Favorite on Friday
These are a few of my favorite things…
The Reboli Center For Art and History
Last week I was up in New York for a brief visit. I was able to visit a few of my favorite places, and one of them is located in the very New-Englandisque location of Stony Brook Village. A unique aspect of this village is the main road does not run through it, allowing it to be tucked away, off the beaten path, in its own idyllic world. Only deliberate seekers can find this beautiful place.
There is much to do in this little hamlet. It’s a combination of everything you want when you’re looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon or trying to find a new place to meander. You will find food establishments from casual-lunching to fine-dining. There are places to walk and hike or even rent a bike. You can take an educational boat tour in the harbor and local waterways. There’s even a beach where you can stretch out, get some sun and go for a swim-if you happen upon this place in the summertime.
Stony Brook Village really is a treasure. If you’re looking to experience a real jewel, you must stop into the Reboli Center for Art and History. You don’t want to miss this very special place loaded with exceptional art created by one of their own- Joseph Reboli. This art museum honors Joe’s life and work. There you can see many of his creations, along with other artists’ work in a variety of different forms.
Every time I go to the Reboli Center, I’m in awe of the depth of design and artistry. The space is so pleasing, that you just want to linger a little longer and soak it all in. Art has a way of drawing you into the workmanship of the artist but you come out with your own interpretation. What I see in a piece of art may be completely different than what you see. That’s the beauty of art. We all interpret art through our own lens of experiences and values.
I may not be able to purchase an original Reboli or one of the many artists on exhibit, but I certainly can purchase a representation of his art in one of my favorite gift shops-hands down. A portion of the Reboli Center is dedicated to a gift shop. There you will find Joe’s work transformed into a variety of beautiful and purposeful creations. You’ll also find crafts by local artisans. Again, just as the art gallery is aesthetically pleasing, so is the way the merchandise is displayed causing you to gaze and circle around and around until you decide what you just must purchase! For me, a year cannot go by without a Reboli calendar. The calendar sits on my table that double-duties as a desk. It was a few weeks into January before I finally got my new 2020 version. Each day, I look at the scene of the month we are in, and admire the lighting and the shadows that Joe was able to capture in his work.
If you live on Long Island and need a unique gift, this is the place for you. I can’t articulate one word that describes this museum and gift shop but it certainly is distinct and pleasing. The gallery has art that will interest you regardless of your art-preference, and the gift shop offers something for everyone. You will find custom jewelry, some designed and made by Joe Reboli’s daughter Kate Reboli, an extremely gifted and talented artist herself. There also is hand-made pottery, wood carved objects, unique toys, items to enhance your home and even apparel to wear. I want to buy everything when I’m there. It’s a perfect place to buy a one-of-a-kind gift for any occasion or one-stop shopping for next year’s Christmas presents. You really can’t go wrong. That is why, The Reboli Center of Art and History is one of my favorite places to visit when I’m back on Long Island.
Here is another purchase of mine from the gift shop. You can see it on display in the gift shop in the picture above. Where do you think it looks better in my house? On my mantel or hanging on the front door? I like it on the door, but I do have a wooden storm door that blocks the wreath a bit, so it won’t be fully appreciated, even though it looks great when the door is open. For now, I’ll keep it on the mantel until I find a new spot for this lovely metal wreath.
I must disclose that I am friends with Joseph Reboli’s wife, Lois. She has poured her heart, along with many others, into this fine establishment. Together this team of creators has utilized a landmark building, transformed the space (which was a bank) to display the works of Joseph Reboli and other artists of significant talent. It truly is worth a visit if you happen to drive off of 25A in Stony Brook, Long Island. You too might make the Reboli Center one of your favorite places to visit in Stony Brook.
This is what it’s all about.
