Jewish Family Service of Rockland County, Inc.

Quality ~ Accountability ~ Confidentiality ~ Affordability

900 Route 45, Suite 2, New City, NY 10956 -- Phone: 845-354-2121 -- Fax 845-354-2928

Geriatric and
Elder Care

Ramapo
Senior Citizen
Enhancement
Program (SEP)

Jewish Family
Life Education

Art Class Reception and Show

(Rockland Community College Art Class
Reception and Show at Jewish Family Service)

Painting and Pen & Ink Drawing - an adult education program - sponsored by Rockland Community College and housed at The Fountainview on College Road, attracts retirees seeking a place to work and express themselves through art. Some beginners come with great trepidation but soon relax when they discover that they can really turn out wonderful paintings and drawings in acrylic, watercolor and pen & ink. Artist instructor Joyce Eichler is there to help the 'students' who come from all over Rockland County, and some who dwell at Fountainview, express themselves through visual arts.

Their work was shown July 1, to September 23, 2001 at Jewish Family Service of Rockland County, and a reception with the artists was held in early July.

Those in the Class of Spring 2001 were

Barney Barlam : "From a young age I always enjoyed drawing, pen and ink, painting, etching in plastic and calligraphy." He was schooled in Aviation trades, served in the Air Force, played professional baseball. He is now an adult education student (79 years young) with a varied background in anything but art. He has taken up the brush and pen to find a medium for self expression.

Walter Celli : Mr. Celli says of himself, "I'm a fairly good drawer." "My favorite medium is water color for its spontaneity and speed." Getting down to details that he confronts regularly he speaks of his lack of training in mixing and color selection and the ever present agonizing decision making in selecting backgrounds.

Sarah Davidowitz : Despite difficulty that sometimes takes effort to overcome, Sarah has displayed her talent in creating beautiful paintings. Her ability to use rich colors builds warm images. One seeing her work is immediately charmed.

Marge Gallo : A native New Yorker living in Rockland County for 37 years. A retired teacher who started painting in Florida when she became a snow bird She works in oils, some water colors and is now starting with acrylics. " Now matter how involved or stressed I become, I get lost in my painting and acquire a feeling of peace and tranquility." Paul H. Gessner : He has taken art courses at RCC and has spent time visiting museums in the USA, Italy, France, South America, Mexico and Israel. A retiree enjoying life through his art interests.

Grace Hoke : "Looking at exhibits is very different from trying to put on paper the exact color of the morning sky that made your whole day happier. This is where professional skill, artistic sense and talent is so important." She has a true love and deep understanding of what it is to be an artist.

Rosemarie Greco-Horrisland : "I have found self expression through Interior Design, Designing, making beautiful pillows from old fabrics and hand made lace, painting furniture pieces. It's been so exciting." Painting is her present passion.

Helen Kushner

Nelida Ismach : Born in Argentina, took some classes in art and was accepted to the school of "Bellas Artes" but studied business and law in the University of Buenos Aires instead. She is returning now to her latent artistic talents expressing herself through art.

Helen Kushner : "I always liked to draw pictures but I started to paint when my youngest daughter left home. I love to see a blank canvas come to life with my efforts. Painting is a great emotional outlet for me." What more can you say?

Lillian Modell : "I always had an interest in drawing and painting, but didn't pursue it until classes in adult education became available. I took lessons sporadically over a period of years. I now find myself motivated by my teacher's guidance and encouragement."

Blossom Moskowitz : Graduated from the High School of Industrial Art. she has lived in Rockland County since 1958 and raised her family here. She has taken many art courses over the years, oil, watercolor, acrylics and folk art (painting on wood). Commuted to NYC for a while taking courses at Fashion Institute of Technology.

Jerome Pooler Jr. : Born in 1939 in New Jersey, he opened a Graphics Art Business in Spring Valley in 1978. For twenty years he produced artwork for the printing trade. After retirement a switch to fine arts was inevitable. Jerome's works include creative endeavors in pencil, acrylic, pen & ink, and watercolor. He has a special affection for mixing any and all kinds of art mediums.

Geraldine Fazzino-Stofko : Retired 2 ½ years ago. She decided to take Art & Drama classes. She has met some wonderful people and found that she loves to paint.

Seymour Witner : After 39 years in business, Mr. Witner retired and was looking for something to keep him interested and occupied. Art classes proved to be the solution for him. He has found pleasure in his associating with other budding artists and always looks forward eagerly to his art classes.