The Laffer Gallery Presents: “3rd Annual Upstate Invitational”
Featuring Mary Ellen Riell, Chad Smith and JoAnn Axford
October 24 – November 29, 2015
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 24, 5-8pm
SCHUYLERVILLE, N.Y., October 14, 2015 – The Laffer Gallery today announced the date for its upcoming exhibit 3rd Annual Upstate Invitational. With artists Mary Ellen Riell, Chad Smith and JoAnn Axford. These distinguished artists were honored with last year’s 3rd Annual Upstate Artists Best In Show Award, juried by Paul Hobart, and invited to exhibit their works in this dynamic new exhibit at The Laffer Gallery.
We invite you to join us opening night on Saturday, October 24th from 5pm – 8pm for an evening of fine art, lively conversation and hors d’ oeuvres.
3rd Annual Upstate Invitational will be on view through November 29th.
Featured artists in the 3rd Annual Upstate Invitational include:
Mary Ellen Riell – A former professional illustrator and college instructor, Mary Ellen Riell received her art training at the Art Student’s League in New York City, the Fashion Institute of Technology, and Brooklyn College, where she studied with painter Sam Gelber and sculptor Sylvia Stone, before receiving a Master’s degree in art education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY.
JoAnn Axford – JoAnn Axford lives and maintains her studio in Glenmont, New York. She received her bachelor degree at the University of Bridgeport, Conn. and her masters from The College of Saint Rose. Her interest in botanical imagery led her to post-graduate study in Botanical Illustration at The New York Botanical Garden
Chad Smith – Chad Smith prefers a direct yet studied approach to plein air painting. It has been said of his work: “Not just ‘a scene’ but a real statement about something, yet not forced or melodramatic.” Smith has gallery representation in New York, Colorado, Florida, South Carolina and is collected internationally.
About the Laffer Gallery
Located at 96 Broad Street in Schuylerville, The Laffer Gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. For more information call 518-695-3181 or visit thelaffergallery.com.