Local Artist Helps Port's Iconic Lighthouse

Around Port Washington and beyond, John Reichert is known for the beautiful and decadent chocolate art that he creates for The Chocolate Chisel, which he owns with his wife, Elizabeth MacCrimmon.  Long before he worked with chocolate, though, John worked with pewter.

"I'm a sculpture artist, but sculptures take a long time," John laughed.  In 1988, he paid for all of the machinery he needed with his first pewter order from Usingers, and a business was born.  John has made dozens of pewter ornaments for the holidays over the years, many of which can be purchased in the store, as well as other custum pewter orders.

In addition to art, John is also passionate about his hometown, so when the city took responsibility for its iconic, art deco lighthouse earlier this year, John jumped at the chance to use his skills to help raise money for the repairs and maintenance needed for Port's most photographed and recognized structure.

The pewter ornament that John created, which is for sale at The Chocolate Chisel, as well as various other Port Washington businesses, sells for $20, and all of the proceeds will go to Port's Lighthouse.  Unlike John's other ornaments, the lighthouse can stand on its own.

"Not everybody wants an ornament, and this is something I think will sell year round," John explained.  "Tourists will buy it as a momento."

John is no stranger to donating his art for fundraising; in fact, he's done it dozens of times with pewter ornaments, and also with custum designed chocolate bars.  In fact, he has already designed a lighthouse chocolate bar, which may also be used for fundraising ongoing fundraising efforts.

If you're looking for a gift that says "Port Washington" this holiday season, and a gift that gives back to the community, look no further.  Of course, if you're still not sure if it's enough, you could always include a little chocolate.​

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Examples of John Reichert's Pewter Ornaments, available at The Chocolate Chisel in Port Washington.