Conklin Show Highlights the Art of Frank Martino

A new Babylon annual tradition, the "You've Gotta Have Art" series, took place this past weekend, as the presented the fourth in its series of solo art shows of prominent Babylon artists.

Frank Martino, Ed.D., the former head of Babylon High School's art department and a renowned visual artist, displayed paintings in the historic landmark Saturday and Sunday afternoons, after a wine and cheese reception on Friday night.

The event was a family affair, as Martino's sons were in attendance, and much of the work was matted and framed by his son Steve Martino, a photographer who lives in Babylon.

Martino's pieces, mostly pastels, charcoals, acrylics and watercolors in varying sizes, are unnamed and Martino said finding all the pieces for the show was an interesting challenge in itself.

"We had stuff all over the place, in attics and filed away," he explained.

One display recreated Martino's desk and studio, with Babylon Village memorabilia from years past mixed in with sketches of local homes and landscapes.

Martino now lives in West Sayville but was a long-time resident of Babylon Village, raising his family on Smith Street. Many attendees at the show were former students.

The "You've Gotta Have Art" shows were developed and are now spearheaded by Conklin House steering committee member Larry Nye. Previous shows have featured art by Bus Freitag and Don Bartsch.

Nye said he had a good idea of who next year's featured artist would be, but wasn't yet ready to divulge the name.

"Interestingly, three out of four of the artists so far have been Babylon high school art teachers," remarked Karen Petz, Conklin House director and events coordinator.

The Conklin House calendar offers a steady stream of fine arts related happenings, including workshops  by local artists organized by the , such as a watercolor demonstration to be given by Kathryn Herzy on May 12th.

The Apples and Arts festival in the fall is a major showcase of local artistic talent and has been growing each year, according to Nye, who chairs the event. Sculpture and three-dimensional artwork in particular are in demand for next year's show. Interested applicants can inquire via email to conklinhouse@yahoo.com.