Bay Ridge Eagle ‘Love Is …’ Valentine Art Show Celebrates Young Artists by Harold Egeln (edit@brooklyneagle.net), published online 02-17-2011

By Harold Egeln Bay Ridge Eagle Love is… celebrating Valentine’s Day and showcasing the budding talents of young artists with the “Love is …” theme at Gallery 364, the exhibit space for The Art Room’s first show at Bay Ridge’s premier fine arts gallery and studio. Enjoying an exhibit timed for Valentine’s Day, Gallery 364, in a historic limestone house at 364 72nd St., hosted the fabulous and fascinating “Love Is …” children’s art show staged by The Art Room, a fine arts learning space for children located at 8710 Third Ave. “The children whose art is being exhibited range from age 3 to 12. They are natural artists, a talent I hope they never lose. They and their artwork inspire me!” Leigh Holliday, founder and owner of The Art Room, said at the exhibit. Her business opened last summer to much excitement and celebration by the community, with civic and government leaders applauding the new venture. Skills learned at The Art Room help children exercise their imaginations, encourage playful spontaneity, build self-expression and confidence, and teach them fine arts fundamentals of drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media. “What a wonderful, amazing thrill to see this exhibit,” photographer Georgine Benvenuto, Gallery 364 founder and owner, said. Benvenuto re-shaped her first floor for the gallery and studio, which has hosted theme shows for nearly four years. The gallery was packed with the happy young artists and their proud relatives, as well as curious visitors such as Community Board 10 Chairperson Joanne Seminara and photographers Dave Foss and Larry Nicosia. Among the many artworks that filled the gallery’s walls and tables were the “Love Is a Rose That Never Dies” watercolor painting by Maria Lopardo, “Love Is Music” by Georgia Soumakis, and “Love is Like a Snowstorm” by Steven Fadel. The paintings and clay sculptures included “Love Is ...” various things, including my dog, ice cream, pizza, books, my family, my animals and sunshine. On one table was a sculpture by Scarlett Pappalardo of an air-dry putty clay artist with a color pallet standing in front of an easel. Gallery 364’s next theme show is “Food” with an opening reception scheduled for Thursday, March 10 at 7 p.m.