October’s Artisans of the Month: Jay & Madeleine Crowdus | Metal Sculpture Designers

The Reboli Center is pleased to announce Jay and Madeleine Crowdus, a husband and wife artist team, as the feature Artisans of the Month for October, 2024. Jay and Madeleine have a passion for good design. Jay is a graphic artist, while Madeleine is a fine artist in variety of medias.

Together, Jay and Madeleine believe that good design should be simple yet elegant, and both strive to create accessible sculptures that capture their moments that live in their minds and imaginations. In 2011, the artistic duo had a vision to turn their love of birds and other garden and woodland inhabitants into delightful, engaging, rustic metal silhouettes to ornament garden and home. 

These special sculptural delights by the Crowdus family will be available for viewing and purchase at The Reboli Center through the month of October and throughout the 2024 holiday season.

August Artisan of the Month | Jonathan Zamet, Potter

Jonathan Zamet was born and raised in England where his parents ran a clothing store for women.  Zamet’s father had been trained as a Savile Row tailor and was also an accomplished cabinet maker and a capable upholsterer.

Zamet studied history at Oxford University and then, after a spell in financial jobs in London, came to the States to pursue a Doctorate in American History at Columbia.  At some point during his Doctorate, Zamet realized fine craft was in his genes and not to be denied.  Zamet went on to take a pottery course at Riverside Church across the road from Columbia and hasn’t stopped since.

Zamet’s unique and aesthetically pleasing pots are made of stoneware clay, occasionally porcelain, and fired in an electric kiln to about 2200 degrees Fahrenheit.  Most are generally meant for every day use, making them highly functional pieces of art. Zamet informed us that some of his pieces are crafted on the potter's wheel, while others are from rolled out slabs of clay. 

“I love the plasticity of clay…  I enjoy the processes of making pots by hand and leaving my fingerprints as it were on the finished piece…” Zamet shares, “…I aim for a style which combines elegance with strength and movement with rest....  Ideally, each piece should be easy on the eyes and comfortable in the hand”.

Zamet also tells us that just before the pandemic began, he and his wife paid a visit to the Metropolitan Museum.  Among the many wonderful objects there, Zamet was particularly struck by a Neolithic Chinese jade.  The result has been a series of pots inspired by this piece, some of which will be featured in our exhibit of his work during our August Artisan of the Month Feature at The Reboli Center. As always, our exhibitions are free to the public and no reservations are required to attend. Zamet’s work will remain available for viewing and purchase through August 31st. We are also excited to announce that Zamet will be our featured Third Friday guest speaker for August where he will give a talk and book signing opportunity, learn more by clicking here.




Frequently Asked Questions About Zamet’s work…

Does the artist use lead? 

Zamet’s glazes do not contain lead.  Perfectly safe glazes can be made with lead but lead is a flux which is particularly useful to melt glazes at lower temperatures.  At the temperature at which I fire my pots, lead is not needed.


Are the pieces microwave, dishwasher and oven safe?
In most cases they are.  The pieces with bronze pigment on the rims are better washed by hand.  Those pieces should not be used with acidic foods such as vinaigrette.  If you are not sure, please ask.

Does the artist accept commissions?
Zamet is happy to make pieces to order, provided the request is within the parameters of his style, palette, and technical capabilities (e.g. his kiln is only so big!). If you are interested in a commission, please consult with a Reboli Center representative and their will do their best to assist you.



July's Feature Artisan | Jo Wadler

The Reboli Center for Art and History is pleased to announce Jo Waddler as our Feature Artisan of the Month for the month of July, 2024.

According to Wadler, her journey as a jewelry artist, metalsmith, and fiber artist is a tapestry woven from a deep reverence for nature and a lifelong fascination with the intricate beauty of the world around her. Wadler’s work is inspired by her daily walks, gardening, and the instinctual allure of shiny objects, “much like a raven—I find profound meaning in capturing these elements in wearable art” shares the artist.

With a foundation in Graphic Design from the School of Visual Arts (SVA), Wadler’s artistic evolution has been a fusion of creativity and craftsmanship. Transitioning from graphic design, she discovered a passion for metalsmithing, enameling, fiber arts, and ceramics, each medium offering a new canvas to express her connection to the natural world.

In Wadler’s Huntington studio, she immerses herself in the transformative power of the kiln, where experiments with metal and glass have allowed her to merge my love for enameling and metalsmithing into harmonious, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Each creation—inspired by flora, fauna, and geometric patterns—embodies her commitment to ethical craftsmanship, using ethically sourced stones and metals.

