PORT JERVIS, NY — The Port Jervis Art Invitational will be holding a public reception at the R.H. Smith Mercantile Building, 22 Jersey Ave. on March 29, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sponsored by the nonprofit organization Port Jervis Arts, the exhibition will feature the work of nine artists who live or work in the tristate area.

Curated by artist and professor Julia Schmitt Healy, the show will encompass sculpture, mixed media, painting, photography and collage. 

“I tried to choose a variety of approaches for this first invitational,” Healy said. “Port Jervis Arts is hoping to sponsor an invitational every year or two so we can have different curators and explore the rich art scene here.”

This year’s exhibition presents the work of artists Elaine Cardella-Tedesco, Greg Curry, Gordon Graff, Julia Schmitt Healy, Reggie Cheong Leen, Lisa DiLillo, Jeffrey Parker, Craig Smedley and Eric Stein.

Port Jervis Arts, which was founded a little before COVID-19 hit, has already funded several local events, such as free public concerts and a summer children’s art workshop.

R.H. Smith Mercantile is owned and operated by Anne Rogers, who herself is an artist. The enormous space is fondly called “The Beast” by locals, due to its size. The space has already housed two art exhibits and more exhibits and other special events are planned for the future.

The show will continue to be open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April and also by appointment. Those interested should call 917/494.7754 for further information. All are welcome to the reception and exhibition.