Our Members' Holiday Show features the work of our current Members and Instructors.
Art makes a great gift for the holidays!
Join us in a reception on Sunday, November 17th 1:00-4:00pm
Featuring Still Life works of art by our members.
ONLINE ENTRY DEADLINE: DECEMBER 13TH
This is an opportunity to learn how to draw! Feel confident to be able to join in our other classes offered at RAI.
Come join us to see nationally recognized T.M. Nicholas give an artists demonstration.
1:30pm in East Gallery of R.A.I.
$20 suggested donation to attend
The Ridgewood Art Institute Instructor’s Exhibition features the work of our current Instructors. This exhibit provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the possibilities of starting either a new class or a new medium with one of our accomplished Instructors in our beautiful north light studios.
PRIZE WINNERS
1st place - Mary Zisk “Summer Shadow”
2nd place - Pat Smythe “Maryland Shore”
3rd place - Julius Carallo “Once on a Summer Day”
Honorable Mention - Ted Kastner “Cranberry Lake Fireworks”
Honorable Mention - Tong Chen “Fall in Vancouver”
The Ridgewood Art Institute is proud to present the Members’ Landscape Show, showcasing our artist members' works in classic realism. This exhibition will feature stunning landscapes, seascapes, city-scapes, and Plein air pieces rendered in oils, watercolor, or pastel.
Throughout the wonderful days of summer, our artist members have been inspired to create these exceptional works, and we are thrilled to provide a platform for their talents to shine.
We invite everyone to experience the amazing artwork generated here at RAI. As a special incentive, cash prizes will be awarded to the best works, celebrating the exceptional talent within our community.
The Ridgewood Art Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the finest instruction in a variety of mediums. Our classes are offered on an open enrollment basis, allowing students to join at any time and receive personalized instruction tailored to their skill levels.
Join us in celebrating the beauty of classic realism and the remarkable artistry of our members.
Artist Pick Up: September 28th - October 3rd
The Ridgewood Art Institute is inviting all our Artist Members to submit up to 3 paintings in Oils, Watercolor Drawing or Pastel, wired and framed for this show.
Landscape, Seascape, Cityscape and Plein Air in the traditional manner is accepted.
The entry fee is $10 per piece.
We encourage our Artist Members to utilize these wonderful days of Summer, to inspire works that can be shown in this show and possibly find their forever homes.
This is yet another opportunity that membership provides to showcase the amazing work that is generated here at RAI.
Cash prizes and honorable mentions will be awarded to best works! (Instructors not included in judging)
The Ridgewood Art Institute is a non profit organization providing the finest instruction in a variety of mediums. Classes are offered on an open enrollment basis, and can be joined at anytime. Each student is taught in direct relation to their personal skill level.
The Ridgewood Art Institute's 2024 Members' Summer Show is on display through August 31st and features selected works by Ridgewood Art Institute member artists.
Displayed are many beautiful landscape, seascape, still life, floral, portrait and figurative works in oil, watercolor and pastel.
Works are offered for sale and are framed, wired and ready to hang.
The Ridgewood Art Institute galleries are open to the public daily.
Show Dates: June 2nd - June 16th 2024
Removal of Artwork: June 16th -18th during class times
ELIGIBILITY
The Ridgewood Art Institute invites all young artists in Ridgewood and surrounding communities to enter this exhibition. Student members of the Ridgewood Art Institute may enter up to two original works total from their respective RAI Young People’s classes. Non-member students (ages 8 - 17) may enter one original piece: school and independent work of any size is acceptable. No computer generated or 3-dimensional art will be accepted.
JUDGING & AWARDS
All entries will be judged by the Ridgewood Art Institute's instructors. Cash prizes, merchandise awards, certificates of merit and honorable mentions will be awarded.
RECEPTION, AWARDS CEREMONY & EXHIBITION DATES
An opening reception and awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 2nd from 2pm – 3pm for entrants, their family and friends. The exhibition will close on Saturday, June 16th. All works must be picked up between June 16th - 18th during young people’s class times.
LIABILITY
The Ridgewood Art Institute will not be responsible for loss or damage of the entries.
The Ridgewood Art Institute promotes an interest in the fine arts in Ridgewood and surrounding communities. For more information call (201) 652-9615.
