Manhattan Arts International is delighted to present news about members from our three galleries: Featured Artists, Artist Showcase, and Associate Artists. In May, 2023 we asked them to share a creative or career achievement that has occurred in 2023 that makes them feel proud. Artists are featured in the order in which we received their news.
The artists’ names will take you to their pages where you can view more of their art and read more about their many accomplishments.
Gail Bach
I received the opportunity to show my paintings in a solo show at Montserrat Contemporary Art in NYC, NY, May 3-May 27. There is also a YouTube video that was recorded at the opening reception on May 4 for those who are unable to see the exhibition in person.
Barbara Rachko
My proudest moment – and not just of 2023! – was the recent “Friends and Family” screening of our new short documentary, “Barbara Rachko: True Grit” in NewYork. We had a crowd of about 55 people and followed up with a Q and A with my director, my co-producer, and myself. The three of us were completely overwhelmed by all the love and support we felt in the room. Next, we are hopeful that our film will be picked up by a film festival. We decided to go for it and have submitted it to 21 festivals!
Ruth Soller
My proudest career accomplishment so far in 2023 is being selected for a licensing contract by Wild Wings. It is amazing to have a team of professionals in product design, production, marketing, and social media working with me. They are creating a collection of wrapped canvas and prints on paper framed or unframed and plan to unveil them soon. I’m pleased to reach a wider audience who are interested in reproductions and products developed from my original art.
Nancy Staub Laughlin
I have three proud moments: One is having a five page feature in Vue Magazine of my work. Two is being chosen by NAWA to be interviewed by Farin as a YOUTUBE for the month of May. Three is to have sold one of my large triptychs to a collector that has an extensive art collection.
Jane Foley Ferraro
Three of my paintings were featured in Still Point Arts Quarterly Spring 2023 issue “Minimalist Wisdom.” This truly beautiful and engaging art and literary journal is produced four times a year, focuses on a theme and features historical and contemporary art, fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Shanti Arts Publishing is “driven by a passion for nature, art, beauty, significance.” I am honored to be a part of this beautifully compelling journal and thrilled to introduce it to others.
Nancy Calef
On April 27, 2023, I was granted the opportunity to combine my passion for art, music and service at a benefit event for Kidquake, a program of the Litquake Foundation, producer of the nationally known literary festival; inspiring child literacy by bringing authors into schools and distributing free books to underprivileged students. I exhibited sixteen “Peoplescapes” in the venue and performed a musical set in a trio, including singing three of my original songs and playing the piano.
Anne Morrison Rabe
In March of 2023, I travelled to New York where my work was shown through gallery representation at Art Expo New York. It was a heady experience to have my photographs displayed with many other talented artists in so large an environment – a milestone in my art career. Manhattan Arts International’s online galleries and upcoming online and in person shows provide an opportunity for additional national exposure this year, while I continue to find inspiration in the natural world.
Barbara Brown
For my proudest achievement so far this year I have the best Facebook story to tell: A poet, who I only knew through the social media channel, and whose work I very much admire, saw my ‘Cedar Intimacy’ painting when Renee shared it on Facebook, and thought it would be perfect for the cover of her next book. I’m thrilled! Much of her work speaks to nature connection, and it does so with such eloquence. Feeling very honoured and proud.
Nanette Fluhr
My proudest career achievement in 2023 is being selected as the recipient of Manhattan Arts International’s “Outstanding Woman Artist Achievement Award” for “HerStory 2023”. It’s especially meaningful to me as it was given to me by Renee Phillips for both my art and my contributions to Advancing the Status of Women Artists. I was thrilled to have been awarded an interview by Renee that shares my thoughts on taking action to increase gender equality in the art world. It was exciting to have this shared on TV during Women’s History Month where I was featured about my artworks being launched to the moon!
Frantisek Strouhal
My most significant accomplishment in 2023 is finishing writing my second art and prose book with my wife. This book expands on the deeply inspired contemplative moments. As an artist, I embrace my own awareness so that I can connect with others. I dedicated innumerable hours to this work and wish to share the results with the hope that art can unite and connect humanity. The aim of this book is not to be rushed, but to be grasped.
Dee Tivenan
I’ve been happy with 2023 so far. I knew April and May were going to be challenging because I over committed to shows. I made that choice knowing that I would slow down in June. I was proud of my time management and my paintings. On a personal note I also didn’t get cranky with family members!
Rajul Shah
Since I arrived in Singapore in the Fall, 2019, I have been working with a local curator to schedule this show. Pandemic years put everything on hold. I’m delighted to announce news about my first solo show in Singapore and that I am showing 30 works of art from June 1 – August 31, 2023 at the German Centre of Industry and Trade, located at 25 International Business Park.
Eva Breitfuß
I am very proud to be recognized for my art and to have received several international Art Awards. Among them are Donatello, Leonardo da Vinci ‘Universal Artist’, Pegasus, Michelangelo and Zeus ‘King of the Olympian Gods’ with the Award Gratificato Titulus Honorificus, Magister Magno Cum Guudia. Furthermore, one of my artworks was selected in the next biennial edition of the Atlas of Contemporary Art 2023-2024, which will be presented at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Thank you for sharing these inspiring stories Renee!
Thank you Anne for participating!