Artistic dove sculpture originally created for the Casa di Longobardi Italian restaurant, featuring Italian-themed designs. The sculpture, now located in Swan Lake Park, NY, offers a beautiful blend of cultural artistry and community enjoyment.

9. Swan Lake Park

Town: Swan Lake

Artist: Deborah Fisher Palmarini

About: Swan Lake Park in Swan Lake, New York, is a tranquil and scenic spot that offers a peaceful retreat for both locals and visitors. The park is home to the “Swan Lake Park dove,” a beautiful piece of public art that symbolizes the serene and welcoming nature of the area. This dove, once associated with the now-closed Italian restaurant Casa Di Longobardi, has found a new home in the park, continuing to represent the community’s artistic spirit and love for its natural surroundings.

Address: 1658 Briscoe Rd
Swan Lake, NY 12783

Directions
Close-up of the 'Casa di Longobardi Dove,' showcasing detailed Italian-inspired artwork. The dove, once part of an Italian restaurant, now graces Swan Lake Park in Swan Lake, NY, for all to enjoy.

Location: Swan Lake Park

Swan Lake Park, located in the charming hamlet of Swan Lake, New York, is a serene destination known for its picturesque landscapes and peaceful ambiance. Nestled in the heart of Sullivan County, the park offers a perfect escape into nature, with its calm waters and lush greenery providing a soothing environment for relaxation and recreation. Swan Lake itself is a small, tight-knit community that embodies the quiet, rural charm of the Catskills region, making the park a beloved local treasure.

The park is also home to the “Swan Lake Park dove,” an artwork that once graced the now-closed Italian restaurant Casa Di Longobardi. This dove has been relocated to Swan Lake Park as part of the Dove Trail, a public art initiative celebrating the region’s cultural heritage. The dove stands as a symbol of continuity and community, connecting the past with the present and enhancing the park’s natural beauty with its artistic presence.

Swan Lake Park is a place where the local community gathers to enjoy the simple pleasures of life—whether it’s a quiet walk by the lake, a picnic with family, or simply soaking in the natural surroundings. The presence of the “Swan Lake Park dove” adds a touch of artistic flair to this peaceful setting, reminding visitors of the town’s rich history and its enduring connection to art and culture.

For more information about the park and its place in the Swan Lake community, you can learn more about the hamlet itself here

Artist: Debbie Fisher Palmarini

Debbie Fisher Palmarini’s journey began with a fond childhood memory of a Golden Key art award from Misericordia University, Wilkes-Barre, PA, at seven years old. Her 2nd grade teacher gave a brief instruction on a line drawing technique, then challenged the class to create a dual chromatic schemed drawing using the technique. She created a periwinkle, magenta with black ink outline, whimsical clown causing an optical illusion result. Palmarini’s been perfecting this “doodle art” ever since. Others refer to it as “Pop Art”. Palmarini’s love for music parallels her love for art. For her seventh birthday, Deborah received a record player and began delving into her mother’s vinyl collection discovering music like the Beatles, Little Anthony & the Imperials & Ray Charles. Casey Kasem’s Top 40 Countdown on Sundays was her listening playground where she’d memorize songs, and she began joining musicals and Community Theater. By 17, she’d copyrighted over 100 songs. Jump to present, mother to five sons, two serving in the US Air Force, two in college and youngest a freshman at LHS, Palmarini has most recently Art & Music at St. Peter’s School in Liberty. Alongside being a mother and teacher, Palmarini uses her maiden name as her music artist name: Deborah Anne Fisher (deborahafisher.com) in several capacities: Solo Songwriter Guitarist, Duo: Fisher & Kean, Trio: Joshua Tree & a larger ensemble upon request Dallas Fisher Band. Deborah Anne Fisher has self-released three original music CDs over the years and one label CD: “Just a Few Old Memories” with Wepecket Island Records, New Bedford, Massachusetts. This summer you may hear her singing and are welcomed to visit the bus honoring the Golden Anniversary of Woodstock in her travels. Adventures are posted on Sunshine Bus FB page & often joined with her music dates in Sullivan County venues such as: Rock Hill Farmer’s Market, Phillipsport Community Center, Heartbeat Music Hall, Dutch’s Tavern, Cabernet Frank’s, Bashakill Vineyards, Aroma Thyme Bistro, Defilippi’s Bakery, Kauneonga Lake Block Party, Bethel Lakeside Music Series, Monticello Literary Center & Ethelbert B. Crawford Library.

DOVE INSPIRATON: “Italy meets Woodstock” This dove has become a venue and true monument dove commemorating the Woodstock event, in large part the people involved; all of the performing musicians, mc, promoters, backers, the farms- all listed in 60s hand-painted bubble letter font. The musicians are located on the body on one side, with a three-day ticket up top. The promoters, backers and farms are lettered on the stem/leg of the dove, symbolic of supporting the explosion of peace, love & music that was made possible as a result of their efforts 50 years ago. The Italian portion includes scenes of various towns in Italy: a Gondola ride, the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italian Vistas, things of wine, the towns where the owners originate, a mozzarella plate, bread basket, slice of pizza featuring peace, heart & music note pepperoni & mushrooms over the dove eye, a nude pouring water from a vase and other nuances to capture the passion of Italy and patrons interest. This dove was designed in great detail due to the location where it will be installed, nesting near an outdoor courtyard entrance to the restaurant. Debbie envisioned folks enjoying reading and talking about all the entertainers of Woodstock, finding the ticket and other references, along with images of Italy in-between while sipping wine or upon entering or exiting the establishment. Both sides of the dove emblaze the venue logo so drivers may identify the venue at a moment’s glance, being intrigued to investigate the design with closer inspection.

Places to Eat

  • La Patisserie Normande (76 Main St, Swan Lake, NY 12783)
    A charming bakery and café offering fresh pastries, coffee, and light meals.
  • Mountain View Market (32 Jeffersonville South Rd, Swan Lake, NY 12783)
    A deli and grocery store providing sandwiches, salads, and daily specials.

Places to Stay

  • Happy Days Campground (454 Horseshoe Lake Rd. Swan Lake, NY 12783)
  • Horse & Hounds Bed and Breakfast (385 Hurd Rd. Bethel, NY 12720)
  • Heinle Hideout (112 Heinle Road Swan Lake, NY 12783)
  • The Swan Lake House (571 White Sulphur Road Swan Lake, NY 12783)
  • Rooster Fish Properties, LLC (571 White Sulphur Road Swan Lake, NY 12783)

Places to Explore

  • Rolling Stone Ranch (282 West Shore Rd. Bethel, NY 12720)
  • Swan Lake Golf & Country Club (38 Eagle Dr. Swan Lake, NY 12783)
  • Swan Lake Museum & Information Center (1650 Briscoe Rd. Swan Lake, NY 12783)
  • Stone Castle Gardens (4834 St Rte. 55 Swan Lake, NY 12783)
  • Wagging Tail Farm Yoga (111 Jim Stephenson Road Swan Lake, NY 12783)
  • Cunningham Family Farms (233 Hurd Parks Rd. Swan Lake, NY 12783)

Photos by Paul Henshaw