Art by Carol Cassel Baker

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- “Studio Montclair’s annual exhibition ViewPoints does not disappoint.  With over 70 artists and artworks selected from hundreds of talented entries, a high level of skill and innovation is on display. The works in the exhibition are merely a slice of the vast ways artists are telling the story of what it means to be human in the 21st century. Primarily told through painting, photography, and collage, they cover themes of nature, transformation, joy, and death. Replete with skill and exciting techniques, this was a difficult group of works to jury.

“There are many gems for thought running through the works in this exhibition, and the conversations between them will be great and expanding. I am honored to have the opportunity to participate in the production of Viewpoints 2023 and look forward to revisiting the artworks in the gallery,” said Juror, Diedra Harris Kelley, Co-director of the Romare Bearden Foundation.

Diedra Harris-Kelley’s curatorial experience is wide-ranging from photography, painting and prints to contemporary art and has served as the Curatorial Consultant for an exhibition program at Jazz at Lincoln Center.  She has deep experience as a college level instructor having taught at Barnard College, “Romare Bearden: Home is Harlem” as part of the Harlem Semester Initiative, Columbia University, NYC in the Institute for Research in African American Studies (IRAAS) and at New York University.  Ms. Harris-Kelley currently serves as the Co-director of the Romare Bearden Foundation. Ms. Harris-Kelley has a BA in Fine/Studio Arts from California State University, Long Beach and a MFA from the University of Michigan.

Art by Erica Engfer Pizza

The exhibition runs from April 28 to June 2, 2023 in The Leach Gallery, open Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. There will be an Opening Reception on Friday, April 28 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

Participating Artists: Rui Abrunheiro, Charlene Avery, Francesca Azzara, Carol Cassel Baker, Patrick Binns, Lindy Blanchard, Janet Boltax, Joseph Borzotta, Samantha Brown, Beth Burstein, Lynne Buschman, Melissa Carubia, Pauline Chernichaw, Pam Cooper, Alison Deas, Elaine Denton, David Derr, Stephen Ellis, Antoinette Ellis-Williams, Helma Fernandez, Tim Folzenlogen, Rick Freeman, Allan Gorman, Victoria Goro-Rapoport, Evans Gray, Chanda Hall, Alice Harrison, Linda Brooks Hirschman, Samar Hussaini, Linda Jacobs, Paul Jervis, Linda Johns, Robin Keller, Merrie Koehlert, Neal Korn, Joshua Lopez,  Joanna Madloch, Dave Magyar, Jessica Margo, Dan McCormack, Patrick McCoy, Patricia Meko, Steven Meko, Chuck Miley, Wade Miller, Pamela Moore, Marianne Moore, Charles Mulford, Dennis Murray, Barbara Novak, Paulina Olivares, Patricia Patzi, Laurie Peek, Laurie Pettine, Katharine Philip, Jean-Paul Picard, Erica Engfer Pizza, Gail Postal, Marybeth Rothman, Michael Scherfen, Alix Anne Shaw, Elaine Shor, Sampy Sicada, Catherine Thurston, Peter Tilgner, Ann Vollum, Kate Walto, Julie Waltz-Stalker, Violet Yin, and Cynthia Zapanta.

Art by Allan Gorman

The Leach Gallery is located at 641 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, New Jersey.

Studio Montclair is celebrating 25 years as an inclusive, nationwide non-profit organization of exhibiting, professional, and emerging artists and others interested in the visual arts. The mission of the organization is to promote culture, education, equality, and tolerance through art. Studio Montclair is committed to diversity at every level. Founded in 1997, the organization includes over 500 members. Visit Studio Montclair’s flagship gallery (Studio Montclair Gallery), Leach Gallery, or virtual exhibit website to view and purchase contemporary art.

Art by Cynthia Zapanta