Beyond jewelry, Wadler’s artistic journey extends into ceramics, where she crafts a whimsical world from clay, honoring the preciousness of nature's treasures like flowers and butterflies. These sculptures are not just reflections of nature's beauty but also a testament to her advocacy for its preservation.

Wadler shares that her art is a celebration of authenticity and individuality, offering wearers an intimate connection to the natural world. Through her jewelry line, she invites admirers and purchasers to explore her creations, where each piece is not just jewelry but a narrative of artistic exploration and a tribute to the timeless beauty of nature.

Jo Wadler’s work will be available for public viewing and purchase through the month of July, 2024, at The Reboli Center. Stop in during our business hours to see these remarkable treasurers and enjoy free gift wrapping upon request at checkout. As always, our Center is free to visit and no reservations are required to visit in small groups.




June's Feature Artisan | Julianna Kirk | Fused Glass

Julianna Kirk is a practicing artist living in Brookhaven, New York. She has an undergrad degree in Art Education and beyond her Masters she supplemented her professional education with glass and multimedia courses around the country and in Europe.

She has devoted most of her practice to fused glass work for the last 35 years although she is proficient in other medias. She applies varying materials in her pieces that best communicate her point.  She has successfully exhibited her work locally and the tri state area. The awards she garnered have been a highlight for her and her work is owned in many private collections.

Julianna is an active member of Women Sharing Art, the Long Island Craft Guild and Gallery North. Her work is represented at Gallery North, bj Spoke and Reboli Art Center, all on Long Island. A lifelong teacher, she has accepted workshops in glass as the She has shown her artwork in The Society of Illustrators, Salmagundi Club, Nat. Assoc. of Women Artists, Taipei Institute, Williamsburg Art Center and

Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition all in New York. She has also enjoyed 6  solo exhibits. She was part of a national glass exhibit in Virginia for 2024. She remains the Glass media chair in the Long Island Craft Guild and is on the board of the Bay Area Friends of Fine Arts.

The Reboli Center for Art & History is honored to showcase Kirk’s fused glass throughout the month of June as our monthly Artisan featured. As always, our gallery is free to visit during our public business hours and no reservations are required to visit in small groups. Our business hours are Tuesdays - Saturdays, 11am - 5pm, and Sundays 1pm - 5pm. Our building is wheelchair accessible and we have free parking onsite (for Reboli Center patrons and visitors only). Please note that our gallery is closed on Mondays.

April's Artisan of the Month | Cece Baca | Jewelry Designer

The Reboli Center is proud to announce our April Artisan of the month, Jewelry Designer, Cecilia Baca. Baca, known more commonly as Cece, is proudly from Albuquerque, NM, where she has spent the majority of her life thoroughly enjoying what many refer to as ‘‘the Land of Enchantment’’. 

Baca shared with us that Albuquerque has been an inspiring place for her to develop her creative skills. Being so close to Santa Fe, a renowned center of  Arts and Culture, the surrounding area has influenced Albuquerque to become quite a noteworthy hub of creativity in itself.

Growing up, Baca tells us how she was always an avid competitive runner and soccer player, partaking in the sport from childhood through to the impressive age of 57. While her love for movement and the outdoors still persists, over time Baca explains that she has become more focused on other physical activities such as cycling and swimming. These types of lower impact sports are much kinder on the joints, like the knees, which has become a greater priority Baca as she ages.

Though Baca’s love of sports had been the primary focus for the first half of her life, about 15 years ago she began to feel more comfortable identifying with the creative facets of her personality. Over time she has become more and more familiar with the artistic aspects of herself which have eventually led her down the path to jewelry design, with her forte being hand crafted, exceptionally unique earrings (pictured above). 

“The earrings that I make and sell with the Reboli Center are somewhat labor intensive… These tiny beads are tough to work with at times…but well worth the time making… “At 72, I love doing what I have time for in the way of making jewelry” - Cece Baca


Baca explains that after a 53 year long career working in the Dental Field, she has officially retired and is left with more time to continue working on her hand crafted designs in between caring for (and enjoying time with) her 93 year old mother. Baca shares that she was inspired to make this particularly colorful, currently available collection after a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico to partake in the Day of the Dead celebration. Baca explains how inspired she was by the saturated artworks and vibrant fabrics and clothing styles and how that directly reflected into her latest round of one-of-a-kind earrings.

We are grateful to Cece Baca for sharing her artwork with us. Baca’s work will be available for public viewing and purchase through the month of April 2024 in our Gallery and Design Shop during regular business hours. 

