Much Ado About Art in Port Jervis
An invitational art exhibit opened at the new art site, R.H. Smith Mercantile, on Jersey Ave.
By Jim Blanton
Laughter and smiles were accompanied by the clinking of glasses and delectable refreshments at the opening Reception for the first Invitational Art Exhibit sponsored by Port Jervis Arts at the R.H. Smith Mercantile building on the evening of March 29. Over one hundred enthusiastic art lovers gathered to view and celebrate the work of outstanding area artists Elaine Cardello-Tedesco, Greg Curry, Gordon Graff, Julia Schmitt Healy, Reggie Cheong Leen, Lisa DiLillo, Jeffrey Parker, Craig Smedley and Eric Stein. The dramatic, dual level Gallery space at R.H. Smith Mercantile provided an impressive setting that itself seemed to be a work of art.
“The Port Jervis Invitational was just incredible,” said Anne Rogers, owner of R.H. Smith Mercantile and Port Jervis Arts Board member. “It brought together such a wonderfully talented group of artists in a way that truly felt special. I was so inspired by the feeling that we were all just living in the moment and enjoying the beauty of the art and the people around us. Everyone was connecting over the work, sharing ideas, being inspired and just celebrating creativity and the possibilities of the future. It was a beautiful reminder of just how powerful art can be in building community and bringing people together.”
"It was so gratifying to see the big turnout for our first Port Jervis Invitational Show,” said Julia Schmitt Healy, Port Jervis Arts Board member and curator for the event. “Port Jervis Arts has been planning this for a while now and it came together better than I dreamed of! The work looks great and all the artists cooperated in helping to set up their work. Much thanks is given to Anne Rogers, who is running the space and her husband Paul Cox who helped out with the installation and the opening. I think this first show has been a 'shot in the arm' for some of the artists, who haven't exhibited locally, even though they live and work here. It was also wonderful to have the Bassist Robert Kopec playing at the reception. It really added to the event.
“The work in the show spans many outlooks and disciplines. Some of it is abstract, some is realistic, and some is rather surreal in approach. We have many mediums: painting, sculpture, collage, mixed media and photography. The variety makes for a very strong survey of what is happening in contemporary art."
The Exhibit will be open for viewing through April 26 on Saturdays and Sundays from 11-5 p.m. or by appointment by calling (917) 494-7754, at R.H. Smith Mercantile, 22 Jersey Ave. in Port Jervis.
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