to each piece. To withstand inclement weather, the final step is to stain the work after a relief cut is installed in the back of the sculpture to preserve the wood. Consequently, with chainsaw carving, no two pieces are alike so each one is a one-of-a kind original work of art. He does accept commissions, so please contact The Reboli Center.

According to Chris, “I am familiar with Joe Reboli’s work and he was an amazing artist. I  am so honored and thankful to be able to show my work in a museum named for him.”  Lois Reboli, president and founder of The Reboli Center said, “This is the first time we  have had a chainsaw carving sculptor as our artisan of the month. We are so proud to  feature his unique and whimsical work. It is a wonderful addition to our current “Bloom”  and floral exhibit at the Center. We hope everyone will be as thrilled with his sculptures  as we are.”

April's Artisan of the Month | Keith Lewis

Keith Lewis was not like your average six year old. At that age, he began collecting corn silk from the family garden and bits of broken glass. He imagined them to be like gold and diamonds. Growing up in Europe and Asia, he continued to be enthralled by jewelry. So much so that at 12 years old, he learned to cut gems in South Korea at a lapidary shop and to cast and construct jewelry shortly afterwards. He studied art at several universities and graduated with a Masters of Fine Arts in Goldsmithing from SUNY New Paltz in New York. Shortly after graduation, he participated in his first craft show and hasn’t stopped. In fact, Keith has had the opportunity to show his work in nearly every major craft exhibition in the United States. His Mica Pod earrings were chosen to be the logo for the 2010 Smithsonian Craft2Wear exhibition.

Keith Lewis, Jeweler

Keith has been making jewelry for more than 30 years. His pieces are available in hundreds of galleries across the country, as well as in France and Italy. He is also represented in the book 500 Gemstone Jewels (Lark, 2010), Best of Worldwide Jewelry Artists Vol. 1 (Kennedy 2011) and in the collection of the Cooper Hewitt Museum. According to Keith, his process for creating jewelry entails incorporating, “the materials, textures and surprises found in nature. I am currently using amber Mica which I layer with 23K gold-leaf, carving volcanic stone and Anthracite, which I inset with natural pearls and precious stones.

“In addition, I create my copper finishes using a Japanese technique called Hiirodo where I heat the finished copper shape until brightly glowing, then plunge it into boiling water to achieve a plum red appearance. In what I call the ‘Raku’ version of this patina, variations in the surface coloration are created by pressing the white-hot copper onto wood, causing flames and smoke which change what would have been an even, plum red finish into more organic tan and dark brown colors. The diverse materials I work with require a combination of goldsmithing techniques to turn them into a piece of finished jewelry.”

Keith is constantly experimenting with materials. In fact, he saw a company manufacturing a urethane board specifically for sign making (outdoor signs that look like they are made of wood, but don't weather). The board was made with about 240 water bottles. He found that they were extremely light – good for earrings. Moreover, it was perfect for his lacquer and acrylic paints. He uses a tiny 3" table saw to cut the board and then shape the pieces with fiber wheels. Consequently, Keith now has a line of earrings made from recycled water bottles. As part of his team, his daughter started painting the earrings. 

“At the Reboli Center, we not only admire Keith’s beautiful designs and unique materials, but also that for more than 20 years he has been donating a portion of the sales for his ‘heart’ earrings to the Family of Woodstock. This organization provides shelter and services for victims of domestic violence. At shows, buyers of ‘heart’ earrings are given a SASE to send the full cost of the earrings directly to the shelter. He truly is a gem,” said Lois Reboli, founder and president of The Reboli Center. 

The Reboli Center is located at 64 Main Street in Stony Brook, and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 11am to 5pm, and on Sunday 1pm to 5pm. Admission is free, and for more information, please call 631-751-7707.

March’s Artisan of the Month | Hannah Niswonger

“Hannah Niswonger’s whimsical work is so striking, colorful, cheerful and unique, we are thrilled to welcome her as the Reboli Center’s March Artisan. Are sure everyone will be delighted by her creative mix of vibrant designs and realistic animal portraits in her pottery. They are so adorable and colorful that they just make you feel happy,” said Lois Reboli, president and a founder of The Reboli Center.

Hannah fell in love with clay while in college at Wesleyan in Middletown, Connecticut, where she earned a BA in studio art. Hannah received a MFA in ceramic sculpture from Alfred University in Alfred, New York. She is currently teaching at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and has taught courses in ceramics at Harvard University, Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition, Hannah frequently teaches sculpture classes. She gives workshops nationally, as well as exhibiting in galleries throughout the United States. Hannah also participates in juried craft shows, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art Show, the Smithsonian Craft Show and CraftBoston. A resident of Melrose, Massachusetts, she lives there with her husband, three children, one dog and two rabbits.  