President: Carl Holst
Education Chair: Laura Paray
Show Dates: June 2nd - June 16th 2024
Removal of Artwork: June 16th -18th during class times
Entries must be delivered to the Ridgewood Art Institute on:
Saturday, May 18th, 10:00am-12:00pm
Sunday, May 19th 12:00pm-2:00pm
Monday, May 20th 3:30pm - 5:30pm,
Tuesday, May 21st 3:30pm - 5:30pm.
In addition to filling out an entry form on receiving day, the following information must be printed on the back of the artwork: Name, Title, Age, Address, Telephone Number, School and Grade. All pictures must be framed, WIRED (no saw tooth hangers) and ready to hang.
ELIGIBILITY
The Ridgewood Art Institute invites all young artists in Ridgewood and surrounding communities to enter this exhibition. Student members of the Ridgewood Art Institute may enter up to two original works total from their respective RAI Young People’s classes. Non-member students (ages 8 - 17) may enter one original piece: school and independent work of any size is acceptable. No computer generated or 3-dimensional art will be accepted.
JUDGING & AWARDS
All entries will be judged by the Ridgewood Art Institute's instructors. Cash prizes, merchandise awards, certificates of merit and honorable mentions will be awarded.
RECEPTION, AWARDS CEREMONY & EXHIBITION DATES
An opening reception and awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 2nd from 2pm – 3pm for entrants, their family and friends. The exhibition will close on Saturday, June 16th. All works must be picked up between June 16th - 18th during young people’s class times.
LIABILITY
The Ridgewood Art Institute will not be responsible for loss or damage of the entries.
The Ridgewood Art Institute promotes an interest in the fine arts in Ridgewood and surrounding communities. For more information call (201) 652-9615.
President: Carl Holst
Education Chair: Laura Paray
This RAI show features portraits, self-portraits, and pet portraits done by our members. It's introspective, interesting, and only comes around every few years.
The Ridgewood Art Institute invites all members in good standing to enter this exhibition. You may enter up to three portraits , including self portraits and pet portraits. Studies of portrait paintings or sculptures by the masters are also allowed. No computer generated or 3-dimensional art will be accepted.
The work should not have been previously shown in an RAI exhibit within the last 5 years. It does not have to be work done in class, but work done from life would be preferred. The full range of mediums will be allowed, ie. oils, watercolors, pastels and/or drawings.
JUDGING & AWARDS
The show will be judged and 1st-$100, 2nd-$75, and 3rd-$50 prizes will be awarded. Instructors not included in judging.
Award recipients will be notified via their contact information.
Removal of Artwork: Saturday, May 25th, 9:30am - 1pm
As the duration for the exhibit will only be 2 weeks, a reception is not being planned.
LIABILITY
The Ridgewood Art Institute will not be responsible for loss or damage of the entries.
Chair: Rick Perez
Co-Chair: James Nocella
Removal of Artwork: Saturday, May 25th, 9:30am - 1pm
Welcome to the 71st Annual Sponsor Show, benefiting the Ridgewood Art Institute. This event is a major source of funding for us each year, allowing us to continue providing fine art education classes, exhibits, and special programs to our community.
About the Event: The Sponsor Show is our most popular annual event, providing sponsors with the opportunity to acquire beautifully framed original paintings donated by our outstanding artists and instructors. The collection includes landscapes, still lifes, and the chance to commission a portrait or pet painting. The first 80 sponsors are guaranteed sponsorship for this year and an original framed painting on the night of our drawing.
Event Details: The entire collection of donated paintings in oil, watercolor, or pastel will be on exhibit from April 7 to May 3. Sponsors can make a "wish list" with their favorite paintings. The show is open to visitors during any class time. You can also view the entire collection through the link below..
Sponsorship Options: Our $275 sponsors have one chance to be called for one painting, while our $400 sponsors have three chances to be called for one painting during our Gala Drawing! Gift certificates are also available, making a personally selected painting a wonderful gift for any special occasion.
The Gala Drawing Experience - Excitement fills the air at our Gala Drawing, as our Sponsors eagerly await the calling of their name, signaling the opportunity to select their favorite artwork from among the beautiful, framed pieces generously donated to RAI. It's an evening brimming with anticipation and philanthropy, all in support of a great cause.
