(Courtesy of Art for Learning) Over 45 artworks on the theme “Growth and Change: An Artistic Interpretation” will be exhibited in a juried show at The Belskie Museum, in Closter, New Jersey, from January 5 through January 27. An opening reception will be held Sunday, January 6, from 12:30 to 5 p.m.
The 39 artists selected for the exhibition were chosen by a jury from everyone who responded to an artist call by curators Sheryl Intrator Urman, Englewood, and Fred Spinowitz, Westchester. Artists submitted statements connecting their artwork to the theme Growth and Change as part of the judging process. Urman said the idea came from a quote by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov: “If you are not a better person tomorrow than you are today, what need have you for a tomorrow?”
The entries range from political to religious to abstract art. The subjects include: conscience, depression, awakenings, ethics and spiritual beliefs, artistic freedom, peace and war, prayer, self-determination, gender identity, the #MeToo movement, beauty, social injustice, harmony, time and knowledge. The materials are as diversified as the subjects: paint on canvas, wood, works on metal and glass, sculpture, collage and photography.
Most of the artists are from New Jersey and New York, but many others are coming from throughout the U.S. Several were trained in China, Russia, France and Israel.
Urman and Spinowitz have worked together for over seven years curating shows in New York and New Jersey. Their goal is to give artists more exposure for their work and attract viewers with an experience for the eyes and the intellect. The signature concept for an Urman and Spinowitz exhibit is a broad theme that artists interpret with visual and written narratives. Urman and Spinowitz exhibits include talks by the artists to further art education, and opportunities for nonprofits to visit or hold their own events in conjunction with the show. This year, Sharsheret, an organization offering support for young women with breast or ovarian cancer, is sponsoring an Evening of the Arts on Monday, January 7.
The exhibition can be viewed from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays through January 27 at the Belskie Museum of Art and Science, 280 High Street, Closter. For more information about the exhibition, the schedule for Artist Talks or to reserve a time to bring a school or senior citizens group to the show, contact Urman at artforlearning@yahoo. For information about The Belskie Museum, call 201/768-0286.
