ArtsWestchester Launches Virtual Lawrence Salley 2020 Photography Award Exhibition

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ArtsWestchester Launches Virtual Lawrence Salley 2020 Photography Award Exhibition Featuring Artwork by Nine Contemporary Photographers

On View Now: artsw.org/lsalley2020

 

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (April 28, 2020) – ArtsWestchester and the African American Men of Westchester have launched the first-ever Lawrence Salley Photography Award 2020 Virtual Exhibition at artsw.org/lsalley2020.  The online photography exhibition features the photographic work of Arnold Kastenbaum, the 2020 Lawrence Salley Award winner, and the eight finalists in this year’s competition.

The annual Lawrence Salley Photography Award, established in memory of Lawrence Salley, was recently awarded to Arnold Kastenbaum.  Kastenbaum, provides a unique and alternate view of the commonplace in his photographic work. His style is painterly. Mundane objects, such as light bulbs and doorknobs, are transformed with light and shadow into abstract compositions. In addition, Kastenbaum works in the tradition of film photography, personally printing all of his own images on archival gelatin silver. Kastenbaum was selected from a superlative roster of finalists. This year’s panel of judges was so impressed with the artistry and diverse points of view of the photographers that it made the decision to mount a full online exhibition that was initially planned to be on view in ArtsWestchester’s gallery.

Janet T. Langsam, CEO of ArtsWestchester explains, “During these challenging times, ArtsWestchester is committed to keeping people connected to the artists and arts groups who are at the heart of Westchester’s cultural community. As we shelter-in-place during the COVID-19 crisis, we are pleased to share a special collection of fine photographic work of some of the area’s leading photographers for you to enjoy from the safety of your home.”

In addition to Salley 2020 Award-Winner Arnold Kastenbaum of Mamaroneck, NY, the following photographers are spotlighted in the exhibition:

Tom Atwood of Stamford, CT;
Margaret Fox of Sleepy Hollow, NY;
Howard Goodman of Peekskill, NY;
Alan Haywood of Ossining, NY;
Barry Mason of Mt. Vernon, NY;
Gina Randazzo of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY;
Joseph Squillante of Peekskill, NY;
John Verner of Rhinebeck, NY.

Spanning from pure abstraction to photojournalism, the work of the nine photographers gathered in the 70-page online exhibition represent the varied practices of contemporary photography, and the deep talent of the Hudson Valley’s creative community.

From colorful exotic locales to familiar neighborhood landmarks, community celebrations to composed still-lifes, this photographic collection conveys the vibrancy of life and the beauty of humanity’s shared experiences.

Langsam continues, “Now more than ever… as we are isolated in our homes – we need the beauty of art to provide us comfort, connection, joy and appreciation.”

Additionally, during the COVID-19 crisis, ArtsWestchester has launched a campaign to establish an emergency Artist Relief Fund for those creatives adversely affected by COVID-19. The public can help support Westchester artists in need at https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/awrelieffund

About The Lawrence Salley Photography Award:   In 2018, ArtsWestchester, the African American Men of Westchester and the Salley family established the Lawrence Salley Photography Award to celebrate the life and artistic achievements of Lawrence “Larry” C. Salley, who was an active member of both organizations. Larry lived and worked in Westchester County (White Plains), where he assumed the leadership roles of Deputy Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Planning, and Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Transportation. In his spare time, he was an avid photographer. Larry was known for his vast and prolific documentation of his numerous travels around the globe. From the base of the Great Pyramids of Egypt to Havana’s streets as witnessed from the back seat of a pink 1950s Cadillac, and finally the sprawling view from atop the Grand Canyon, Larry photographed everything he saw. His photographic oeuvre ranges from exotic landscapes to ethnic portraiture, and from floral abstractions to musical performances. No matter where Larry went, you could almost certainly find him with his camera.

The Lawrence Salley Photography Award is given annually to a Hudson Valley-based photographer with a significant body of work of outstanding artistic merit. Arts professionals and members of the creative community are invited to submit nominations, which are reviewed by a panel of representatives from the Award partners. The recipient of the award receives a $1,000 grant to advance their artistic practice. Past recipients include Ocean Morisset (2018) and David Rocco (2019).

About ArtsWestchester

For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building in downtown White Plains.