Stamford-born artist Robert Selkowitz at the Stamford Jewish Community Center (JCC) March 2, 2020 – April 30, 2020
“The Contemplative Landscape: Paintings by Robert Selkowitz” at The Stamford JCC 1035 Newfield Avenue
Art & Wine reception from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12
Selkowitz, who describes himself as a representational landscape painter, seeks out real scenes that arouse his sense of beauty and translates it into painting. “Research shows that in healthcare settings, a landscape view -- especially one with a water feature -- is therapeutic and helps relieve stress and pain,” Selkowitz said. Through his studio in Ashokan New York, Selkowitz has coordinated the building of art collections for healthcare facilities, bringing additional artists into a group that published their works in photoprint editions.
In keeping with his view of the healing powers of art, in 2001 he implemented a Visual Therapy Program at the Jewish Home for the Elderly of Fairfield County with the sponsorship of the JHE Foundation. Each resident could select a favorite landscape print from a rolling cart that would circulate with volunteers on a regular basis. Selkowitz also placed a collection of original artworks in the dining room, drawn from a group of Woodstock, NY artists.
The artist spent his childhood years in Stamford’s Shippan Point with a backyard on Long Island Sound, which he maintains formed his attachment to natural beauty. A member of the founding class of Bi-Cultural Day School, Selkowitz continued to Cornell University and earned a Master of Fine Arts from Bard College. He has exhibited at the JCC a number of times, most recently in 2014.
Paintings selected for the JCC exhibit are all based on real places, mostly set in the lakes of the Adirondack Mountains of New York and the coast of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.
The Stamford JCC is an educational and recreational center, offering exceptional programs, classes and special events designed to enrich the mind, body and spirit. The JCC introduced “The Gallery@ the J” after an extensive renovation of the 30-year-old Newfield Avenue facility to exhibit work of Jewish artists in the Stamford area. Exhibits in the Gallery rotate every two months, with a Wine and Art reception held at each opening.
For additional information about this exhibit, email Connie Cirillo Freeman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
