Yellow Studio exhibit asks, ‘Where Do We Belong?’

“Longing for Belonging” by Sophie Reisz of Mount Kisco. Courtesy The Gallery at Yellow Studio

“Frayed Harmony” by Rebecca Rivard of Bedford Hills are among the artworks in the Yellow Studio juried exhibit.

By NEAL RENTZ

The latest exhibit at The Gallery at Yellow Studio in Cross River asks the question, “Where Do We Belong? Exploring Connection, Identity, and Place Between Here and There.” Local artists have answered the question with their works.

The juried exhibit is scheduled for Nov. 20 through Dec. 22. 

Yellow Studio Gallery features women artists who inspire, and seeks to increase the visibility of women artists and their works.  

One of the artists is Rebecca Rivard of Bedford Hills. “My artwork often explores themes of growth, renewal and the ways organic patterns mirror emotional movement and change,” she said in a recent interview.

Rivard said her experience as an artist-in-residence at Yellow Studio was important to her.

“It reignited my art career and helped me see a future for myself in the arts,” she said. “Having dedicated time, space and the support of a creative community gave me the focus I needed to take my work seriously and move it forward. Afterward, committing to a full-time studio space felt like a natural continuation of that growth.”

Shows such as the upcoming exhibit are valuable for local artists, Rivard said.

“Juried shows like this one provide artists with visibility, connection, and the opportunity to be part of an ongoing creative dialogue within the community,” she said. “The member show especially celebrates the diversity, energy and sense of belonging that grow out of a supportive environment like Yellow Studio.” 

Another artist who will be featured is Sophie Mohin Reisz of Mount Kisco. “I create contemporary still-life oil paintings inspired by the quiet beauty of everyday objects,” she said. “My work often celebrates the tension between luxury and simplicity.”

“I paint anything from a simple fruit still life to complicated floral pieces that include Delft vases, silk and floral details rendered with a classical technique but infused with modern light and composition,” Reisz said. “Many of my pieces explore reflection and impermanence; how light transforms ordinary subjects into something poetic.”

Reisz said juried exhibitions are important for artists.

“They create visibility, validation, and connection,” she said. “Being selected by a juror lends credibility, but it’s also about the opportunity to engage with a wider audience and to see your work in conversation with others. Local juried shows in particular strengthen the creative fabric of a community. They remind us that art is happening right here, among neighbors and friends.”

Reisz described Yellow Studio as a creative community for women that has brought together artists, writers and other creators who are passionate about sharing their work and supporting one another. 

“For me, joining Yellow Studio was a way to carve out space for my art practice within a vibrant, collaborative and welcoming environment,” she said. “It’s not just a place to paint and create; for me, it is almost a sanctuary of creativity and a place for open dialogue, experimentation, and connection.”

“I see the goal of the exhibit as twofold — to celebrate the diversity of artistic voices in our region and to create a shared experience that connects viewers with the artists behind the work,” Reisz said. “Exhibits like this are an invitation to slow down, to look closely and to find beauty in new perspectives.”

As for the name of the studio, Reisz using yellow in the title makes sense.

“Yellow is a happy color full of energy and vibrance, just like the Yellow Studio that she created for all of us local women artists,” she said.

The Gallery at Yellow Studio is in the Yellow Monkey Village at 792 Route 35 in Cross River. 

The opening reception is from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 6. An Artist Talk is scheduled for 2 p.m. Dec. 13. 

For more information, visit yellowstudiony.com.