By June Viverito
On Friday evening, Sept. 25, the Gallery of Fine Art at Manhasset Secondary School opened its doors to the public to view the newly created art gallery on the second floor. This inventive undertaking was 23 years in the making. The gallery was initiated by the high school graduating classes of 1961, ’62 and ’63, along with the dream of Michael Sansone, to create a center of art culture for the entire community. Along the way others contributed to its success, among them James Viscardi, Robert Anastasia and Superintendent of Schools Charles Cardillo. The creative venture has been continually supported by generous monetary donations from the Manhasset SCA, the Tower High School Yearbook Club, the classes of 1961, 1962 and 2012, and individual parents and friends.
The first exhibit features work by artist James Viscardi. Titled Present Perfect, it is a compilation of human form abstractions blended with still lifes. Viscardi graduated from Manhasset High School and went on to study at the Rhode Island School of Design earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting in 2008 and his master’s from the Royal College of Arts in 2011. He has had his work shown in New York and internationally in Sweden, the United Kingdom and Denmark. He next show will be in Copenhagen, Denmark.
In the hall leading to the gallery, visitors are treated to outstanding artwork created by students from kindergarten through high school. It’s truly a must-see!
A very special addition for all attendees was the presence of five violinists and two cellists who serenaded the crowd throughout the evening.
