Hide and Seek

A collection of studio photography by Scott Weingarten.

I am very happy to announce the opening of our September 2013 show with Photographer Scott Weingarten Saturday September 7th, from 7-10 PM, at Gallery 364. Join us to view Scott's latest work, mingle with other artists, enjoy food & drink.

This event is free, but we will not turn away donations which help support our wonderful shows!!
We hope to see you all here for another exciting year!!!

Thank You,
Georgine Benvenuto, Founder & Director
Gallery 364 



Introducing Scott Weingarten

 Scott M. Weingarten
 Fine At Photographer/Artist/Banker


Scott Weingarten was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 22, 1957. He has had numerous gallery shows in the
New York City area including Fountain Art Fair in Miami, Florida. He has also had shows on Long Island and in the dumbo area in downtown Brooklyn. His current work is motivated by his passion for photographing people in various situations. Scott's work consists on mainly black and white photographs that are emotional and enticing to
the soul and imagination.

 Scott is basically self taught and has studied with a mentor for several years learning different techniques including editing, printing and photoshop methods. He has an extensive art background including drawing and Fashion Illustration. Scott has a degree in Fashion Illustration from F.I.T. and a fine art degree from Kingsborough Community College.

He has recently been working with photographing models for the past two years in various situations using different lighting techniques to get the most creative effect possible. Scott has done unusual portraits and abstracting models to give his work more self expression.

He continues to work in mostly 17"x 22" format or larger using his Canon EOS 5D digital camera. Printing is done on an epson 3880 printer.

Scott has won honorable mention at 364 Gallery in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and has had several write ups in Gallery and Studio Magazine.

HORROR VACUI PART 2: 

Photographs by Kathy Libraty

OPENING PARTY APRIL 6th, 2013     7-10PM

I am very happy to announce the opening of our April 2013 show with Photographer Kathy Libraty this Saturday April 6th From 7-10PM, at Gallery 364. Join us to view Kathy's latest work, mingle with other artists, enjoy food & drink and I understand we have a surprise musical guest!! More info to come in the next two days. You can join our event on Facebook, Gallery 364. This event is free, but we will not turn away donations which help support our wonderful shows!! We hope to see you all here for another exciting year!!!

Thank You,
Georgine Benvenuto, Founder & Director
Gallery 364 




Introducing Kathy Libraty

As a visual artist, I have always enjoyed the juxtaposition of varying elements in my work. As I was photographing different locations of graffiti art and wall murals throughout Brooklyn and Long Island City, it occurred to me that this is a “people’s art” and that our urban landscape is created by many varying contributors. Torn posters providing segments of faces with torn paper edges contrasted with brick walls or wooden construction barricades, graffiti, spray painted graphics and nonsense along with actual architectural elements all commingle into an ever-changing visual smorgasbord of our human artistic psyche. As street artists come upon these works they are sometimes inspired to add or detract by contributing some extra elements or actually vandalizing the images—thus they become works in progress in an ever-shifting urban environment.

In many of the images presented here, I have employed my lovely daughter and muse, Elisa Renee, to pose and add a human context to the images. She has generously contributed her time and dramatic talent to enhance my photographic visions. A musical artist in her own right (ElisaLovelie.com), Elisa has that elusive charisma, charm and humor that jumps out of the photographs and demands your full attention. Indeed she is, in many ways, the co-author of the works in which she appears and deserves full recognition and praise for her unique contribution! At times, I have also been fortunate to capture passersby who willingly or unwittingly became a part of my compositions.

But getting back to my opening statement about the juxtaposition of varying elements, I have also taken the artistic license to alter the images by adding other photographic images by compositing them in Photoshop. Thus, in my own way, I have added to the visual lexicon of the urban landscape—even if the images only exist as unique works in these photographic prints.

This exhibit represents the continuation of the project originally exhibited at Starbucks in August of last year.
I am also going to include many smaller framed images of varying other photographic subjects that I have recently processed through Instagram. It promises to be a visually exciting and fun filled night!

"ECLECTIC" Opens January 26th, 2012

"ECLECTIC" Opens January 26th, 2012
7PM-10PM
Details

Gallery 364 "Bay Ridge's First Fine Arts Gallery" is pleased to go forth with our January Art Competition, entitled "ECLECTIC".

