Patchogue Arts Biennial Exhibit at Briarcliffe

A completely new show, this year's Biennial features over 40 Long Island artists specially invited by curators of the Patchogue Arts Council to participate. 

"The artists on display range from the far East End [of Long Island] all the way to Brooklyn. We try to include all mediums and some of the artists are very well known while others are emerging artists," said Patchogue Arts Council President Beth Giacummo.

Brian Hogan, a painter, used the opportunity to showcase a new series of work at the Biennial.

"I generally create large-scale paintings using industrial materials. This work [at the Biennial] cross references the human body and the landscape and tries to find the connection between how we use our bodies in culture and how that relates to our landscape," Hogan said.

Photographer Veronica Johnson started creating at the age of 14 after a trip to Sweden.

"I lived in Sweden for a year and I didn't speak the language. The only books in the library that I could understand were a set of photography books that were in English. I started photographing as a way to communicate. Now, I integrate things that I've made and things that I've found. My pieces are pretty abstract," Johnson said.

Patchogue Arts Council member Jessica McAvoy noted that the support from the community is what makes the arts come alive.

"The entire community came together to raise the money for this event. We've raised just over $43,000. That came from individual supporters, local businesses, and foundations and because of that we were able to create a modular wall system which will allow us to store the galleries for next time," said McAvoy.

The exhibition is on display at Briarcliffe College in Patchogue through Sunday. Audio commentary is available via this website or by calling 631-569-3148.

Browse the photos for highlights from the exhibit.