Exhibit by artist Caroline Prieur Schulz to raise funds for Iraqi family

Rock Tavern — The exhibit “Images of Affirmation & Compassion” by Hudson Valley artist Caroline Prieur Schulz will run from Sunday, July 2, to Sunday, August 27, at the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House at 9 Vance Lane in Rock Tavern. A reception will be held for the artist from 12:30 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 9, at the meeting house, off Route 207 west of Stewart Airport. The proceeds of the sale will be used by the artist to send humanitarian assistance to her husband’s extended family in Iraq. Schulz was born of immigrant parents, from France and Germany. She showed talent early, and studied both drawing and sculpture at the National Academy School of Fine Arts. Two of the artists she studied under were sculptors, Bruno Lucchesi and Evangel Friudakis. She also studied in Italy at the Academia Di Belli Arti in Carrara, and in Pietrasanta with master artisans skilled in the craft of marble carving. Schulz became apprenticed in the craft of bronze casting at the Johnson Atelier School of Sculpture. She earned a bachelor degree from Barnard College, a master of fine arts degree from Pratt Institute, and a master in education degree from Teachers College of Columbia University. For 20 years, she has taught in the public schools. In 1991, she and her husband, Najim H. Chechen, an Iraqi-American sculptor, left their home in Manhattan to make their home in the Hudson Valley. In 2000, she co-founded the Hudson Valley Sculptors Society, and has been acting president for the past five years. Both she and her husband cast their own bronzes at their Fine Art Studios, and offer workshops and classes throughout the year. The work by Schulz, figurative and expressionistic in style, will include a variety of media: bronze sculpture, terracotta sculpture, pastels, charcoals, etchings, and lithographs. The theme of the show reflects her passion for issues of social justice and compassion. “We are unique little fires of light that can burn to shed light and warmth for others. Images of vulnerability aim to awaken compassion in the viewer and remind him of his humanity, as well as of the humanity of his fellow earthlings. Images of beings that have courage and strength remind us of the latent strength in us all when we feel lost and stumble towards the light.” The studio is located at 1864 Mountain Road in Otisville. For more information, call 386-3305 or write to finearts@bestweb.net.