The Army Exhibit Unit will be the subject of the Reboli Center’s Third Friday program on Friday, May 17, from 6 – 8 PM. A five member panel, who formerly served in this special unit, will discuss the Unit, their roles in it, their experiences with Joe Reboli in the Unit, and their careers after serving in the Unit. In 1967 when Joe Reboli enlisted, the Port Jefferson recruiter told him that he would get him into this unit after basic training. The five men who are part of the panel: Al Alexander, Bill Apton, David Ebner, Michael Jacques, and David Soloman all served in the Unit alongside Joe and will share their experiences. This event comes during a month in which we celebrate Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day.
The Army Exhibit Unit was formed in 1936 to present to the American public exhibits that were viewed by millions. It was composed of soldier-craftsmen. In 1966 on its 30th anniversary, its commandeer said, “Our soldier-civilian team is a hand-picked group whose outstanding abilities have been commended time and again by leaders at all levels of the Government, including the White House, Congress, and Offices of the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff.”
Each of the five panel members have had successful careers in the arts after serving in the unit and their creative work is on exhibit at the Reboli Center. Al Alexander now lives in Costa Rica and is a successful painter whose mural work for clients is on exhibit throughout the United States. In addition to his murals, his fine art is in many prestigious collections. Bill Apton lives in northern California and has been a freelance photographer specializing in photographs of people and products for a myriad of advertising, fashion, and editorial clients. David Ebner’s outstanding hand crafted furniture is well known to local residents and is in collections in many countries. David who is considered one of the integral members of the studio craft furniture movement currently resides in Bellport, NY. Michael Jacques has been in more than 40 one man shows and his paintings, etchings, and serigraphs have been widely praised and a part of many important collections. Born and raised in Vermont, Michael now resides in Laguna Beach, CA. David Soloman also resides in Laguna Beach and is an internationally recognized watercolor artist whose work is in many important collections.
The May Third Friday program at the Reboli Center continues a series of free monthly cultural events that bring new perspectives on art, artists, and the community. The Reboli Center Third Friday program is free to the public and no reservations are required.