JIMMY WILL BE MISSED REST IN PEACE

Beloved Bay Ridge merchant James Modafferi dies Tuesday, March 9, 2010 2:55 PM EST Comment (No comments posted.) Email To a Friend Brooklyn lost one of its unique sons last week when James Modafferi was taken from us — far too soon — at age 66. Jim held no elective office, was never a civic leader, nor a captain of industry, yet his passing leaves a hole in the fabric of the lives of the many whom he touched. Most knew Jim as an accomplished professional photographer whose work preserved and continues to preserve memories for generations. Many more knew Jim as the owner of Bay Ridge Film Center, a small store at the corner of 95th Street and Third Avenue, which he ran for decades up to the day he died. In many ways, the store was not very different from the myriad of other small businesses, which grace every neighborhood in the borough. But Bay Ridge Film Center was something more…a sort of real life Floyd’s Barber Shop straight off the main street of Mayberry. A focal point of the community, it was for decades a place where a countless array of curious characters — many regulars — would assemble and “hang out”…often for hours on end, and often for no particular reason. Jim didn’t care. Between the ebb and flow of customers they would joke or comment on the inventory or recount the highlights of their excruciatingly dull day…but they had found a home, and that’s all that mattered. Jim never kicked anyone out, he was never curt, and even when it was packed the store never ran out of a little space where this motley, endearing and often-changing crew could stand or lean against the counter reading a newspaper (which Jim provided). Often, they would self-enlist themselves (and often to Jim’s chagrin) as volunteer clerks and stock people just because they wanted to feel useful. One of that motley crew, it turned out, included me. At that formative stage in my life, I was compelled — as part of my job — to become a bit proficient in photography. My introduction to the store came as sheer serendipity…it was the only local place I could find that would develop black and white film quickly and at a price I could afford. But unbeknownst to me I had also found a home. Circumstances had me returning almost every day to get a roll or two developed and it wasn’t long before the anonymous customer who would pay his bill in cash from in front of the counter became the kid who hung out in back on the counter and began charging his purchases…or I would just mill about for no reason (Of course, it also didn’t hurt that the person processing the film was an engagingly pretty, lithe redhead — about my age — an Irish tomboy in lace with whom I made sure to become fast friends). I spent literally years as an almost daily store visitor who soon — like so many others — thought of the place as my store. Jim just did all the heavy lifting and paid the rent. Eventually I would find myself spending time at Jim’s home. And his buddies had become my buddies. I even became part time caretaker for his three-legged dog Scrappy whenever he vacationed. Was I such an engaging exception? Certainly not…I just happened to be in the right place at the right time with the right guy who took me under his wing as my friend. And my story was hardly unique. But that was Jim…he was always willing to give of himself, personally and professionally. He had a boundless generosity, which extended itself to so many beyond the family who loved him and whom he adored…his son James, his daughter Nicole, his wife Linda and her son — who became his son — Heime. Jim was a shopkeeper in name only. The store and his professional photography work paid the bills and gave him some satisfaction — he was a superb photographer and, like a good doctor, always kept learning his trade no matter how accomplished he became. But one conversation with Jim was all it took to realize this was a man who could have achieved anything to which he set his mind. He was well read, a font of information on a countless array of topics, able to absorb new ideas and concepts instantly and adapt well to any situation. He was just smarter than most, more savvy than most. Another time, another place, another set of life’s circumstances and who knows what Jim may have become. But these are my thoughts…not his. However, like almost everyone, he yearned for more, and while he was uniquely capable of achieving it, he also radiated contentment. But mostly you just liked Jim. He always had a broad smile and quick laugh and he made you feel good about being around him. He never asked for anything in return and almost certainly had no clue about the warmth he engendered in so many. He was also a very funny guy…I still recount the story of the “pet passport photos taken” sign he had hanging on his wall (Scrappy was the model) and how many people told him they never realized the State Department had such a requirement. ADVERTISEMENT I do not wish to sound mawkish about Jim. It’s just that you like being around some people; it’s just their natural make-up and Jim was one of these. He was Italian with a Jewish wife who was as much at home at a Sons of Italy dinner as he was at a Bar Mitzvah at Shaare Zion. His friends ran the gamut from surgeons and cops to Jackie Gleason-type dreamers who never had two nickels to rub together. Jim — you gave me and so many like me so much. Now all I can give back is my heartfelt thank you; small change for such a magnificent endowment. Viewing of Jim Modafferi is at Scarpaci Funeral Home, 14th Avenue and 86th Street, March 9 from 7-9 p.m. and March 10, from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. The mass will be held March 11, 10:30 a.m. at Saint Finbar’s, 138 Bay 20th Street.

