QUEENS, NY — Local artist Stephen P. O’Donnell Sr. was recently presented with his first-place award by SUNY Empire President Merodie Hancock at the annual SUNY Empire State College art competition at the New York LaGuardia Marriot Hotel in New York City. More than 100 international, national and New York State artists competed in the competition.

O’Donnell, a Port Jervis native, has shown his work at Port Jervis’s UpFront Gallery & Exhibition Space, owned by Debbie Raia and Gordan Graff, for over two years. With his latest award, O’Donnell has brought home the gold for Port Jervis. Over 200 people from throughout the United States and abroad showed up at the award ceremony. His award-winning, abstract expressionist-style paintings have become increasingly sought after by private collectors and galleries alike.