THE LATEST FROM
SHANNON ELLIOTT
Recent Paintings
sTudio 6 Gallery
June 3 to June 24, 2007
Opening reception:
Sunday, June 3, 2007, 1-3 pm
 

PLANET ANIMALS
sTudio 7 Gallery
June 3 to June 24, 2007
Opening reception:
Sunday, June 3, 2007, 1-3 pm
 
Pet Fashion Parade
Sunday June 10 from 1-3 pm
 
RAA Summer Solstice Event
Thursday June 21, 2007
from 7pm onward  

The Rockaway Artists Alliance is celebrating not one, not two but three exciting events at its galleries and stages at RoCA (the Rockaway Center for the Arts) at Fort Tilden Queens. Not only is it currently showcasing The Latest From Shannon Elliot, a highly successful exhibition by the upstate artist in sTudio 6, but also
RAA is hosting a colorful costumed Pet Parade as part of Planet Animals, its large, multimedia and varied group show in sTudio 7. And to celebrate the coming of Summer RAA is conjuring a free music fest featuring musicians of all stripes performing on its indoor and outdoor stages.

Both Planet Animals and The Latest From Shannon Elliot enjoyed well attended opening receptions, highlighted by provocative artwork, lively conversation, colorful refreshments and live entertainment. On hand were many of the Planet Animals artists and of course painter Shannon Elliot.

Ms. Elliot reflected on some of the themes represented in her accomplished display of ten large canvas works. Commenting on these beguiling paintings, with such intriguing titles Jesse, Chronic Healing and Blue Dress, she said " In order to evoke memory in a piece of art, the artist uses visual metaphors. Objects in a painting might be thought of as touchstones or triggers for memory. Memory is something we cannot see or necessarily understand but it is a rich archive to mine for inspirations in art making."Three of her artworks were marked as sold during the opening weekend.

Meanwhile, Planet Animals is opening an ark load of animal images both surreal and sublime as depicted in painting, sculpture, installation art and even short film. To get into the spirit of the exhibition, Sunday June 10 will see an all-star Pet Parade starting at 2 pm on the outdoor Moonstage. Participants can register beforehand at the event itself. There is a five dollar entry fee. RAA member and event co-coordinator Martha Killian said, "Animals and owners can come in costume as they wish. There will be no 'top dog'- all your pets will be winners! And there'll be one free hot dog for each animal's 'best friend '."

The popular Moonstage, and the indoor stage in sTudio 7, will also support yet another, somewhat different event on Thursday June 21 starting at 7pm. " Seven bands to celebrate the summer solstice. What a concept!, " noted Rockaway Artists Alliance president Geoff Rawling when speaking about the free music fest set to mark the true beginning of summer. Popular performers such as Sixthboro and Indaculture, who have brought their versatile talents to previous such events will be sharing the stage will several other groups and guests and playing music of all types. The RAA invites all to come down and soak in the Rockaway sunset and fresh sea breezes and enjoy some great music. "And don't forget, we've still got a whole season of the Thursday night Summer Moons entertainment series yet come. You can't miss that, "said an RAA spokesman. Further details will be announced.

Two new exhibitions, one big Pet Parade and a Solstice Concert to welcome summer? There's a lot going on at the RAA. Don't miss a minute of it!

Planet Animal artists Stephen Yeager, Thilde Weems, Patrick Simon, Jessica Schulman, Mathew Sullivan, Vanessa Rieth, Susanne Rieth, Geoff Rawling, Ann Murray, Eileen Morrissey, Jeanette Mejias, Cornelius Mead, Maryann McEvoy, Denis Macrae, Martha Killian, Susan Hines, Dan Guarino, Susan Conrad, Kevin Callaghan, Marybeth Butler, Mary Blair, Bryan Bernath, Martin Ball, Penelope Atheras and, of course, Shannon Elliott invite one all to come down and have a personal experience with the arts.

The Latest From Shannon Elliot, Planet Animals, the Pet Parade and the Summer Solstice concert are all presented in partnership partnership with The National Park Service/Gateway National Recreation Area and made possible by RAA sponsors.