BRISTOL, Rhode Island - The Bristol Art Museum today recognized the work of five artists who answered a call for artists to submit artwork for a juried, community Museum exhibit hosted at the Rogers Free Library titled, A Bristol 4th of July!, an artistic recognition of the 237th Bristol Fourth of July celebration.  The exhibit will be on view from Monday, June 6 to Wednesday, July 13. The call for artists was judged by Bristol-based artist Jeanne Cardarelli Raimondi.

The theme of the exhibit was inspired by Bristol’s unique celebration of the American Independence Day.  Each work of art depicts and was inspired by the renowned July 4th celebration that includes concerts, the parade, firemen’s muster, patriotic exercises, and, of course, the thrilling fireworks display.  The exhibit can be viewed in the galleries located in the lower level of the Museum.   

“The Town of Bristol is rich with traditions, symbolism, and celebration of the history that represents our Nation’s independence,” said Raimondi. “The images presented for Celebration: Bristol 4th of July were of high quality and it was a difficult choice to identity works for the five categories of prizes. The honor and task of serving as a juror is a task that asks my opinion of what story the artwork told and sharing my thoughts on the five pieces that were selected.  During the selection process, my priority was to keep in mind the theme of the exhibit which helped me to narrow my choices. I also looked for a point of view and what the painting reveals about the composition.”

FIRST PRIZE:
Poppasquash Dory Glory by Richard Kaiser
“A simple and beautifully dramatic representation of the small boat, flag and water in the night sky,” shared Raimondi. “The mirror image reflections of the Dory and flag worked well in bringing the observer to experience the lovely focal point.”

SECOND PRIZE:
A Bristol 4th by Gary Graham
“A nicely composed representation of the Nation’s independence,” remarked Raimondi.  “The Honor Guards of the Militia portrays parade day and the time-honored traditions of Bristol. I especially liked the luminosity of the watercolor and the vibrancy of the soldiers against the muted background.”

HONORABLE MENTIONS
The Rockets’ Red Glare by Suzanne Lewis
“A gelatin print with a well thought out patriotic design,” said Raimondi. “This piece is comprised of multi-layered papers and stencils that creatively form a very colorful and abstract collage.”

“A Walk of Hope” Street by Karen Clair
“This mixed media piece is cleverly executed in a delightful way,” observed Raimondi. “Upon a closer look, the viewer finds a collage of colorful stickers and tape in a very detailed pattern against the red, white, and blue stripe.”

BEST OF SHOW:
Patriotic Apples by Kendra Ferreira
“Technical and masterful composition use of color pencils,” shared Raimondi. “The light and softness of the colorful stripe fabric against the dish of apples is most appealing. The subject is both beautiful and delicious looking. I want to know more…are they melting in the warm weather or are they setting because were freshly made?”

After receiving her B.A. from Rhode Island College, Raimondi began to exhibit her artwork widely, both in New England and afar. Her work has been shown and awarded locally at the Bristol Art Museum, the Portsmouth Arts Guild, the Handicrafts Club, the Newport Art Museum, and the Rhode Island Watercolor Society, among many other museums and galleries. An active member of the Bristol community, Raimondi is a Bristol 4th of July Committee Lifetime Member and Bristol Art Museum Board Member.

“As I look back at the progression of my work, my style transformed from realism to impressionism, focusing on painting en plein air with oils,” reflected Raimondi. “I also enjoy painting with mixed and water media, with textiles, and acrylics in the abstract style. When I try a new technique or style, I find it often breathes new life into my projects. Fortunately, retirement has given me the opportunity to travel, allowing me the experience of painting the various landscapes. When I paint en plein air, I taste the air, smell the smells, see the sites, feel the culture- all goes into what is experienced on my canvas.”