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Final Days of 'Rembrats 2010' Art Exhibit
Students' artwork on display at the library through this weekend as part of the 'Rembrats 2010' juried exhibition in pastel by Arleen Rueth Urban.
Paintings by more than 24 local artists are on display at the Garden City Public Library as part of the Rembrats 2010 juried exhibition in pastel. Rembrats is an annual exhibit that features students of Arleen Rueth Urban, renowned portrait artist.
This year, six top awards were given to a wide range of subjects. Helene Hines was awarded the Platinum Award of Excellence for her painting, titled "Tropical Gorilla." Susan Koenig earned the Gold award for "Grey Wolf" and Anna Petralia earned the Silver award for "Paris in the Winter." The Bronze award went to Josephine Krawczyk's "Broncia" and the Teacher's Choice Award went to "Winter Frost and Holly" by Geraldine Hristakis.
The most special award to Urban is the HJR Award, which honors her own father Henry J. Rueth. Rueth attends the Rembrats exhibits and judges a winner of the award in his name. He is 92 years old. "He is the inspiration for my art," said Urban. This year the HJR Award of Excellence was given to Joan Weinstein for her painting titled "Portrait of My Father."
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"Art is the only thing that improves with age; I've always told that to my students," said Urban. "It's therapeutic, it's creative; without creativity you have nothing." Students, ranging in age from early 20s to late 80s, meet with Urban weekly at Cluett Hall, the Garden City Community Club or in private workshops at Urban's Garden City home.
Urban said, "Everyone who comes to me, if they ask me if they are talented, I say, 'If you aren't talented then you wouldn't be here;' people who don't have talent have no desire to even attempt this."
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Urban is the program instructor and has been teaching art to local students for over 10 years. She is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America (PSA) and has won numerous awards. Her work is displayed both publicly and privately across the United States.
The viewing is free and open to the public in the lower gallery of the Garden City Public Library daily until Saturday, Jan. 30. To learn how to be a part of 'Rembrats 2011' or for more information on joining a class by Arleen Rueth Urban call 516-352-6798.
