Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Gateway to Arts & Culture in Sayville, NY
Founded in 1968, Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts (BAFFA) has dedicated itself to fostering a vibrant cultural community through music, visual arts, and educational programs. Our organization uniquely integrates a symphony orchestra, a chorus, and an art gallery to provide diverse artistic opportunities for both participants and audiences. Over five decades, we have expanded from serving Bayport-Blue Point to engaging members from 50+ communities across Long Island and beyond. Our three core branchesthe BAFFA Symphony Orchestra, Chorus, and Art Galleryoffer platforms for professional and amateur artists to showcase their talents while making the arts accessible to all. The Symphony Orchestra, established in 1970, stands as Long Island's longest continuously performing community orchestra.The Chorus, active since 1968, brings together singers of all skill levels to perform classical and contemporary works. The Art Gallery, housed in the historic Gillette House since 1984, features monthly exhibitions by local artists and student showcases. Through partnerships with schools, churches, and cultural organizations, we have cultivated an appreciation for the arts across generations. Our commitment to community enrichment remains unwavering, as evidenced by free public concerts, discounted workshops, and juried art competitions for emerging artists. Today, BAFFA continues to celebrate creativity and the transformative power of art and music while maintaining its founding mission to inspire, connect, and create through the arts.
Services
Symphony Orchestra
Chorus Performances
Art Gallery Exhibitions
Art Workshops
Cultural Events
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- Founded in 1968, we are Long Island's longest-standing integrated arts organization.
- Three branches provide diverse artistic engagement: orchestra, chorus, and art gallery.
- Free public concerts and exhibitions promote arts accessibility for all audiences.
- Community-focused programming with members from 50+ communities across Long Island.
- Historic Gillette House venue combines cultural heritage with contemporary art displays.
Services
Symphony Orchestra
The BAFFA Symphony Orchestra delivers high-quality musical performances ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions. Founded in 1970, it serves as Long Island's longest continuously performing community orchestra. Comprising professional musicians, amateurs, and students, the orchestra presents three annual concerts featuring both beloved classics and innovative new works.
Chorus Performances
BAFFA Chorus unites singers of all skill levels for dynamic vocal performances spanning classical to pop genres. Active since 1968, the 50-member ensemble performs three annual concerts under professional direction. No auditions are required, fostering inclusive participation while maintaining artistic excellence through weekly rehearsals and community engagement.
Art Gallery Exhibitions
The BAFFA Art Gallery showcases visual arts through monthly exhibitions at the historic Gillette House. Featuring works by emerging and established artists from Long Island, the gallery hosts juried student shows and special events. Since 1984, this cultural space has provided local artists with professional exhibition opportunities while offering free public access to diverse artistic expressions.
Questions
What does BAFFA stand for?
BAFFA stands for Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts, a nonprofit organization promoting arts through music, visual arts, and cultural programs since 1968.
How can I join BAFFA's arts programs?
You can join BAFFA's orchestra, chorus, or art gallery as a performing member or exhibiting artist. No auditions are required for music programs, while artists can apply through our submission process.
Where are BAFFA's performances and exhibitions held?
Performances occur at venues across Long Island including Bayport United Methodist Church and Patchogue's United Methodist Church. The art gallery operates at the historic Gillette House in Sayville, NY.
Are BAFFA events open to the public?
All BAFFA concerts and art gallery exhibitions are free and open to the public, aligning with our mission to make arts accessible to Long Island communities.
What educational programs does BAFFA offer?
BAFFA provides art workshops, student exhibitions including elementary through high school juried shows, and the Jacqueline C. Palmer Art Award for graduating seniors, fostering artistic development across age groups.
Reviews (1)
Bob Pinnola
Aug 02, 2016
Report
BAFFA helps support Long Island's artists and musicians. Gillette House is a great venue for art and acoustic music.
