The Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library welcomed a strong turnout of community members on Saturday, Jan. 31, for an Artists Reception celebrating the work of residents from across the library district and officially launching the library’s latest art exhibition.
The reception, held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the library’s main location in Shirley, featured four artists who were present to meet attendees and discuss their work: Peter Russo, Jeannie Baker, Charles Gerbino Jr., and Whitney Bell. A fifth artist, David Bradshaw, joined the exhibition on Sunday, with his work added to the installation following the reception.
The event reflects the library’s growing commitment to showcasing the creative talent of its residents and builds on the success of recent cultural programming, including Stories That Started Here: Honoring the Storytellers of Our Community, held on Sept. 27, 2025, which highlighted local and published authors from throughout the library district.
“This reception builds directly on the spirit of Stories That Started Here, where we celebrated local voices through the written word,” said Lonna Castro, director of the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library. “Whether through writing, visual art, or photography, our community is rich with creativity. Events like these affirm the library’s role as a place where that talent can be shared, supported, and celebrated — and we plan to continue expanding programs like this in the future.”
The exhibition features a range of artistic styles and media. Peter Russo’s paintings depict the drama and movement of coastal waters, while Charles Gerbino Jr., known as Artful Surfer, presents sculptural sea creatures inspired by marine life and found materials. Whitney Bell’s photography captures the quiet power of natural landscapes, and Jeannie Baker showcases three-dimensional statuary and handcrafted works drawn from both global influences and her own creative practice. David Bradshaw’s black-and-white photography, added to the exhibition on Sunday, offers a cinematic look at urban scenes and architectural detail.
Maura Feeney, a librarian who coordinated the exhibition and reception, said the opportunity for direct interaction between artists and attendees helped make the event especially meaningful.
“Having the artists present allowed visitors to engage more deeply with the work and the stories behind it,” Feeney said. “These conversations are an important part of what makes programs like this resonate with the community.”
Joe Maiorana, president of the Board of Trustees of the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library, said the event reflects the library’s responsibility to serve the community thoughtfully and responsibly.
“As trustees, our responsibility is to ensure the library remains a trusted public institution that uses its resources thoughtfully and in ways that truly serve the community,” Maiorana said. “Programs like this show how the library can invest in cultural experiences that enrich residents’ lives while honoring the confidence the community places in us.”
Library officials said the success of the Artists Reception demonstrates continued interest in cultural programming that highlights local talent and fosters community connection. Additional artist receptions and creative programs are planned as the library continues to serve as a hub for artistic and cultural expression within the Mastics, Moriches, and Shirley communities.
Source: - Latest Stories
