Artist: ‘We often do shows that incorporate inspiration from Amityville’

Arlene McLoughlin, of Massapequa, is the newly elected president of the Amityville Artists Circle. The organization has about 75 members from all over Long Island but operates its workshop and gallery space in a storefront adjacent to -- and loaned to the group by -- Vittorio's restaurant.

How did the Amityville Artists Circle begin?
It was started by Andriani Mikolaitis in February 2001. There were nine original members and they would meet at people's houses and the library. Andrini worked on getting grants from New York State and becoming a registered 501(c)(3) and the original nine worked on the mural that's in the children's library. Five years ago, we approached Vittorio's and they let us use this space.

How does the organization work?
We're a gallery but also we have two meetings a month. One is for the board members for more technical things and one is a workshop. We have live models or still life and all the members come and have a drink and sketch. We also have member shows four to five times a year. Last year we started doing solo shows, which is a unique opportunity for our members.

Aside from the murals in the library, how is the organization connected to the community?
We try to coincide our group shows with events in town like the Amityville Heritage Festival and the Christmas Tree Lighting so we have a theme for everything. Unfortunately, I don't think we have the exposure we would like. I think a lot of people still don't know we're here. Hopefully we can build that up and the community will be excited to see new member shows. I also think we could be more of a resource to high school students and college students. We have a lot of teachers that are members that could help with portfolios.

Do you think Amityville is an artistic community?
There are a lot of artists in town. The majority of our members are from Amityville or Massapequa. It has a lot of inspiration. It has a close-knit, small-town, community-type feel. Everyone knows each other, it's very friendly. It has the quaintness of the historic village and it's a true sea-faring town and I think people do find inspiration in that. A lot of our artists do seascapes and we often do shows that incorporate inspiration from Amityville.