photo:Joy Cirigliano

 February's Photography Exhibit

The 2020 Valentine to Whitman’s Paumanok photography exhibition at the Bates House was a great success. It was pleasure to gather the work of some of Long Island’s most talented nature photographers and to share their work with our community.  Nearly 20 photographers, and a few artists working in other media, covered the walls of the Bates House with images of the birds and other wildlife we love to seek out during our walks around Long Island. 

Walt Whitman personator, Darrel Blaine Ford, returned this year to read a few of Whitman’s poems, share stories of the poet, and also of himself. One story relevant to the Four Harbors territory is of when Mr. Ford accompanied a friend of his father’s to Ward Melville’s home approximately 82 years ago. The friend, named Mrs. Brown, was caring for Mr. Ford while his parents were away. He recalls properly shaking hands with Mr. Melville. 

There was even a special guest appearance - a barred owl from Sweetbriar Nature Center.

Many photographers sold their photographs with a small percentage of the sale donated to the Four Harbors Audubon Society. You can see their photos and inquire about purchase.

photo:Joy Cirigliano