We believe in giving just a keyword/s to our artists and see what they come forward with in terms of visual artwork. Please include an artist statement at time of entry.

If you are interested in submitting work for this competition (all mediums accepted), for consideration please call Georgine for an appointment to show your work, or email jpegs for review. No URL's please. You will be notified by email or phone of acceptance. And we look forward to seeing you at our opening reception.

The entry fee is $25.00 per piece, for work accepted, with a limit of 4 pieces per artist. All art must be ready to hang. Entering 4 pieces of accepted art will entitle you to submit two additional pieces for our affordable art wall for FREE.

This competition is open to all media. Criteria for judging is as follows: Beauty (symmetry,composition, proportions, framing) Skill, Meaning, Uniqueness, and Intent.

All art will be for sale. Gallery 364 retains 30% of all sales. Gallery 364 will award: ONE "Best In Show" winner will receive $150 Cash Prize. TWO "Honorable Mention" winners will each receive $50 Gift Certificate. (Winners will be announced at Opening Reception)

SPECIAL GUEST JUDGES: Award Winning Photographers Anthony Almeida & Professor Doug Schwab

Award Winning Watercolorist Doug Opalski

Deadline for submissions: Sunday, Jan. 22nd, 2012

Artists Opening Reception: Thursday, Jan.26th 2012 Show will be on view, thru Feb.9th, 2012

This Show is Sponsored by: Rhea McCone of Habour Abstract and Maria, Sheila, and Maureen of The Green Spa and Wellness Center.

Contact Georgine for more info: Gallery 364 364 72nd Street Brooklyn, NY 11209 917-767-3848 www.gallery364.com

DATE: January 26th, 2012
TIME: 7PM-10PM
LOCATION: GALLERY 364


Sincerely,


Georgine Benvenuto, Founder/Curator
Gallery 364
email: georgine@gallery364.com
phone: 917-767-3848
web: http://www.gallery364.com/

JULY 28TH ART OPENING POSTPONED

NEW DATES TO BE POSTED SOON.

Gallery 364 "Bay Ridge's First Fine Arts Gallery" is pleased to go forth with our Sept. Art Competition, entitled "THE ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAIT".

Gallery 364 "Bay Ridge's First Fine Arts Gallery" is pleased to go forth with our Sept. Art Competition, entitled "THE ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAIT".

An environmental portrait is a portrait executed in the subject's usual environment, such as in their home or workplace, and typically illuminates the subject's life and surroundings.

By photographing a person in their natural surroundings, it is thought that you will be able to better illuminate their character, and therefore portray the essence of their personality, rather than merely a likeness of their physical features. It is also thought that by photographing a person in their natural surroundings, the subject will be more at ease, and so be more conducive to expressing themselves, as opposed to in a studio, which can be a rather intimidating and artificial experience.

The surroundings or background is a key element in environmental portraiture, and is used to convey further information about the person being photographed.

While it is often true that the background may dominate the subject, this need not necessarily be so. In fact, the details that convey the message from the surroundings can often be quite small and still be significant. The key seems to be in the symbolism expressed by various elements in the background; for instance, a baseball cap may not tell you much about your subject (unless he or she is a baseball player), but a chef's hat gives you a lot more detail about who he is and what he does.

If you are interested in submitting work for this competition (all mediums accepted), for consideration please call Georgine for an appointment to show your work, or email jpegs for review. No URL's please. You will be notified by email or phone of acceptance. And we look forward to seeing you at our opening reception.

The entry fee is $25.00 per piece, for work accepted, with a limit of 4 pieces per artist. All art must be ready to hang.

This competition is open to all media. Criteria for judging is as follows: Beauty (symmetry,composition, proportions, framing) Skill, Meaning, Uniqueness, and Intent.

All art will be for sale. Gallery 364 retains 30% of all sales. Gallery 364 will award: ONE "Best In Show" winner will receive $150 Cash Prize. TWO "Honorable Mention" winners will each receive $50 Gift Certificate. (Winners will be announced at Opening Reception)

SPECIAL GUEST JUDGE: AWARD WINNING NEW YORK DAILY NEWS PHOTOGRAPHER, TODD MAISEL

This Show is Sponsored by Harbour Abstract Owner Rhea McCone.