According to Hannah, “I build functional pots out of white stoneware. My tools are simple: a knife, a serrated metal rib, a sponge, a brush. All of my work is hand- built from slabs of clay. I love working with slabs like fabric; the pots are sewn together, scored along the edges, nipped and tucked together to make rounded forms from sheets of clay. Using a Chinese calligraphy brush, I paint bone dry pots with under-glaze stains, which act like an ink wash or watercolors on the absorbent surface of the clay. I scratch and carve into the drawings, adding and removing details. The pin tool is both pencil and eraser, adding white to the drawing. I use wax to create motifs that are reminiscent of printed patterns.”

In addition to creating functional pottery of plates, cups, bowls, teapots, serving pieces with images of animals, birds, and fish, Hannah also makes prints, drawings, sculpture and tile pieces. “I love developing new patterns and strategies for adding layers of image and color to clay. This has allowed me to bring printmaking into the ceramic studio. Pattern and color anchor my animals to the pots. They serve as frames, and backgrounds, so that the animals exist in their own narrow space around the pots,” added Hannah. Hannah’s work will be available for viewing and purchasing in our Design Shop through the month of March, 2022.

February's Artisans of the Month, Michael & Vincent Michaud

During February, The Reboli Center for Art & History in Stony Brook is proud to display the stunning botanical and cast glass jewelry created by Michael Michaud Design, as well as by his son Michael Vincent Michaud. According to the Father and Son Duo, “The cast glass processes very much like the lost wax process of casting metal into jewelry. The glass is melted into a mold and then cooled and cleaned reproducing the shapes and colors to be placed into the metal bezels. During the process some air may be trapped in with the solidifying of the glass. It is those bubbles inside that make each piece unique and one of a kind.”

The Michael Michaud Design collection reflects his exceptional knowledge of jewelry making and his love of nature. He started as an apprentice mold cutter in 1973 and worked his way towards being a master precious metal caster and moldmaker. While a student at the Rochester Institute of Technology’s School for American Craftsmen, he learned many of the techniques that he still uses today to create his designs of nature in metal. Michaud worked for some of American’s leading jewelry designers before starting his own company. Michael Vincent Michaud, the son of renowned jewelry designer Michael Michaud, studied with some of the finest glass artists at various institutions including the prestigious Corning and Urban glass programs. He was inspired by his father’s high craftsmanship and love of “art glass.” He was fortunate to begin his career at his father’s studio and collaborated with him to create glass elements for jewelry collections licensed by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC and The Victoria and Albert Museum in London. This experience enabled him and his brother Shane, who handles the business side, to create their own company, Michael Vincent Michaud, in 2011.

Their jewelry collection consists of pendants, necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, brooches and table art such as serving pieces, utensils, trivets and napkin rings. “For the first time, The Reboli Center is delighted to showcase artisans who are a father and son. Our Design Shop features some of the jewelry created by Michael Michaud, as well as by his son, Michael Vincent Michaud. Their jewelry is exquisitely detailed and so luminous when it catches the light,” said Lois Reboli, a founder and president of the Reboli Center.

January's Artisan of the Month, Leonid Shishov

Meet Lenny

Lenny handles ALL the printing for Reboli Center certified Joseph Reboli reproductions

The Reboli Center of Art & History is pleased to introduce Leonid (Lenny) Shishov, a fine arts photographer and printer from Lake Grove as its January Feature Artisan of the Month. He was born in the USSR and that is where he earned a master’s degree as an electrical and electronics engineer. Having received a job offer from an American company to translate and adapt its products and software from English into Russian, Shishov and his family relocated to the United States. While in the US, he obtained his green card and later took a position at a small photography lab on Long Island, eventually becoming an American citizen. A few years later, he purchased the company and turned it into a full service lab and studio. As a lifelong photographer, coupled with his engineering background, he was able to grow the company and stay compatible and competitive with the digital age, and he excelled in Photoshop. “Being interested in new technology, the Giclee process caught my attention and I began to experiment and purchased some new equipment and expanded my business,” Shishov said. Giclee is a French word meaning to spray paint, which is how a specialized ink jet printer works to reproduce an artwork on archival paper or canvas, and it is much more detailed and larger than a copy produced by a standard inkjet printer. Shishov’s archival prints are known for being like museum- quality pieces as he uses archival ink and materials to create beautiful, high-resolution finished reproductions. Shishov states "I love meeting new artists, photographers and trying out new techniques or equipment. I love to see my customers happy with what I do for them. Art it’s a gift and a lot of work. My reproductions allow more people to enjoy this gift in the closest version of its original form."

