Monday, July 14, 2025
The Valley Stream Historical Society is set to host a special community event on Friday, celebrating the village’s centennial anniversary with an art exhibit titled “Stanko & Khan: An Art Exhibit Celebrating 100 Years of Valley Stream.”
“Being a lifelong Valley Streamer, I am very excited to be showing my Valley Stream-inspired work with fellow Valley Stream artist Matt Khan,” artist Mike Stanko wrote in an email. “Celebrating the Village’s 100th Anniversary with our community will be fun and A big night for our Village.”
The exhibit will be open from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration, at 143 Hendrickson Ave.
At the opening reception, which will be held on the venue’s outdoor patio, residents and visitors will gather in recognition of the village’s centennial through art and local history. The exhibit will feature the works of artists Stanko and Khan, who are known for their creative interpretations and contributions to the local art scene.
Khan’s art reflects a lifelong connection to drawing and painting, beginning with a fascination for colored pencils and crayons when he was a child. He recalls filling school notebooks with illustrations rather than notes. His interest in social studies classes stemmed from the chance to illustrate historical events such as the arrival of the Mayflower and the Boston Tea Party. From a young age, Khan developed a habit of noticing and capturing small details, which he continues to emphasize in his paintings.
They incorporate a range of classical techniques, including impressionism, chiaroscuro, glazing and sfumato. His brushwork, inspired by French painter Claude Monet, uses loose strokes and subtle hints of color to suggest form and light. He employs chiaroscuro to create dramatic contrast and depth, glazing to build rich layers of color and sfumato to achieve soft, blended transitions in portraits.
He has also worked as an art instructor for the past six years, and expressed appreciation for his students and his wife, Oceania, whose support he credits with helping him grow as an artist.
“I consider it an honor to be able to exhibit my artwork with Mike Stanko,” Khan said. “Working alongside him to put this event together has been one of the highlights of my artistic journey.”
Stanko’s work is widely recognized across Long Island. His paintings are known for their bright colors and upbeat tone, often depicting landscapes and familiar sights around the region. His style is influenced by a longstanding interest in art, music, history and nature. He draws on both local experiences and broader travels for visual inspiration.
His art has been exhibited in numerous venues throughout Long Island and the metropolitan area. His work has appeared on album covers, books and television. Several of his sun-themed paintings have been shown on CBS News’ “Sunday Morning,” and his work has appeared on the cover of Dan’s Papers more than 20 times. He has also donated paintings to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Ronald McDonald House on Long Island and in Queens.
From his Valley Stream studio, Stanko continues to create new work inspired by the visual themes that shape his vibrant perspective. Often described as radiating joy, his paintings reflect a playful spirit — an impression that, he says, brings him joy in return.
For a $10 donation, guests can enjoy an evening of art, food and community at the Stanko and Khan exhibit opening. Admission includes hors d’oeuvres, light refreshments and entry in a raffle for a chance to win a signed original piece by either artists.
“It brings me great joy to see our community come together for village events,” Mayor Edwin Fare said.
All proceeds from the event will go to the Valley Stream Historical Society, as it helps to preserve and promote the village’s history for future generations.
