On Friday June 7, The Art Guild of 200 Port Washington Blvd. held a juried art competition and exhibition reception “Members Showcase.
This exhibition is special because the artists who submit are members of The Art Guild, therefore making this particular exhibition reception one of the most anticipated and largest one of the year.
A hundred pieces of art were submitted and hung in time for the reception, where approximately three hundred guests were in attendance. All mediums were welcome, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.
In first place came Alice Riordan’s “Melancholy.” Second place went to “Memorial To A Tree” by Silvia Maria Rey. In third place was Janis Hurley’s “Grevy’s Zebra Stripes”. Thank you to Juror Alex Ferrone for selecting and awarding the winners.
On behalf of The Art Guild’s co-founder Terri Shkuda, every year during the “Members Showcase” an award is given in her name to someone that has broadened creative pursuits.
This year, the Terri Skhuda Award went to Mary Behling. “Mary has grown tremendously as an artist since she has joined The Art Guild a few years ago.
But she is the recipient of the award this year not only because of her artistic growth and abilities, but because of her attitude. She is the first one to offer her services when no one else has.
But that’s not all. Creativity is not just shown on the canvas, but also in the kitchen and you have all tasted it. She has brought so much to the table, artistically and physically with all the food she cooks and provides for our receptions,” said Ilene Silberstein, presenter and Board Member of The Art Guild.
In addition, as a one time special honor, we presented an award given in memory of Peter Dejana, who has been a tremendously generous supporter of The Art Guild for years.
To honor his legacy, the Art Guild wanted to award someone who’s shown the same desire to support the community. This certificate of recognition was given to Tracy Lefkowitz, who has worked tirelessly with the Nicholas Center and Littig House.
During the “Members Showcase”, The Art Guild also showcased and awarded scholarships to three high school seniors from a vast pool of applicants all over Nassau County.
The scholarships were awarded to those seniors that would be pursuing the visual arts in their future after high school and display a strong commitment to art in the present.
The funding of this wonderful opportunity comes from the Kazickas Family Foundation, allowing each winner to receive $1,000. The foundation has been sponsoring this scholarship for six years now.
“The Kazickas Family Foundation comes to support young people in educational paths. Our belief is that the arts play an integral part of our history and culture.
Art can express ideas that otherwise may not be communicated and has the power to incite change. We are honored to support these talented students and the bright futures ahead of them,” said Marceil Kazickas.
Upon submitting their portfolios of five works, along with brief descriptions for each, a judge reviews the seniors’ applications and selects three winners.
For the 2024 scholarship, Emily Martin judged the applications and selected Shane Adams from Wantagh High School, Alden Kisner from Cold Spring Harbor High School, and Avery Ko from Great Neck South High School.
Emily Martin commented on Alden Kisner’s beautiful technical skills and his great sense of color and composition.
What stood out to her from Shane Adam’s portfolio was how great of a story teller he was, articulating personal experiences when reflecting on his pieces.
Avery Ko’s portfolio wowed Emily, “impeccable execution, beautiful technical abilities in all facets of sculpture, building, and drawing/painting”.
“The Art Guild is thrilled to be a part of the growth process these students are taking their futures in the Arts. We love to showcase and support their talents for the entire community to view and appreciate,” said Katie Bellomo, Gallery Manager at The Art Guild.
A special thank you to Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jen DeSena and state Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti for awarding proclamations to the three talented high school artists.
The guilds next juried competition and exhibition is “Wanderlust.” The exhibition reception will be held Sunday, Sept. 8.
In the meantime, the guild is offering a dozen workshops for adults and Summer Canp for kids over the summer so that you can explore your creativity.
They fill up quickly so register today at www.theartguild.org or call 516-304-5797. More workshops/camps are added all the time so check the website. The TAG team looks forward to welcoming you to our family!
