The Middletown Art Group [MAG] continues its celebration of its seventh decade of being an active creative organization with the Middletown Art Group 2023 Members’ Annual Spring Exhibition. The works and the diversity of technique and concept demonstrate the differences in the membership. The group is happy to be back full-force and in-person in the large Orange Hall Gallery space. Artworks include paintings, drawings, photographs, collages, mixed media, sculptures in various media.

The exhibit of 105 pieces will be on view in Orange Hall Gallery May 8 through June 14. During this timeframe, the reception will take place. Slated for Saturday, May 13, from 3 to 5pm, the 77^th anniversary will be celebrated with good friendship, delicious foods and beverages, and wonderful music played by pianist Bev Poyerd. She will play selections of jazz, classical music, and show tunes on the Yamaha baby grand.  At the end of the reception, prizes will be awarded to exhibiting members.

This year’s show judge is highly respected, local artist, Ward Lamb. Show co-chairs are Jill Weltman and Denise Shelby Isseks.

The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday - 9am to 8pm and Friday - 9am to 5pm through May. In June, the college is closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and also during Memorial Day Weekend.

The organization was established in 1946 “for the purpose of exchanging ideas between artists, craftsmen, art teachers, and students and of providing an atmosphere in which to improve individual skills and respect for the efforts of others.”  MAG continues that tradition and throughout the year sponsors demonstrations and lectures which promote the study of the arts.     

Even though the name “Middletown Art Group” seems to give the impression of exclusiveness to Middletown residents, that is not the case as members reside in other parts of  Orange County as well as Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, Sussex, and Pike Counties.

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Janet Campbell “Pile Up”   Watercolor   

Maureen Hart    “ A Moment at Conor Pass”  Oil   

Anne Kelly    “Winter Parade”    Pastel  

Joan Mester    “Hummingbird Nest in Cabbage Palm”    Watercolor  

Cynthia Harris- Pagano    “Ingela”  Oil  

HONORABLE MENTION

Lisa DeLuise    “Cutting Tracks”   Pastel   

Susan Miiller   “Dahlia Sunset”   Oil   

Midge Monat   “Golden Glow”   Watercolor

Mary Sealfon   “By the Ramapo River”   Oil   

Vaune Sherin   “Peppers”   Pastel   

Orange Hall is located at the corner of Wawayanda and Grandview Avenues

(GPS: 24 Grandview Avenue), Middletown. Questions may be directed to

Cultural Affairs at cultural@sunyorange.edu

website: www.sunyorange.edu/culturalaffairs