1950s Adjuntas Plaza, Plaza de Adjuntas, PR, by Marie Lou Ortiz, acrylic on canvass (45” x 30”)
August 21, 2009
by Michall Jeffers
The current Wall Exhibit at the Chappaqua library, “Art In Cantonese And Spanish,” presents examples of the rich ethnic diversity of Chappaqua artists. Residents will enjoy seeing the paintings of two local artists on the walls of the library, and will appreciate how each artist has been influenced in her work by her ethnic background. Shown in juxtaposition, the paintings emphasize and complement the contrasting styles of the artists.
The long panels hung on the center column are the work of Grace Lam Chui, who was born and raised in Hong Kong, where she studied Chinese painting for ten years with a master artist. Formally called “Hanging Scroll, Ink and Color on Paper,” the work requires many hours of intense focus and is always very specific in execution.
Chui also studied pastel painting at The Northern Westchester Center for the Arts in Mount Kisco. Her native language is Cantonese.
Marie Lou Ortiz is of Puerto Rican descent. Her acrylic paintings “1950’s Adjuntas Plaza” and “Tanama” are interpretations of the stories her mother told her about growing up in the rural mountains of the island. These pictures reflect the colorful and fluid style of the region.
Born in New Jersey, Ortiz is equally fluent in Spanish and English. She is multi-talented; she’s a gifted elementary school teacher, with an emphasis on special education and also has a degree in interior design.
The exhibit is scheduled to run from Friday, August 21 thorugh Sunday, September 20.
Michall Jeffers produced this exhibit for the Chappaqua Library.
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