To My Dear Fellow Patrons of the Arts:

Thank you for joining us as we celebrate our thirteenth year! I look forward to seeing you at the Exhibition. Perhaps we'll have some time to chat, so feel free to ask for me. Our Annual Exhibition has evolved from a small showing of Ringwood photographers' and artists' work to a community-wide celebration with hundreds of entrants from the surrounding areas. The past successes of our exhibition have been made possible by the dedicated hard work of the St. Catherine of Bologna Patron of the Arts Association Committee, its volunteers, the participating merchants and our sponsors (Allen Linens, Four Star Color Printing, Goldberg’s Famous Bagels of Ringwood, Lightroom Studios and Taylor Rental), the Artists and you, the Patrons of the Arts.

Our mission has been a simple one: to celebrate the Patron Saint of the Arts St. Catherine of Bologna, by featuring the work of local amateurs and professionals in the areas of photography, art, poetry and music in a celebratory, high-energy atmosphere set in a Soho-like setting. I'd like to thank the artists in all categories for sharing their artistry with us over the past twelve years and to thank you, the Patrons of the Arts, for your appreciation and recognition of the work displayed at our Exhibition annually.

Please take your time and enjoy the ambiance, the food, and the music on the main floor and on the second floor in our Poetry Gallery/Coffeehouse. By popular demand, we will once again hold a Student Recital upstairs in the Poetry Gallery/Coffeehouse on Sunday afternoon from 12:30 to 2:00PM and Joe DeVine will give student art lessons during the Exhibit. Don't miss the poetry readings Saturday at 7:30 PM, the live art demonstration by Sara Essman, the live photography demonstration by Lightroom Studios, the silent auction and of course the photography, art and poetry, especially of our young artists.

New for this year, in addition to five Ringwood Awards given for artworks that best depict the Highland town’s nature and spirit, three awards will be given for the work of art, photography and poetry that best exemplifies the Irish Spirit. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, there will be an authentic Irish Tea with an Irish step-dancing performance. There is limited seating for this free event to be held Saturday at 3 PM in the Coffeehouse. For reservations for the tea and/or Joe DeVine's children’s art lessons, please call 201-314-8045.

Perhaps you'll take a piece of this celebration home with you in the form of a purchase by visiting our sales and information table located to the left of the stage (be sure to ask to view an artist's Art/Photography portfolio on our big screen), or by merely discussing a piece of work with a friend or the artist. My hope is that something or someone at our Exhibition will evoke a special feeling that lifts your spirits and remains with you throughout the year.

Thank you. I Celebrate the Light that You Are. God Bless 

David J. Nocera,   Exhibition Coordinator