A new exhibit at the Port Washington Public Library, highlighting local businesses, brought together shop owners, artists, and community leaders to celebrate small business life and neighborhood connections.
The exhibit, organized by Rachel Fox, showcases portraits and stories of more than 60 local merchants featured in her ongoing Facebook project, Rachel’s Merchant Mondays, which documents storefronts across town.
Fox, who serves as director of children’s services at the library, said the idea began unintentionally after she posted about Shoreline Cards on her personal Facebook page. The post quickly drew attention from residents, who asked about the store’s location, revealing strong community interest in supporting local businesses.
“It began with one store, and I’m up to 60-something now,” Fox said. “My concern always was who’s remembering them? So how do I circle it back?”
She said the idea for the exhibit came after realizing she wanted to revisit early businesses in the series and highlight them in a more lasting way. The display, arranged in street order, features updated portraits of the business owners without Fox so viewers can focus on the business owners themselves.
“It felt right that May was small business month,” Fox said.
Fox emphasized that the project was a was about recognizing the role that small businesses play in building the community.
“These people make up our town,” she said. “Often they give to our charities… they show up for community in many meaningful ways.”
Among the featured business owners is Josee Costanzo, who has operated Chez Josee Salon Inc, a beauty salon, for decades and said the project reflects a lifetime of relationships built through her work.
“I used to do her mother,” Costanzo said of Fox. “I’ve been doing a few generations. I’m very proud. It’s like a family.”
Source: LI Press
