Literacy Volunteer benefit to feature BARZAL sculptures

MONTICELLO, NY — The Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County will host an artists’ exhibition from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, July 20, at the Literacy Center, 63 North Street. It will be the second annual cocktail reception featuring metal sculpture created by Barry and Zac Shavrick, a local father-and-son duo who operate BARZAL Metal Studios.

Zac, a student in the visual arts conservatory at Purchase, learned to weld as a child at his father’s side. He has sold his work to celebrities ranging from Ozzy Osbourne to members of the Goo Goo Dolls. Recently, he has begun working in bronze.

Barry and Zac became friends of Literacy Volunteers via the Read It Again Bookstore, a nonprofit used-books store operated by Literacy Volunteers. They have chosen the Literacy Center as a venue for their artwork because of their love of the bookstore and the mission of Literacy Volunteers. Father and son believe that literature and the visual arts are intertwined.

The suggested ticket donation for the event is $15, and includes wine and hors d’oeuvres. All donations are tax deductible and benefit Literacy Volunteers. The artists will also donate a percentage from the proceeds of any pieces of sculpture that are sold. After July 20, the metal sculpture will remain on display and the exhibit will be free and open to the public.

Literacy Volunteers is a program that provides free volunteer tutoring to adults who want to improve their literacy skills to obtain a better quality of life.

For more information call 845/794-0017.