March's Artisan of the Month | Jim Swierupski | Sculptor

Jim Swierupski is a local artist born and raised in Dix Hills, now living in Port Jefferson Station, Long Island. His passion for art and craftsmanship has been a lifelong journey. Swierupski pursued his artistic education at Suny New Paltz, earning a degree in art education with a concentration in ceramics and sculpture.

For the past 22 years, Swierupski has been a dedicated art teacher in the Three Village school district, primarily focusing on ceramics, sculpture, and Advanced Placement 3D. Swierupski states that he finds joy in being an educator, appreciating the opportunities provided by Three Village to be creative with his students and receiving support for the classes he teaches.

In 2015, a unique opportunity arose when the Director of the music department approached Jim with a proposal. He was tasked with inventorying and assessing instruments across the Three Village schools. Any instruments beyond repair were to be excessed and replaced. Jim was offered the damaged ones to explore alternative uses.     

 The damaged instruments, falling apart at the seams, became the catalyst for Jim's instrument sculptures. Inspired by the symmetry, beautiful shapes, and curves of the string instruments, he embarked on a journey of deconstruction and reconstruction. The delicate nature of string instruments posed a challenge, as removing the front and back compromised their structural integrity. Embracing balance, rhythm, and movement, Jim used the broken pieces to echo the instruments' former beauty.

Drawing from years of teaching 3D mediums, Jim applied his own advice in completing these sculptures. The interiors, patched and reglued over the years, were stripped down to reveal the wood's natural beauty, providing a stark contrast to the exterior. Some sculptures still bear the school names and numbers, preserving the instruments' history and the love they received.

Jim Swierupski is delighted to share his instrument sculptures at The Reboli Center, just as The Reboli Center is delighted to showcase his unique and captivating creations.

“To celebrate the years of joy these instruments provided to Three Village students, I decided to join the essence of musical and artistic creativity into these sculptures.These sculptures were constructed using string instruments which are now being retired after many years of use. The outsides of the instruments remain intact and depict the hours of practice and love students had for their musical abilities. The insides were sanded down, cleaned up, and then turned into something better than what they were. Please enjoy the balance, rhythm, and movement of these sculptures.” - Jim Swierupski

Jim’s work will be available for viewing and purchase through March 2024 during our regular business hours, Tuesdays - Saturdays 11am-5pm, Sundays 1pm-5pm. As always, our Center is free to visit and no reservations are required for small groups.

February's Artisan of the Month | William Buchholz | Stained Glass

William “Bill" Buchholz began his career in the arts as a staff gift wrap and product development designer, before advancing into the position of Art Director at several design studios located in Dallas, Texas. After establishing his reputation in the arts, he returned to New York, answering a calling to become a teacher. He went on to earn a B.F.A. and a M.S., as well as several professional diplomas and advanced teaching certifications. This led to a successful and productive 30-year career as an Art/Media Teacher in the Farmingdale Public School District.


As a Art/Media teacher, Bill wrote curriculum to develop Advertising & Design, Computer Animation, and Media/TV Production classes, while encouraging his students to explore career opportunities in the art industry. A highlight of Bill’s teaching career was his involvement in the Farmingdale High School theatrical productions as a set designer, supervising the construction and painting of transforming sets that developed theatrical skills in young people. His work also included the design and production of playbills, posters, tickets and promotional shirts.

In retirement Bill volunteers and exhibits/sells oil paintings and stained glass at The Reboli Center located in Stony Brook. He also teaches oil painting in Smithtown Public School District's Adult Education Program.

Bill has been involved with LIMAS for 23 years, seven in retirement, where he has been has been Co-Founder and served as Treasurer. Bill continues to support the LIMAS at Five Towns College, and it thrilled him to know that it continues to offer educational opportunities to students and emerging artists. Bill is very grateful to have had an engaging and creative career that he loved. He often says, "I never worked a day in my life”.

For demonstarting a commitment to excellence in teaching and media arts education, for his enduring commitment to theatrical arts education and young people, Five Towns College conferred the Honary Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) upon Prof. William C. Buchholz at its 49th Annual Commencement Exercises in 2023.

We are honored to share that Bill’s work will be available for public viewing and purchase at The Reboli Center for Art & History throughout the month of February 2024 and beyond. As always, our Center is free to visit and no reservations are required for small groups.

January's Feature Artisan | Bonnie Connelly

 Since she was a child, Bonnie Connelly loved to draw and paint. Connelly especially loved playing with color and  states that she was largely intrigued by the work of the Abstract Expressionists. She was most impressed, in particular, by Helen Frankenthaler and greatly admired the way the expressive artist used and blended soft colors together. As time progressed, Connelly began to do abstract works of her own, throughly enjoying the freedom that this style allowed her. 