Leading up to the event, Sponsors are encouraged to visit our gallery to view and compile a list (of at least 50 pieces) of their favorite artwork, from the diverse array awaiting a new home. Order preference is key in the creation of this list, as you never know when your name will get called!
The event kicks off promptly at 8 pm, so don’t be late! All Sponsor names are placed into a bowl for random selection. Our Regular Sponsors receive one ticket towards the drawing, while our Premium Sponsors have three tickets entered, increasing their chances of an earlier selection.
So, settle in and prepare for an evening of entertainment and camaraderie. The Gala Drawing promises to be a memorable occasion, filled with the joy of giving and the thrill of anticipation. Join us in making a difference, one ticket at a time!
Donations: If you wish to make a donation to the Ridgewood Art Institute, any amount would be greatly appreciated.
Co-Chairs: Barbara Johnansen & Joel Mitnick
It is extremely important for the Barn to have the continuing support of our member and non-member artists. We are counting on your participation once again to make this year’s 71st Sponsor Show a success. Your donation of one or two of your best original artworks will benefit our efforts to promote the fine arts and instruction at RAI.
Another option is to become a Sponsor, yourself. For $275, you are guaranteed to go home the nite of our Gala Drawing, with a gorgeous, framed painting. Or purchase a Premium Sponsorship for $400 and receive 3 chances in the Drawing, but only one painting.
Think of a future without our home? As a non profit organization we need our Members' support. Encourage your family and friends to become Sponsors. If your walls are already full of beautiful Artwork consider purchasing a Sponsorship as a gift, or even just making a donation in whatever denomination you are comfortable with. The Ridgewood Art Institute has been a treasured haven to so many for 87 years, let's keep this community jewel thriving for future generations of Artists and Art Enthusiasts alike.
North Country by T.M. Nicholas
The Juried Show is open to all artists working in a representational or traditional manner. Only accepted works will be exhibited
Judges: Thomas Michael Nicholas, Oil & Tim Saternow, Watercolor
Awards Reception: March 24th, 2:00-4:00 pm
Exhibition Dates: March 10th-March 24th
Receiving out of Town Artists: February 26th - March 1st
Delivery for Local Artists: Deliver uncrated artwork to the Ridgewood Art Institute, 12 East Glen Ave., Ridgewood, NJ on March 2nd, 8:30am-12:00pm.
Pick-Up: March 24th (after reception) or March 25th
Chair: Rebecca Leer
Awards Chairperson: Mary Mancuso
Giving Tuesday is a day that encourages people to give back in whatever ways they can. It presents nonprofit organizations with the chance to raise even more money than they would on an average day of giving, which is why many organizations create special campaigns to participate in this day of Giving.
The Ridgewood Art Institute is a very unique organization providing the finest instruction in Classical Realism in a variety of mediums. Classes are offered on an open enrollment basis, and can be joined at any time. Each student is taught in direct relation to their personal skill level. Our two gorgeous north lit studios as well as our 3 galleries are just a part of what RAI offers. We also sponsor events and workshops throughout the year, that are of interest to artists and art enthusiasts alike.
What most people DON'T realize, is that EVERYONE EXCEPT our wonderful Instructors is an unpaid volunteer. It takes the efforts of many to keep RAI thriving. The cost of maintaining our Historic Building, running events, utilities etc, well outweigh the amount of revenue we bring in thru membership.
PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO RAI ON GIVING TUESDAY, THIS NOVEMBER 28TH.
Your gift will support this jewel in our community which is a gift to so many.
The Ridgewood Art Institute is home to many talented artists. We welcome you to visit us both online and in our galleries and view our Annual Members’ Holiday Show and Sale, usually featuring over 150 pieces of beautiful artwork.
Art makes a unique gift that can be treasured for a lifetime. Also, your gift helps support this fine institution, which is a gift to so many.
Receiving: Monday, November 6th - Saturday, November 11th
Pick-Up: January 2nd - 8th
Membership must be up to date to submit.
Members are invited to enter two original works, to be exhibited.
Artwork must be priced for sale, $150 minimum, 25% sale commission to RAI, max size 30x40, wired ready to hang
Chairs: Stephanie Cook & Bonnie McGown
The Ridgewood Art Institute Instructor’s Exhibition features the work of our current Instructors. This exhibit provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the possibilities of starting either a new class or a new medium with one of our accomplished Instructors in our beautiful north light studios.
