By Lisette Ruch
Come on out and support the arts and pick up a few new pieces for your collection during this year’s Clothesline Art Sale, a vintage twist on the traditional art walk, sponsored by VandM. On Bellport Day, next Saturday, July 30, clotheslines full of original works of art by local and student artists will be hung throughout Main Street and in some of Bellport’s shops. Every piece will be sold for only $20. Who couldn’t afford an original work of art for $20? All proceeds will go to support Brookhaven Arts and Humanities Council arts programs.
To find out more about the sale, contact the 2011 Clothesline Art Sale Co-Chair: Lisette Ruch, lisetteruch@gmail.com or 727-744-8786
Make a Day of It
If you are looking for a break from the fast-paced, high-tech modernity of your everyday life, step back in time on Saturday, July 30th and join us in Bellport, NY, on the south shore of Long Island for a relaxing, old fashioned, small town day of fun for the town’s annual Bellport Day Festival (noon to 5pm). Bellport, which I call the Unknown Hampton (it’s only 30 minutes west of Southampton), is a virtually undiscovered enclave of fantastic gourmet food, quaint shops, professional theater, and gorgeous views. Here’s a fantastic day:
10:00 – Take a leisurely drive out to Bellport (about 1 hr, 30 min from NYC)
11:30 – Sit on the porch and enjoy a gourmet American lunch at Porter’s on the Lane or savor the sushi and hibachi at Nakama.
12:30 – Add to or start an art collection with an original work from the Clothesline Art Sale, and get it framed at Bellport Art and Framing Studio for 20% off.
1:00 – Stroll Main Street Shops:
-For antiques and estate jewelry: Circa Something Antiques and Estate Jewelry and Pamela Lerner Antiques
-The Phoenix Gallery for ocal art and artisan works
-The Village Silversmith for gorgeous hand crafted designer jewelry
-Bellport Jewelers and Galleries , the exclusive carrier of celebrated artist Malcolm Morley’s limited edition jewelry line crafted by master designer Pietro.
2:00 – Enjoy live music on the street throughout the day with these great bands:
Walking the Line Tribute to Johnny Cash
Riverside Blues Band Tribute to Robert Johnson
Peter Black & George St. James
2:30 – Check out the Bellport Brookhaven Historical Society’s fantastic exhibits Near-the-Bay and The World of Birdsall Otis Edey, the woman who was responsible for saving Bellport’s classic charm by preserving South Country Road during the construction of Montauk Highway. They also have a great antique exchange shop. Or get a massage or facial at the Spa at Bellport (call ahead to set up an appointment 631-286-5300).
3:00 – Practice your aim at the Dunk Tank, drowning local dignitaries.
3:30 – Stop by the Craft Fair in front of the Bellport Firehouse and marvel at human creativity. Get a cold head rush by participating in the Ice Cream Eating Contest.
4:00 – Pet some animal cuties at the Petting Zoo and take a pony ride or rock climb for free and get your face painted.
5:00 – Take a walk down to the Bellport Marina and enjoy the view from the quaint park
5:30 – Have an early delicious dinner at The Bellport or better than grandma’s Italian at Avino’s Italian Table
Top off the day with a performance of Spamalot (3:00 and 8:30 showings at the Patchogue Theater) or The Who’s Tommy (3:00 and 7:00 showings) by the Gateway Playhouse. Call 631-286-1133 for tickets.