 Roughly 20 years ago, Connelly showed her work to her colleague in the Miller Place School District, Julia Vogel. Vogel, a previous Reboli Center Feature Artisan of the Month, teacher and talented ceramist who runs The Brick Ceramic School and Gallery in Saint James, praised Connelly’s designs and suggested she try them on silk scarves. Moved by her trusted colleague’s suggestion, Connelly found a new calling in scarf design and started creating her vibrant and unique hand-painted pieces.

Connelly began shifting her focus from large-scale abstract paintings, in which one piece often took many days to complete, to scarves, which by their nature were more concise but also more unforgiving. The artisan shared with us that the process of creating one of her hand-painted silk scarves allows the completed project to emerge much more quickly than paintings on canvas, but once set the silk cannot be reworked. So what you get is what you get and as she shared, this means that from time to time certain scarves meet their end in places other than around ones’ neck. 

 Since Connelly was already fond of wearing scarves for the elegance they can bring to any attire, she conveniently became a walking advertisement for her own work. She soon enjoyed success selling her silk creations in her local community after receiving much positive feedback. “This was wonderful because it allowed me to do something that I loved and could easily share with others,” said Connelly, “painting these scarves was always something I viewed as an avocation rather then as a business and therefore I sell them at little above cost.”

Bonnie Connelly and her studio are based in Setauket, NY and has known the Reboli family for several years. “I, like all who have known Joe Reboli, feel his loss to the art community. I am greatly impressed with the wonderful work that the Reboli Center has done over the past several years and I am greatly honored to have my work shown by the Center,” she expressed.

Bonnie Connelly’s beautiful, silk scarves are each one-of-a-kind due to the nature in which they are created. We are honored to have a stunning collection available for public viewing and purchase throughout the month of January and beyond at The Reboli Center. As always, The Reboli Center has no admission fee and no reservations are required to visit during our regular business hours.

December's Feature Artisan | Matt Reed

Matt Reed of Huntington, New York began painting with acrylic in high school. He painted everything that caught his eye from a landscape to a still life. Semi retired from a long career in visual merchandising, he started painting again adding designs to waxed canvas tote bags and antique furniture.

According to Matt, “acrylic paint is very durable and takes well to the waxed canvas. I wanted to produce art that could be enjoyed at a good price that you can take with you wherever you go.” He added that he chose a waxed canvas bag as it is similar to a stretched canvas and is the perfect platform for acrylic paint. People use his waxed tote bags for going to the beach, shopping, their knitting projects or hauling kindling wood. He paints birds, animals, flowers, nautical themes on the bags or whatever inspires him.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for me to have my waxed tote bags at the Reboli Center, such a fantastic institution and a beautiful building in a lovely location. It’s very exciting to have a small show there,” said Mr. Reed.

Initially Matt planned to teach art at the college level. However, after receiving a Masters degree in Fine Art from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University, he began working in Visual Merchandising and that became his career. He moved to Manhattan to design the store windows at Saks Fifth Avenue. He was recruited to open a new Barney’s store on Madison Avenue in Manhattan and became its Vice President of Visual Merchandising. After several years, he returned to Saks as its Vice President of Visual Merchandising and remained there until he became semi-retired.

As the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, that can certainly be said of Matt Reed who comes from a multi-talented and creative family. His father was a printmaker, painter and sculptor, as well as a professor at Purdue University where he taught Printmaking for 40 years. His mother was also an artist, who worked in ceramics, jewelry, painting and sculpture. His only brother is an artist working in carved wood and a musician. So, it was natural that Matt would pursue art in some fashion. We are excited to announce that a collection of Matt Reed’s waxed canvas, hand painted tote bags are available for public viewing and purchase through December 2023. Each bag is one of a kind. As always, The Reboli Center is open to the public, there is no admission fee and no reservations are required to visit.

November's Feature Artisan of the Month | Christopher Miano | Furniture Designer

As a young man, Chris became interested in carpentry when he started helping his father with construction projects around the house. He had no idea that all of that tinkering would result in a career as a furniture designer/woodworker as those lessons and projects led him to pursue a degree in Industrial Design.

