Gallery 18 takes pleasure in announcing its October exhibit “TREE TIME: Works by Artists of the Riverdale Art Association.” It will be on view from October 7 to November 3, 2019, with the Opening Reception scheduled for October 13 from 12 – 2 pm. All are invited to attend!

The Riverdale Art Association (RAA) comprises a group of artists who work in all media: acrylic, ceramic, collage, computer graphics, digital art, fiber, graphics, ink, mixed media, oil, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor, wood. While not all of these are represented in this show, a wide variety are, and our view as visitors of the specific theme, “Trees,” changes according to the form, letting us see them as objects of beauty, habitat, mystery, serenity, splendor, whimsy. These are trees in their multiple manifestations: bark, leaves, full foliage, bare branches, trees throughout their recurring life cycle, so that we appreciate them as living creatures, just as we are.

RAA President Dennis Shelton puts the show in a historical context: “I believe that this is the perfect time to take a closer look at trees and their importance to our continued existence, especially with the drastic changes in climate. I was extremely moved by the power of the tree motif to inspire such differing visions and artistic approaches. It is definitely Tree Time.”

The membership must have felt the same because roughly half took on the challenge of not only a themed show but a juried one. The artists were allowed to submit up to four pieces of art, which then went through a judging process by outside art professionals who winnowed the original 52 artworks from 19 artists down to 37. This exhibit is the result.

The judges who agreed to view the artwork and make the final selection were Luis Perelman, co-Founder and co-Executive Director of Blue Door Art Center in Yonkers; Julie Cousens, co-Executive Director of BDAC, and Enrico Giordano, Chair and Associate Professor of Fine Arts at the College of Mount St. Vincent. Although one juror had to bow out at the last minute, gallery and association alike thank them all!

RAA’s purpose is to provide a supportive atmosphere and programs in which members can find inspiration, knowledge, and enjoyment for the art-making process in company with like-minded artists of all levels: beginner, semi-professional, and professional.

As a community-minded organization, it actively seeks out public spaces to display its artwork. It currently has regularly scheduled shows at Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture in Fieldston and Metro Urgicare Clinic in the Skyview Mall. It also has works currently on display in KRVC’s Gallery 505. Most recently, it was selected by New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi to be the first of community art organizations to grace with its artwork the reception area of her new office in Lower Riverdale. An art piece by RAA’s President Dennis Shelton had the honor of being chosen to hang between two flags on the wall behind the Senator’s chair. For more on RAA, see https://riverdaleartassociation.org/