Lois Reboli, a founder and president of the Reboli Center, said, “We are happy to
exhibit his work and share his craft with our visitors. His reproductions are amazing. His Giclees of Joe Reboli’s paintings, which are for sale at the Center, are just incredible! His work will be on display during the month of January, and I encourage everyone to stop by and see his wonderful reproductions.”

December's Artisan of the Month, Jodi Still — Whimsical Mice Maker

Being a military spouse, Jodi Still traveled a lot and lived in many places. One home was on a small farm, where a family of mice also took up residence in the chicken coop. According to Jodi, “I was fascinated with the little creatures. About 12 years ago, I brought a colony of mice to life in several children’s stories. It was then that I started to create and make the felt mice.  I decorate some according to the season and others are engaged in activities that humans also perform.” 

Jodi has a bachelor’s in design from Buffalo State College. That proved to be an asset in creating A Mouse in the House, her collection of felt mice and ornaments. She became so enthralled with working with mice that she is planning to publish her first book about the ones she has created, as well do her own watercolor illustrations. Currently, she lives in Manhattan, works as a city paramedic, and is attending graduate school at John Jay College.  Creating felt mice is a nice change of pace from her profession. 

“The Reboli Center is thrilled to have her work on display during the holiday month of December, as well as her felt tree ornaments, which are available for sale in the Design Shop,” said Lois Reboli, a founder of the Reboli Center. Jodi’s work will be on display from December 1 through December 31, and some of her work is also featured in the current exhibit, “Celebrate the Season,” which closes on January 23, 2022.

Still, Holiday Mice (left) | Still, Spring Mouse (middle) | Still, Strawberry Mouse (right)

November's Artisan of the Month, Carl Siegel — Woodworker

Carl Siegel, Table

The Reboli Center of Art & History is pleased to introduce Carl Siegel, a woodworker from Port Jefferson as its November Artisan.  An English teacher at Port Jefferson High School during the day, while at night, he taught himself how to create pieces of furniture for his new home. According to Siegel, “I started woodworking in 1969, when I moved to Long Island. When I first began, I only had a hammer, screw driver and pliers, subsequently adding tools as each project required. I was always impressed with the work of earlier cabinet makers, and over the years acquired as many old hand tools as I could to use in reproducing Colonial, Chippendale and Queen Anne furniture.”  Since he retired from teaching in 1992, he has focused on smaller projects, such as chess boards and sets, antique automobiles, railroad cars, small tables and animals.

Lois Reboli, a founder of the Reboli Center said, “We are happy to exhibit his work and share his talent with our visitors. His pieces are amazing and so beautiful to look at. His work will be on display during the month of November, and I encourage everyone to stop by and see his wonderful creations and maybe get some ideas for gifts for the holidays.”

The Reboli Center is located at 64 Main Street in Stony Brook, and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 11am to 5pm and on Sunday 1pm to 5pm. Admission is free and for more information, please call 631-751-7707.

Carl Siegel, Truck on His Table

October's Artisan of the Month: Russell Pulick – A Potter for 40 Years!

Russell Pulick’s tea pot

The Reboli Center of Art and History is pleased to showcase the fine work of Sound Beach based potter, Russell Pulick. “He has enthralled pottery enthusiasts for more than 40 years with his beautiful designs and craftsmanship,” said Lois Reboli, a founder of the Reboli Center. Russell Pulick is well-known in the craft show arena where he has been selling his pottery since 1976. His work is also sold through galleries around the country and on four continents. He was an instructor at the Art League of Long Island for 18 years, their studio manager for four years, and taught at the St. James Harbor Country Day School’s summer art program for 14 years. In 2018, he teamed up with several other potters to create The Brick Clay Studio & Gallery in St. James that offers classes, open studio hours and a gallery. He teaches beginner and advanced students there. 

Russell Pulick’s box

According to the artist, “Most of what I know about pottery, I taught myself through research and experimentation. The pots I make are all handmade. They are either ‘thrown’ on a wheel or hand built using the slab construction method. I use speckled brown stoneware clay and fire to 2232 degrees in an electric kiln. I make all the glazes and all are lead free and safe for use with food, as well as in the dishwasher. The pottery is quite durable and may be used in the microwave and conventional ovens. As with most pottery it is not meant to be used on the stove top.”

Russell Pulick designs and creates the following items: bowls; boxes; butter dishes; cups; dip dishes; hand built trays; jars; pitchers and tea pots. He also offers kiln repair and parts, as well as glaze services. His clients include many school districts and universities throughout Long Island. “Being a potter has allowed me to set my own schedule and to be available for my family, never missing important events in my daughter’s life,” he added. 

