HOME/TOWN Exhibit at Mahopac Library on Display Through March 12
Your Home, Your Town, Your Library – Mahopac Public Libraryâs tag line emphasizes three of the essential aspects of our lives and our community. With the reopening of the library after 4 ½ months of renovation work, it seemed appropriate to initiate the Third Floor Gallery with an exhibit entitled âHOME/TOWNâŚwhere my heart lies.â The response to the HOME/TOWN show was tremendous: 92 artworks created by 52 local and regional artists were submitted and are currently on display in the gallery; the exhibit will remain on view through Sunday, March 12.
The participating artists interpreted the HOME/TOWN theme in many different ways. Alicia Gonzalez and Pauline Bruno painted literal representations of their own homes with the surrounding foliage in full bloom.  Heidi Johnsonâs âPatterson Gothicâ depicts the artist and her husband solemnly standing with a pitchfork in front of their home – a humorous take on Grant Woodâs well-known painting â âAmerican Gothicâ. Local barns and farmland were depicted by Wendi Bistany, Deborah Beck, Rosemary A. Hocking-Sanzari, Judika Lieberman, and Alfred Dioguardi among others.
Significant or historic town structures were featured in Phyllis Entnerâs watercolor painting of the Town of Carmel Historical Society, and Geoffrey Lockâs pastel paintings of Belden House. New York City was a favorite âhome townâ as seen in Julius Grillâs âSunlight in Manhattanâ, Herberto Turizzoâs âOne Night in Times Squareâ, Michael Mendelâs âNew York Morning Rush Hourâ, and Penny Federâs âGolden BQE.â
Winter scenes captured the essence of the seasonâs beauty in images by James Trapani (âWhen Itâs Coldâ), Grace Su (âOur Park After Snowâ), and Judith Challis (âHomeward Boundâ). Landscapes and seascapes take the viewer to towns throughout the tri-state region including Barbara DeMartini Smithâs âA Friendly Townâ (Peekskill), Mindy Ackermanâs âSunrise, New Rochelleâ, Jessica Paternosterâs âTappan Zee Bridge, Sunset Viewâ, âCormorants in Peekskill Bayâ by Christine Rice, and JoJo Maxwellâs âSunrise over Lake Mahopac.â
Figurative work portrays everyday people in familiar settings: âCoffee Breakâ (Barnes & Noble) by Maria Kaprielian, âCrowd Emotionâ (Yankee Stadium) by James Sparks, and âShe is Riding Antonâ (Old Salem Farm) by Tooraj Pourman. Abstract entries are also featured including Joan Gillman Smithâs âAlong Route 22â, Heidi Steinâs âHome is where our stories beginâ, and Margie Marekâs âLost and Foundâ.
This spectacular exhibit is all the more poignant when we think of those in other countries who have lost their homes due to war or natural disaster. The meaning and importance of home and community, the visual depiction of vibrant activity or peaceful reflection, the expression of our relationship with the environment â all of these aspects of life are exemplified in the artwork on display at the library. In the words of American actor and dramatist John Howard Payne, âMid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, be it ever so humble thereâs no place like home.â
The HOME/TOWN show can be view during regular Library hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m. â 8 p.m., Friday, 9:30 a.m. â 7 p.m., Saturday, 9:30 a.m. â 3 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
For further information about the Third Floor Gallery at Mahopac Public Library, visit www.mahopaclibrary.org, or call 845-628-2009, ext. 108.
This is a press release provided by the organization. It has been lightly edited and is being published by Examiner Media as a public service.

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