The Alternative Press

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ- Scotch Plains resident Marjorie Picard is one of a number of talented seniors whose First Place work from the 2012 Union County Senior Art Show is currently on display at the Freeholders Gallery ,located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building, Elizabethtown Plaza at Rahway Avenue in Elizabeth. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays..

“It's always nice to be recognized in a show, but just putting it on display is fun, too. Art receptions are enjoyable for socializing with fellow artists and having a little wine and cheese,” says Picard, who won for her work with pastels. Those interested in viewing these impressive art pieces can visit during gallery hours, which run from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays. The exhibit will be open through to Tuesday, August 21^st.

Picard’s artwork is inspired by her local surroundings. “I love doing pictures of trees, flowers, etc. that show contrasts of light and shadow.  The more dramatic the better.  I do my pictures from photos that I take, many of them in the Union County area.  The picture that I just won the blue ribbon for was from a photo at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit.  I have also done pictures of Seely's Pond in Watchung Reservation, Mindowaskin Park in Westfield, Warinanco Park in Elizabeth and Roselle and my own backyard.”

"The Union County Senior Art Show is open to artists 60 years of age and older who are currently living in Union County and are either non-professional or professional in status in various mediums of artwork. In September, all the winning pieces will represent Union County and compete further at the New Jersey State Senior Citizens Art Show," explained Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liason to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board.

Other local artists featured in the Freeholders Gallery include Andrew E. Sivick of Scotch Plains (Craft), Marjorie Picard of Scotch Plains (Pastel), Greg Cummings of Fanwood (Photography), and John Curch of Scotch Plains (Watercolor). Harriet Leff of Scotch Plains was a winner in the Sculpture, Non-Professional category. Her 3D artwork is not on display at the Freeholders Gallery, but she will go on to compete at the New Jersey State Senior Citizens Art Show as well.

Congratulations to the many seniors whose art received a First Place title:

Williams Daniels of Springfield (Acrylic);

Andrew E. Sivick of Scotch Plains (Craft);

Carol Iverson of Cranford (Drawing);

Carol Norman of Union (Mixed Media & Best in Show Non-Pro);

Eileen Bonacci of Berkeley Heights (Oil);

Marjorie Picard of Scotch Plains (Pastel);

Greg Cummings of Fanwood (Photography);

Peter Brogan of Union (Print);

Nicholas Florio of Roselle Park (Watercolor).

The following are the professional artists included in the Freeholders exhibit:

Rosalia Verdun of Roselle Park (Oil);

Diane A. Gallo of Summit (Pastel);

Anthony Riccio, Jr. of Westfield (Photography & Best in Show Pro);

Linda Howe of New Providence (Print);

John Curch of Scotch Plains (Watercolor).

The 3D winners (not featured in the Freeholders exhibit) are:

Harriet Leff of Scotch Plains (Sculpture, Non-Professional);

Rafael Alexander Illanes of Linden (Sculpture, Professional).

For further information and to learn more about exhibiting at the Freeholders Gallery, please contact Teya David, Curator, at the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; telephone, 908-558-2550; or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.