Local Artist Presents Caribbean Themed Exhibit at Peekskill Library

I’m sure all of us have said to ourselves at one point or another, “I need a vacation.” I know these words have been on the tip of my tongue recently. Speaking as the mother of a toddler, any second of peace and quiet I can get has become priceless. I can safely say, when a 10-minute shower becomes a “vacation,” it is a good indication that I am in the most need of the real thing.

Unfortunately, I’m not hopping a plane or a cruise ship anytime soon.

Until the sun finally broke today, a world of gray scales had begun to exhaust me. Humans need sunlight and for me, there just hasn’t been enough of it around lately. I needed a burst of color almost as desperately as I needed that vacation I’ve been craving.

Then, the other day, as if the Gods of the internet had somehow heard my pleas, across my computer screen came the announcement of Cortlandt Manor artist Roshi Newman’s “Caribbean Mindset” exhibition at the Peekskill Field Library .

“Perfect,” I thought to myself.

I figured, if I couldn’t physically escape to the blue Caribbean ocean, I could surely swing by the Peekskill Library and visit the artist’s installment, taking a relaxing mental trip via the images (which is way more budget-friendly anyway). At the very least I’d be sure to get my daily dose of brightness and colors which had been absent due to the continuously cloudy days of previous weeks.

When I arrived at the library I made my way to the small upstairs gallery. As I stepped through the door I was surprised to see the gallery being used as a multipurpose room. Two gentlemen sat working on their laptops, and two women engaged in a boisterous discussion regarding their study session topics.

“Great,” I thought to myself. “There goes my peaceful vacation.”

But as I began to circle the room, examining each of the almost 20 paintings one-by-one, something amazing happened. The closer I studied the pictures, the further removed I became from my surroundings. No longer was I in a small populated library art gallery, but on a sandy shore, watching the ocean approach me as two tall palm trees provided shade until I would decide to head back to the red, waterfront beach house behind me.

As I moved onto the next painting, looking at a golden sunset reflecting in the water, I was mesmerized as I followed the blending waves of brushstrokes that made up the image. My glances crossed the canvas with an ocean-like flow as I took in the entire tranquil scene.

In addition to these ocean-side images, Newman offers much more than just landscapes in this themed exhibition. Also displayed in the gallery are paintings of bright florals, loving couples, and surreal street views.

The show as a whole brought a calming sensation I could compare to the  letting out of a large sigh. Viewing this collection is the perfect way to establish your own “Carribean Mindset.”

 If you work in the area, visiting this show would be a great way to spend a refreshing lunch break. And if you happen to be one of the people who can relate to the peace and solitude a 10-minute shower can bring, you’ll be amazed at what a lap around this exhibit will do.

“Caribbean Mindsets: The Art of Roshi Newman,” will be on display at the Peekskill Field Libray Art Gallery until June 25. The artist offers original and Giclee reproductions for sale. For more information contact Roshi Newman here.