Gobble, gobble

Enjoy the day!

After the turkey come see us at the Gallery@37

Art: Always a unique gift

Come see us at the Gallery@37, 37 Elizabeth St., Derby.

Arts council prez to teach clay workshop at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites young adults ages 12 to 17 to a two-session Working with Clay Workshop, from 4-5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 12.

Local artist and Valley Arts Council President Richard DiCarlo guides participants first through ornament sculpting, followed by the painting of the holiday-themed sculptures.

Registration is requested.

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.



Note: I also posted this press release from the Derby Public Library today on the View from the Valley blog.

Night Gallery puts focus on frightful fun

DERBY - The Gallery@37 at 37 Elizabeth St. was the place to be on the Friday before Halloween as the arts council hosted 'Night Gallery.'

About 100 people attended the open house throughout the evening.

The autumn and Halloween-themed show featured a variety of artwork - everything from paintings, drawings and sculptures to photos.

 

Guests were greeted at the door by this loveable (?) guy.

Arts council president Rich DiCarlo of Derby, left, and his wife, Wendy, center, take in the show.

You could say that all who attended had a devilishly good time. I know I did.

Artist Maria Romano won first and second place for her graphite drawings. First place was called "Slight of Hand."

Maria holds her second place award for her devil drawing, "Alistair."

Shelton artist Len Grayeck won third place for his painting, "Shadow Cat Moon." 

 Arts council vice president Steve DiRienzo of Derby chats with Romano.

I thought this was a spooktacular way to keep wine and beer chilled. The jack o'lanterns are filled with ice.
 

And here Shelton artist Gerald Joyce photographs the photographer.

Help needed at our gallery

Boo! Arts council getting ready to host Night Gallery

Artists have fun with food, cook up 'Delicious!' works

Show in Derby restaurant was a hit

Wallace Slove's 'Apples in a Blue Bowl' won 'Best in Show' at 'Delicious!' exhibit.

'Honey Bun!' by arts council president Rich DiCarlo took first place in the People's Choice category.

By Rich DiCarlo
President
Valley Arts Council
 
DERBY - Our Sept. 26 art exhibition, "Delicious!" was a smashing success!
More than 150 artists and art lovers packed Marco Pizzeria & Restaurant and experienced 

some great art and tasted some great food.

The juried show attracted more than 55 entries. The competition was fierce; there were many "high caliber" entries ranging from photographs to oil paintings.

Some pieces just dominated the hall. Greg Karas' painting, "Corona and Lime," and Steve DiRienzo's classic "Baked Ham and Potatoes," both made your mouth water. 

Four paintings were sold before the night was over. 

The show attracted many new artist members to the ever growing ranks of the Valley Arts Council. Judges were the family owners of Marco Pizzeria who graciously offered their beautiful

restaurant and catering for the show.
They painstakingly scrutinized every entry. In the end it ended up a battle between two Valley Arts Council members who both happen to belong to the Derby Senior Center. 

Wallace Slove's masterpiece "Apples in a Blue Bowl" won the coveted "Best in Show" Award

along with a $50 gift certificate!
In addition, this was also the first time that we, or any other arts organization in the region, had ever

attempted a "People's Choice Award."

Attendees were asked to cast a ballot for their three favorite works. The paper ballots jammed a makeshift ballot box. More than 165 votes were cast! 

The results were compiled a few days later and counted by the Delicious! Committee.

First place with 53 votes, went to my painting "Honey Bun!" 

Second place, with 35 votes, went to Francesco Tobacco for his painting, "View from La Cocina." There was a tie for third between two photographers: Keary Nichols for "Peaches" and Patricia Villers for "Strawberries."
Honorable mention went to two sculptural pieces which were the talk of the evening.
They were: Floatin' Fred's provocative work, "Fast Food Junkies," which cleverly featured McDonald's French fries as hypodermic needles nestled in their container; and George Pudimat's humorous experiment with twisted utensils titled "The Trouble Between Forks N' Spoons,"  which had everyone smiling and having a great time. 

Owners of Marco Pizzeria would like to make this an annual event...and we look forward to that. 

Derby artist Steve DiRienzo, center, chats with Ansonia artist Greg Karas.

 

Thought-provoking art works lined the room.

 

Fruits and vegetables - and a sip or two of wine.

Here's another scene from the show.

'Delicious' exhibit opens Thursday

'Delicious' pieces of art arriving at the Gallery@37 ~ don't miss out

Delicious! a food-inspired event, is the council's upcoming art exhibit at Marco Pizzeria & Restaurant, 656 New Haven Ave., Derby.

An opening reception will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the restaurant. 

Please join us!