Mineola, NY - October 6, 2015 - Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos, in collaboration with County Executive Edward Mangano and the National Parks Service’s Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, will host a photo exhibit displaying over 40 large color photographs, created by Long Island artist Xiomáro, at the historic Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola, October 13-23, 2015.  The exhibit, “Theodore Roosevelt’s Sagamore Hill:  The ‘Unseen’ Summer White House.” shows the interiors of the Oyster Bay home where TR conducted the nation’s business in a historically rare condition. The public is invited to the free exhibit opening reception on October 13 at 6:00 pm and a free photo e-Book is available for download.

“I am proud to have another opportunity to showcase our local artists,” Comptroller Maragos said. “Xio is a gifted artist who has created a remarkable photographic Exhibit. I encourage everyone to make time to see these historic images while they can.”

“I invite residents to visit the historic Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola to view this wonderful photographic exhibit,” County Executive Mangano said. “This is a great opportunity to glimpse through photos the personal surroundings of our beloved 26th President, his wife Edith and their children.”

The photographs document an unseen version of the mansion that reveals the president’s imposing character and the intimate nature of the First Lady, the children and servants.  The exhibit also marks the debut of a new photograph of the master bedroom, created by the artist upon the recommendation of Tweed Roosevelt, TR's great-grandson. Photographs from the reopening of the house in July are also included. This will be the largest exhibit to date of Xiomaro’s work.

“This exhibition by Xio is an important opportunity to share the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt with diverse audiences and build awareness of the National Park Service outside of park boundaries,” said Kelly Fuhrmann, Superintendent of Sagamore Hill National Historic Site. “Xio’s work highlights the amazing national and local cultural heritage we have at Sagamore Hill, and I encourage exhibit viewers to visit TR’s home for a first-hand experience.”

The site for the exhibit is particularly fitting in that the cornerstone for the Executive and Legislative Building was laid in 1900 by then-Governor Theodore Roosevelt.  The white domed Classical Revival-style structure is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Xiomáro is a nationally exhibited and published artist, curator, writer and speaker whose work has been extensively covered by the national media including The New York Times, Newsday, News12 and Fine Art Connoisseur.

"It is truly an honor to take part in such a historic event that pays tribute to one of the world’s great leaders who made his home in the beautiful hamlet of Oyster Bay,” said Richard LaMarca, President of the Oyster Bay Civic Association. “Nationally renowned and local artist Xiaomaro highlights his own creativity by artistically documenting the vacant historic residence of Theodore Roosevelt and his family."

The event will be co-sponsored by the Oyster Bay Civic Association and the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce. Refreshments will be provided by Key Food, Trader Joes, ShopRite, Bagel Craft of Hempstead and Stop & Shop supermarkets.