A Tribute to Hans Gabali: A Folk Artist of the South Shore

	The people of South Shore Estuary Reserve will surely miss Hans Gabali, a prolific mural painter on Long Island who passed away at 85 on January 2, 2006. Gabali was well known for the many folk art scenic murals he painted on the sides of buildings all over Long Island and particularly in South Shore maritime centers. He often painted seascapes depicting the bays and ocean, fishing shanties, sailing ships, clam boats, lighthouses and other important symbols of our maritime heritage and way of life. A Gabali rendition of the Fire Island Lighthouse painted on canvas graces the wall of the Reserve Office in Freeport.
A variety of his classic maritime murals are also visible along Freeport’s Nautical Mile on Woodcleft Canal and other South Shore Bayway destinations throughout the South Shore Estuary. Hans will be missed, but his rich artistic legacy will be a fitting tribute to his passion and will continue to beautify Long Island communities for years to come.