The Union City non-profit arts center Arts Echo Galleria has announced the five winners of their “Roses of Hudson County” contest. The center, located on the 38th block of Union City’s Park Avenue, sells vintage women’s clothing, unique jewelry, antiques, and collectibles. It uses the money made from sales to help support its seasonal concerts and art exhibits by regional performers and artists.
“A rosy time was had by all,” said Arts Echo Galleria Director of Development Judy Bro Pinhasik, of a gathering that took place two weeks ago.
Approximately 60 observers and supporters attended the announcement ceremony and celebration event, which brought in contestants from all over Hudson County. William LaRosa, director of Hudson County’s Office of Cultural Affairs and Tourism, also made an appearance at the event and applauded the five winners.
Twenty finalists were chosen by a panel of judges from entries submitted. All of the finalists were amateur photographers from Hudson County.
The winners
The first place winner of the Roses of Hudson County award was Mark Elliott of Hoboken, who submitted his photograph, “Yellow Sunshine on Hudson Street.” He won a $100 cash prize and a $100 certificate to use for purchases at the center’s store.
The second place award was given to Eileen Gaughan from Jersey City for her photograph “Flaps.” Gaughan won a $50 cash prize and a $50 gift certificate, which she donated back to ArtsEcho.
“I had submitted work thinking that it would never be chosen,” said Gaughan. “My family came up and my parents were with us. It’s so refreshing to see hard work pay off.”
“It’s so refreshing to see hard work pay off.” – Eileen Gaughan
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Honorable mention was given to Chintan Choksi from Guttenberg whose artistic photograph was titled “Night Rose.”
Edenia Garcia from Secaucus also received an honorable mention for her photograph titled “Blushing Rose.”
An artistic celebration
The photographs, including all of the 20 competing finalists, were displayed at the event, which included continuous slideshows on state-of-art monitors. The event was planned with a “rose” theme in mind. Attendees enjoyed rose cookies, candies, cheesecake, and sparkling rosewater.
A sing-along ensued throughout the gathering with songs including “Sweet Rosie O’Grady” and “Paper Roses.” Professional magician Margaret Steele from Weehawken performed at the event as well.
In addition, Ronn Yedidia, a world-renowned composer and pianist, played a medley of Israeli songs about roses. Yedidia was a child prodigy pianist who went to study and train at the prestigious Julliard School for the arts. He’s since gone on to record with labels such as SonyBMG.
If you’re thinking of being part of the next photography contest by Arts Echo, you won’t have to wait for long. The galleria has an upcoming contest planned for this fall.
To learn more about ArtsEcho Galleria, visit their website at: www.artsechogalleria.com
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com