This November, the Wallkill River School has two solo shows and a classic group show with a twist! November’s group show, juried by local artist Maaike Weiggman-Leavey, is titled “Portraying People Through Objects.”

In addition to the group show, artist and Wallkill River School teacher William Noonan will be displaying a collection of his still life works for his solo exhibit “SET-UP.”

Artist and musician Judi Silvano will also be having a solo exhibit titled “Creative Diversity: Abstraction Using Different Artistic Mediums,” a display of experimental works she has done utilizing various applications and combinations of artistic mediums and techniques. These exhibits will be on display through Nov. 30 with a reception on Saturday from 5-7pm.

Still life painting has long been a staple for artists of all stripes, from budding art students to established classical painters, the still life has been a tried and true approach to learning concepts of depth, value, composition, and form, while capturing an intimate slice of everyday life. Whether you’re in an established Italian atelier, or a doctor’s office in New York, it’s clear that still life work is a favorite subject for countless artists, teachers, and art admirers alike. This year, the Wallkill River School wanted to hold an exhibit in honor of this time-tested art practice, but with a twist! To encourage more thoughtful and meaningful work, WRS created a group exhibit titled “Portraying People Through Objects,” where artists were asked to focus on subject matter of personal importance, such as family heirlooms or personal belongings. The result is an eighteen piece group exhibit where each artwork tells a unique story.

Long time WRS teacher and artist, William Noonan, has been captivated by still lives since he started painting. His work includes a variety of subject matter including still life, figure and landscape painting. While based in a tradition of realism he describes his style as “loose and brushy.” He currently teaches painting and drawing at the Wallkill River School and from his own studio in Newburgh. From Williams perspective, still life painting is an enjoyable genre from so many different angles. From the point of draftsmanship, it offers one the simple challenge of rendering three-dimensional reality on a two-dimensional plane. It provides an opportunity to easily control a composition in a manner that satisfies the abstract elements of painting, always present, regardless of the degree of realism. T. To see his finished collection of still life work, check out his exhibit SET-UP this November at the Wallkill River School

Born in Philadelphia, Judi Silvano has always had a passion for visual and performing arts, and has painted her whole life.

For this exhibit, Silvano explored different combinations of artistic mediums to produce paintings with an abstract quality. Silvano paints what she loves, whether it be a beautiful flamenco dancer, a majestic landscape, or a vibrant flamingo, she has tried to approach each painting in an adventurous and experimental way. This has resulted in a diverse collection of bright and bold paintings!

The Wallkill River School is located at 232 Ward St. Montgomery and is open 12-5 p.m., Mon-Sat.