Artability Group Exhibition
Dates: November 13 – December 13, 2025
Venue: 11 West Gallery, 11 W. Main St., Riverhead, NY 11901
Opening Reception: Thursday, November 13, 2025, 5:30 to 7:30pm
Admission: Free and open to the public
ArtABILITY ‘25: A Celebration of Diverse Talents
A traveling exhibition by the Spirit of Huntington Art Center featuring artists with diverse abilities across Long Island and beyond. Hosted at East End Arts Council’s 11 West Gallery.
Gallery Hours
During exhibitions, 11 West Gallery (11 West Main Street, Peconic Crossing, Riverhead, NY) is open:
Thursday: 12–5 PM
Friday: 12–5 PM
Saturday: 12–5 PM
Sunday: Closed
Hours may vary for special programs. Call 631-727-0900 to confirm.
About the Exhibition
ArtABILITY On Tour is a traveling art exhibition organized by the Spirit of Huntington Art Center that showcases the talents of individuals living with physical and cognitive challenges.
Its purpose is to:
Celebrate achievement in the arts
Foster inclusion and awareness
Inspire all visitors to explore their own creativity
About the Organizers
Spirit of Huntington Art Center
The Spirit of Huntington is a nonprofit that ignites the passions of students with varying abilities and Veterans for creative expression that transforms lives. Located in the Rise in Spirit Community Center, it provides fine art, sculpture, music, dance, and digital art training in a supportive environment that nurtures education, recreation, and vocational skills.
Community Partners
Participating and supporting organizations include: AABR, The Center, FREE – Family Residences & Essential Enterprises, People’s Arc of Suffolk, RISE Life Services, Life’s WORC, TSINY – Transitional Services of New York, SYJCC-Butler Center, Mid-Island YJCC-Adler Center for Special Needs, and Venture House.
Funding Acknowledgments
ArtABILITY is supported by the Suffolk County Department of Economic Planning, legislators Stephanie Bontempi, Tom Donnelly, and Rebecca Sanin, TD Charitable Foundation, and many nonprofit partners.
About the Artists
Rashida S.
Organization: AABR
Inspiration: Christopher Hart Chambers
Artist Statement: Rashida S. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from AABR. Drawing inspiration from artist Christopher Hart Chambers, Rashida created a piece that feels alive. Using both construction and tissue paper, her work features contrasting colors and textures, much like many of Chambers’ pieces. Rashida also incorporated her name into the artwork, adding her own personal spin.
Parker S.
Organization: AABR
Inspiration: Disney X Romero Britto
Artist Statement: Parker S. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from AABR. Parker was inspired by the work of Brazilian artist Romero Britto, especially his collaboration with Disney. Drawing from Britto’s signature use of bold colors, patterns, and lines, Parker created a vibrant masterpiece featuring Mickey Mouse. This mixed-media piece includes unique patterns designed by Parker, showcasing the depth of his creativity.
Vedanand C.
Organization: AABR
Inspiration: Henri Rousseau
Artist Statement: Vedanand C. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from AABR. Inspired by French painter Henri Rousseau, known for his highly detailed depictions of jungles and exotic animals, Vedanand created a landscape of his own. Featuring a bright flamingo and its habitat, Vedanand has crafted a piece that, while inspired by Rousseau, is truly unique and reflects his personal vision.
Hector M.
Organization: AABR
Inspiration: Miranda Lloyd
Artist Statement: Hector M. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from AABR. Inspired by Australian-based abstract artist Miranda Lloyd, Hector combined vibrant colors and textures to create a piece that feels truly alive. His abstract interpretation of a vase of flowers showcases his unique creativity, blending inspiration with his own artistic vision.
Yessi C.
Organization: AABR
Inspiration: Miranda Lloyd
Artist Statement: Yessi C. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from AABR. Yessi, drawing inspiration from Miranda Lloyd, created a bright, energetic piece featuring a rose. Yessi skillfully utilized the texture of the paper and paint to create texture and harmony in his piece. The piece reflects Yessi’s ability to blend boldness with delicacy, making it a truly unique expression of his artistic style.
