Long Island native Larry Costello has long had a dream to show his graphic artwork in the Hamptons. That dream finally came true this month when the Westhampton Free Library selected his work to be featured during January as part of its rotating art gallery.

A special artist reception was held on January 5 for a grateful Costello, who has dealt with quadriplegia, memory deficits and speech impairments for the past 40 years. In 1979, just before turning 25, he suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling asleep while driving, careening into Lake Oswego and nearly drowning. He had been heading home from his job in upstate New York, where he taught art and communication skills to handicapped students.

Costello always had a love of art, and before obtaining his degree from Dowling College to teach special education, he worked in advertising art and design.

With his new handicap and his dominant left hand completely paralyzed, however, Costello wasn’t sure how he could continue as an artist. Then, during the 33 years he spent living in a nursing home and rehabilitation center, he slowly learned to use his right hand to maneuver a mouse and create artwork in Adobe Illustrator.

Costello’s vibrant works allowed him to connect to the outside world and share his talents with his fellow man. His work has been on exhibit at Hofstra University, the Disabled Artists’ Guild at Port Jefferson Gallery and the East End Arts Council.

Since moving into an apartment four years ago to become more independent with the help of a team of caregivers, however, Costello has not been able to create very much. He does not own a desktop computer or the software for his design work. To assist him, librarian Terry McEntee has created a GoFundMe campaign to purchase an iMac and the necessary programming so that he can continue to express himself through creativity and share his talents. To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/computer-for-handicap-artist

Photo courtesy of the Westhampton Free Library