LeHavre artists hold show at Queens Courier

Watercolors, photographs and oil paintings were on display at the second of LeHavre’s art shows this year.
The gallery, the “LeHavre Art Show” held at the offices of The Queens Courier in Bayside, hosted work from nine of the complex’s residents whose artistic talents splashed some color onto the plain whitewashed gallery walls.
“This is a way of being seen and appreciated,” said Judy Densky, the gallery’s organizer.
The LeHavre art group began in 2006 when one of the artists featured in the gallery suggested they organize one. Since then, the group has hosted galleries at their clubhouse at least twice a year. The show is a sampling of the art available at the complex, as about 20 residents create handicrafts and jewelry as well.
The top three entries in the gallery were recognized for their superior artistry: Charles Bentz took the top prize for his painting “Nantucket Rowboat;” Irene Mellon took second place for “Winter, Warrensberg, N.Y.;” and Valerie McAndrews placed third for “Traveling Shoes.”
“I’m absolutely thrilled and totally surprised,” Mellon said, who paints watercolors of all the seasons.
The main draw is the array of photographs, watercolors, and oil paintings that each of the residents spends countless hours to create. At the galleries, the artists not only put their work on display – they try to make a profit too.
Some of the LeHavre artists have put their work sale with prices ranging from $55 to $3,200.
The other artists’ works on display are: Barbara Arnstein, Patricia Brintle, Richard Di Liberto, Helene Oelerich, and Virginia Weastler.
While some residents paint as a hobby, others have done it professionally. First place winner Charles Bentz and his wife Rosetta have their own studio in Long Island City.
The couple travels across the country but spends much of their time in Nantucket – the setting of many of Bentz’ pieces at the gallery.
The art show will run from August 29 to October 1 at The Queens Courier’s office located at 38-15 Bell Boulevard, 2nd floor, Bayside, NY 11361. For more information about the show or to purchase any of the artwork, contact Judy Densky at 516-823-3149 or 718-767-4206.