The Signs of Autumn at
Agora Gallery

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn."
-   Elizabeth Lawrence -

Autumn is one of the most amazing seasons of the year and it is turning out to be a great Autumn here at Agora Gallery. Our September and October exhibitions opened spectacularly, generating a host of interest in the artists and their work.

With the leaves continuing to fall, we look forward to two November exhibition openings: A Collective Exhibition in Five Parts(see side bar) opening Thursday November 6, 2008 and Altered States of Reality: an Exhibition of Analog and Digital Fine Art Photography and Metamorphosis opening Thursday November 20, 2008 .

Last but certainly not least we eagerly await publication of the 20th issue of ARTisSpectrum: The Chelsea Perspective. Soon to be released the November 2008 issue takes a glimpse into the lives and work of more than 100 artists who have exhibited across the globe. Filled with engaging editorials and profound imagery, it’s an absolute must-read for artists and art lovers who want to keep their fingers on the pulse of the art scene in New York and abroad.

Image Credit:Autumn Layers by Monica Deac Oil on Canvas, 36" x 18" , 2007

Chelsea 24th International Fine Art Competition

Since opening in 1984, Agora Gallery has established itself as a hub for innovative and talented artists from around the world. Keeping with its tradition of discovering and nurturing artists new to the alluring but highly competitive New York art scene, Agora Gallery will hold its 24th Annual Chelsea International Fine Art Competition, starting February 5, 2009. The competition will be juried by Ira Goldberg, Executive Director of the Art Students League in New York City. Founded in 1875, the Art Students League has been instrumental in shaping America's legacy in the fine arts. Many renowned artists - Georgia O'Keeffe, Jackson Pollack, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, and Norman Rockwell among them - have honed their skills at the League, which is dedicated to sustaining the great tradition of training artists.

On March 20, 2009 the names of the winning artists will be announced. Selected artists will be eligible to receive awards valued at $38,000, including several cash prizes, internet promotion on the website www.Art-Mine.com and a one-page review with two color images in ARTisSpectrum magazine. In addition 20-30 artists, will be selected to participate in a group exhibition at Agora Gallery.

Kudos and Accolades

This is but a small list highlighting artists' contributions and accomplishments.

Jacquelyn Bond's image was selected by the Innovators Combating Substance Abuse Program at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The painting was chosen to be published in the 2008 Art and Addiction book and was also shown in two Art and Addiction Exhibitions, the first one being held at the headquarters for substance abuse and mental health services in Rockville, MD in May 08. the second exhibition in San Juan, Puerto Rico was held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the college on problems of drug dependence in June 08.

D. Loren Champlin's work will appear in juried 2nd art edition 'International Contemporary Masters 2009' . Editor/Curator Despina Tunberg. This book is scheduled to be published later on this year.

Cariappa Annaiah received three honorable mentions in the Fine Art section of the International Photo Awards 2008 competition sponsored by Pilsner Urquell. The entire competition attracted 22,000 entries from 124 countries. The three series were, "Fogged glass", "Metal" and "Chives" under "Droopy and Erect".

Kristina Zallinger of Hamden Connecticut has received five Special Recognition Merit Awards for artwork in the 9th Annual Summer All Media Online International Art Exhibition”
.

Artist, athlete, activist Vanessa Chakour, recently spoke at the United Nations Youth Assembly as an ambassador for Right to Play, an organization which uses sport and play as a vehicle to bring peace and joy into the lives of some of the most disadvantaged children in over 20 countries around the world. Vanessa, formerly a professional boxer, is among a select group of professional and Olympic athletes who support the wonderful work of Right to Play. .

Matty Karp received two "Honorable Mentions" in The Pilsner Urquell International Photography Awards Competition . The two photos appear in Art-Mine "Folliage 2006" and "Mist" .

Heather Mae Erickson's ceramic design work was featured in the Thursday September 18, 2008 Home Section of the New York Times.

Rahbek relishes the opportunity to promote change through art and recently donated a painting to “A Race against Breast Cancer.”