Deadline for submissions: Tuesday, Sept. 12th, 2011

Artists Opening Reception: Thursday, Sept.15th, 2011 7-10PM

Show will be on view, thru Oct. 6th, Sept. 15th, 2001

Contact Georgine for more info: Gallery 364 364 72nd Street Brooklyn, NY 11209 917-767-3848 www.gallery364.com

DATE: July 28th, 2011 TIME: 7PM-10PM LOCATION: GALLERY 364

Bay Ridge

New Alliance Embraces Bay Ridge Arts and Culture Gentile Puts Brooklyn Spotlight on Community by Harold Egeln (edit@brooklyneagle.net), published online 04-18-2011

By Harold Egeln Brooklyn Daily Eagle BAY RIDGE — This community, 45 minutes from Broadway and 20 minutes from the Brooklyn Academy of Music, is thriving with theatrical, musical and dance performances as well as art exhibits. And now this growing cultural landscape is in the spotlight with the launch of a new alliance. “Bay Ridge is home to some of the best arts and cultural happenings in Brooklyn. From theater and opera companies to historical societies and musical choirs, we got it all!” said Councilman Vincent Gentile (D-Southwest Brooklyn) at the launch of the Bay Ridge Arts + Cultural Alliance. “Brooklyn’s cultural scene does not stop below Park Slope. “The number and diversity of events happening here on any given weekend is impressive,” added Gentile, referring to an events calendar distributed at the launch held at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. “Welcome to a really big show!” Official borough recognition of Bay Ridge’s cultural institutions came when Georgine Benvenuto’s Gallery 364 on 72nd Street was included on the SmArt Brooklyn Gallery Hop bus tour for the first time in November 2009. Borough President Marty Markowitz and Brooklyn Tourism sponsored the borough-wide tour. Further recognition of the community as an arts and cultural magnet came this past fall when the 60-year-old Bay Ridge Community Council formed its first arts and cultural committee under the leadership of the late Tom Kane of Brooklyn One Theater and the Narrows Community Theater. The alliance’s official launch included performances by a Regina Opera singer and two teens from Young Dancers in Repertory. It sprang from conversations that Councilman Gentile had with Victoria Hofmo, founder of the East Coast Scandinavian Museum. Around the large room at Good Shepherd were tables representing each aspect of the alliance, such as the Bay Ridge Festival of the Arts with President Chandra Hira and the Narrows Botanical Gardens with landscape artist Jimmy Johnson. The garden hosts art, music and movies. “The alliance will seek to increase partnerships between arts and cultural organizations and local businesses as well as greater cooperation and cross-promotion within the Bay Ridge arts and cultural scene,” explained Gentile. City Representative Welcomes ‘Amazing Alliance’ “This alliance is an amazing event, feat and accomplishment for your community,” said Chief of Staff Katie Dixon of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs. Among those in attendance were representatives from the Brooklyn Arts Council and the Alliance of Community Theaters of New York. The mission statement of the alliance includes promoting Bay Ridge’s arts and cultural diversity with funding and advocacy organizations, pooled events and local business partnerships, and finding new audiences, and shared spaces for arts and cultural groups that have no permanent spaces. Alliance member groups include the Bay Ridge Festival of the Arts, Narrows Community Theater, Art at the Corner, Ridge Repertory Company, Narrow Botanical Gardens, Scandinavian East Coast Museum, Young Dancers in Repertory, Harbor Defense Museum, Bay Ridge Historical Society, The Art Room, the Children’s Chorus of Bay Ridge and many others.

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‘Food’ Exhibit Shown At Bay Ridge’s Gallery 364 by Harold Egeln (edit@brooklyneagle.net), published online 03-28-2011

