Art in Motion at Walt Whitman Shops

Those with an appreciation of the arts will have an opportunity to witness a live look at how a Steinway & Sons piano is hand chiseled and shaped when master carver Santé Auriti performs his unique talent before visitors to Walt Whitman Shops. Taking place on Saturday, February 15 from 1 to 4 p.m., this rarely seen demonstration will showcase the beauty of a hand-carved Steinway Louis XV, presented by Steinway Used Piano Gallery of Long Island.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Steinway Used Piano Gallery of Long Island and Mr. Auriti to Walt Whitman Shops for this once in a lifetime opportunity for our patrons,” commented Kathleen Herrmann, director of mall marketing and business development for Walt Whitman Shops.  “This unique experience is certain to be both visually interesting and impressive. We look forward to seeing this incredible artist in action.”   

Mr. Auriti, a native of the agricultural region of Abruzzi, Italy, has enjoyed an illustrious 30+ year career with Steinway & Sons, after immigrating to the United States in 1979.  Shortly after joining the company, he rose through the ranks to the position of Veneer Matcher/Splicer and has held numerous designations such as Machine Operator, Soundboard Specialist and Casemaker. Currently, Mr. Auriti is responsible for crafting every Louis XV and Chippendale style piano produced by Steinway & Sons, considered the most exclusive and beautiful instruments in the industry. His acclaimed career has been well-documented, with praise received from his peers nationally and internationally.

“We are excited to showcase Steinway Used Piano Gallery of Long Island and Mr. Auriti’s immense talent to a wide audience at Walt Whitman Shops,” commented Barry Tognolini, manager of Steinway Used Piano Gallery of Long Island. “He is truly a master of his craft and I am confident that visitors will be both entertained and amazed as they take in this live demonstration.”

During the event at Walt Whitman Shops, Mr. Auriti will be available for questions from shoppers in attendance, as he crafts the magnificent instrument in the Saks Fifth Avenue wing of the property.

Providing shoppers with everything they could ask for, Walt Whitman Shops, formerly Walt Whitman Mall, is located on Route 110 in Huntington Station and managed by Simon Property Group, Inc., headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.  A major transformation was unveiled on November 21, 2013 when the property introduced a number of new stores and dining destinations to its stellar line-up of more than  80 specialty stores and anchors Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. Shoppers will experience unsurpassed customer service with amenities including complimentary wheelchairs; Ticketmaster retail outlet at Simon Guest Services and American Express® Simon Giftcards®, which can be used everywhere American Express® cards are welcomed, and VISA® Simon Giftcards®, good everywhere VISA® debit cards are accepted. Gift cards are available in denominations from $20 to $500.  For more information, please go to www.simon.com. For the latest mall events and updates, visit www.waltwhitmanmall.com, check out www.facebook.com/WaltWhitmanShops and follow the center on Twitter: @WaltWhitmanShop.