Take in a virtual art show, featuring local artists
Artist Henri Matisse once said: “Creativity takes courage”.
Writer Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “Every artist was first an amateur”.
Musician Yoko Ono once said: “Art is a way of survival”.
Keeping all of that in mind, take some time in the week ahead to visit www.highlandsartsalliance.org, where you will find the Highlands Arts Alliance’s first-ever virtual art exhibit. It opened on Tuesday, February 1, and closes on Tuesday, March 1.
The show features works of all types by Arts Alliance members Patricia Santos, Karen Parashkevov, Morten Ender, Patti DeFrancesco, Madelyn Bourne, Anika Raza, Sheldon Stowe and Jay LeRoy — who is founder and chairperson of the Alliance.
It’s also got works of art from “guest artists” Saeed Ali, Charles Slaybaugh, Jennifer Decker, Allan Reutershan and David Munford. And … as the website bills it, “a very special guest artist”, second grader Imani Raza.
The show has been in the works since December of 2021, LeRoy said.
There is music to welcome you; there are works of art which feature gorgeous photographic and painted views of the Hudson River Valley, and works of art created by materials found in the river; there is whimsy and color; there is art for sale; and there are links to the artists’ personal websites and social media pages.
The Highlands Arts Alliance is LeRoy’s second arts-related group. He organized the Cornwall Arts Collective in 2018 and served as its first chairperson — it’s now run by Cornwall’s Rebecca Kashinski. LeRoy, it should be noted, is the Senior Graphic Designer for The News of the Highlands and The Cornwall Local.
The Highlands Alliance is a not-for-profit community group dedicated to supporting and promoting the arts in and around the Town of Highlands. Why was it formed? “Highland Falls, Fort Montgomery and West Point have long played host to numerous artists, writers, musicians and performers,” according to the website. “It is with this in mind that HAA was founded.”
While the overall plan is to “raise awareness and support for the many talented creators in and around the Town of Highlands”, — via public and virtual exhibitions, community outreach, demonstrations and speaking events — the members also hope to support arts education within the Highlands Falls – Fort Montgomery Central School District, and enhance community life through art.
At last week’s Highlands Chamber of Commerce meeting, President Charlene Yehl said she and the Chamber’s leadership are looking forward to working with the Arts Alliance on several projects this spring.
“We’ve had the Art Walk for several years now and it is great,” she said. “We of course want to see that continue, as well as maybe bring some other eclectic art to the community. I’d love to work together to create a great arts vibe here.”
Anyone can view the virtual event, as well as attend future in-person activities. As well, anyone 13 and above can become a member, whether they are a resident of the Town of Highlands or not. There are two annual membership tiers for artists/ individuals or high school students: $25 for adults and $10 for high school students. There is a link on the website to join.
Next up, the Highlands Art Alliance will host an exhibit at the Highland Falls Library, called “More Than Words”. It’s a book/literary themed art exhibition that is planned to begin March 18 and end April 15. LeRoy is working with Highland Falls Library Director Marie-Elena Ortiz on the show and continues to look for participants.
