2010
Paintings by Helen Harkaspi
Ellenville’s Gallery Link is proud to present a new exhibit of paintings by local artist Helen Harkaspki, “People, Places, Things”. A simple name for an impressive exhibit that offers an array of colorful and courageous work that speaks to all that the artist values in life. Helen’s portraits, landscapes and still lifes convey her ability for looking closely and carefully at all she encounters.
Each painting seems to tell a story, and her use of color is rich and bold. Helen herself is a powerfully engaging person, who is profoundly present to her work and the world around her.Her paintings invite the viewer to be present as well, and her portraits remind us of the rich depths of every person’s life. While she was born on Staten Island and raised in Minnesota, Helen has lived in this area for 20 years now, initially drawn by the special beauty of our Valley. The artist’s careers have been varied; a wife and mother of two, Helen has been a nursery and elementary school teacher,Zen Buddhist priest and the manager of a gourmet bakery in New York City.Since coming to the Hudson Valley, she has become a grandmother, gardener, kayaker and painter, while earning her living as a psychotherapist.Newly retired, Helen is deeply interested in exploring the emotional life of people she encounters through her art, and celebrating “the color, light and beauty of everything around her.
Helen was one of the artists to participate in last summer’s ArtsWAVE exhibit displayed throughout the Village of Ellenville and Town of Wawarsing, but this is her first solo show in our community.The public is cordially invited to attend an Artist Reception on Saturday, February 6, from 12-2pm. To visit Helen’s website, go to www.helenharkaspi.com
Historic Exhibits in the Gallery Link Next time you’re in the Gallery Link, notice the display case designed by library staff member Laura Smith on Civil War Veterans from Wawarsing. 2010 marks the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War; watch for special programming here at the library.