Brush Strokes For The Bays

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program is capitalizing on the trend of “paint and sip nights” with its Brush Strokes For The Bays series, being held at Cowfish in Hampton Bays. On two nights, Thursday, November 14 and Monday, December 10, from 6:30 to 9 PM, participants will enjoy painting with artist Carolyn Munaco as they learn about a featured marine species.

Cornell started the event five years ago, with previous locations being Southampton Arts Center and the Art Barge.

“Seeing how popular these types of events were, we thought we’d get on board with the concept as a fun way of raising awareness and funding in support of Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program, and it was a hit,” the program’s outreach manager, Kimberly Barbour, said.

“For the most part, all of the topics we feature in the paintings directly correlate to research or stewardship initiatives being conducted by our organization. We make it a point to showcase various involvement opportunities in these initiatives when delivering the educational talks at the beginning of each Brush Strokes for the Bays event. This enables our guests to walk away informed about our local marine life and habitats, and hopefully inspired to make a difference by getting involved with our work,” Barbour added.

CCE Suffolk is a non-profit community education outlet formed in 1917, part of an overarching Cornell University national land grant system that began in 1862. CCE Suffolk comprises specialists, researchers, educators, and other personnel who aid in making Suffolk County a better place to live. The marine program was established in 1985, one of numerous initiatives, and aids in protecting and preserving marine life around Long Island.

After a successful October 8 event, with the night’s focus on the humpback whale, the November 14 event will focus on sharks, while the December 10 event will delve into seahorses as its subject. “During the December event, focused on the Northern Lined Seahorse, participants will learn all about our Seahorse Conservation Initiative and what we are doing to help this species by restoring underwater habitat and conducting monitoring surveys in the waters off of our Tiana Bayside Facility,” added Barbour.

Back to the Bays provides habitat improvement projects, shellfish and fin fish research and restoration, water quality protection initiatives, and youth and community education experiences. From local businesses looking to make a difference in the community to hobby scientists, the CCE’s Back to the Bays has suitable projects for varied interests.

Admission is $45, or $40 for Back to the Bays Members, and includes instruction, materials, door prize raffles, and discussion. All proceeds benefit the CCE Back to the Bays Initiative. Cowfish Hampton Bays is located at 258 East Montauk Highway. To sign up, visit www.cowfishrestaurant.com.

nicole@indyeastend.com