Yvonne Noonan-Cifarelli, curator of the Oyster Bay Historical Society, is working on two exciting exhibits of work by the Roosevelt family that will be on view in October. As the title of the exhibit says, "The Roosevelts...It Wasn't All Politics."

Ms. Cifarelli said in the recent issue of The Freeholder, the publication of the Oyster Bay Historical Society, "This first, historic exhibit will feature Oyster Bay Roosevelts' artwork from past and present generations. When one thinks of the name Roosevelt it immediately conjures up associations with our former presidents, Theodore and Franklin Delano. However, the Roosevelt family tree also contains a vast collection of talented artists.

"Most are professionals in the visual arts but also included are writers, musicians and film directors. It shouldn't surprise us that the artist gene runs deep in the Roosevelt family. The visionary concepts of Theodore Roosevelt were inspired by nature and the raw reality of life; this is the exact formula that engenders the life of an artist. It is only how we use this creativity that separates the politician from the artist, poet from speaker and businessman from inventor.

"Art in essence is a personal expression of how we see the world. Some may lay that vision down on canvas; others may write that vision into law, but all in all life itself is art," she said.

Ms. Cifarelli said, "The concept to present a collaborative Roosevelt family exhibit has been a vision of Elizabeth Roosevelt. The exhibit is a significant statement of the brilliance and diversity of the Roosevelt family. Ms. Roosevelt, a professional photographer, will be exhibiting her work along with that of the rest of the Roosevelt family. The exhibit will feature works in oil, lithographs, photography, jewelry designs by Elizabeth's mother, Elise Roosevelt and metal and silver work."

The exhibit will be at two venues: The art of the living Roosevelts will be on exhibit at the office of the Theodore Roosevelt Association at 20 Audrey Avenue.

"There are four living Roosevelt artists: Michael Roosevelt, Esq. who was a lawyer and has added etcher to his titles. Prints by Michael Roosevelt will be on view as well as oil paintings by Christine and Peter Roosevelt and Liz Roosevelt's photographs. One of Ms. Roosevelt's photographs, a view of Raynham Hall's Victorian wing, in the snow, taken from outside the side gate was featured on the museum's Christmas card in 2007.

"Dead Roosevelt's work will be featured at the Earle Wightman House, at 20 Summit Street," said Ms. Cifarelli.

"There is a long line of Roosevelt artists, going back to the portrait painter, Samuel Montgomery Roosevelt (1858-1920), who often painted portraits of his famous cousin TR.

"The exhibit will give us a glimpse into the intimate side of this historic and powerful family. The work will be on exhibit starting on Friday, Oct. 24, in conjunction with Theodore Roosevelt's 150th birthday celebration in the hamlet. The celebration of America's most beloved president is a perfect tribute to the generations of Roosevelts and their amazing journey through life and art," said Ms. Cifarelli.

The exhibit at the Earle Wightman House will also be a fundraiser for the proposed Angela P. Koenig Research center, the OBHS is working to build.