Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Village of Valley Stream will celebrate local creativity during its annual art exhibit with an opening reception at 6 p.m. Aug. 21, in the Burgundy Room at the Valley Stream Community Center.
The exhibit and reception are both free and open to the public. The exhibit will remain on display through Sept. 3, giving residents and visitors nearly two weeks to view the collection.
The exhibit will feature artwork created by participants in three village recreation programs: the adult painting classes, Silver Threads senior citizen painting classes and the children’s art program. Together, the display highlights the artistic accomplishments of residents of all different ages who participate in village-sponsored recreation programming.
The exhibit serves as an opportunity to recognize the creativity developed through the village's instructional art offerings while bringing members of the community together in a shared appreciation of local talent.
The classes are taught by local artist Matt Khan, who has long been involved with the village’s recreation programs. Khan’s late father encouraged him to use his time to make a difference in the lives of others, a philosophy that continues to shape his work as an instructor.
“I am so fortunate that I am able to use my talents to bring others joy while carrying out my father’s wishes,” Khan said.
The exhibit offers students an opportunity to share the results of weeks of instruction and creative work with family, friends and the broader community. By displaying artwork created by residents, the exhibit showcases the value of community arts programming while recognizing the talent and dedication of participants of all experience levels. For many participants, the exhibit also represents the culmination of practice and personal growth in a supportive classroom environment.
Village recreation programs such as the painting classes and children’s art instruction provide residents with opportunities to develop new skills, explore creativity and connect with others through shared interests. Programs like these also help foster lifelong participation in the arts by making creative experiences accessible to residents at every stage of life.
“The Village is always looking to offer enriching activities and programs for our residents,” Jimmy Fitanzo, director of recreation, said.
The Silver Threads painting classes also serve as part of the village’s senior enrichment programming, which offers activities designed to encourage lifelong learning and community engagement for older adults.
The featured art programs will return this fall, giving new and returning participants another opportunity to learn and create, as well as a jewelry-making workshop for Children.
Registration for the fall recreation programs is available at the community center or through the village’s online recreation portal.
Village officials encourage residents interested in exploring the arts to take advantage of the upcoming programs and to visit the exhibit to celebrate the work of local artists and the role recreation programs play in strengthening community connections.
