A local artist will showcase his work at the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration as part of an art show presented by the Valley Stream Historical Society.
Valley Stream resident Jim Zabatta has always been an active member of the community. The President of the Valley Stream Lions Club, a member of the Valley Stream Architectural Review Board and a member of the Friends of Bridge board, he still finds time to pursue his passion: painting.
Zabatta’s paintings have been displayed alongside other artists’ work at multiple art shows on Long Island, including those at Green Acres Mall and in Babylon. The upcoming show at the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration is Zabatta’s first solo show. Here, he will be presenting a new piece he created in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary next month, a painting of an American flag with an eagle on it.
“It’s gonna be my masterpiece,” Zabatta said.
Zabatta’s paintings will be available for purchase at the show. All proceeds will go toward the Valley Stream Historical Society. He said he was happy to be given the opportunity to give back to the organization.
“It’s wonderful,” Zabatta said. “I love it, giving it back to Valley Stream, the place I’ve always loved. It’s a great feeling. I’m honored that they would even let me do it.”
Zabatta has always been interested in art and began making artwork as a child, but really started honing his craft four years ago after his sister, Judy Zabatta Youshock, died. Youshock was an artist who lived in Scranton, Pennsylvania, owned her own art gallery and was a driving force in promoting Scranton’s art scene. Around this time, Zabatta began taking art classes at the Nassau Community Museum, where he learned to paint using acrylics. Acrylic paint would become the art medium Zabatta uses to create his pieces.
Zabatta’s work has evolved into abstract realism. This means his paintings feature an unrealistic background with a more realistic image in front of it. Many of his paintings are inspired by structures on Long Island, such as lighthouses and bridges, as well as Long Island’s nature, including the ocean. He also paints scenes from places he has traveled, such as Key West, Florida and Tuscany, Italy. Each painting takes about a week to complete.
For Zabatta, an important part of displaying his art is the emotions it evokes from viewers.
“I hope they smile and enjoy it,” Zabatta said. “I just want to put a smile on somebody’s face. If they buy it, fine. If I made somebody smile and they were happy, I’m happy.”
He also shares advice for aspiring local artists.
“Just paint for yourself and be happy doing it,” Zabatta said. “Don’t worry about what anybody else thinks.”
The art show’s opening reception will be from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 5, and the art gallery will be open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. June 6 and 7. The opening reception requires a $15 admission fee, and the art gallery is free to the public. For more information, contact vshistorical@gmail.com.
