The Trinity Community Arts Center (TCAC) officially opened its doors on Sunday, November 3, at 11 AM, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the blessing of two special gifts for the Northport community.
Located in St. Bede's House at 130 Main Street, Northport, NY, on the campus of Trinity Episcopal Church, the TCAC is a collaborative project between artists Robert and Nancy Hendrick and Trinity’s rector, Father Andrew Garnett. The Hendricks envisioned a welcoming space for adults and children to create art, share in fellowship, and showcase emerging artists. Father Garnett provided the perfect solution by offering the vacant space at St. Bede's.
The grand opening featured the blessing of two large, hand-painted acrylic panels, the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart, created by the Hendricks. These panels, emblazoned with gold leaf accents, were installed on the church grounds for the Northport community.
In addition to the ribbon cutting and blessing, the grand opening included a special artists' reception for the newest installation, "Hide & Seek: A Journey of Faith & Discovery." This provocative, multimedia interactive exhibit takes visitors through the lens of artist Jennifer A. Uihlein as she reflects upon her Ukrainian Catholic upbringing and exploration of self-awareness, faith, and her experience as a photographer covering services and events for the Episcopal church.
"This exhibit is a candid exploration of my intricate relationship with faith — one that dances between discomfort and acceptance, skepticism and belief. At times, religion feels awkward, and I react with resistance, but at all times, I have faith – faith in kindness, humanity, and a universal energy," said Uihlein, a lifelong resident of Hicksville.
“The installation invites you into a world where divine serendipity meets everyday encounters,” Uihlein explained, “It is beyond the images on the walls and words on a page – it invites you to follow along the journey, click the QR codes and listen to my story.” The exhibit centers around ten interwoven sections, from “The Beginning” to “The Interpretations.”
“You’ll not only witness my evolution as an artist,” Uihlein explained, “But also be prompted to reflect on your own truths. Expect to feel a bit uncomfortable—that’s where the magic happens.”
"We are excited to officially open the Trinity Community Arts Center and share this beautiful exhibit with the Northport community," said Father Garnett. "We believe that art has the power to transform lives and bring people together, just as we have witnessed in the past few months as the Hendricks worked tirelessly to create an amazing opportunity for all to come, explore, connect with oneself and each other."
Uihlein’s exhibit is open through December 1 (detailed schedule listed below).
The TCAC will feature a different artist each month in its Artist of the Month gallery section, highlighting local and high school artists while also showcasing an art exhibit in the remainder of the exhibit. The center will also offer adult and children's workshops.
For more information about the Trinity Community Arts Center and the "Hide & Seek" exhibit, please visit:
Trinity Community Arts Center: https://www.trinityec.com/community/tcac/
Girl in a Camera - Hide & Seek: https://www.girlinacamera.com/hide-seek-the-project
Exhibit Schedule:
*Saturday , 11/16 11 AM-2 PM (Artist in attendance)
Thursday, 11/21 12 PM-5 PM
Friday, 11/22 12 PM-5 PM
*Sunday, 11/24 12 PM-5 PM (Artist in attendance from 12 PM – 3 PM)
Thursday, 11/28 12 PM-5 PM
Friday, 11/29 12 PM-5 PM
*Saturday, 11/30 12 PM-7PM (Artist in attendance from 4 PM-7PM)
*Sunday, 12/1 12 PM-5 PM (Artist in attendance from 12 PM – 3 PM)
About artist, Jen Uihlein:
Uihlein, a photographer, writer, and an award-winning documentary filmmaker is proud to headline this exhibit at Trinity Community Arts Center (TCAC), and hopes that these important conversations about acceptance, humanity, and faith pave the way for more inclusive discussions about the future of the church.
Uihlein's most recent documentary, Notes on a Page, screened in California at the Old Towne Film Festival on the same day of TCAC's grand opening. The film stars Long Island native, Jennifer Silecchia, a single mother of three, as she reflects on the dreams she once held dear. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of self-belief, reminding us all that it is never too late to revisit our dreams.