LOVE/DESIRE ART OPENING POSTPONED UNTIL MARCH 4th, 2010

DUE TO TODAYS STORM WE AT GALLERY 364 REGRET TO POSTPONE OUR OPENING EVENT UNTIL THURSDAY MARCH 4TH, WHEN WE ALL CAN HAVE A SAFE COMMUTE TO THE GALLERY. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL HERE. THANKS EVERYONE!!!!

THURSDAY, FEB. 25th, 2010 7PM-10PM

Please join us at Gallery 364 "Bay Ridge's First Art Gallery & Studio" for our Feb. Competition LOVE/DESIRE. OUR GUEST JUDGES ARE: PAINTER DAVID JON KASSAN, AND PHOTOGRAPHERS ANTHONY ALMEIDA, & GARY HELLER.

WINNING ARTWORK FROM OUR "HUMOR" SHOW WILL ALSO BE ON DISPLAY.

Be sure to stop off on the porch for a free massage demo with massage therapist Christine Hernandez from The Green Spa & Wellness Center.

Noshes Provided by Ming Yu and Chris Chou at Gyotaku Sushi & Pierre of Circles & Canteena.

$5 suggested donation at door. (noone will be turned away) Recieve a free raffle ticket w/donation for a chance to win a couples massage (a $200 value). Prizes donated by The Green Spa and Wellness Center and HOM.

OPENING FEB 25TH ART COMPETITION LOVE/DESIRE GUEST JUDGES, PAINTER DAVID JON KASSAN, PHOTOGRAPHER ANTHONY ALMEIDA, & PHOTOGRAPHER GARY HELLER.

Anthony Almeida, Photographer

“Circles of the Heart—A Photographers Journey Through Time and Place”

One never knows exactly what affect a photograph will have; they are, in a sense, the “wishbones of time.” The larger part, the captured wish-- the image, hardly more than a collaboration of pixels or a silver sensitized piece of paper, yet, a symbol, abstract and resonant, ready to give deeper meaning to the “smaller” part left behind. I have always recognized the beauty, meaning and excitement inherent in “everyday” people and events. For me the still photograph is in a sense a catalyst for thought; it freezes the moment and allows us a form of privileged proximity to situations and events. It allows us to carry the moment with us.

“Circles of the Heart” was a photo essay, which began in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. It was my intention to promote healing and understanding in Crown Heights by introducing my subjects by way of everyday encounters as individuals, rather than by stereotypical, faceless symbols of Black, White, Jew, Moslem, Asian, Hispanic, sometimes presented by the media. As time went on, the “Circle…” has widened to embrace people of all lands. It is my belief that intercultural understanding is the cornerstone of world peace. When cultures stop trying to understand one another, horrific things begin to happen. The present spirit of humanism ushered in by Barak Obama’s Presidency is, in a sense, a validation of so much of what my work has been striving to achieve, in focusing upon the ever widening “Circles of the Heart”

It is my hope that my photographic work --whether it be chance street encounters close to home, in Crown Heights. Brooklyn, or at the mouth of the Amazon-- will introduce my subjects, not only as individuals in the context of their diverse lives and communities but also as ambassadors of the human spirit.

Anthony Almeida’s photographic work was in many ways fueled by his childhood experiences in Brazil, his father’s homeland. When he arrived there at the age of six, family, friends, and outsiders, who derived from different racial, religious, and cultural groups, confronted him. Despite initial bewilderment, he quickly felt quite comfortable. Their “differences” seemed to present few barriers. “I just remember having good feelings about people who looked different. I try to draw from those feelings of connectedness when I approach my photography and my life.”

Anthony is a fine arts photographer, educator and photo-documentarian, who studied with Lisette Modell. He spent many years teaching English and photography in a high school in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. His photographic work is extremely diversified, and he has been the recipient of numerous awards. His work has been shown in national and international shows, and is in private, personal and educational collections.

More recently, (Nov. 4, 2009), his "Victory Kiss--Times Square" photograph gained international attention. It was used to introduce the Barack and Michelle Obama feature story in the new york Times Magazine and on the front page of the International Herald Tribune. The Courrier Japon, Tokyo's premier monthly news magazine also published it in January with the Obama "First Marriage" story.

When not teaching, he is often involved with photographic projects that are personally meaningful. One of Anthony’s photographic passions is “street photography,” and he considers the street to be, “the greatest stage of all," wherein position juxtaposition and sensitivity sometimes conspire to make the fleeting moment eternal.

-http://www.AnthonyAlmeidaphotographer.com Phone-917-804-2131

OPENING FEB 25TH ART COMPETITION LOVE/DESIRE GUEST JUDGES, PAINTER DAVID JON KASSAN, PHOTOGRAPHER ANTHONY ALMEIDA, & PHOTOGRAPHER GARY HELLER.

Gary Heller, Photographer

Gary was born in Columbia, South Carolina and raised in Brooklyn, New York where he currently resides. At an early age his creative spark was kindled by his mother Eleanor, who is an artist. As a young boy, he can remember sitting by her side as she worked on her paintings. She would explain to him the how and why of what it was she was doing.