Original artwork of Still lifes, Florals, Landscapes, Portraits and Figurative work is on display and will give art enthusiasts a wonderful sampling of the quality of work of these Instructors.
Classes accept students of all levels. You may join in at anytime. Please contact the Instructor directly for more information and to sign up.
The show is open daily when class is in session. Please check website for class times and schedules.
Chairperson: Laura Paray
Some of our Instructor work included in the show
The Annual Meeting of the Ridgewood Art Institute will be held for the purpose of the election of the officers and members of the Board of Trustees whose term is up for re-election at 2:00pm.
Immediately following the meeting there will be a demonstration by Robert Heyer
Robert Heyer has developed national reputation as a painter, teacher, and literary contributer to art magazines, and has received numerous awards and honors for his artwork. His paintings have appeared in many exhibitions and art shows and are held in both private and corporate collections. Bob is a signature member of the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Garden State Watercolor Societies.
An exhibition of works done by the Institute’s young aspiring artists and non-member young people (age 8-17) from surrounding areas.
Receiving: During Classes, May 20th -23rd
Pick-Up: Saturday - Tuesday, June 17th – 20th
AWARDS RECEPTION: Sunday, June 4th, 2pm-3pm (Awards at 2:30pm)
ELIGIBILITY
The Ridgewood Art Institute invites all young artists in Ridgewood and surrounding communities to enter this exhibition. Student members of the Ridgewood Art Institute may enter up to two original works total from their respective RAI Young People’s classes. Non-member students (ages 8 - 17) may enter one original piece: school and independent work of any size is acceptable. No computer generated or 3-dimensional art will be accepted.
JUDGING & AWARDS
All entries will be judged by the Ridgewood Art Institute's instructors. Cash prizes, merchandise awards, certificates of merit and honorable mentions will be awarded.
RECEPTION, AWARDS CEREMONY & EXHIBITION DATES
An opening reception and awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 4h from 2pm – 3pm for entrants, their family and friends. The exhibition will close on Saturday, June 17th.
LIABILITY
The Ridgewood Art Institute will not be responsible for loss or damage of the entries.
The Ridgewood Art Institute promotes an interest in the fine arts in Ridgewood and surrounding communities. For more information call (201) 652-9615 or visit our web site at ridgewoodartinstitute.org
Chairs: YP Instructors
Enjoy a week long intensive, consecutive day instruction. Please contact Instructor directly to reserve a spot.
RAI $40 student membership (yearly) required to join in.
July 31 - August 4, 2023
2:30-4:30pm
Joel Popadics
joel@watercolorpop.com
973-851-0366
Learn how to paint in watercolor during this weeklong workshop for children of all levels of ability. Participants will be taught the basics of watercolor – focusing on washes, brushwork and the wet-in-wet approach. They will discover various methods and techniques for still life and landscape painting. Special emphasis will be placed on how to create a flat, even tone wash, the graded wash and many other techniques. They will learn how to paint all kinds of skies, trees, buildings and other objects in a “transparent” manner.
Fee: $220 - supplies included for the week
or $300 to purchase supplies for the week and take home
August 7 - 11, 2023
2:30-4:30pm
Rebecca Leer
rebecca_leer@msn.com
201-906-6839
All levels are welcome. Students will learn basic techniques of line, shape, proportion, perspective and shading while working from a variety of still-life objects and the human face. Instruction will be tailored to each student.
Fee: $185 - class fee only, bring your own supplies
or $220 to purchase supplies for the week and take home
August 14 - 18, 2023
2:30-4:30pm
Laura Paray
laura@paray.com
(201) 281-6940
All levels are welcome. Your child will learn the basic techniques of oil painting and will create landscape and still life paintings to completion. They will learn how to create distance and atmosphere in a landscape three dimensional objects in a still life. Concepts such as massing in, color and value.
Fee: $210 supplies included for the week
August 21 - 25, 2023
2:30-4:30pm
Bonnie McGown
bonniemcgown@gmail.com
(201) 803-1083
All levels are welcome. Your child will learn the basic techniques of oil painting and will create still life and floral paintings to completion. They will learn concepts such as massing in, color and value.
