Bayside Historical Society to Host Women's History Month Exhibit, Art Classes

The Bayside Historical Society will host a women’s history month-themed exhibit by a local artist, who will also teach a 12-week painting course at Fort Totten.

Portraits of Women by Diana DeSantis, a Whitestone-based painter, will debut on March 3 at the historical society, which is located at 208 Totten Ave.

The exhibit will remain on display through the month of March as part of women’s history month.

Additionally, DeSantis will teach three sets of classes beginning April 2 that will focus on landscape, still life and portrait painting.

“We’ve done shows in the past for women’s history month, but we’ve never had a single artist being represented,” said Susan Chesloff, the historical society’s office manager and membership coordinator. “And we’ve had art classes in the past, but we hope these will appeal to more adults during the week. DeSantis is a fantastic instructor, so we’re hoping for a good turnout.”

DeSantis has won 15 gold medals and more than 200 awards, including Best in Show at the International Association of Pastel Societies, an honor from the Norman Rockwell Museum and gold and silver awards from Douglaston’s National Art League.

The historical society’s exhibit will include 14 large portraits of women as well as six to eight still life paintings.

This weekend’s opening reception will begin at 2 p.m. and there will be a suggested donation of $5.

The Tuesday classes will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Each class – landscapes, still life and portraits - will run for four weeks and cost $150. Those interested in attending should sign up in advance.

The exhibit will be available for viewing on Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.