Kevin S.
Organization: CN Guidance & Counseling Services
Inspiration: George Condo
Artist Statement: Kevin S. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from CN Guidance. Kevin was inspired by George Condo and his hallmark ‘artificial realism.’ This piece is captivating, and leaves the viewer questioning what is real. The use of colorful cutouts with facial features in contrast with the black outline creates a surreal experience. Kevin’s work invites the viewer to explore the boundary between abstraction and reality, challenging traditional perspectives of portraiture.
Raymond C.
Organization: FREE – Hauppauge
Inspiration: Buff Monster
Artist Statement: Raymond C. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from FREE Hauppauge. Raymond was inspired by Buff Monster, an American painter and street artist known for his vibrant, playful characters and bold, pop-culture-inspired artwork. Raymond’s work captures the same bold use of color and whimsical design, evoking a sense of joy and fun. His piece evokes a feeling of joy and fun, reflecting his creative energy. What could be more fun than eating ice cream?
Stacie E.
Organization: FREE – Hauppauge
Inspiration: Gustav Klimt
Artist Statement: Stacie E. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from FREE Hauppauge. Stacie took inspiration from Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, known for his opulent portraits. The gold flake in sharp contrast to the black background creates a truly mesmerizing piece. Stacie’s use of texture and bold contrasts adds depth, making the artwork feel both luxurious and dynamic.
Brooke B.
Organization: FREE – Hawkins
Inspiration: Buff Monster
Artist Statement: Brooke B. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from FREE Hawkins. Brooke was inspired by Buff Monster, but still maintained her artistic style while drawing inspiration. Brooke’s piece is captivating and allows for each viewer to experience something totally different from each other. The vibrant colors and playful shapes invite a sense of individuality, making each viewing a unique experience.
Helene C.
Organization: FREE – Saddle Rock
Inspiration: Tom Everhart
Artist Statement: Helene C. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington’s Art Center from FREE Saddle Rock. Drawing inspiration from Tom Everhart’s Peanuts collection, Helene created a colorful piece featuring Snoopy and Woodstock from the comic. This piece is filled with joy, one can’t help but smile while viewing this piece. The brightly colored and patterned background of this piece, with the cutout of the Peanuts characters brings a sense of playfulness and energy to the artwork.
Andrew P.
Organization: Life’s WORC
Inspiration: Anthony Benedetto
Artist Statement: Andrew P. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from Life’s WORC. Inspired by both the painting and music of Anthony Benedetto, more commonly known as Tony Bennett, Andrew’s work reflects his admiration for the artist’s creative expression. This piece features a gramophone record player set against a bright red background, with the exaggerated scale of the horn emphasizing the fun and playful nature of music. Through this vibrant piece, Andrew captures the joy and energy that music brings to life.
Anthony S.
Organization: Life’s WORC
Inspiration: Frida Kahlo
Artist Statement: Anthony S. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from Life’s WORC. Anthony was inspired by Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painter whose deeply personal and vibrant works explore themes of identity, pain, and self-expression. Drawing inspiration from Frida’s portraits and her bold use of color, Anthony chose to create one of his own. Using bright colors and bold black outlines, Anthony’s piece blends his personal style with Kahlo’s to create a piece that feels both unique and harmonious.
Michael G.
Organization: Life’s WORC
Inspiration: Jerry Pinkney
Artist Statement: Michael G. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from Life’s WORC. Inspired by Jerry Pinkney’s iconic lion, Michael created a powerful expression open to interpretation. Some may perceive the lion as joyful, while others may see it as thoughtful or intense. The dynamic movement of the lion’s mane naturally draws attention to its face, further enhancing the intrigue of the piece. Michael’s work invites viewers to explore the emotions and stories hidden within the artwork.
Priya R.