Throughout the years he spent countless hours drawing, painting, model building, designing and crafting furniture, playing guitar in clubs and attending New York Technical College and trade schools. His interest in the technical aspect of things was apparent.

Gary's photography has often been described by his peers with such adjectives as "unusual," "dark," "foreboding," "unique”. A fellow photographer and friend has used the term "pleasantly strange". That description sums it up best for him as he strives for strange, yet pleasing compositions. He is active in discussions and forums, shows and exhibitions and is recognized by his peers as having a unique style and eye for composition. He has been a featured artist and guest judge at Gallery 364 as well as being a Featured Artist in the summer group show of 2007 (BIG) put on by the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition. His works have also taken "Best in Show" at various juried competitions.
Garys photography of barns has earned him a Grand Prize in the Historical Ithacas 2009 barn survey competition. His New York Water Towers are featured in the Warner Bros epic television series "V" on the ABC television network. He is currently a spokesperson and "Artist in Residence" for the Kim Crawford Wines Artist lounge program.

Photography enables him to combine his interests and love of the technical side of the craft with his passions for creativity and expression.

Gary is a self-taught photographer and finds the medium to best fit his needs and vision. www.garyheller.com

OPENING FEB 25TH ART COMPETITION LOVE/DESIRE GUEST JUDGES, PAINTER DAVID JON KASSAN, PHOTOGRAPHER ANTHONY ALMEIDA, & PHOTOGRAPHER GARY HELLER.

Following his initial drawing studies at University of the Arts in Philadelphia, David attended Syracuse University in New York, where he studied under the auspices of Jerome Witkin, Robert Dacey, and Sarah McCoubrey learning a complete painter should have a strong grasp of the picture making process and a well thought out concept behind a painting. While earning his B.F.A, he was able to take advantage of the school's exceptional Art History Department, and on completion of his degree, moved to Brooklyn to continue his studies at The National Academy of Design and the Art Students League of New York, where he had the good fortune to study with a number of artists whom he respects, including: Aaron Shikler, Mary Beth Mackenzie, David Levine, William Behnkin, Harvey Dinnerstein, Burton Silverman, Steven Assael, and Costa Vavagiakis.

His honors and awards from Arts organizations and magazines include: The National Academy of Design School of Fine Art, The Portrait Society of America, The Art Students League of New York, The Artist's Magazine, The Society of Illustrators, and Communication Arts, The Newington-Cropsey Foundation's Travel Award, which enabled him to enrich his Art History studies with classes in Italian Renaissance from the British Institute in Florence, Italy. While there, he assembled his thoughts and sketches into a limited edition book titled "Lentamente Italia". David currently writes an ongoing feature for Drawing magazine on anatomy and also contributes to myamericanartist.com. Recently his work has graced the covers of American Artist's Drawing Magazine(winter 09) as well as Australia's contemporary art publication Emtpy Magazine. David's work is currently featured in Die Gestalten's recent showcase book of young contemporary artists called The Upset.

He has lectured at Universities and schools around the nation including The Rochester Institute of Technology, Western Illinois University, Syracuse University, The National Academy School of Fine Art, and The University of Alabama, The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. He has taught painting workshops at The National Academy of Design and the Salmagundi Center of American Art, NYC. David teaches international workshops as well, including stops in Australia with the Practicing Artists Network (PAN) in Byron Bay and in Portugal with the Artistas Sociedade de Faro. He has also served on the faculty of the Andreeva Portrait Academy, Santa Fe, The Scottsdale Artists School, Scottsdale, AZ and the Richeson School of Art, Kimberly, WI.
Exhibitions include: The United Nations in New York, Gallery Henoch, The Park Avenue Armory, The National Academy of Design Museum of Fine Art, Gallery 1199, The Cork Gallery, Lincoln Center, and The Salmagundi Club and nationally at the Mobile Museum of Art, AL, Art Chicago, The San Francisco International Art Exposition, Los Angeles Art Show, The Museum of American Illustration, Huntington House Museum, and The Wethersfield Museum.

David's work has been placed in important collections domestically and worldwide, most notably; the collections of the Art Students League of New York, The Bhammer Family of Mumbai, India, Seven Bridges Foundation, Greenwich, CT, The Howard A. Tullman Collection, Chicago, IL,

David Jon Kassan is currently represented by Gallery Henoch, New York. To see David's work online please go to http://davidkassan.com

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DAVID JON KASSAN & ANTHONY ALMEIDA GUEST JUDGES

IT"S OFFICIAL OUR GUEST JUDGES FOR OUR FEB 25TH ART COMPETITION THEMED LOVE/DESIRE ARE: PAINTER DAVID JON KASSAN AND PHOTOGRAPHER ANTHONY ALMEIDA.