After graduating Parsons, Chris started working for Allen Heller, who was his mentor at Parsons. “I learned a lot from him, but found myself itching to be back in an environment that built items instead of doing computer work. So, I found myself a job in a woodshop just to make sure that it was something I wanted to do full-time. I came across a studio in New Jersey that was looking for a furniture maker. I accepted and worked out a deal that I could use his studio after hours for building my own pieces,” said Chris. After canvassing businesses in the area where he lived, he was commissioned to do a project for Epicurious, building a photography surface. They were located in the World Trade Center and one of the chefs was opening a restaurant and was looking for someone to build the entire table top collection. “It was an opportunity I could not refuse so I created an LLC, found a vacant space and enlisted my father, uncle and co-worker to help me meet the deadline. I had four weeks to build over 70 pieces for the restaurant’s grand opening. I pulled all-nighters to complete the project and the rest is history,” added Chris.

While at Parsons, Chris had the opportunity to study at the Design Center in Copenhagen, which is the pinnacle of furniture design. His company, CAM Design Co., features tables, chairs, stools, mirrors, beds, chandeliers and other lighting fixtures. He is enamored by the traditional Japanese woodworking techniques and is influenced by the noted designer George Nakashima.

For his creations, Chris favors such woods as American black walnut, red oak, white oak, maple and wormy maple. They are locally sourced. According to Chris, “My design process usually begins in one of my many sketchbooks or on a napkin in a restaurant. Once I am satisfied with a form, I get right to building. I typically plan out the construction process in my head. I prefer to do a prototype on a 1:1 scale to nail down the form. Then the piece is constructed. I’ll put oil on it or char it, depending on the finish I am looking to achieve. I like to put the emphasis on the natural characteristics of the material and allow them to be the star of the show. As I work to enhance my design skills, I look for inspiration from contemporary painters, sculptors and natural forms.”

Chris finishes his work in house and by hand. He prefers natural finishes like an oil-based finish because it enhances the natural grains and characteristics of the wood. He has experimented with other finishes such as bleaching, ebonizing, oxidizing and the Japanese technique of Shou Bugi Ban, which is a torching process that preserves the wood. “Finishing the work can often be a time-consuming, multi-step process, but it is what really brings the piece to life, “said Chris.

Over the years, Chris has invested in some incredible tools, however, his favorites are his grandfather’s hammer that he used while building the Brooklyn Bridge and a set of vintage chisels he bought at a yard sale.

One of his most unusual and creative series is the Squiggle Collection, which he designed during the pandemic. He notes that the full-length Squiggle Mirror is a favorite of customers who try to figure out whether the wood has been steam-bent or sculpted. In fact, Chris received the Best Accessory Award at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) Show in 2022 for his Squiggle Mirror.

His work has been displayed at galleries and museums such as The Future Factory and The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. “I am humbled and honored to be the Artisan of the Month and have my work on exhibit at The Reboli Center. Growing up in Stony Brook makes this even more special and meaningful to me,” said Chris.

October's Feature Artisan of the Month | Vanassa Chan | Jewelry Designer

A love of design, architecture and fashion is reflected in Vanassa Chan’s Pursuits jewelry designs. It is understandable since she earned her bachelor’s degree in Interior Design in the United Kingdom, and worked for many years as a designer in Canada. Her background in interior architecture has clearly influenced her jewelry lines and can be seen in the way they are created.

Every season’s collection begins with hand drawn designs with brass maquettes, and undergoes many stages of testing to produce a finished item that is bold and striking. “Our pieces are meticulously formed, and finished with care, in small batches in our Toronto studio,” said Chan.


Each collection has a name – the F.S. Collection is the larges with both necklaces and earrings. True to the designer’s intent, these pieces carry Chan’s signature sleekness and are created with versatility in mind. “Each design is our unique take on geometry and is finished with our signature matte plating,” added Chan.


The bold Orb shapes define the O Collection, which are minimal in design, but emphasized with pops of energy and color. Each necklace has a personality all of its own and is stylish and professional. The 9S Sterling Collection features fine jewelry made of 925 sterling, The glamorous pieces are refined, delicate and dainty.

Pursuits newest collection is the Q Collection. These necklaces are bold and eye-catching with resin buttons and metallic accents strung on a rubber cord with a simple pop-clasp. While they look chunky, they are comfortable to wear every day. “I had the pleasure of meeting Vanessa at a trade show in Manhattan and was impressed by her unique collections and their abstract qualities. Her desire to create a line with architectural elements, while including a feminine look was interesting. I thought our patrons and visitors would appreciate her work,” said Lois Reboli, president and founder of the Reboli Center.

September's Feature Artisan | Russel Spillmann | Ceramic Artist

Russel Spillmann has worked in ceramics for more than 50 years, during which time he has participated in many fine craft shows and exhibited at numerous galleries. His work is included in many corporate, private, and public collections. As a former resident of the Three Village area, he is thrilled to be the Reboli Center’s September Artisan. Lois Reboli, president and a founder of The Center said, “Russel’s ceramics are just amazing and the colors so magnificent that we are pleased to have an affiliation with him.”