Organization: Mid Island Y JCC
Inspiration: Yayoi Kusama
Artist Statement: Priya R. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from Mid Island YJCC. Inspired by the works of Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist known for her contemporary paintings featuring various patterns, including polka dots, Priya created her own unique patterns to produce a piece that feels both disconnected and harmonious. Priya’s thoughtful use of color draws the viewer in, making it a piece you can’t help but stare at and get lost in.
Cheryl Lynn M.
Organization: People’s Arc – Bohemia
Inspiration: Jerry Pinkney
Artist Statement: Cheryl Lynn M. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from People’s Arc of Suffolk Bohemia. For her piece, Cheryl Lynn drew inspiration from American illustrator and author Jerry Pinkney’s The Lion & The Mouse. She created her own lion, featuring an adorable heart-shaped nose and a bright, scenic background. Cheryl Lynn skillfully crafted a whimsical and joyful piece that beautifully reflects the spirit of Pinkney’s work.
Stephanie T.
Organization: People’s Arc – Bohemia
Inspiration: Katherine Bradford
Artist Statement: Stephanie T. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from People’s Arc of Suffolk Bohemia. Inspired by Katherine Bradford’s work, which often features figures like swimmers and superheroes, Stephanie created a piece that tells a story of family, community, and joy. The combination of color, texture, and cut-outs adds depth, further bringing the narrative of the piece to life.
Karen A.
Organization: People’s Arc – Bohemia
Inspiration: René Magritte
Artist Statement: Karen A. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from People’s Arc of Suffolk Bohemia. Inspired by French artist René Magritte’s The Son of Man, Karen also drew from the world around her, including the weather, to create this piece. The bold outlines contrast beautifully with the subtlety of the colored pencils she used. While influenced by the surrealist nature of Magritte’s works, this piece is truly Karen’s own.
Ann H.
Organization: People’s Arc – Westhampton Beach
Inspiration: Georgia O’Keeffe
Artist Statement: Ann H. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from People’s Arc of Suffolk Westhampton. Ann was inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe, an American painter known for her bold, oversized depictions of flowers and landscapes that explore the beauty of nature. O’Keeffe’s focus on nature is reflected in Ann’s artwork. Through her use of color and scale, Ann invites viewers to pause and appreciate the natural world around them.
James A.
Organization: People’s Arc – Westhampton Beach
Inspiration: Stuart Davis
Artist Statement: James A. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from People’s Arc of Suffolk Westhampton. Drawing inspiration from Stuart Davis, James created a modernist representation of a city skyline, featuring buildings, ships, water, and trees. His use of color contrasts traditional notions of skyscrapers, adding vibrancy and energy to the often stark, brutalist design of modern buildings.
Diane W.
Organization: People’s Arc – Westhampton Beach
Inspiration: Yayoi Kusama
Artist Statement: Diane W. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from People’s Arc of Suffolk Westhampton. Inspired by the works of Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist known for her hallucinatory paintings, Diane’s piece beautifully captures the movement found in many of Kusama’s works. The vibrant combination of purple, yellow, and blue with bold outlines creates a piece that, while inspired by Kusama, is uniquely Diane’s. The watercolor perfectly complements the oil pastel outlines, creating a striking yet harmonious effect.
Kerri M.
Organization: RISE – Huntington
Inspiration: Amedeo Modigliani
Artist Statement: Kerri M. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from RISE Huntington. Kerri was inspired by Amedeo Modigliani, known for his distinctive style featuring portraits with elongated proportions. Focusing on Modigliani’s unique proportions, Kerri created a piece that is truly captivating. She seamlessly used grayscale to craft a dynamic composition that reveals more with each viewing. The piece evokes a gothic feel, drawing the viewer in with its depth and intrigue.
Jenna C.
Organization: RISE – Huntington
Inspiration: Caroline Duncan
Artist Statement: Jenna C. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from RISE Huntington. Inspired by the works of Scottish artist Caroline Duncan, known for her landscapes with a twist, Jenna drew influence from Duncan’s piece Houses on the Street. Using shape and color, Jenna created a dynamic and enchanting piece. Her houses resemble those from a storybook, filled with vibrant color, joy, and whimsy. Each house is uniquely decorated, contributing to the lively energy of the piece. As you look at this work, you may find yourself wondering, ‘Who lives there, and what are they like?
