Options abound for thousands of art lovers to take in Long Island’s rich cultural scene each year. Popular museums like the Heckscher Museum of Art and Nassau County Museum of Art, along with the inspiring East End galleries Pulse featured in our 12th anniversary Arts and Culture issue, make it simple. But smaller gems are also spread throughout the island that, although may sometimes go unnoticed, can be just as awe-inspiring. Take a look at these underrated Long Island art galleries worth a trip.
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Gallery North, Setauket
image: facebook.com/gallerynorthli
Gallery North has brought contemporary regional art and craft to the public since opening its doors in 1965. Walking through the white-walled gallery, which was once a farmhouse, enthusiasts explore art in various forms including paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures and film. The gallery’s free exhibitions focus on the “diversity and vitality of the arts on Long Island.” Guests can further dive into art with classes, workshops, excursions, talks and annual festivals. Phone: 631-751-2676 | Address: 90 N Country Rd. Click to explore
Nova Constellatio Gallery, Greenport
image: nova constellatio gallery
This picturesque town on the North Fork is home to the gallery of contemporary reality painter Isabelle Haran-Leonardi. The space, which opened in 2012, showcases Haran-Leonardi’s large scale oils of the East End. Paintings of boats, lighthouses, vineyards and the ocean hang on the walls reminding visitors of Long Island’s year-round beauty. Phone: 516-443-0242 | Address: 419 Main St. Click to explore
Firehouse Plaza Art Gallery, Garden City
Don’t let the fact that this gallery is located within Nassau Community College discourage you from taking a peek. Open to the public at no charge, the Firehouse Plaza Art Gallery features works from various artists including students. Five exhibitions are featured each year with faculty exhibits, student competitions and various others like the current on Nigerian-born photographer Rotimi Fani-Kayode. Phone: 516-572-5073 | Address: 1 Education Dr. Click to explore
FotoFoto Gallery, Huntington
Mascara, Mirth & Mayhem by artist Susan Kravitz. image: fotofoto gallery
Just as the gallery’s name implies, photography is the main attraction here. Founded by Long Island-based photographers in 2003, this art haven promotes traditional photography as well as ones that push the limits. Along with free exhibitions, the Huntington gallery also offers lectures, critiques, demonstrations, seminars and instruction. Phone: 631-549-0448 | Address: 14 W Carver St. Click to explore
B.J. Spoke Gallery, Huntington
Become acquainted with Long Island’s finest artists at Huntington’s member owned and run cooperative art gallery. B.J. Spoke Gallery has been around for over two decades helping lesser known artists shine. Get your art fix with this gallery’s free monthly exhibits, exchange exhibits with other galleries, invitational shows and a yearly national competition. Phone: 631-549-5106 | Address: 299 Main St. Click to explore
Haven Gallery, Northport
The Music Box II exhibition at Haven Gallery. image: haven gallery
Explore a different art perspective at Haven Gallery. Every month, the Northport gallery displays “emotionally, intellectually and imaginatively driven, representational artwork” from both established and emerging artists. Past exhibitions included up-and-coming artist Nicolas Bruno’s thought-provoking photographs detailing his struggle with sleep paralysis and a group exhibition about mythologies surrounding the moon. Phone: 631-757-0500 | Address: 155 Main St. Click to explore
Alex Ferrone Gallery, Cutchogue
image: alex ferrone gallery
The Alex Ferrone Gallery sits in a Southold Town Registered Landmark built by Henry Wickham in 1820. Fast forward to 2012 when fine art photographer Alex Ferrone bought it along with Richard Wayne Abatelli of Abatelli Realty. They transformed it into an art gallery showcasing and selling contemporary work from national award-winning photographic artists and emerging ones. Various exhibitions have taken over the walls including the recent “Currently Cuba Exhibit,” which displayed the work of three award-winning photographers who visited the nation. Phone: 631-734-8545 | Address: 25425 Main Rd. Click to explore