New Rochelle Art Association and Vanda Gallery are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a show that allows artists to share their sentiments using the colors red, white and/or blue. There will be an eclectic mix of oils, acrylics, watercolors, sculptures, photographs and mixed media inspired by the colors red, white and blue.
May 12 to June 20
Reception Friday, June 12, 5 – 7
New Rochelle Art Association president, Sara Furlong says, “It’s a great privilege to partner with the Vanda Gallery and hold a themed show that challenges our artists to think outside their paintboxes and create artwork that is both fun and meaningful. I hope our event inspires others to be creative and ambitious in their efforts to involve themselves in their communities.” Artist Theresa Beyer says, “In the last few years I’ve done a lot of pretty paintings inspired by native plants and insects and landscapes from my travels. For this show I decided to get out my frustrations about the current state of politics. The great American experiment has had many challenges and I think often about Benjamin Franklins famous quip, that our government would be a republic, if we can keep it, in answer to the question as to whether we had a republic or a monarchy.” Rick Freeman’s unusual photos of fireworks are the perfect celebration of the country, while Sara Furlong’s painting of “Ducks in a Row” makes a subtle comment about politics today. Fred Spinowitz’s “RW&B. Aspiration” with its white ladder reaching skyward sends a message of hope. Patricia Pardini interprets history with her painting of Betsy Ross, while Donna Randles presents a piece in glass entitled “Wave”.
For Zahra herself this exhibition holds particular significance, as it reconnects her with the community she first began exhibiting her work with at the start of her artistic career. She says “New Rochelle Art Association community opened its doors to me as an emerging artist. Today, being able to host and support fellow creatives through Vanda gallery is both an honor and a heartfelt gesture of appreciation.”
Both NRAA and Vanda Gallery look forward to seeing you at the gallery especially for reception. Please support your local artists and local cultural centers, in this way you will nurture your community.
The New Rochelle Art Association was founded in 1912 when a number of artists living in the city met together informally in the studio of Alta West Salisbury and organized the group. In 1914 the NRAA sponsored its first annual juried show to celebrate the opening of the new city library. Some of the noted participants in that show of 140 entries included: sculptor Robert Aitkin, painter G. Glenn Newell, Remington Schuyler, A. G. Heaton and illustrators Norman Rockwell, Joseph P. Leyendecker and Victor Forsythe.