Robert C.
Organization: RISE – Riverhead
Inspiration: Jean-Michel Basquiat
Artist Statement: Robert C. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from RISE Riverhead. Inspired by the renowned Jean-Michel Basquiat, Robert created a compelling neo-expressionist piece that reflects some of his personal interests. Through his artwork, Robert successfully evokes energy and emotion, leaving viewers with a sense of joy. His bold use of vibrant colors and striking black lines captures the essence of neo-expressionism, reminiscent of the dynamic works of many celebrated artists in the genre.
Jaclyn V.
Organization: RISE – Riverhead
Inspiration: Vincent van Gogh
Artist Statement: Jaclyn V. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from RISE Riverhead. Inspired by the landscapes of Vincent van Gogh, Jaclyn created her very own landscape. You can feel the movement in this piece, with curved lines that create depth and a foreground that comes to life. The vibrant use of color and texture adds an emotional intensity, capturing the essence of nature in a way that is both captivating and immersive.
Joshua R.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Edvard Munch
Artist Statement: Joshua R. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Inspired by expressionist Edvard Munch, Joshua created a beautiful winter scene. Joshua’s masterful use of shadows and highlights brings the piece to life, making it feel as if you could step right into the snowy landscape. Featuring a trail of footprints over a snowy hill, each viewer is left to imagine where the person leaving the trail has gone. Is there a cabin on the other side? Are they lost? Are they human? The mystery in the scene invites endless questions.
Eddie B.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Amedeo Modigliani
Artist Statement: Eddie B. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Inspired by the portraiture of Modigliani, Eddie has crafted a striking portrait of “Mr. Conductor.” With his thoughtful use of varying shades of blue, accented by pops of black, red, and orange, Eddie has created a composition that is both bold and captivating. The oil pastels add a unique texture and movement to the piece, bringing it to life in a way that is entirely his own.
Julia R.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Anthony Benedetto
Artist Statement: Julia R. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Inspired by the works of Anthony Benedetto, Julia created a captivating piece featuring her own original characters as a group of musicians performing in harmony. The passion and energy of the musicians come through in their expressions and movement. Central to the piece is a man playing the trumpet, as if performing a solo, with the others in the background offering their support. Filled with joy, support, and friendship, this piece radiates a sense of hope and community.
Andrew A.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Aviv Benn
Artist Statement: Andrew A. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Drawing inspiration from Aviv Benn, Andrew created an illusory piece that you can’t take your eyes off of. His skillful use of shadows, highlights, and colors adds immense depth, making the artwork feel as though it’s popping off the paper. The combination of yellow on one side and purple on the other creates a blend that feels both harmonious and contrasting, drawing the viewer in from every angle.
Gianna O.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Aviv Benn
Artist Statement: Gianna O. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Inspired by the works of Aviv Benn, Gianna created a piece that is truly one-of-a-kind. With vibrant colors, playful shapes, and even a hand turkey, this artwork radiates whimsy and fun. It’s a joyful celebration of creativity that brings a smile to anyone who sees it.
Nicholas H.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Aviv Benn
Artist Statement: Nicholas H. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Inspired by Shapes Not Ours by London-based artist Aviv Benn, Nicholas created a semi-psychedelic piece featuring bold yellow outlines that stand in stark contrast to the black paper. The flowing, rounded shapes give the piece an incredible sense of fluidity, inviting viewers to interpret it in their own way. Each person who looks at this work experiences something unique, making it a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
Nicholas T.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Aviv Benn
Artist Statement: Nicholas T. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Using Aviv Benn’s pieces as inspiration, Nicholas was able to create a dynamic, energy-filled composition. His use of color is captivating, featuring bold shades of blue, orange, green, and more, all set against a striking black background that enhances the vibrancy of the colors. The contrast between the colors and the black paper adds depth and intensity, making the piece truly stand out.
