CEDAR GROVE, NJ — Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. congratulated 17 Essex County artists who received awards in the annual Essex County Senior Citizens Juried Art Show during an awards ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 6, in the Robert O’Toole Community Center in Cedar Grove Park.
“I congratulate the winners and all the artists who participated in this year’s Senior Art Show. The talent displayed by our senior artists is truly amazing and the artwork is inspiring,” DiVincenzo said in a press release. “Essex County has a thriving fine arts community and our Senior Art Show enables our older residents, both professionals and nonprofessionals, to display their original creations where the public can see them. This is an excellent event for us to promote the arts and inspire our residents to use their talents.”
From Bloomfield, Irma M. Perez received first place in the nonprofessional drawing category for “A German Shepherd.” From Caldwell, Robert Kaplan received second place in the nonprofessional photography category for “Under the Fountain.” From Cedar Grove, Victoria Augustine received first place in the nonprofessional watercolor category for “Grandmother’s Flowers,” Bill Oswald received first place in the nonprofessional sculpture category for “Predator and Prey,” Marie Matarazzo received first place in the nonprofessional pastel category for “Western Sunset” and John Shiever received first place in the nonprofessional photography category for “July Sunset.” From East Orange, Lester James Johnson received first place in the professional sculpture category for “Nested Spheres.” From Fairfield, Robert Szpila received first place in the professional photography category for “Hudson Terminal.” From Livingston, Sheila Writt received first place in the nonprofessional oil category for “Ziggy.” From Montclair, Joyce Goldman received second place in the nonprofessional mixed media category for “Flash.” From Nutley, Anthony J. Andolino Sr. received first place in the nonprofessional acrylic category for “Lemonade” and first place in the nonprofessional mixed media category for “Sydney Harbor,” Nina R. Del Collo received first place in the professional print category for “Timeless,” and Theresa Ruffo received first place in the professional watercolor category for “Summer Bliss.” From Parsippany, Chas Palminteri received first place in the professional acrylic category for “Janis” and first place in the professional pastel category for “Hanna.” From South Orange, Victor Esquilin received first place in the professional drawing category for “Turning 40.” From West Caldwell, Marcia M. Branca received first place in the professional mixed media category for “Bouquet.” From West Orange, Robert Maclay received second place in the nonprofessional sculpture category for “Lift-Off Duck.”
The Essex County Senior Art Show and Exhibit was open to all professional and nonprofessional artists ages 60 and older. Artwork was judged on originality, composition, style, and quality and creativity. Seniors whose artwork was awarded first place are automatically entered into the NJ Senior Citizens Art Show. The state exhibit will be on display at Meadow Lakes Senior Living, 300 Meadow Lakes, East Windsor, from Thursday, Sept. 21, through Thursday, Oct. 19. Viewing hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A closing reception and awards ceremony will be held Friday, Oct. 20, at 10:30 a.m.
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