Anna Kostro
Artist StatementThe theme “evolution” reflects the changes in subject and style which occurred in my paintings over the course of my life. Born in Argentina, of Polish parents and then brought up in the United States has been an evolution in identity, reflected in the signatures used in my work. Most of the paintings show my Polish name, Hanka or Hanus which means Anna. This Polish side has been the part of me that most often had the opportunity for creativity, when as a young child I was encouraged through drawing and painting at home, elementary school art classes, participating in Polish drama, dance and music programs – all contributing toward my artistic foundation.Being an active photographer during high school and college led me to study photography at the School of visual Arts, after graduating from Hunter College CUNY in 1977. From then on drawing my surrounding in my sketch book became a regular practice, supported by taking various classes over the years, including life drawing at the Art Student’s League. Being mostly self-trained allowed me to explore a wide variety of styles over time. My work was displayed on two previous occasions: the YWCA NYC, 1990 and Hunter Mountain Gallery, 1996.The first series of pictures drawn by me were pastels of whatever did not rush out of the room when I tried to draw it … hence my fruit and vegetable days, as I like to call them, helped me study shapes and color. The formal classes sparked my interest in drawing portraits and the figure, while my love of travel and nature led me to painting landscapes. Most recently I have experimented with collages of tissue paper on specialty grounds, such as the garlic paper available at the annual Saugerties Garlic Festival. The views of the Catskills from my property have inspired, consoled and motivated me to keep pursuing my art.

The opportunity to show my work along with my sister, Elizabeth, is thrilling. Thank you for coming to the show and feel free to contact me at the numbers provided.

Anna Kostro
105-20 66th Road
Forest Hills, New York 11375
KostroHan@yahoo.com

EK Hirsch
Artist StatementEvolution, the change that comes through the influences of the internal and external world around us. As an artist since my college days at CCNY I’ve painted and sculpted, working to express emotions and the world events through the mediums before me. Since moving to the Catskills in 1981, I continued painting and eventually opened a Stained Glass Studio out of my Home where I primarily worked on custom windows for private residences.The paintings presented at this show stem from my continual exploration of style, technique and subject matter. The time period that the paintings span, Waiting at Fanellis, 1981 to Morning Chores, 2006, serve to reflect the growth of myself as I enter my fiftieth year. I look forward to creating art everyday in one form or another and thank everyone for corning.Elizabeth Hirsch
355 Bates Hollow Road
Preston Hollow NY 12469
(518)239-4291
EHIRSCHTPS@aol.com