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Islip Arts Council: A Cultural Cite

There is a general respect for the arts among Long Islanders, and there are quite a few spaces in both Nassau and Suffolk counties. In my town, or hamlet really, Bay Shore has been renowned as the place to go for things like festivals, parades and free outdoor activities for the community. The Westfield Mall, roughly a mile or two from main street, serves one of the main commercial hubs in the community. The Islip Arts Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to the showcasing of work by Long Island artists and authors, is located in this commercial hub right next to the Dick’s Sporting Goods. 

The IAC focuses on hosting exhibits to uplift different communities within the LI greater community as well as offering a myriad of art classes year round.(Dekoning, par. 5) Like most places, the IAC suffered a huge hit during the height of the covid pandemic- their former residence closed down; the manager of the Westfield Mall in Bay Shore invited them to relocate to an open space available in the mall and they’ve just ht their two year anniversary in Bay Shore. (Kuan, personal interview) This new location allows the IAC to be right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the mall while gaining access to people who would have neer heard about them otherwise. From personal experience, a large number of active community members who participate in IAC activities are women middle aged and up. While there are events catered to younger folks that get a good diverse turnout with generally equal amounts of men and women, women 40+ however, remain a consistent demographic before and after the move to Bay Shore. (Kuan, personal interview) 


                                                           Image from Islip Arts Gallery


The inside of the gallery is an open and welcoming space with a front bench dedicated to some literary work or photography pieces. The walls are white and lined with pieces from their ongoing ice cream exhibit featuring more than 15 different artists' works. The back of the gallery has plenty of tables and chairs for people taking classes in house. The back wall is dedicated to books from the Long Island Author’s Group, they pay rent to the IAC to have books displayed and host free book talks in the gallery.(Kuan, personal interview) The bus stop located at the mall serves as a main depot to over 5 different bus lines, each connecting to different train stations, making the IAC super accessible to people all over the region that rely on public transportation. 

The IAC has an active Instagram page, Youtube account and electronic newsletter to communicate effectively to all demographic groups in the Town of Islip and greater Long Island community. I personally check their Instagram page quite frequently to find out about event updates, different exhibits coming out, whether there’s an open call for art pieces etc. From their month Long Black history exhibition to their upcoming LGBTQ+ centered event this coming October, the gallery always has something in store to engage community members. (Dekoning, par. 6-8) This upcoming LGBTQ+ ‘Synergy’ event, is one of many that has open calls for members of the public to submit artwork and poetry to be part of the exhibit; a great way for local artists to get their work shown professionally and especially boosting queer creatives.(Kuan, personal interview) The IAC often partners with other organizations throughout Long Island to sponsor events and projects like the Long Island Auhtor’s Group and the Long island Maritime Museum.(Dekoning, par. 5-8)

The IAC continues to serve as a beacon in the Bay Shore and greater Islip area for the promotion of artistic talents of all kinds in the town collective. The board of the nonprofit organization focuses on hosting multiple free events year round, exhibits tailored towards different ethnic, social and age groups, and multiple classes and workshops to cater to the needs expressed by the community.(Kuan, personal interview) It serves as a comfortable, accessible and friendly place to explore artistic abilities, learn a new craft and support local talents.



Works Cited


Dekoning, Maria. “Unlock Your Inner Artist.” The Fire Island Newspaper, 1 Sept. 2023, p. 27. 


Hill, D’Aaliyah, and Katrina Kuan. “Interview with Islip Arts Council Gallery Administrator.” 15 Sep

t. 2023. 





For more info:

IAC Instagram: @isliparts

IAC Website: Isliparts.org


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Location: 1701 Sunrise Hwy, Bay Shore, NY 11706, USA

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