Timmy G.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Bob Ross
Artist Statement: Timmy G. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Inspired by the landscapes of Bob Ross, Timmy created a scene that is entirely his own. Featuring a small brown house with lights glowing in the distance, the piece evokes a sense of coziness and joy, allowing the viewer to feel the warmth of the home without ever stepping foot inside. Timmy put his own spin on traditional landscape elements, using purple for the ground and a yellow and blue sky to create a unique and vibrant atmosphere.
Andrew F.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Cherie Benner Davis
Artist Statement: Andrew F. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Inspired by contemporary artist Cherie Benner Davis, Andrew created a stunning piece using oil pastels and paper cutouts. Filled with vibrant colors and dynamic shapes, Andrew’s artwork is a true joy to view. Andrew skillfully combines different textures, colors, and shapes, resulting in a piece that remains beautifully harmonious while still evoking energy and movement.
Alexia R.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Fernand Léger
Artist Statement: Alexia R. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Inspired by Fernand Léger and his unique blend of cubism and tubism, Alexia created a dynamic piece depicting a queen. The artwork primarily features black, white, and grey tones, with vibrant pops of red, yellow, and pink to highlight the subject’s regal status. The contrast in colors and shapes adds energy and depth, capturing the essence of both strength and fantasy.
Michael E.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Hokusai
Artist Statement: Michael E. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Inspired by the iconic works of Japanese artist Hokusai, Michael has reimagined the famous The Great Wave off Kanagawa with a personal twist. His version features a playful blend of his favorite animals, alongside a vibrant and bold use of color. The piece radiates joy and whimsy, bringing together land, sea, and even extinct creatures in a harmonious display that is as imaginative as it is captivating.
Ryan H.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Hokusai
Artist Statement: Ryan H. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Inspired by the works of Japanese artist Hokusai, Ryan created his own ocean landscape, featuring a knight navigating through powerful, crashing waves. The intensity of the waves makes the viewer question whether the knight will make it through, but Ryan’s inclusion of a sun behind the clouds offers a sense of hope, bringing balance to the tumultuous scene.
Edward N.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Jean-Michel Basquiat
Artist Statement: Edward N. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Featuring a skull surrounded by animals, this piece is a true reflection of his inspiration, Jean-Michel Basquiat. Showcasing animals from different environments, species, and continents, the artwork highlights the collective nature of the world. With bright colors and bold black outlines, the piece draws the viewer in and invites them to reflect on the interconnectedness of life in a dynamic and captivating way.
Andrew D.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Jerry Pinkney
Artist Statement: Andrew D. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Depicting a masterfully crafted lion, Andrew created a piece that is both uniquely his own and inspired by Jerry Pinkney. Through his skillful use of texture and movement in the lion’s fur, Andrew captures the essence of a moment in the wild. The bold black outlines around the eyes, mouth, nose, and whiskers draw the viewer in, inviting them to connect with the power and presence of the lion.
Justine B.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Jim Dine
Artist Statement: Justine B. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Inspired by the pop-art style of American artist Jim Dine. Her piece truly captures the bold, vibrant energy of pop-art, with strong black lines contrasting against the bright, colorful tissue paper, creating a striking visual impact. The addition of splatter paint further enhances the piece, adding an extra layer of excitement and texture that makes it truly dynamic.
Dora D.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Keith Haring
Artist Statement: Dora D. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Inspired by the works of the late Keith Haring, Dora created a truly unique piece. Using some of Haring’s iconic imagery, Dora crafted a scene that is entirely her own. Featuring dancing figures, the movement and energy she captured make it feel as if the characters are alive. One almost feels compelled to join in with them. Featuring a clean, minimalist design, this piece is the perfect blend of Dora’s style and Haring’s influence.
John W.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Paul Gauguin
Artist Statement: John W. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Inspired by Paul Gauguin and his time in Tahiti, John created a magnificent island landscape. Using colored pencils, John brought depth and texture to the piece, creating movement in the water, land, and sky through varying pressure and technique. Adding his personal touch, John incorporated both fish and his name into the artwork, making it uniquely his own while still capturing the essence of Gauguin’s vibrant style.