By Harold Egeln Brooklyn Daily Eagle BAY RIDGE — “Food, glorious food!” could be the theme song for Gallery 364’s latest art show. The artistic serving of food-themed paintings, mixed-media artwork, photographs and sculptures was the idea of gallery owner and founder Georgine Benvenuto. “We believe in giving just one or a few key words to our artists and then see what they come up with in terms of visual artwork,” she said of the exhibit “Food.” “It challenges their imaginations and selections, and delights our visitors and buyers,” she said. One of the newest artists to exhibit at the gallery is Charles Johnson, whose large and heavy gray sculpted stone artworks, such as “Quince,” “Walnut” and “Coconut,” have dazzled viewers. “He’s the latest addition, and his work is wonderful. He even made and supplied the pedestals upon which his carved stone-works are set,” noted Benvenuto. Housed in Benvenuto’s historic 100-year-old limestone house on 72nd Street, the first-floor gallery and art studio has made a splash in Bay Ridge’s cultural scene since it opened four years ago. “Food” at Gallery 364 not only exhibits the artwork but also sells it, and buyers have a variety of choices at both affordable and higher prices. The opening-night festivities included an awards show. Best in Show winners included Johnson’s aforementioned “Quince” and Dave Foss’ large digital color photo titled “Uninvited Guest at the Luncheon of the Boating Party” — an enthralling impressionist scene of a nude female in front of a large, famous Renoir reproduction. There were honorable mentions who received gift certificates. Dolores Valenza, a frequent exhibitor, got the nod for her mixed-media “Marzapan” while photographer Larry Nicosia, on board since the gallery’s earliest shows, was chosen for his large “Sliced Pears” digital photo. A third honorable mentioned went to John Avelluto’s huge mixed-media pizza pie, titled “J loves M.” Real food was provided by Pierre of Circles Bay Ridge, with chocolate delights from Dove Chocolates. Judges for the art competition were watercolorist Doug Opalski and Brooklyn College photography Professor Doug Schwab. Coldwell Banker and Mary Kae Higgins were the sponsors, and raffle prizes were donated by The Green Spa and Wellness Center, The Bookmark Shoppe and Dove Chocolates. “Food” is on exhibit through April 21 and can be seen by appointment. For more information, phone (917) 767-3848 or log onto www.gallery364.com.

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.

PLEASE JOIN US ON MARCH 24th, 2011 7-10PM "FOOD" ART OPENING & COMPETITION

Please join us at Gallery 364 "Bay Ridge's First Art Gallery & Studio" for our March Competition "FOOD"

GUEST JUDGES: Doug Schwab, Professor of Photography at Brooklyn College

Doug Opalski, Watercolorist

Winning artwork from our "Artists Choice" show will also be on display.

Noshes Provided by Pierre of Circles Bay Ridge and Dove Chocolates

Sponsored by Coldwell Bankers, Mary Kae Higgins

$5 suggested donation at door. (noone will be turned away) Receive a free raffle ticket with your donation Prizes donated by: The Green Spa & Wellness Center, Dove Chocolates, and The Bookmark Shoppe

Chef Daisy Martinez Book Signing March 19th, 2011

Chef Daisy Martinez FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2nd, 2011 Gallery 364 Hosts Interview and Book Signing with Celebrity Chef Daisy Martinez BAY RIDGE, Brooklyn: Soon it will be Spring, and the winter of 2010-2011 will dissolve to a vague memory! Join Gallery 364 in a special tribute on March 19 and March 24 to one of nature's glorious bounties: FOOD. Our bodies are nourished by food; likewise, our souls are nourished by art. On March 19, Gallery 364 presents a very special book-signing featuring celebrity chef, author, and television personality, Daisy Martinez. Star of the PBS show, "Daisy Cooks!" and The Food Network's "Viva Daisy!" Martinez is the author of several bestselling cookbooks: Daisy: Morning, Noon, and Night: Bringing Your Family Together with Everyday Latin Dishes, Daisy Cooks: Latin Flavors That Will Rock Your World, and her most recent, Daisy's Holiday Cooking: Delicious Latin Recipes for Effortless Entertaining. Martinez is also a regular columnist for Every Day with Rachel Ray and Selecciones magazines. Prior to the book signing, Martinez will be interviewed by Mickey Burns, Host of PROFILES on NYC Media life channel 25 on all cable providers. Go to their website for info www.profilestvshow.net. Immediately following the interview, Martinez will take questions from the audience. A special prize drawing, limited to the audience members, will be held. Gallery 364's Open Call Artist's Competition for March, entitled, "Food" - which officially opens to the public on March 24th - will also be on display in a special sneak preview. The first 40 people who make a $35 donation (at time of pre-ordering of books) to Gallery 364 will be part of the audience for the interview, Q&A session, and will share in refreshments and noshes compliments of CEBU, Coldwell Banker Reliable Realtor Mary Kae Higgins, and Gallery 364. The $35 includes entrance to the "Food" exhibit. Space is limited, so you must reserve by March 11th . Doors open at 6PM for audience members, and 7:30PM for book signing. After the interview, doors will open for the book signing. Donations will also be accepted at the door to Gallery 364 for those who were not part of the audience for the interview/Q&A session, but wish to make a donation to support the arts in Bay Ridge. On March 24, Gallery 364 will officially open its "Food" Open Call Artist's Competition, which runs through April 21st. Copies of Martinez's books can be pre-ordered through The Book Mark Shoppe, a local bookstore, at a 20% discount, (go to www.bookmarkshoppe.com for pre-order pricing). Payment can be made in-store, online or by phone with a major credit card. Orders must be placed by March 18th to receive the discounted price. The BookMark Shoppe is at 8415 Third Avenue, 718-833-5115, www.bookmarkshoppe.com. All book sales and donations will be handled exclusively by The BookMark Shoppe. Gallery 364 is at 364 72nd St., Brooklyn, N.Y., www.gallery364.com , and on Facebook. Contact: Georgine Benvenuto, curator Email to georgine@gallery364.com 917-767-3848 Event Sponsors: Coldwell Banker Reliable Realtor Mary Kae Higgins and CEBU Restaurant For information on Mickey Burns, go to www.questmedia.net. For information on Daisy Martinez, go to www.daisymartinez.com About Gallery 364 Gallery 364 opened on May 17th, 2007, is housed in an historic 1910 limestone, and is privately owned and operated by Georgine Benvenuto, a longtime Bay Ridge resident. Gallery 364 is the only fine arts studio/gallery in the Bay Ridge neighborhood and has been featured on Brooklyn Community Access Television, NY1 and Channel 12. Gallery 364 offers affordable classes in digital and film photography, digital printing, painting, watercolor, drawing, and other media. Every month, the gallery conducts open art competitions, and the selected entries are displayed in a group show. Winners are awarded cash prizes and gift certificates to aid in the funding of creating their artwork. www.gallery364.com Gallery 364 364 72nd Street Brooklyn, NY 11209 917-767-3848 Georgine Benvenuto Gallery 364, Founder

