Freedom an Artistic Interpretation @ the Belskie Museum

Freedom an Artistic Interpretation

Juried Art exhibition held at

The Belskie Museum, in Closter, N. J. though March 25th

The theme Freedom an Artistic Interpretation appealed a diversified group of artist who answered the Artist Call with subjects ranging from Political to Religious to Artistic artworks.

Over 40 artists answered the Artist Call in less than a 2 week period. International Artists from China, Russia, Syria, Israel, Iran are among the artists. Belskie usually showcases local artists from Bergen County, but this show cast a wider net and included artists from the New York areas, including Long Island, Westchester , Manhattan. Queens and Brooklyn as well as California and Texas. Artists were asked to also write about their art and its relationship to the Freedom theme.

Sheryl Intrator Urman, an Englewood based artist and art educator, is the co-curator of a new exhibition, together with Fred Spinowitz who is an artist and art educator from Westchester. They decided on the theme Freedom, which they felt was very timely since so many political issues are currently in the News. They also felt that the season of the Spring Holidays of Purim and Passover, both representing Freedom inspired them. They also were aware of the “Womens Movement” and the “Me Too Movement” which have gained so much notoriety in the News. Art is always a freeing experience, and it was noted in the Prospectus to: Use your gift of creating Art to express and interpret your ideas of FREEDOM. The co-curators chose to be vague to see what the artists would come up with and so the artists could feel as free as they wanted to connect to their artwork.

The curators were amazed and happily surprised at the diverse kinds of artwork submitted and the way the artists connected their work to the many kinds of Freedoms. The artworks ranged from paintings of narratives, to abstracts, to collage. The materials were very diversified also including paints on canvas, wood, works on metal to sculpture. The exhibition includes over 50 pieces dealing with such varied subjects as: boundaries and walls, conscience, ethics and spiritual beliefs, artistic freedoms defined by colors and lines, peace and war, prays, self determination, America and Justice, mixed cultures, Bondage and Freedom from Egypt in connection to the Passover Holiday, refugees entering America, Occupy Wall Street Movement, Holocaust, the importance of Freedom and its importance and risks one may take to have it, transparency, nature, Feminism/Womens Movement/ Pink Pussy Hat Movement, momentous gatherings, beauty, social injustice, harmony, time, knowledge. The artwork is so interesting and spectacular it even includes a map created from the memory of a resident of Alepo.

The exhibition can be viewed from 12:00 to 5:00, on Saturdays and Sundays through March 25th at the Belskie Museum of Art and Science at 280 High Street in Closter.

For more information about the exhibition, scheduled 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 please contact: 201 768 0286.