The Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission hosted a reception Nov. 6 celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bethlehem’s city hall in the new Mayor’s Gallery, and a formal recognition of prominent regional artists who have recently donated their artwork to be part of the city art collection.

In attendance were Mayor Robert Donchez, members of city council and the Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission, city staff, guest artists and members of the community.

Donchez and Fine Arts Commission Chair Deni Thurman-Eyer addressed the attendees on the building’s significance and the importance of art being a vital part of the community.

The newly designated Mayor’s Gallery on the first floor is an exhibition space designed to display selected works from the City Art Collection and recent acquisitions on a rotating basis. The purpose of the gallery is to share the city’s artistic treasures with the community and its visitors, and to highlight the importance of art as an integral component of Bethlehem’s culture and heritage.

Artists whose works were honored are: Richard Begbie, Tom Burke, William Christine, Sandra Corpora, Pat Delluva, James A. DePietro, Ray Gallucci, Peggy Hobbs, DeLana Hornbeck, Marianne Knipe, Barbara Kozero, David Lee, Jacqueline Meyerson, Carole Pickle, Barbara Schulman, Tom Shillea, Gerald Simcoe, Deb Slahta, Ward Van Haute and Brandon Williams.

Currently, there are 145 works of art by 108 artists in the city’s permanent collection, including the 20 recent acquisitions, with artwork from international and regional artists, such as Alexander Calder, Harry Bertoia, Fred Bees, Bridget Riley and Martin Lewis. Most of the artwork is on display throughout the city and city hall.

For the past 50 years, the Rotunda Gallery has hosted regular curated exhibits that change throughout the year. These exhibits highlight local art organizations and notable regional artists, and introduce them to the community with an opening reception for each exhibit. Since the beginning of the Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission in 1963, the organization has sought to promote the fine arts in the city of Bethlehem, with the support of the mayor and city council. Exhibits remain in the Rotunda for about 6 weeks, and are open to the public Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information: www.bfac-lv.org.

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