CALLING ALL ARTISTS & PHOTOGRAPHERS ART COMPETITION "FOOD"

Gallery 364 "Bay Ridge's First Fine Arts Gallery" is pleased to go forth with our March Art Competition, entitled "FOOD".

We believe in giving just a keyword/s to our artists and see what they come forward with in terms of visual artwork. Please include an artist statement at time of entry.

If you are interested in submitting work for this competition (all mediums accepted), for consideration please call Georgine for an appointment to show your work, or email jpegs for review. No URL's please. You will be notified by email or phone of acceptance. And we look forward to seeing you at our opening reception.

The entry fee is $25.00 per piece, for work accepted, with a limit of 4 pieces per artist. All art must be ready to hang.

This competition is open to all media. Criteria for judging is as follows: Beauty (symmetry,composition, proportions, framing) Skill, Meaning, Uniqueness, and Intent.

All art will be for sale. Gallery 364 retains 30% of all sales. Gallery 364 will award: ONE "Best In Show" winner will receive $150 Cash Prize. TWO "Honorable Mention" winners will each receive $50 Gift Certificate. (Winners will be announced at Opening Reception)

GUEST JUDGES:

DOUG OPALSKI, WATERCOLORIST, AND DOUG SCHWAB, PROFESSOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY, BROOKLYN COLLEGE

Deadline for submissions: Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

A SPECIAL SNEAK PREVIEW OF ART AND A BOOK SIGNING/Q&A WITH CELEBRITY CHEF DAISY MARTINEZ IS SCHEDULED ON MARCH 19th, 2011. THE COMPETITION OPENS TO ALL ON Thursday, MARCH 24th, 2011, 7-10PM

Artists Opening Reception: Thursday, March 24th, 2011 Show will be on view, March 24th thru April 21st, 2011

Contact Georgine for more info: Gallery 364 364 72nd Street Brooklyn, NY 11209 917-767-3848 www.gallery364.com

DATE: MARCH 24th, 2011 TIME: 7PM-10PM LOCATION: GALLERY 364

"Love is....: Children's Art Show curated by Leigh Holliday of The Art Room.

Published online for Courier-Life Publications

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 Yournabe.com Brooklyn Kid's 'love' art show at Gallery 364
By Shavana Abruzzo
Monday, February 14, 2011 4:06 PM EST

Photo Credit: GEORGINE BENVENUTO

Proud pint-sized Picassos were in a class by themselves when they displayed their awesome masterpieces at Gallery 364 for Valentine’s Day.