“I work with porcelain for its purity and translucence. It allows one to look into and through the pot, not merely at it. Through my work, I attempt to resolve function and beauty into a presence; for it is through presence that beauty suspends the soul in timelessness, and it is here the soul expands to sense more than itself.” - Russel Spillmann

Russel has fond memories of growing up in the area, riding his bike past what is now The Reboli Center and going to the local beaches, where a parade of porpoises would entertain the onlookers. He relocated to upstate New York where he earned his Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland. There he became interested in ceramics as he was inspired by his teacher, John Jessiman, who was instrumental in getting him accepted into the School of Ceramics at Alfred University. At Alfred, he had the opportunity to study under the esteemed pottery teachers, Val Cushing and Daniel Rogers.

August’s Feature Artisan of the Month | Jeanette Leonard | Jewelry Designer

It is not surprising that Jeanette Leonard who grew up in the north shore in Lloyd Harbor and now resides in the south shore in Blue Point, has found a passion in designing jewelry from nature’s beach glass. A graduate of FIT, she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and focused on women’s tailoring (coats and suits) and knitwear. She spent a semester in England studying knitwear. Jeanette worked in Manhattan for ten years as a technical designer and then as a fashion designer. During this time, she would design and embellish tops for women. She frequented the bead stores and started making jewelry.

Jeanette began wire-wrapping sea glass after a friend found a piece of sea glass and asked her to make a piece of jewelry for his girlfriend. After a period of trial and error, she successfully mastered the art of wire wrapping beach glass into jewelry. “I am inspired by the ocean and the treasures found there. I find natural things most beautiful just the way they are in their natural state. To create pieces from fresh water pearl, genuine sea glass, beach pottery, shells and coral gives me an easy jumping off point for my designs. I love the colors that sea glass can be, I love the frosted look the ocean turns into, I love the iridescent luster that pearl and shells have. For me the imperfect is perfect,” says Jeanette.

Jeanette sources her beach glass and pearls form some Long Island beaches, mostly brown, white and green, but the blue and other unusual colors are purchased online. The driftwood is also from Long Island beaches and some is bought in California. “As an artist, it means a great deal to be on display at the Reboli Center and to be the Artist of the Month!”

Jeanette is the founder of Blue Harbor Jewelry and, the Gallery Director at the Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts (BAFA) in Sayville, where she arranges for artists or groups to exhibit their work each month. She also sells her jewelry at art shows.

“Beach Glass Jewelry ... it is a perfect fit, as we are located on Stony Brook Harbor. Jeanette’s designs are beautiful and the pieces so exquisite, we are thrilled to exhibit her work during August,” said Lois Reboli, founder and president of the Reboli Center.

July's Feature Artisan | Sarah Richardson | Jewelry Designer

Sarah Richardson comes from a long line of artisans so it was only natural that her creative side was nurtured to have a passion for art. She studied Metalsmithing at Rhode Island School of Design. Then continued her design studies in Germany. Afterwards, she moved to New York and designed customed jewelry for a gallery in the West Village. Sarah taught metal smithing and focused on fine art jewelry. In 2006, she returned to California and set up her own studio.

Sarah Richardson Jewelry includes earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets, as well as a Bridal Collection featuring eternity and engagement rings, earrings and pendants. “All of my pieces are finely crafted using recycled sterling, 18 karat gold and platinum and ethically sourced stones. Any pieces which are vermeil are plated in a heavy 18 karat gold over sterling, with gold fill chains, to ensure long lasting quality,” said Sarah.

“My jewelry is a process of evolving designs, she explained. Drawn to the organic quality of each individual pod, a repetition of these elements creates geometric form. Using traditional wax carving techniques, each piece is hand carved, then cast in 18 karat yellow gold or sterling. Using heat to bring the fine metal to the surface, each piece is then polished on the edges creating an interior glow.

Lois Reboli, president and founder of The Reboli Center, saw Sarah Richardson Jewelry at the NY NOW show at the Javitz Center. “As I admired her collection and variety of pieces, I asked if she would be interested in being featured at The Reboli Center and lucky for all of us – she said yes! I hope everyone appreciates her fine work and designs as much as I do,” said Lois Reboli.

