With the start of the new year, there are many new exhibitions coming to local museums like the Nassau County Art Museum, Islip Art Museum and MoCA LI (Museum of Contemporary Art Long Island). 

Currently on display at the Nassau County Art Museum is an exhibit called Songs Without Words: The Art of Music.  This exhibit includes vintage photography and memorabilia from multiple generations, including posters, sheet music, manuscripts, and instruments from all around the world.  The exhibit includes  artists such asDegas, Vuillard, Gris, Bearden and Matisse.  There is even a video portrait of Lady Gaga.  The exhibit opened on Nov. 21 and will close on March 6. 

 “As someone who has always been interested in music, this exhibit seems really interesting, especially as there were so many different interpretations incorporated,” said sophomore Mia Clateman. 

The Nassau County Art Museum isn’t only limited to its beautiful art galleries, but includes scenic trails and gardens for visitors to stroll through. 

 “I think it’s such a unique experience how the museum gives visitors the opportunity to get in touch with nature and I would really love to visit once Covid lightens up,” said sophomore Sadie Muller. 

There are also occasional public programs, such as talks, seminars, and even art classes featured at the museum.  In order to be more inclusive and Covid friendly, there has recently been a virtual option introduced.  Due to Covid-19, the Islip Art Museum is currently not showing any in-person exhibitions, but they have added a large selection of virtual exhibits for viewers.  Their current most popular one is titled Forever Young, and includes the work of 109 artists, each from New York.  The artists were given the theme of “Forever Young” and told to express what this means to them.  The exhibit is a way to show the museum’s support of AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) by spreading awareness of the negative stigma around aging.  The art was crafted using all different types of mediums, including photography, acrylic painting, and watercolors. 

“I had never heard of this organization before, and I think it is so cool how the museum incorporated their ideology into the exhibit,” said sophomore Zaid Pattie.  

Another one of the museum’s hit collaborations with the AARP is a piece they call Art at 50 Plus, in which pieces from artists aging 50-90+ are selected to be put on display.  You can view these virtual exhibits on the museum’s website at islipartmuseum.org. 

Currently on view at MoCA LI is an exhibit titled Urban Suburbanites.  The exhibit highlights Long Island’s unique relationship with New York City by showing the ties between the economy and culture here.  The exhibit’s curator selected Long Island artists whose work has what they deem an “urban feel.”  This exhibit includes a wide range of styles, featuring a few dark pieces, such as Caitlyn Shea’s painting of black birds, or Amanda Reilly’s art, which depicts her twisted, emotional visions of humanity’s overall doomed fate.  In contrast, Evan Campenella’s art depicts gender fluidity, while Thomas Benincase makes visual representations of the music associated with early video games.  This exhibit opens on Jan. 15, and is set to close on Feb. 27. 

Art museums support local artists by giving them their own exhibitions and showcasing their work, and these are no exception.  Exhibits tell stories about countries, communities, and people that should not be forgotten.   A great way to support local history, artists and ideas is to check out one of these exhibitions at local art museums.