Fee: $210 supplies included for the week
This remarkable, original, eminently successful show features paintings given to the Institute by member artists. The Sponsors are the first of a limited number of people who contribute $275 or $400. On the last night of the show, as their names are drawn, the Sponsors select their favorite painting to take home.
Drawing: Friday, May 5th, 8:00pm
Chairs: Barbara Johansen & Joel Mitnick
Contact Diana Li, Exhibitions Chair, for more information at diana_j_li@yahoo.com
Contact Diana Li, Exhibitions Chair, for more information at diana_j_li@yahoo.com
The Juried Show is open to all artists working in a representational or traditional manner. Only accepted works will be exhibited
Judges: Thomas Adkins, Oil & Robert Heyer, Watercolor
Application Deadline-January 8, 2023
Notification of Acceptance-delayed- will be announced shortly
Awards posted on RAI website-February 8, www.ridgewoodartinstitute.org
Awards Reception-March 5, 2:00-4:00 pm
Exhibition Dates-February 12-March 5, check website for hours
Receiving out of Town Artists: January 30-February 3
Delivery for Local Artists: Deliver uncrated artwork to the Ridgewood Art Institute, 12 East Glen Ave., Ridgewood, NJ on February 4, 8:30am-12:00pm.
Pick-Up: March 5th - 6th
Chair: Rebecca Leer
The Barn will be closed for the holidays. Classes resume Tuesday, January 3, 2023
It's almost that time again. What time, you ask? Time to get ready for the largest global giving day of the year--Giving Tuesday! So, mark your calendar: Giving Tuesday is November 29, 2022. Celebrate 2022's progress and take advantage of this opportunity to make tomorrow even brighter.
Please Donate to The Ridgewood Art Institute
The Ridgewood Art Institute is home to many talented artists. We welcome you to visit us both online and in our galleries and view our Annual Members’ Holiday Show and Sale, usually featuring over 150 pieces of beautiful artwork.
Art makes a unique gift that can be treasured for a lifetime. Also, your gift helps support this fine institution, which is a gift to so many.
Receiving: November 7th - 14th
Hanging: November 15th – 17th
Pick-Up:January 3rd - 7th
Chairs: Stephanie Cook & Dana DiMuro
Exhibition of members work to celebrate 125th Anniversary. Gallery is open during posted class times
Please join us as we present this very special exhibition from the RAI permanent collection.
This show features Plein Air sketches and paintings. Our members have been encouraged and inspired to paint outdoors while on location. Their work is nothing less than amazing -- fast, fun, and fresh!
Receiving: Match 7 – Mar 12
Hanging: Match 13
Pick up: March 28th- April 1st
Chair:Rick Perez
This show features portraits and self -portraits done by our members. It's introspective, interesting, and only comes around every few years.
Receiving: Tuesday - Monday, January 4th - 10th
Hanging: Tuesday - Saturday, January 11th - 15th
Pick-Up: Saturday - Monday, January 29th – 31st
Chairs: Ed Galenkamp
Ascent:
A Perspective on Loss to Transformation
Paintings by Rebecca Leer
the Backstory
On view in our beautiful galleries thru 9/29
As my tax guy says, “Nobody gets out of this life alive.” The trajectory is predictable. Although death is universal, when it visits us personally, it is, well, personal.
At 46, my very fit husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After a three-year war with it, he died. Certainly a change in our plans and in the plans for our small child. One of the hardest things about a loss is not only the event itself, but the loss of all that could have been after.
I am a painter, so painting is what I do. I was doing a lot of still lifes at the time, and it was a natural progression to include articles of Rob’s in the set-ups, especially as I was going through all of his belongings. Some items were painfully meaningful while others were more incidental characters in a man’s life. Painting the arrangements brought serenity and presented a path through grief. The paintings themselves resonated with others, and that affirmation gave me courage and strength.
The progression to landscapes felt natural in the healing process. Snarls of trees represented chaotic emotions; the war of wave and rock reflected inner turmoil. Gradually, as I untweezed my insides, the scenes I painted took on an expansion.
Roger Scruton says, “The beautiful work of art brings consolation in sorrow and affirmation in joy. It shows human life to be worthwhile.” Painting these works provided me a portal to healing; I could feel beyond what was directly in front of me to the sacred.