Russell Pulick’s work will be on view during the month of October at The Center, located at 64 Main Street in Stony Brook. It is open Tuesday – Saturday from 11am to 5pm and on Sunday 1pm to 5pm. Admission is free and for more information, please call 631-751-7707.

Russell Pulick’s fluted vase

Russell Pulick’s jar with wenge wood cover

September's Artisan of the Month: Potter, Donna McGee

Donna McGee designs and creates one-of-a-kind functional and decorative pieces in stoneware and earthenware, and puts her signature mark on each  piece with her original drawings of fields, flowers, farm life and faces. “Her unique vases,  bowls, pots and platters often feature scenes from the views outside of her studio  windows. The Reboli Center is thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase the pottery of  Donna McGee, whose work is so distinctive and appealing,” said Lois Reboli, a founder  of the Reboli Center. 

For most of her life, Donna has focused on art. Since her youth she has been a frequent visitor to museums and galleries, than first as an artist and now as a potter. She studied art at Southern Illinois University and has a Bachelor’s of Science in Re-creation, Art and Society. In her twenties, she went to Europe and studied clay at the Jacob Cramer Centre for the Arts in Leeds, Yorkshire, England.  

According to Donna, “I took one class in pottery in college and hated it. A couple of years  later, I took another class and decided that this was what I wanted to do. I am mostly self taught and have always had confidence in my drawings and creativity – that is what  propels me. I make pieces that are both functional, as well as decorative, because I am  a realist and want my work to be used.” Once she calculated that she made about 1000 pots per year. While her work is her own, she does take some commissions. Her process involves making the item either wheel thrown or slab built, and then painting the background color on it while the clay is still wet. After the first firing, she paints the details, applies a transparent glaze, and fires the piece again. “My work is known for its variety of drawings and paintings,” added Donna McGee. 

Donna McGee’s work is on display during the month of September and admission to the Reboli Center for Art & History is free. The hours are Tuesday-Saturday 11am-5pm and  Sunday from 1pm-5pm. The Reboli Center is located at 64 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY.

A platter crafted by Donna McGee

A mug by Donna McGee

Flowers are hand-painted on a bowl by Donna McGee

August's Artisan of the Month: Ceramist Laura Wilensky

The Reboli Center of Art and History is pleased to feature the renowned ceramist, Laura Wilensky, as its Artisan for the month of August. “I first saw her work 40 years ago at the Rhinebeck Craft Fair and bought a couple of pieces. She makes hand sculpted portraits of people and/or cats and dogs or other pets in porcelain or white clay. Each piece is very detailed and intricate and for commissions they are beautifully personalized,” said Lois Reboli, founder of the Reboli Center, and who recently had an urn made for her beloved dog, Maddie, who passed away. Wilensky’s pieces are one-of-a-kind and others are made from molds and are limited editions.

After graduating from SUNY New Paltz in 1973 with a Bachelors in Fine Arts specializing in ceramics, Laura Wilensky became a full-time ceramist. While in college she created her “spoon” figurines and became known as the “spoon lady.” She was very fortunate that her spoons were exhibited at the well-known Fairtree Gallery in Manhattan, where they were sold to gallery customers at a great success. “Several clients started to collect my spoons and one woman has over 70 spoons which she displays on her wall in the bedroom,” recalled the artist who lives in Kingston, NY.  The spoon figurines are all made by hand and very fragile. Consequently, she no longer makes them, and has only three left: an ice skater, a man in his pajamas and woman in a nightgown with her hair curlers. 

 According to Wilensky, “My narrative porcelains have appeared in many publications, including: Teapots, Makers & Collectors; 500 Figures in Clay: Ceramic Artists Celebrate the Human Form; Smithsonian Magazine; and the New York Times. My works have been exhibited at the New York State Museum, American Crafts Museum, Cooper Hewitt Museum, Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution.” The artist’s ceramics can be found in the homes of many private collectors. In fact, she designed and produced “Sleepytime” tea sets for Celestial Seasoning Tea Company. For a while, she made numerous tea pots and sets and some belong to serious collectors including a collection at Celestial Seasoning Tea Company at its headquarters in Boulder, CO.

Early in her career, Wilensky sold her creations at craft fairs in upstate New York and in Baltimore. She noted that her characters were more “cartoonish” and now the figures are realistic portraits of people and pets that she creates from photos, or fashioned as functional items such as mugs, bowls, vases and plates. “I enjoy working with people and making their request for a ceramic portrait come true. I am especially heartened as many customers are deeply moved by the final product,” she added.