Lake Street Artists: Featuring a Collection of Fine Art by Two Painters with a Unique Long Island Connection
(Reboli Artifacts and Frank Melville Park Tribute Also Showcased)
Self-portrait of Daniel O’Sullivan, courtesy of Daniel Sullivan
The Reboli Center for Art and History is proud to start the New Year by displaying the artwork of two local artists, Daniel O’Sullivan and Joseph Reboli, who shared the unique connection of living on Lake Street in Setauket, NY. Lake Street faces the pond, which is across from the historic Neighborhood Meeting House and is adjacent to the well-known Frank Melville Memorial Park.
The Center’s History Room will present an overview of the Frank Melville Memorial Park. The exhibit is from January 27 through April 17, 2021.
Dan O'Sullivan, I. The Elegy Figure, oil on canvas, $10,000
Current Lake Street resident, Daniel O’Sullivan, started his career as an abstract painter, but later focused on realism. “Dan’s paintings are exquisite and expressive, with fascinating detail,” said Lois Reboli, president of the Reboli Center and wife of the late artist Joseph Reboli.
Mr. O’Sullivan explains, “In my thirties, I moved to realism, partly because I could never find a style that was genuine, that ‘expressed myself.’ The second reason was that realism was what made me want to go to art school in the first place. The satisfaction of getting it right. “It” being a face, the color of a shadow, where the horizon should be... What I was feeling from day to day didn’t matter. The objects in the painting had their own reality and my job was to bring them to fulfillment. Style and expressiveness would take care of themselves.”
Joseph Reboli, courtesy of Lois Reboli
The exhibit will also feature paintings and memorabilia from Joseph Reboli, the other Lake Street resident, and for whom the Center is named.
We are excited to announce Lake Street Artists will also feature artworks from Marlene Weinstein, Beverly Tyler and Dino Rinaldi.
The water wheel at Frank Melville Park (image courtesy of Frank Melville Park Foundation)
The Frank Melville Memorial Park opened in Setauket in 1937 as a memorial to Frank Melville Jr. It was conceived, planned and built by his wife, Jennie MacConnell Melville and his son, Ward Melville. Located at the northern end of the two ponds in Setauket, the 24 acre park includes a circular walkway around the upper pond; the home of the last miller in Setauket; a simulated mill house with a working water wheel; a recently restored Greek revival post office; an early 20 century barn; the Bates House, a former meeting house, now available for private events; and scenic trails. The park is owned and administered by the Frank Melville Memorial Foundation. Photographs and documents will be on display, as well as a tribute to Hap Barnes, a longtime resident of the Three Village, Foundation trustee, and its buildings and grounds manager. “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Frank Melville Memorial Park to do this exhibit and to honor Hap Barnes,” said Lois Reboli, president of the Reboli Center.
The Reboli Center is open Tuesday – Saturday from 11am until 5pm and Sunday from 1pm until 5pm. It also houses a Design Shop featuring the work of local artisans, artists and the products of Vicki Sawyer, the noted painter of nature and whimsical animals. There is no fee to visit the Reboli Center. Its mission is to preserve the legacy of Joseph Reboli and to foster a meaningful understanding and appreciation of the arts and history through exhibitions and educational programs.
Lois Reboli, president of the Reboli Center, noted that, “The Center is adhering to New York State and Suffolk County coronavirus guidelines, which limits the number of attendees at one time and requires all visitors to wear a mask and socially distance. Please be assured that staff and volunteers will wear masks, and do continuous cleaning and sanitizing.”