“Artists in Residence/Gallery Show”
Posted on March 9, 2004
Students and staff at the Eastern Suffolk BOCES Central Islip campus were amazed and impressed to find two unassuming “artists in residence” in their Adult Education classes.
Students and staff at the Eastern Suffolk BOCES Central Islip campus were amazed and impressed to find two unassuming “artists in residence” in their Adult Education classes. The word got out after they submitted their required student assignment: Write Your Biography. Felix Berroa, who was born in the city of San Pedro de Macoros, Dominican Republic, recently completed Level IV ESL, communicated that he was an artist and began his studies in 1970 at the National School of Fine Arts in the Dominican Republic. Coincidentally, Renan Arevalo, who was born in Guatemala City and a student in the Basic Business Office Technology class, shared with his fellow students that he is a professional photographer and he received his degree from the New York Institute of Photography in Manhattan. This information laid the groundwork to highlight the talents of both men in an “Artists in Residence/Gallery Show” on February 25 at the New York Institute of Technology campus in Central Islip. Members of the BOCES administration accepted an invitation to the gallery showcase including Valerie Krizel, Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Rob Becker, Director of Secondary Programs and Tony DeVincenzo, Program Coordinator, as well as, Pam Betheil, President, BOCES Board and Gary Bixhorn, District Superintendent of Eastern Suffolk BOCES, in support of these students.
Felix poses by one of is paintings that depicts winning baseball players. The birds flying upward are symbolic of them winning.
Pam Betheil listens as Felix explains aspects of his painting.
Felix Berroa’s paintings feature stylized characters with rounded faces often tilted, “to display a certain sympathetic tenderness with a kind of grace, observed particularly in children”. He artwork has been on exhibition in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Long Island, New York City, Westchester County, and Connecticut. Additionally his work was displayed at the Hecksher Museum in Huntington, Nassau County Museum of Fine Arts, Islip Art Museum, Sands Point Preserve, Discovery Art Gallery in Glen Cove, Union Art Gallery in Stony Brook and the Museum of Contemporary Hispanic Arts in New York City. Felix’ artwork can be viewed on Paintingsdirect.com (http://www.paintingsdirect.com/painters/berr/berr.html).
Renan Arevalo, Gary Bixhorn, District Superintendent and Felix Berroa pose in front of one of Felix's artwork. This piece was created immediately after 9/11.
Pam Betheil admires one of Renan's photographs.
Renan Arevalo traveled to the United States about 10 years ago and brought with him a love for photography given to him by his father, a photojournalist. It has been an adventurous and creative journey for Renan. He believes it is not the sophisticated equipment, but rather the training and techniques that make great art. Traveling to different areas and other states has enabled him to capture a great variety of nature's beauty in his photographs. Five years ago, Renan became a free-lance photographer concentrating his talents on portraits, landscapes, nature and architecture. For more information and to view additional photos please contact Renan @ 631-383-6585.
Artwork by both artists:
Violin Player by Felix Berroa
Mask by Renan Arevalo
comedero-interior by Felix Berroa
Landscape by Renan Arevalo
Many thanks to Judy Cahn, Program Administrator of Adult Ed @ Central Islip (1) pictured with Renan, Pam Betheil, Felix and Rob Becker, Director of Secondary Programs.
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