The East Meadow Art Gallery, located at 198 East Meadow Avenue in East Meadow, debuted its summer art exhibit on May 21. This year’s theme “Everyone Comes Together” celebrates diversity, community, and heritage. 

From now until July 31, the exhibit will be on display and open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.–Noon and 1– 2 p.m. 

The gallery’s 28 artists chose the to highlight what “diversity” means to them and express it in the art form of their choice—drawing, painting, or mixed media. In total, over 30 pieces were prepared for display.

Fifteen works were purchased on opening week alone, but all pieces—including sold ones—will remain on display throughout the exhibit.

The artists prepare for this annual event for up to two months in advance. They work with each other, and sometimes with the assistance of support staff, to realize their artistic vision.  

Allison Douso, who has attended the art gallery for over two years, joined the Day Services location following graduating from high school. So far, she’s enjoyed every minute of it.  

“We go out in the community,” Allison said. “We look at painting pictures, like statues, or go to the farm.” 

For this year’s exhibit, Allison created two original pieces:  a Western-style landscape painting and a work featuring the Irish flag and iconic golden harp.  

The theme “Everyone Comes Together” was reflected not only in the artwork itself, but also in the friendships formed at the gallery. Allison was proud to lend a helping hand to friend Donna Nowakoski to complete her piece. 

“I helped her do the shading. I did the outside,” Allison said.

“I’m part Irish, Spanish, German, and Polish,” Donna said. Her artwork celebrated her heritage, and she created a standout diamond art piece of a Volkswagen Beetle, the iconic car from the German automaker. 

Creating art together, Allison and Donna developed a strong bond. 

“I talk to her and stuff,” Donna said. “I talk to her about what she’s doing and try to teach her.”  

Donna laughed as she recalled a time when she tried to teach Allison diamond art. “She didn’t like it,” Donna said. The pair enjoy working on paintings, and art featuring detail work—favored by Allison.

East Meadow Art Gallery artists look forward to the art show. It gives them an opportunity to showcase their talents, share their creativity, and connect with the community through their art.

Funds raised through art sales directly support the gallery’s artists in large and small ways. Along with helping fund holiday celebrations, proceeds from art sales also support the artists’ creativity. 

“It goes back into our art supplies and the little things that we do at the gallery,” said Joshua Bellinger, Direct Support Professional, who highlighted materials ranging from canvases to paint. “They do a lot of work, and this money goes right back to them.”