Chris C.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Paul Klee
Artist Statement: Chris C. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Featuring a beautifully blended background of purples and blues, with vibrant orange overlays, this piece feels both natural and whimsical. The bright blue and white shapes, outlined in black, sharply contrast the background, creating a striking visual impact. This artwork is a seamless blend of Chris’s personal style and the distinctive approach of his inspiration, Paul Klee.
Matthew O.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Paul Klee
Artist Statement: Matthew O. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Drawing inspiration from the works of Paul Klee, Matthew created a vibrant piece that blends cubism, surrealism, and expressionism. This piece offers something different to every viewer, which is the beauty of Matthew’s work. The use of bold, rainbow colors brings an undeniable sense of joy, making the artwork both eye-catching and full of energy.
Danny S.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Tim Burton
Artist Statement: Danny S. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Danny was inspired by Tim Burton but created a piece entirely his own. This mixed media piece features paper cutouts that literally jump off the page. Using primary colors along with black and green, this piece feels both grungy and light, creating a truly unique viewing experience. The boldness of the cutouts and the contrasting colors come together to create a dynamic, almost three-dimensional effect that pulls the viewer in.
Daniel G.
Organization: Suffolk Y JCC
Inspiration: Amedeo Modigliani
Artist Statement: Daniel G. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from Suffolk YJCC. Daniel was inspired by Modigliani’s distinct portraits, which feature elongated proportions. Daniel’s use of color creates a warm, welcoming, and dynamic background. Additionally, Daniel included the word ‘friends’ on his piece, adding a personal touch that emphasizes the theme of connection and community.
Robert U.
Organization: Suffolk Y JCC
Inspiration: Paul Klee
Artist Statement: Robert U. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from Suffolk YJCC. Drawing inspiration from the works of Paul Klee, Robert created a striking modern art piece. His thoughtful use of color results in a visually harmonious design that captures attention. The blend of soothing blues, purples, and pinks, highlighted by a bold pop of orange, brings a dynamic energy to the artwork. The piece leaves it up to the viewer to interpret Robert’s expression, inviting a personal connection.
Jonathan S.
Organization: The Center
Inspiration: Katherine Bradford
Artist Statement: Jonathan S. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from The Center for Developmental Disabilities. Jonathan was inspired by Katherine Bradford and her iconic paintings of swimmers. He cleverly created a piece centered around night swimming, capturing the peaceful yet dynamic energy of the scene. The depth and use of color on both the moon and water create an inviting atmosphere, drawing the viewer into the tranquil world of the piece. One can almost feel the urge to jump right in and swim under the stars with the other figures depicted.
Robert S.
Organization: TSINY
Inspiration: Caroline Duncan
Artist Statement: Robert S. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from TSINY. Inspired by Caroline Duncan’s collection of house paintings, Bob created a world of his own. Each house, while adorned in a different color, feels harmonious with the one before and after it. The repetition of shapes and colors creates a sense of unity, inviting the viewer into a peaceful, cohesive neighborhood of Bob’s imagination.
Lance D.
Organization: TSINY
Inspiration: Pablo Picasso
Artist Statement: Lance D. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from TSINY. Drawing inspiration from Picasso, Lance used pointed and straight-edged shapes to create a truly dynamic piece. His thoughtful use of color forms the perfect background and border, drawing the viewer’s attention to the main subject. Additionally, Lance added his own personal touch by including a giraffe in the right corner, further enhancing the uniqueness of the composition.
Andre C.
Organization: TSINY
Inspiration: Vincent van Gogh
Artist Statement: Andre C. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from TSINY. Andre was inspired by the iconic sunflower paintings by Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh. Andre’s use of varying shades of yellow adds depth and contrast to the blue of the background. In addition, Andre’s choice to create this piece on black paper further enhances the depth and intrigue, making the vibrant sunflowers truly stand out. The striking contrast between the colors draws the viewer in, giving the piece an almost three-dimensional quality.
