Embracing the goal to enhance and support the rich artistic talent on Long Island, LIM has created a special membership opportunity for visual artists, LIMarts: a collaborative arts group. Designed for artists dedicated to creating a forum within our cultural community, LIMarts offers space for the exhibition and sale of artwork, varied programming events, lectures and opportunities for social gathering with other artists and the public. For information about becoming an LIMarts member, e-mail Alexandria D’Auria.
Artist of the Month
Maria Lourdes Velez
The Long Island Museum and LIMarts are pleased to announce the September 2023 Artist of the Month: Maria Lourdes Velez.
A Bit About the Artist:
My name is Maria Lourdes Velez Riccobono, a resident of Smithtown, NY. I’m 72 years old, married, and have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. I have a BS in Psychology and a BS in Nursing. In 1997, I migrated from the Philippines to the United States and started working as a nurse, first in Connecticut for 2 years, and then at the Gurwin Jewish Nursing Rehabilitation Center in Commack.
I never had any formal training in arts. In 2016, I was obliged to paint; I didn’t want to spend a lot of money buying artwork to fill up my walls. I learned all of my art tips on YouTube. Then, I started posting my paintings on Facebook and Instagram to share with my friends, where it caught the attention of DighoArts in Huntington in 2018. They invited me to join their art exhibition. Thank you to DighoArts for my first exposure.
In 2019, I received an email from Irene Ruddock, as we were both members of the Long Island Museum. She said that Mather Hospital was in need of art donations for their new Oncology Unit. I had a triptych under my bed that I thought would serve a better purpose if I donated it. Irene Ruddock was so happy with my “substantial” donation that she invited me to join the Setauket Artists Club, of which she was the President. I gladly accepted, joined the 39th Annual Art Exhibition with them, and the rest is history!
In 2023, my painting, The Flamenco Dancer, received an Honorable Mention at the Deepwells Museum’s Fall Exhibit, my first-ever award.
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Calla Lilies
Acrylic
37″ x 28 ”
$550
A Flamboyance of Flamingoes
Acrylic
37″ x 28 ”
$550
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The Museum is open Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
We hope to see you there!
2023 MEMBER EXHIBITION
The Long Island Museum and LIMarts are pleased to present the 10th annual members’ exhibition, Perfect 10.
This year, we dedicate the exhibition to the late artist, Irene Ruddock (1942-2023). Irene was a founding member of LIMarts and a long-time friend of the Long Island Museum and the cultural arts in our special community.
Members are invited to submit artwork created within the last three years. We invite you to reflect on your past experiences, with LIMarts or other art experiences, and share through all forms of media. We welcome painters, photographers, sculptors, craftspersons, and more. What do you want to celebrate and share with the world?!
November 30 – December 17, 2023
Long Island Museum – History Museum – Main Gallery
For questions, please contact Emily Meyer
