Buoys for the Bays
Buoys for the Bays - an art initiative that brought people together to create, while raising awareness and funding to support the work of Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program’s Back to the Bays Initiative. From reclaimed fishing buoys, to works of art!
On July 17th, we had the opportunity to host another event with the incredible Borghese Vineyard. Surrounded by Back to the Bays artwork, guests were able to view and bid on buoys, displayed throughout the inside of the reception area. We had over 130 buoys, ranging from many different designs and art styles painted by our community members and local artists.
Before our event, Back to the Bays hosted three painting parties to encourage the community to come together and make some art, while supporting a good cause. Two of the parties were hosted at Borghese Vineyard and one at our Tiana Bayside Facility in Hampton Bays. From local artists, to people who rarely pick up a paint brush, our diverse community members came together to create a beautiful collection. It was lovely to meet everyone at these painting parties, watching inspiration flow from their brushes onto their buoys.
In addition to our Buoys for the Bays, we included art by CCE Marine Program staff members, as well as 10 years worth of featured Back to the Bays artists. Guests enjoyed viewing original artwork from our recently published Long Island Marine and Coastal Field Guide by Carolyn Munaco, underwater photography and algae presses from Habitat Specialist Kimberly Manzo, photography from CCE Marine’s Rory MacNish, and photography and watercolors by Hatchery Manager Mike Patricio. To commemorate 10 years of Back to the Bays, we had a collection of prints on canvas by our featured artists, including Chris Gaylor (2015), Carolyn Munaco (2016), Rachel Neville (2017), Kara Hoblin (2018), Alison Josephs ( 2019), Carolyn Munaco (2020), Marisa Bottari (2021), Melissa Hyatt (2022), Scott Bluedorn (2023), Carolyn Munaco (2024) & Bran Dougherty-Johnson (2025).
Back to the Bays’ artist and ArtSea Director, Carolyn Munaco and I worked all hours of the day to up the gallery before the event. I photographed each buoy for our auction site and set them up along each side of the gallery, where Carolyn carefully hung the art throughout the location. We received continuous help from the Borghese Vineyard staff and we are incredibly grateful for the support in getting the gallery show ready.
The event itself was remarkable. People gathered around to enjoy the artwork from all different individuals, while sipping on the newly released 2023 Rosé for the Bays, our ongoing wine collaboration with Borghese Vineyard, and enjoying oysters served by our partners Little Ram Oyster Co. Guests were bidding on buoys, purchasing art, and celebrating together at this very successful event.
We would like to thank Borghese Vineyard for hosting us, Little Ram Oyster Co., all of our sponsors, the artists who participated in supporting a great cause, and our guests for making the night so special!