June's Feature Artisans of the Month | Bobbie and Bob Dalpiaz

Bobbie and Bob Dalpiaz met in college where they obtained degrees in Music Education from Ithaca College. After graduation, Bobbie pursued a career as an art and music teacher and Bob taught music in a local school district. However, Bobbie realized her true passion was pottery and began studying sculpture, hand building, and wheel throwing at private classes and at Stony Brook University. Residents of Sayville, Bobbie retired from teaching and is a full-time potter. Bob, on the other hand, is a full-time musician and woodworker. Together this creative duo creates unique, handmade, functional artwork using exotic woods and high-fire pottery.

They began working together when a lid on one of Bobbie’s pieces broke and she asked Bob to make a replacement out of wood, leading to a new working partnership. As Bob had no experience with a lathe, he took classes with the Long Island Woodworkers Club. Through trial and error, he became proficient at the lathe. In 1998, they formed Earthnwood Artisans According to Bob, “The creative process begins with Bobbie’s pottery, which she often hand carves to accentuate the form. She makes her own glazes and chooses a color and texture that complements the piece.” “Bob then selects an exotic hardwood to complement the glaze and creates a lid that accentuates the form. We often collaborate on the final project,” Bobbie said.

With their second career, they started traveling to art shows in the tri-state area and were awarded Best of Pottery several times at various shows. Their work is available at a few Long Island galleries. Bobbie also teaches pottery classes.

“This is such a great opportunity for the Reboli Center to showcase the exquisite work of this wonderful and talented couple. I was fascinated by how they started working together and the combination of the wooden lids with the beautiful pottery is just amazing. They are a perfect fit,” said Lois Reboli, a founder and president of the Reboli Center.

“As artists, it can be difficult to receive feedback on our work. Being selected as Artisans of the Month at The Reboli Center confirms our artistic vision and we are honored to show our work among other acclaimed and well-respected artists,” said Bobbie Dalpiaz.

Earthnwood will be on display during the month of June at the Reboli Center, located at 64 Main Street, Stony Brook, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11a.m. to 5p.m. and Sunday from 1:00pm until 5p.m. Admission is free, and for more information please call 631-751-7707 during business hours.

May's Feature Artisan | Gwen Beloti

A love of fashion and accessories resulted in a career in the jewelry business for Gwen Beloti. A native of Brooklyn, Gwen is a certified fashion apparel designer and a self-taught jewelry creator. For many years she was an apparel designer and in 2019 started to pursue jewelry design after taking several classes in jewelry assembly. 

Her jewelry designs are of high quality and perfect for everyday wear. According to Gwen, “The aesthetic is the balance of minimalism and subtle statement. Our pieces are inclusive with extended sizes available and customization options.” She is inspired by many things she sees in the city, by shapes, art and the jewelry she has collected over the years. When something sparks an idea, she tries to get it down on paper or on the computer and work on it until it comes to fruition. “I’ve learned to be patient with the process because the piece is never the best it can be at the first attempt, and it gets better with time, thought, consideration and iteration,” said Gwen.

Gwen’s jewelry is in gold because she loves its luster and hues. The first piece she created was a gold necklace with Brooklyn spelled across that front, which she still wears today. For the first time, the summer 2023 Gwen Beloti Jewelry line will include a new collection featuring

diamonds. Recently, the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative with the National Diamond Council selected Gwen to be one of six designers to create a fine jewelry collection of gold and diamonds to be showcased at JCK in Las Vegas, the largest jewelry show in the world.

Although jewelry has been her passion and career, Gwen has a master’s in Psychology and started college when she was 16. She has always had a great appreciation for education and many of her teachers have had a lasting impact on her. She believes in giving back to her community and started a program where local residents nominate a special educator for a golden recognition. Those selected are presented with a piece from the Gwen Beloti Jewelry line, as a token of appreciation for the work they do. Each year, she also donates a portion of her sales to the nonprofit organization Little Dresses for Africa, which provides assistance to young girls throughout Africa.

“I met Gwen at a trade show and was so impressed by her collection and her enthusiasm for creating something beautiful that would make her customers feel special and appreciated,” said Lois Reboli, a founder of the Reboli Center.

On May 19, at the Reboli Center’s Third Friday, Gwen will discuss her artistic journey, craft and career. The talk is scheduled to start at 6:30pm and conclude at 7:30pm. There is no fee and no reservations are required. Light refreshments will be served. Doors open at 6pm.

April's Feature Artisan | Kathy Larocca

Kathy Larocca creates extraordinary work inspired by nature, especially botanicals, shells and fossils. Her passion for ceramics started more than a decade ago. She explains, “Forming art from a mound of clay got me hooked immediately on creating ceramics. I love the tactile quality of clay, whether it is made on a wheel or hand built. Each method has its own challenges and never-ending possibilities. I have taken many classes at local studios on Long Island and attended multiple workshops, both in person and virtually. I belong to several art groups and get inspiration from their creativity.”

