Bayside Historical Society Debuts Art Show

The Bayside Historic Society launched its annual art exhibit last week, sparking hope for local artists to gain recognition.

The show, which is in its 10th year, will give 42 artists an opportunity to present their work and be viewed by others. This year's theme is "A Celebration of the Arts."

In her third year as exhibit coordinator, Alison McKay said she wants to bring a new feature to each art show. This year is no exception as local artists from Bayside and other Queens communities display their work.

“They can submit four works,” she said.

In addition, a contest was held where judges, including the National Art League in Douglaston, were able to select three pieces of art from the various artists.

On hand to view the art works of others was state Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside.

For some artists, various materials are used to create their works of art. Some use acrylics, while others use photographs from their early childhood for inspiration. Artist Helaine Soller uses the inspiration of her neighborhood to help create her work.

Soller, who lives in Bayside, said that a statue she painted as part of the exhibition was inspired by a Victorian statue she had seen in Saratoga Springs.

In her piece, Soller imagined the statue was being reflected from the sky down to a body of water surrounded by lily pads.

Soller said she completed the piece within two weeks, dedicating "six or seven hours a day." But she said she has worked on other pieces for as long as 12 years.

Works on display at the historical society range in price from $100 to $10,000.

The Bayside Historic Society will be keep the exhibit on display through the end of January at the Society Manor in Fort Totten. Contest winners for the show included Carol Bruder, Jim Beukelaer, Diane Liberman and Andy Hardy.

The society's hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. as well as Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.