Diane Matyas, Livingston

Diane Matyas, 47, (Definitely entering the all-powerful Crone years)

Neighborhood: Livingston

Schooling: Ithaca High School, Cornell University, BFA, MFA

Works in: St. George and Livingston www.SIMuseum.com

Can you sum up why you live on Staten Island? Geographically and sociologically speaking- is interests me. I live here because it is a great GREEN place- relative to the City of New York - with freedom from the usual surburban Snore-itude (no worries about being unusual, creative, or seeking out similar folks). I can entertain myself here or easily get to other parts of the city, or visit the beach, mountains, etc. I have WONDERFUL friends who also have been drawn here. I love the Unitarian Church of Staten Island. I like having a yard, and enjoy the historic buildings that remain. It fits me. Plus, as my friend Peter Yourke recently remarked, "I have been here so long it is hard to know if it is as good as it seems- or if I am just used to it!!!!"

What do you love about Staten Island? The fireflies and the smell of honeysuckle on a summer night- even t hough it is invasive.

What is your favorite hangout on Staten Island? My backyard deck, with scads of friends and kids.

Where is your favorite place on the North/South Shore? I went kayaking with my friend Jim, starting at Alice Austin House & under the Verrazano bridge. That was AMAZING. The waterfront is a huge asset that is underutilized. Oh- then there is the Grotto (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Festival) in Rosebank- just drop me off there on a hot July night with a pound of quarters.

What do you do for Staten Island? I develop exhibits, events, lessons, and other programs with my staff at the Museum. We seek to serve visitors and locals of all stripes, specializing in the BROAD areas of Art, Science, and History...We are Staten Island's Hometown Museum. Unlike any in NYC- The Staten Island Museum still has a multi-disciplinary collection...lots of stuff- from ancient Egyptian Kouros figure sculptures - to type specimens of beetles - to historic maps and other documents. It is impossible to be bored working here, and our plan to expand is happening.

With the help of EVERYONE we are growing into what we should be. In your own words… I am a visual artist by training- so I strive to ask new questions and keep solving problems. I embrace beauty, narrative, and people, and I like to see what happens when you try something new. I like to (physically) move so I am committed to stirring things up, and having fun (laughing) while learning and teaching.

Tell us something that you miss on Staten Island? I have only lived here for 20 years or so---- many things have actually improved from the bad ol' mid 1980's- but I do miss the late night outer-deck break dancers and singers on the ferry - and the small amusement park near Midland beach. The first week I moved here in 1985 I heard a horse whinny on St. Marks Place...what happened to all the horse trails in the parks?

What is your wish for Staten Island? Be who you are Staten Island- while asking for/and working toward what you deserve! Ithaca, my smaller hometown in Upstate (Western) New York, has many community-led quality of life aspects that are missing here, perhaps more imagination is required. We must continue to support the grassroots efforts of environmental leaders to preserve the Green spaces, and also look to innovative design as we develop better spaces (whole neighborhoods, homes, shopping, and entertainment centers.) Spaces attractive to the eye and condusive to civilized community life. Design can act as a tool to de-claw some of the social disharmony that exits- and I hope that the local builders and city planners can improve the way we grow and build. Finally, I would like to ride my bike without the fear of falling into a crater or being mowed down- I would like more people on bikes- fewer in cars...

Thank you Diane.