Throwback Summer

Show Dates: July 16 to September 7, 2024
Opening Reception: Friday July 19 from 7 to 8:30pm

Honorable Mention
Ritu Bajaj
Sunlit Harmony
oil on board
16 x 20 inches

As we roll into the sunshine months of the year, what are your favorite memories from summers past? The first dip in the pool with siblings, relishing flavors of popsicles while on a walk on the beach with friends, smoke from the family barbecue, or just a plain old backyard sunbathing? A scroll through Instagram under the hashtag throwback summer opens up a portal of lazy laid back beach days, ice-cream cones melting, screaming roller coasters, smiling children, flowery weddings, cool waters, and more. Join us for our Summer Show in which we look back on these moments worth memorializing.

With this show we asked artists to look back on past summer they love remembering. See how our artists took inspiration from their summer moments and showcased them in original pieces of art.

Artist List: Divvya H Atrii, Zakia Aziz Ahmed, Ritu Bajaj, Gary Becker, Manveen Bindra, Judy Caccavale, Franne Demetrician, Magda Dodd, Lori Dolnick, Ilene Dube, Renee Egan, Beth Ferris-Sale, Michael Graham, Nancie Gunkelman, Barry Hantman, Lily M Huber, Nelly Kouzmina, Susan Lauricella, Dayle Lehr, Christopher Mac Kinnon, Dave Magyar, Shoshana Pofelis, Francine Roche Kay, René Kammeyer Seeland, Deirdre Sheean, Margaret Simpson, Alice Sims-Gunzenhauser, Karen J Waller, Scot J Wittman, and Jennifer Wright

Statement from juror, Christine Ramirez

“It has been an absolute honor to serve as a juror for the Throwback Summer exhibit at the West Windsor Arts Council. Reviewing each submission was a delightful journey, and I am thrilled to have curated a lively showcase of our regional artistic talent. The theme celebrating summer lent a playful imagination to the selection process, and while I haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing the exhibit in person yet, I envision it as a colorful and eclectic display.
Choosing the award recipients was a challenging task, as many more pieces are worth mentioning, but allow me to share a few standout pieces that captured my attention:
— Nelly Kouzmina’s ‘Secret Garden’ enchanted me with its whimsical charm. Her use of felt to fashion intricate wall sculptures creates a tactile and organic allure, drawing viewers into an evocative realm of fantasy.
— Lily Huber’s ‘Summer Reading Challenge’ earned the Juror’s Choice award for its captivating depiction of light and tranquility. The soft hues and nuanced details of sunlight  evoke a nostalgic sense of summer’s leisurely moments, perfectly encapsulating the theme.
— Ritu Baja’s ‘Sunlit Harmony’ deserves special recognition for its remarkable realism. The vibrant tulips seem to radiate with sunlight, their vivid colors and delicate textures adding a touch of natural beauty to the exhibition.
— Finally, for Best in Show, Renee Egan’s ‘Beach Conversation’ stood out for its evocative composition and masterful execution. The distant, impressionistic figures and colorful beach umbrellas set against undulating waters create a scene alive with movement and conversation, echoing the serene ambiance of a seaside day.
Though I regret not being able to congratulate each artist in person at the opening, I eagerly anticipate visiting the exhibit myself in the weeks ahead. Thank you all for the opportunity to participate in this celebration of art and creativity.”

Prize Sponsors – Going with the theme of our show, Throwback Summer, we have the following prizes to offer:
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Best in Show will receive a WWA Artist Membership and Princeton Record Exchange gift card:
Get all the artists benefits of joining our artist group plus enjoy an afternoon of shopping vintage and hard to find albums, CDs and more with a $20 gift card and a tote bag. Total value $85.
Juror’s Choice Award will receive jaZams package: Feel nostalgic with some great toys and books for kids with a $25 gift card, children’s book “The World Belonged to Us” by Jacqueline Woodson, and a kid size jump rope to keep everyone active. Total value $60.
Best Use of Medium will receive a $50 gift card to Goldfish Swim School: Nothing says summer than swimming and Goldfish Swim School is the perfect place for that.
Honorable Mention will receive a $20 gift card to Princeton Record Exchange. Total value $20.

Juror: Christine Ramirez, Executive Director New Hope Arts

Christine Ramirez has dedicated her career to nurturing artistic expression and supporting the regional arts community. For over 17 years, she served as Exhibition Specialist at the New Hope Arts Center in New Hope, PA. In this role, Christine curated and mounted a multitude of shows, providing a platform for artists to showcase their work and fostering a vibrant artistic environment. 

Seeking new challenges, Christine briefly transitioned to the Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, PA, where she worked as a preparator. Here, she meticulously mounted museum exhibits, gaining valuable experience in the precise art of display and fabrication.

Driven by her passion for the arts and her deep connection to the organization, Christine returned to the New Hope Arts Center, this time as the Executive Director. In this leadership role, she brings a wealth of experience to guide the organization’s vision and support its mission of promoting and celebrating the arts.

Christine is also an accomplished artist who regularly takes on commission portrait work. Specializing in graphite and charcoal, she crafts lifelike portraits of both people and animals. Beyond her professional and creative pursuits, Christine cherishes her family life in Carversville, PA, alongside her husband, Dan, and their children, Riley (19) and Kirby (12), as well as their beloved pets.

There is lots of art to see in the show. Below is just a sampling of some of the great work on display. 

Scot Wittman – “Star Trail Dancer”