A standing-room-only crowd of family, friends, and local art enthusiasts packed the Sea Cliff Arts Council for the opening reception of Millie DeRiggi’s “A Beautiful Life in Paintings” on Thursday, Jan. 4.

The showcase reflected and illuminated the travels, interests, and artistic talents of the multifaceted DeRiggi – a noted local history lecturer and professor whose scholarship includes deep dives into the origins of the City of Glen Cove and a doctoral dissertation focused on the early Quaker settlers of Long Island.

DeRiggi previously served as historian for the Nassau County Museum Division, director of its collection at the Long Island Studies Institute at Hofstra University, and question/answer writer for the legendary quiz shows “Jeopardy!” and “G.E. College Bowl” during the 1960s.

When DeRiggi was unable to attend opening night due to a brief illness, her family instead brought the art show directly to her through the power of Zoom technology; her husband, former Glen Cove Mayor and Nassau County Justice Donald DeRiggi served as master of ceremonies and walked guests through the exhibition.

After fully recovering, she was on hand at the Arts Council on Saturday, Jan. 13 for an afternoon celebration of a lifetime of creativity and curiosity.

“There is no greater feeling than the one you experience when friends and family come together to celebrate the accomplishments of your parents,” said DeRiggi’s daughter, Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D – Glen Cove). “My entire family is so grateful for the warm response to her art show, and we thank the Sea Cliff Arts Council for being such accommodating and welcoming hosts for this beautiful event.”