The boys and girls, ages 3 and up, traded smiles as bright as their palettes — plus bragging rights, too — over the paintings, drawings and sculptures they made for their tender tribute to love, entitled, “Love is...”

The sweet showcase was a love affair between The Art Room, on 87th Street and Third Avenue, where the youngsters created their offerings, and the gallery, a fine arts studio and gallery space housed in a historic 1910 limestone where emerging artists from diverse backgrounds can develop, create, and exhibit their multimedia artwork.

For budding Rembrandt, Maria LaPardo, “Love is a rose that never dies” — a sentiment she expressed with her pretty pink drawing of the popular flower.

James Cona relied on his loved ones for inspiration, painting an impressive family portrait.

“Love is all the people that I know,” he said wisely.

Lil’ Stavroula Gabriel wasn’t fussy at all when it came to spreading her adoration. Her picture of moms and dads aboard a merry-go-round reflected her blossoming spirit.

“I love everything,” she effused.

And a watercolor sploshed with pie slices showed viewers a glimpse into the mind of its young artist, Cara Anderson.

“I love pizza,” she revealed.

ADVERTISEMENT[Image]The exhibit was just the cherry on the cake, said Justin Brannan, co-founder of The Art Room.

“Children who are encouraged to express themselves through art will find their thoughts, feelings and imaginations broadened and enriched.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Brooklyn Daily Eagle "Artist Choice"

Art

When Artists Choose Favorites, Bay Ridge Gallery Shows Them by Harold Egeln (edit@brooklyneagle.net), published online 02-09-2011

Valentine’s Show This Sunday By Harold Egeln Brooklyn Daily Eagle BAY RIDGE — If artists and photographers were given an opportunity to choose their favorite pieces from their own work, what would they choose? The answer is on the walls of Gallery 364, Bay Ridge’s first fine-arts gallery showplace and art class space in an historic 1910 limestone house at 364 72nd St. Its latest exhibition and sale, “Artists’ Choice,” lets artists sing, “These are some my favorite things!” “We wanted to give artists and photographers an opportunity to choose what they consider to be their favorite works. So ‘Artists’ Choice’ is our theme for this show,” said award-winning photographer Georgine Benvenuto, Gallery 364’s founder and owner. At the recent opening reception, Brooklyn College photography professor Doug Schwab and artist Laura Fantini served as guest judges, choosing the best of the artists’ best. “There’s a friendly feeling always present and enjoyed at these shows,” said Fantini, who discovered Gallery 364 through a blog. Of the art of judging, Schwab said, “It’s always a hard choice since there are so many marvelous artworks from which to pick.” Because the best artwork was so difficult to choose, instead of one “Best in Show” award, there were two winners this time, with both artists receiving $150. They were “Dance of Life,” an oil painting on canvas by Downtown Brooklyn artist Hans-Bernd Zimmermann, and “Beyond the Surface of the Glass,” a silver photo print by Anthony Almeida. There were also three honorable mentions, all large digital photo prints. These were “Free Tibet” by Larry Nicosia, “Exotic Trees” by Scott Weingarten, and “Moonlight,” a woodcut by Rosemarie Gallinari. “They were given certificates to encourage them to go on to be best in show,” said Benvenuto. She added that all the work was wonderful and superbly varied, with 46 artists and photographers submitting a total of 63 pieces that filled Gallery 364’s walls and rooms in the first-floor art gallery. The artwork also included winning entries from the last show theme “Nostalgia.” Snacks were provided by Pierre of Circles Bay Ridge restaurant, and music was provided by violinist Annmarie Weisner. Exhibit visitors, of whom there were many, received free raffle tickets to The Gingerbread Lady by the Ridge Repertory Company, whose star attended the exhibit opening. The gallery’s next monthly theme show and sale will be “Food,” scheduled to have its opening reception on Thursday, March 10 at 7 p.m. “Artists always find in their artworks what fits our chosen themes. They come through with flying colors every time. It’s really amazing!” said Benvenuto. ‘Love Is’ Children’s Art Show This Sunday As the heartbeat of Valentine’s Day spreads, the art beat is at Gallery 364 on Sunday, Feb. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. with “Love Is,” a free show featuring artworks from the new nearby Art Room, a “fun space” for children that opened last year. The “Love Is” children’s art show is curated by Leigh Jewel Holliday, founder and owner of the Art Room at 8710 Third Ave. The skills children learn at the Art Roomhelp them to exercise their imaginations, build self-expression and confidence, and learn the fundamentals of painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed media.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FEBRUARY ART COMPETITION "ARTIST CHOICE" WINNERS

