TOTOWA – The Totowa Public Library held an art reception last week honoring students who took acrylic painting classes at the Lena DiGangi Art Gallery. The library’s Dwight D. Eisenhower room was fully transformed into an art gallery showcasing artworks of kids between the ages of 7 and 17.
DiGangi, who has taught art at her gallery for over 20 years, was on hand during the reception, along with Anne Krautheim, library director.
“The students whose works are hanging here this evening took art classes with me for the past two years,” said DiGangi. “They did acrylic painting color theory and then we went into landscaping together. Some of my older students have been with me for many years and have never left because they enjoy it so much.”
About 50 students, including their families, attended the reception, along with several library patrons passing through to admire the walls displayed with landscape sceneries and several portraits, including one of legendary reggae singer Bob Marley.
“I think it’s a great turnout here tonight,” added DiGangi. “One of my students just sold one of her paintings to a library patron just before. Many of my students have come back over the years and have showed me that they’ve become very successful. This isn’t only just fun for them but it also prepares them for potential careers in the field. Eighty five percent of my students go to art colleges and have become artists themselves, or find work in various related areas. Three of my former students have already published illustrated children’s book. I’ve also hired some as part time teachers at my gallery.”
Krautheim said she approached DiGangi to hold the art exhibit at the library. The student art works were on display from July 1 through July 23. DiGangi said it was an honor to hold the exhibit at the library and looks forwards to next summer, where she hopes to spotlight pencil portraits at her gallery and again at the library.
“Those classes will be held this fall and we are registering for them now. The gallery is really becoming more of a cultural center and we’re offering piano lessons, voice lessons, a youth fitness class, an Indian traditional dance class, classical dance class and Italian language class. Many of these programs are for kids and adults and all of them are taught by high level instructors. Several have graduated from the Julliard School and are active teachers.”
DiGangi said during the reception that art classes give kids and teens a relaxing place where children and adults can interact with one another.
“In this day and age, where kids as well as many adults, are constantly on the computer or gaming systems or texting, it’s important that they share ideas with each other and really learn to socialize, which is what we’re lacking in today’s world. It’s also a known fact that taking art classes improves school grades and builds self esteem at an early age.”
Krautheim commented afterwards.
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