Javonny M.
Organization: Venture House
Inspiration: Edvard Munch
Artist Statement: Javonny M. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from Venture House. Javonny’s piece is the perfect example of mixing inspiration from other artists and combining it with one’s own style. This is Javonny’s interpretation of Edvard Munch’s The Scream, but features some of his favorite characters from Scooby-Doo. The playful addition of these iconic characters brings a unique twist, blending surrealism with pop culture in an imaginative way.
Tiffany R.
Organization: Venture House
Inspiration: Pablo Picasso
Artist Statement: Tiffany R. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from Venture House. Tiffany was inspired by the cubist style of Pablo Picasso. This piece features three women, with their features teetering between realism and abstraction. Amplified by vibrant colors, it’s a perfect blend of both Tiffany’s and Picasso’s artistic expressions. The piece also invites interpretation, making viewers wonder: Are these women different perspectives of one person, or are they three distinct individuals?
Susan S.
Organization: People’s Arc – Westhampton Beach
Inspiration: Bunny Sculpture
Artist Statement: Susan S. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from People’s Arc of Suffolk Westhampton. Susan’s sculpted bunny is a true joy to view. The brown bunny, gently holding a white heart, conveys warmth and tenderness. This charming piece reflects Susan’s thoughtful attention to detail and her ability to create art that inspires feelings of comfort and kindness.
Dylan F.
Organization: RISE – Huntington
Inspiration: Coil Tile
Artist Statement: Dylan F. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from RISE Huntington. Featuring coils in yellow, green, and blue, this piece strikes a balance between groundedness and whimsy. The contrast between bright yellow and deep blue draws the viewer in, inviting them to explore and get lost within the swirling forms.
Lea W.
Organization: RISE – Huntington
Inspiration: Flower Bowl
Artist Statement: Lea W. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center from RISE Huntington. Lea’s piece features an earthy green bowl decorated with bright red flowers with yellow centers. The vibrant colors contrast beautifully with the natural green base, creating a lively and harmonious composition. This work reflects Lea’s attention to color and detail, bringing energy and warmth to a simple, everyday object.
Anthony B.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Dragonfly Tile
Artist Statement: Anthony B. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington. Featuring a green tile that resembles a leaf and a detailed dragonfly in shades of white, black, orange, and red, this piece captures a quiet moment in nature. The contrast between the earthy background and the vibrant insect brings the scene to life and highlights Anthony’s attention to color and detail.
Erica L.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Heart Mini Dish
Artist Statement: Erica L. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Erica created a black and red heart dish featuring layered heart patterns. The bold contrast between the dark rim and the bright red center creates a striking visual balance. This piece combines strong color choices with thoughtful designs, resulting in a work that feels both powerful and harmonious.
Matthew R.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Monster
Artist Statement: Matthew R. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Matthew created his very own monster featuring bright white teeth and red eyes. His bold blue monster, filled with intensity and imagination, was selected “Best In Show” at our Monster Awards. The strong contrast of colors and sharp design choices give the piece a striking presence. Matthew’s work demonstrates his ability to turn creativity into something powerful and unforgettable.
Olivia C.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Monster
Artist Statement: Olivia C. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Olivia showcased her ceramic skills by creating a monster in two parts, complete with a removable head. Her thoughtful use of texture and bold color choices bring the sculpture to life, inviting viewers to explore every detail. Olivia’s creativity and craftsmanship shine through in this dynamic and imaginative piece.
Lexington C.
Organization: Spirit of Huntington
Inspiration: Bird’s Nest with Cardinal
Artist Statement: Lexington (Lexi) C. is a student who joins us at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Lexi created a detailed bird’s nest featuring a bird carefully watching over its eggs. This piece captures a quiet, intimate connection with nature, offering a glimpse into a moment many of us rarely get to witness. Lexi’s work encourages viewers to slow down and appreciate the tenderness and beauty found in the natural world.