A Five Towns youthful renaissance man

At just 19- years-old, there isn’t much Zach Brown of Cedarhurst can’t do as he has been published in several publications, wrote and illustrated a book, is a paid staff artist at a daily newspaper, sings and plays guitar in a band, and even created a skate wear and T-shirt line.

Now Brown is The Community Enrichment Mini-Center’s “Artist of the Month” and his various artwork including cartoons, illustrations, abstract art and T-shirts will be on display. “I hope everyone has a great time at the exhibit,” Brown said. “I hope people discover my art and I’m able to get my name out.” The Mini- Center is at the Woodmere Republican Club’s office in Woodmere.

Brown published his first book, The Do-Nots, when he was 11-years-old. The book features his trademarked cartoon characters of people with donuts for noses. “I love donuts and Do-Nots and donuts — it’s a play on words,” he said. “The book tells kids what to do and what not to do. Each page starts with “do not … smoke, drink and drive … things like that.”

Six years ago, Brown was offered a paid staff artist position at Newsday. To this day, he receives assignments by email and once he’s done, he sends them back to be published. “It’s a great opportunity,” he said.

When asked what it feels like to have accomplished so much at a young age, Brown said he often thinks to himself, “wow I did that.”

“I appreciate everyday,” Brown said. “It’s really a blessing.”

Ann Salpeter Schockett, the executive leader of the Woodmere Republican Club, offered Brown the “Artist of the Month” opportunity. She said giving people the chance to share their talent with others in the area is the most rewarding part. “Not everybody is a renowned artist who exhibit their work in public places,” she said. “I want to spread the word that we have this project so people have the chance to share their special talent.”

Village of Cedarhurst Trustee Ari Brown, Brown’s father, said he guides his son and tries to steer him in the right direction. “He’s a wonderful kid,” Ari said. “His talent showed at an early age and he’s always been successful in his endeavors. I’ve always been proud of him.”

Brown’s next endeavor includes starting his freshman year at the School of Visual Arts in New York City where he’ll major in cartooning. He said he’s looking forward to learning about different types of art. “I want to enhance my profession,” Brown said. “There’s stuff out there that I don’t know about. It will be a great four years.”

After college, Brown said that while he would like to write books, there are many routes in the cartoon field such as teaching and comic books. No matter what his son ends up doing, he hopes he likes it. “I hope he finds what he likes and works forever in that way,” Ari said.

To see Brown’s artwork, visit The Community Enrichment Mini-Center located at 1026 Broadway in Woodmere from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays and at the “Meet the Artist” gatherings every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. through the end of this month.