Gallery 364 would like to thank our guests and artists who participated in our February Art Competition "Artist Choice". Here are photos of the winners:

PHOTO CREDIT:

JONAS MLENAK

Best in Show Winner Painter Hans-Bernd Zimmermann

Best in Show Winner Photographer Anthony Almeida

Honorable Mention Winner Artist Rosemarie Gallinari

Honorable Mention Winner Photographer Larry Nicosia

Honorable Mention Winner Photographer Scott Weingarten

Thank you to our Guest Judges: Professor Doug Schwab and Artist Laura Fantini.

Thank you to the Ridge Repertory for suppling Tickets to The Gingerbread Lady as Door Prizes.

GALLERY 364 AND THE ART ROOM PRESENT CHILDREN'S ART SHOW "LOVE IS........"

Tuesday February 8, 2011

** PRESS RELEASE **

THE ART ROOM & GALLERY 364

PRESENT CHILDREN’S GALLERY SHOW

=======================================================================

The Art Room, Bay Ridge's Premier Fine Arts School for Kids, in conjunction with

Gallery 364, Bay Ridge's ONLY fine arts gallery, proudly present:

“Love is…”

A collection of works by students of The Art Room.

Where: “Gallery 364” 364 72nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11209

(Take the R train to Bay Ridge Avenue stop)

917-767-3848

When: Sunday, February 13, 2011

Time: 1-3pm

Admission to this event is free.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

About The Art Room: Founded by Leigh Jewel Holliday, The Art Room is a fine arts

school in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn which caters to children ages 3 and up. Their tagline is “For

Brooklyn’s Young at Art!” The Art Room was built on the belief that early exposure to art is

crucial to the growth of young minds and helping kids develop other skills which will

benefit them greatly later in life. Art is one of the most important means of self-expression

and confidence building—combining imagination, spontaneity, playfulness and

experimentation. Children who are encouraged to express themselves through art will find

their thoughts, feelings and imaginations broadened and enriched. Most importantly, art is

a lot of messy fun while also being educational, visceral and therapeutic. Classes at The Art

Room focus on all fundamentals of fine arts including drawing, painting, sculpture, and

mixed media.

Owner/Teacher Leigh Jewel Holliday was born and raised in Washington, DC. By the time

Leigh was 3, she had already fallen in love with art. After graduating with a Bachelor of

Fine Arts Degree from The Corcoran College of Art + Design, Leigh founded her first fine

arts school located in historic Georgetown. Years later, Leigh relocated to New York City

and decided to open up The Art Room in beautiful Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

PROFESSOR DOUG SCHWAB GUEST JUDGES "ARTIST CHOICE" ART COMPETITION.

Doug Schwab - Artist, Photographer, Educator

Doug Schwab is a Brooklyn based photographer. His current work is driven by his passion for photographing people and printing these pictures in the platinum/palladium medium and the gum bichromate method, both of which are 19th Century photographic techniques.

Doug Schwab was self-taught and working as a staff photographer for the major defense contractor ITT when he first took classes in photography. It was at this time that he studied with George Tice and Lisette Model.

He sees photography as a simple craft that can be a wonderful combination of technology and self-expression. This and his passion for photography drive his work.

For many years Schwab was a Leica enthusiast, but about 10 years ago he began working creatively with view cameras, that prior to that had always been a commercial photography tool.

He continues to work with an 8 x 10 view camera, and lately he's using digital negatives generated by smaller cameras as well. Schwab's work can be seen in galleries and alternative spaces throughout New York City and Brooklyn where Schwab is an Assistant Professor of Photography at Brooklyn College.

Links to Doug Schwab's work:

www.dougschwabphotography.com
www.discoveredartists.com/dschwab1

PLEASE JOIN US ON FEB 3RD, 2011 7-10PM "ARTIST CHOICE" ART OPENING & COMPETITION

Please join us at Gallery 364 "Bay Ridge's First Art Gallery & Studio" for our February Competition "Artist Choice"

GUEST JUDGES: Doug Schwab, Professor of Photography at Brooklyn College

Laura Fantini, Artist

Winning artwork from our "NOSTALGIA" show will also be on display.

