On Friday, June 10, the Art Guild hosted their Annual Member showcase and reception. Several local dignitaries, as well as more than two hundred members and friends attended the exhibition opening.
The member showcase is the culmination of the Art Guild’s gallery season. All members, regardless skill level, or preferred artistic medium were encouraged to submit a piece. The resulting exhibition is an eclectic, and exciting demonstration of the talents of many local artists.
The exhibition includes works of sculpture, painting, and photography. This year’s exhibition had 90 pieces of artwork on display, the largest exhibition ever for the Art Guild.
Debbie Wells, from Artful Circle, was the Juror of Awards for the Member showcase.
She awarded first place to Susan Barse Miller for her acrylic on canvas entitled, “Little One Named Ryan.” Aleta Crawford was awarded second place for “Cherry-Apple-Cherry.”
An oil on canvas. Alice Riordan took third place for her hydrocal sculpture entitled “Tribute.” Three other local artists received honorable mentions for their submissions. They were: Tracy Lefkowitz, Kerri Shiekman, and John Micheals. Artful Circle offers Virtual Art Classes as well as a vast array of other art related services including curatorial, publishing, exhibition and promotion services.
At the reception, the Art Guild recognized the achievements of three High School Seniors: Ahla Beltran of Bethpage High School, Anjali Gauld of Manhasset High School, and Yiqi Tan of Great Neck South High School.
These three exceptional students were the recipients of the Kazickas Family Foundation Art Scholarships! The scholarships are funded by a generous donation by Marceil and John Kazickas and awarded to Nassau County High School Seniors who will be pursuing the visual arts at college.
The scholarship winners received citations from Anna Kaplan, state senator for the 7th District, and Gina Sillitti, state assemblywoman for the 15th District. Also present was Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte of the Town of North Hempstead.
Dalimonte honored all participating artists with citations. More than 40 Nassau County high school seniors applied for the scholarships. The applications were judged by Dawn Lee. Lee is professor and chair of the Art Department at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue/Brooklyn.
Katrina Benson was awarded the Terry Shkuda Award. Benson is highly recognized color pencil artist. She served as a Board member and instructor at the Art Guild. Benson also received citations from Kaplan and Sillitti.
The Member Showcase will be on exhibition through July 16. The gallery is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5 PM while the exhibition is on view. The Art Guild’s gallery is located at 200 Port Washington Blvd. in Manhasset.
The Art Guild offers classes and workshops for children and adults year-round. The Art Guild is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing encouragement, education and a forum for the appreciation of the visual arts.
For more information about The Art Guild, please visit www.theartguild.org.
