August 28th through September 29th, 2005
Artist's Opening Reception Sunday, August 28th, 1 to 4 pm

---

Linda Holmes Richichi

Linda Holmes Richichi paints sensitive oil and pastel landscapes that are rich with color and emotion. "For me, being in nature often evokes a higher state of tranquility. I strive to transmit this to my work. The landscape acts as a metaphor. Interacting colors have become a dominant way to fulfill my objective. The intuitive process takes precedence over the physical properties of any location. My aim is to discover and capture what cannot be seen. Keen observation of the space between is vital in my process. Painting in "plein air" offers an opportunity to employ all the senses in order to capture an intimate moment for all to share."

Born in Montgomery, N.Y., she earned her first award and commission at the age of sixteen. Her educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art from SUNY, New Paltz and years of study with many modern masters. Linda is the recipient of numerous awards, including several for best of show. She was included in the International Artist Magazine under Master Painters of the World, Pastel Showcase in the Jan. 2005 issue. Her work is in private and corporate collections internationally.

This year Richichi shared her time painting with teaching art at Orange County Community College, as well as in Paris, France and Tuscany, Italy. She also conducts weekly lessons at her studio in Newburgh NY. L. Homes Richichi is a member of the Pastel Society of America, Portrait Society of America and the Pastel Society of N. Fl. Her website is www.YellowSkyGallery.com.

 

Laura Martinez-Bianco

Laura Martinez-Bianco has a BS and MS in Art Education from SUNY New Paltz. She has been teaching art in the Public Schools since 1983 and has been an advocate for the arts since she can remember. During a yearlong hiatus from teaching in 2001 Laura has rediscovered her own art through painting in oils and watercolors.

During her recent trips to Tuscany she has expanded on her work in pastel and printmaking. The printmaking allowed her to work in a more abstract manner, using shapes and layers of color to achieve rich images. The pastels have helped her understand colors and their relationship to one another.

Laura continues to explore new medium and materials currently she is working in pastel, oil and watercolor.
The Hudson Valley has always been home for Laura and has become her primary inspiration. Working outdoors is her preference. As an educator she understands that you never understand it all, you must continue to create and explore in order to broaden your knowledge. While she has returned to teaching she still makes time to grow as an artist, through her own work and studies. Her work is currently in private collections in the United States and Italy.

Lisa Zukowski

The paintings, prints and mixed media sculpture by Lisa Zukowski utilize both traditional and experimental methods. "In my work, I attempt to communicate my perception of my environment. I am interested in the sacredness of the internal and external landscape, and am influenced both by a sense of place and by my personal experience of my surroundings. I attempt to bring together the physical and the experiential, and express them in symbolic and personal abstract imagery. I am drawn to the essential geometry of the landscape, in reducing the subject to its basic forms, while at the same time expressing the emotional effect the space holds for me."

Zukowski received her degree in painting and printmaking from Brooklyn College, where she served as printer for the Brooklyn College Press Women's Portfolio and the Creation Portfolio, and as a teaching assistant to Visiting Artist Bob Blackburn. Currently, Lisa divides her time in the studio between teaching and creating her art. She also teaches printmaking workshops at various locations, and conducts an art holiday each year in Tuscany, Italy.

Lisa is a two-time recipient of the Bernard Shaw Memorial Award for Painting, the Brooklyn College Press Printmaking Award, the 2001 Peter Rahill Memorial Award in Graphics, as well as numerous awards from local arts organizations.

Her work has been exhibited in the United States and Italy, and is in several private collections. Lisa Zukowski may be contacted through her web site at www.lisaz.com.