Noshes Provided by Pierre of Circles Bay Ridge

Music By Annmarie Weisner, Violinist

$5 suggested donation at door. (noone will be turned away) Receive a free raffle ticket with your donation Prizes donated by The Ridge Repertory Company ( two sets of tickets to see The Gingerbread Lady)

ARTIST LAURA FANTINI GUEST JUDGES AT GALLERY 364

Laura Fantini is a hyper-realistic artist who specializes in colored pencil still life. Her artwork is defined by strong contrast values and highly theatrical compositions with dramatic lighting. She was born in Bologna, Italy and graduated from the Liceo Artistico and Academy of Fine Arts of her hometown. In 1985 Laura Fantini won the 1st Prize for the Premio Culturale Panta Rei, Bologna. Her first group show took place in Modena, Italy in 1992. Since then Ms. Fantini's art has exhibited nationally and internationally and has been widely published and documented. After graduating, she worked on commercial illustrations and taught workshops on colored pencil technique at the University Primo Levi in Bologna. In 1998 one of her colored pencil artworks was featured in the M.E.I.N. newsletter, published in California and internationally distributed. In 2000 Laura Fantini was invited to participate to a charity auction at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. In 2001 Ms. Fantini exhibited for the first time in the US in Soho, New York. In 2002, she was selected for “Premio Arte” promoted by Arte, a Mondadori’s publication. In 2003 Ms. Fantini was included into the group exhibition “Proposte” at the Galleria Forni in Bologna and had her first solo exhibition. From 2005 through 2009 Laura Fantini donated some of her paintings to the Fall Auction/Party to benefit the New York based non-profit organization Big Apple Greeter.

Since 2004 Ms. Fantini has started collaborating with the Object Image Gallery in Brooklyn, New York. In 2008 she was selected by “Profilo d’Arte” - Banca Profilo among the most interesting emerging Italian artists and exhibited at the Museo della Permanente in Milan. Laura Fantini continues exhibiting in Italy and New York. She was awarded 1st Prize for the “First Annual Sylvia Glesmann Floral Exhibition” and 1st Prize “Jane Peterson Memorial Award" at the Salmagundi Club in New York and received an Honorable Mention at Gallery 364 in Brooklyn in 2010. Ms. Fantini is a member of the Salmagundi Club in New York and the Colored Pencil Society of America.

ART SHOW POSTPONED UNTIL FEB 3rd, 2011

Due to the storm heading our way in Bay Ridge, we have decided to postpone our art competition "Artists Choice" Until Feb 3rd, 2011 7PM-10PM.

Our new deadline for art submissions is Jan, 31st.

CALLING ALL EMERGING ARTISTS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Gallery 364 "Bay Ridge's First Fine Arts Gallery" is pleased to go forth with our January Art Competition, entitled "Artist Choice".

We believe in giving just a keyword/s to our artists and see what they come forward with in terms of visual artwork. For JANUARY WE WANT YOU, THE ARTIST, TO CHOOSE THE THEME FOR YOUR WORKS. Please include an artist statement at time of entry.

If you are interested in submitting work for this competition (all mediums accepted), for consideration please call Georgine for an appointment to show your work, or email jpegs for review. No URL's please. You will be notified by email or phone of acceptance. And we look forward to seeing you at our opening reception.

The entry fee is $25.00 per piece, for work accepted, with a limit of 4 pieces per artist, themes may vary from piece to piece. All art must be ready to hang.

This competition is open to all media. Criteria for judging is as follows: Beauty (symmetry,composition, proportions, framing) Skill, Meaning, Uniqueness, and Intent.

All art will be for sale. Gallery 364 retains 30% of all sales. Gallery 364 will award: TWO "Best In Show" winners will each receive $150 Cash Prize. TWO "Honorable Mention" winners will each receive $50 Gift Certificate. (Winners will be announced at Opening Reception)

GUEST JUDGES; PHOTOGRAPHER, DOUG SCHWAB AND ARTIST, LAURA FANTINI

Deadline for submissions: Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

Artists Opening Reception: Thursday, January 27th, 2011 Show will be on view, Jan 27th, 2011 thru Feb 10th 2011