Art lovers gathered at the North Merrick Public Library on Aug. 20 to hear artist and professor Thomas Germano bring the world of the recently renovated Frick Collection to life.
His lecture was part of the library’s summer reading program, “Color Our World,” which highlights the power of art to inspire and connect communities.
Germano, an East Norwich-based artist and professor at Farmingdale State College and the New York Academy of Art, gives about 75 lectures a year at Long Island libraries. He said he is drawn to Long Island’s natural setting, which fuels his creativity.
“I’ve always been connected to the water — on the North Shore, the Long Island Sound, and the natural setting between the preserve and the waterline,” Germano said. “As far as connecting to my art, it’s close enough to the city where I can get my fill of culture and New York City, and also have a quiet space to create on Long Island.”
Before his talk, Germano pointed out a local link to the Frick Collection.
“There’s also the Frick Estate, which has become the Nassau County Museum of Art off Northern Boulevard in Roslyn just off the viaduct,” he said.
The Merrick Library recently added the Frick Collection to its museum pass program, allowing cardholders to visit for free.
“I think we were really excited to have him here because we have our new museum pass to the Frick Collection,” said library trainee Alexa O’Kane, who hosted the program. “That allows our patrons to go. It’s two people per pass. That covers admission, so it’s free. We’re really excited to make the museum more accessible to people in our community.”
O’Kane praised Germano’s ability to make art approachable.
“I think he’s very, very knowledgeable,” she said. “And he’s very good at contextualizing the art to make sure that people who know a lot can still get something from his speech, but also people who are coming into it with fresh eyes.”
Several attendees said they left inspired.
“The idea that one man amassed that collection is just so impressive,” said Merrick resident Angela Dubinsky.
Another attendee, Mary Re, added, “I thought it was displayed so nicely. And the Frick itself really gives you the impression of a home.”
According to Germano, the Frick Collection in Manhattan traditionally focused on portraiture and old masters. But just before the pandemic, it began featuring contemporary artists such as Vladimir Kanevsky, known for his porcelain flowers that are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.
This mix of classic and contemporary art fit neatly into the library’s summer theme, O’Kane said.
“Our goal was to emphasize the importance of art,” she explained. “Especially for our youngest patrons — to get them interested in all sorts of art, whether it’s them making their own, or them going to museums and appreciating it. We can see ourselves and each other in different ways that way.”
O’Kane also noted the wealth of art available closer to home.
“I really love going to see local exhibits and pop-up-type things,” she said. “I know sometimes, when our reference room is open, we invite local artists to exhibit things there. So, it’s really fun to just see the culture of the island reflected that way.”
