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Exhibits
A spacious gallery space in the lobby of the Newburgh Free Library is the site of monthly exhibits and art shows by local artists. Many of the artists offer receptions to showcase their art and meet the public. In addition, glass cases showcase local collections and displays related to library and literary-related events.
WINTER EXHIBITS
FEBRUARY
Prelude to Destiny. Paintings and photography by Brent DeJoseph.
Brent De Joseph’s exhibit includes abstract art, still lifes and photography. Born in Brooklyn, De Joseph describes himself as a “street smart” child who grew up to become a writer, poet, painter, film maker and artist. As a “visual” person, De Joseph is most inspired by the Impressionism art period.
In his bio statement, De Joseph outlines his development as an artist:
“I started out thinking that art needed to be completely representational, to the point of realism. Then one day I found Impressionism; more specifically Vincent Van Gogh. I was blown away and fell in love with the freedom and abstract nature of his paintings. I began to studying him and other greats for inspiration. I am completely self-taught, driven by a constant need to learn and evolve.
My work consists of many different styles, including impressionism, emotionalism, still life, abstract, and mixed media. I paint, write, and photograph, what I feel or from the experiences I’ve had. At times I don’t even know why I paint, write, or photograph something, but I love it, and I hope that it shows. I want others, to feel the freedom that I have come to know and love, through art. My art gives me peace, and my art is real. “
MARCH 1- 16
Paintings by Mark Dema
Newburgh’s Mark Dena will exhibit several of his watercolors in the lobby gallery of Newburgh Free Library, 124 Grand St., from March 1 – 16.
Dema is an accomplished musician, playing guitar and violin as well as piano since his early teenage years. However, his love of art began a little later in life at around age 27 when he painted his first watercolor of London, England, which was later used on the cover of his first published book “The Magic Golden Pen and Poems”. Many of his subsequent artworks were used in his second book “Poetry Transcends Time.”
A teacher of 38 years, Dema has lived most of his life in the Hudson Valley region. He has dedicated his life to teaching, both in the classroom and individually as an English and Special Education teacher.
Dema’s passion for art and music are brought alive through his poetry festivals and watercolors. As a local poet-in-residence he has combined his love of poetry and music to inspire students to look deeply into the connection between the two and see the natural synergy they have in creating an expanded art form.
Having a positive and lasting impact on his students was Dema’s life purpose. Now nearing his retirement from teaching, he was thrilled when he discovered that hundreds of his past students had formed a fanbook page on Facebook to reminisce about their childhood teacher. Being able to connect once again with his students has been both emotionally uplifting and gratifying.
APRIL
Annual Community Art Show – April 2 -30
Entries accepted – March 26 – 30
Public Reception – Sun., April 15 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Lobby Gallery.
A non-juried Community Art Show will be held at the Newburgh Free Library from April 2- 30.
All adult artists are invited to hang one piece of artwork not previously displayed at the library. Ribbons are awarded in First, Second, Third, Honorable Mention and Best of Show in the categories of watercolors, oils and acrylics, pastels, photography and sculpture. For more details, see the Community Art Show Application and Guidelines 2012.
MAY
Newburgh Enlarged City School District - Junior High Schools Art Show under the direction of Theresa Brown
Exhibit Policy
The Newburgh Free Library welcomes exhibits by Hudson Valley artists. The exhibits are hung by the artists themselves and are usually on display for one month. For more information, please see the Exhibit and Display Registration Form and Waiver as well as the Exhibit Spaces and Bulletin Boards Policy. If you are interested in exhibiting, please call the library, 845-563-3619 or 563-3614. Samples of work are required before an exhibit can be scheduled.
Displays
In addition, the library has a number of display cases that showcase special collections or materials loaned by local artists and individuals. If you have a special collection or small project you would like to display, please call 845-563-3619 or 563-3614.