Lois Reboli, president and a founder of The Reboli Center, said, “I find Kathy’s work a perfect fit for

The Reboli Center, since we are located by Stony Brook Harbor and her work is so soothing and beautiful. Her designs are just exquisite.” For her ceramics, Kathy uses mostly B-mix clay to create her pieces because of its porcelaneous quality and creamy color. In addition, she notes that it works well with the glazes she uses. The artist elaborated on her process by stating, “As I develop an idea for a piece, I decide whether to create it on the wheel or by hand. Occasionally I sketch a draft of what the envisioned piece should look like. With ceramics, timing the drying work is essential, since the process involves multiple steps. Much of my work is carved (sgraffito) and the clay needs to be the correct dryness for this process to be successful. Once the piece is out of the kiln for the first firing, it is then glazed and put back in the kiln to vitrify.”


Kathy notes that she doesn’t count the number of hours it takes to make something as there are many steps involved and it depends on the intricacy of her work. “When I work with clay or any form of art, the time melts away as I am completely engaged in the process,” said Kathy. Ever since she was a young girl, Kathy nurtured her creative side by exploring and enjoying art, especially sketching and painting. She continued her love of art by attending the New York Institute of Technology and discovered a fascination with animation. Upon graduation, she worked at several studios in Manhattan and on a variety of projects including movies, television commercials and animation shorts. She relocated to California where she worked in the inking department of Hanna-Barbera Studios, a major television animation and production company. Its shows included such classic cartoons as The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Huckleberry Finn, Scooby Doo, and The Smurfs. Kathy eventually moved back to New York and started a business called “Wrap It Up” where she personalized gifts for people of all ages. In addition, she continued to explore her creative side by designing and making jewelry.


In addition to exhibiting at the Reboli Center, Kathy has shown her work at the Bayard Arboretum, Islip Art Museum, Suffolk County Historical Society, fine art shows and numerous libraries. Kathy said, “I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to be the Artisan of the Month at the acclaimed Reboli Center.”

March's Artisan of the Month | John Houle

If you are interested in seeing some unique artwork, then stop by the Reboli Center for Art and History during the month of March to see the “Burnt Offerings” by Connecticut artist John Houle. “His work is absolutely amazing and to watch him create a piece of art through pyrography is an incredible experience,” said Lois Reboli, a founder and president of the Reboli Center, who saw his work and a demonstration at a show in Massachusetts.

Houle’s “Burnt Offerings” are created by woodburning or pyrography – a form of scrimshaw on wood and the details are crafted by etching or burning the wood with heat from a wood burning tool. According to the artist, “Pyrography is the art of burning or etching a design into wood, leather or in some cases, gourds. The time the burner is in contact with the wood determines how dark the piece will be. I use two burners. One has a constant temperature of around 900 degrees. The other has a rheostat that allows temperatures of up to 2000 degrees. I only use the hotter one about five percent of the time. Many woodburners have a variety of tips. I only use two.” He adds that a slip of the hand cannot be corrected.

As far as his technique, John said, “I treat all my works just as if I am drawing with a pencil ... a very hot one! Some woodburners will trace a design and transfer it to the wood and then burn the lines as they appear on the wood. I never have, and would never trace. All my works are done freehand. I prefer to use birch wood, which is a light color and does not have large knots. During the pandemic, birch was hard to find so I started using bamboo, which is readily available. I then enhance my work with a wax of acrylic and then apply three coats of UV resistant polyurethane to protect it.” John frames most of his artwork and makes his own frames out of pine although some pieces have been mounted on such exotic woods as cherry, spalted maple and black walnut.

John started as an oil painter. In fact, he won his first regional contest in second grade and continued to enter contests throughout college. At Central Connecticut College he studied under Jacques Rommel, specializing in oils. He amassed many regional awards. When John painted, he constantly would go back and rework something in the painting. He always wanted to improve his artwork. About 50 years ago he received a gift of a woodburner with a note saying, “See if you can paint over this…” and he never went back to oil painting.

After retiring as a trainer and developer of sales and service seminars, he now focuses on woodburning full time. John noted that one of his favorite things to do at shows is to start a piece from scratch in front of a group and over a period of time, complete it. He thinks it is important for people to understand his technique so he tries to do live demonstrations at his shows if electricity is available.

About being the Reboli Center’s March Artisan of the Month, John said, “I am very humbled, and appreciate the opportunity to show woodburning as fine art, especially in such a beautiful gallery. I love Joe Reboli’s work and it is wonderful to see how his memory is being honored at the Center.”