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Ossining Arts Council Marks June With Library Exhibit

OSSINING, N.Y. -- June is the Ossining Arts Council's time to shine.

"The Conversation" is one of the photographs being showcased at the Ossining Public Library by the Ossining Arts Council.

"The Conversation" is one of the photographs being showcased at the Ossining Public Library by the Ossining Arts Council.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Michael Washburn

The arts council will host a monthlong exhibit at the Ossining Public Library, showcasing more than 60 pieces from area artists. An opening reception will be held at the library on Thursday, June 5, from 6-8 p.m. The library has been displaying the arts council's work in June for about 30 years. 

"It's part of our membership drive," Ossining Arts Council President Mark Sarazen said. "We get art from people just starting out to people who make a living from art."

Sarazen said the event helps the arts council reach out to local artists and encourage them to join the group. He said there are watercolors, oil and pastel paintings. Artists are also encouraged to bring food to the opening reception.

The Ossining Arts Council is also hosting an exhibit at the Steamer Firehouse Gallery at 117 Main St. called "Selfie."

"It's inspired by the selfie that Ellen DeGeneres took at the Oscars," Sarazen said. "A selfie is a new way to do a self-portrait. Now anyone can make their own."

The Ossining Arts Council frequently collaborates with other organizations, including the Westchester Collaborative Theater. The arts council has held drawing classes and has worked with prisoners in Sing Sing through Rehabilitation Through the Arts. 

"We want everyone to know who we are," Sarazen said. "When I tell people who we are, someone will always say they never heard of the Ossining Arts Council. It's happening less and less every year."

Sarazen said he is hoping to show the value art has on an economy.

"When people go to an art exhibit, they will go out to dinner somewhere or buy some of the artwork," Sarazen said. "The money stays here. That's a good thing. People think they have to go to New York City for cultural enrichment, but that's not necessarily true."

For more information, visit www.ossiningartscouncil.org 

 

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