Manchester Artist's Works Featured at Month-Long Library Display

This past Saturday, the Friends of the Manchester Library — an organization that fundraises and assists the library — held a reception for local artist Rosalie Zakutansky. 

Chairperson Alice Grega said her organization holds an artist reception at of the Ocean County Library the first Saturday of most months. Zakutansky’s marks the last until September; her works will be on display through all of May.

“We welcome people to come to the artist reception,” Grega said. “The Friends of the Library’s art committee selects artists who submit their portfolios."

Zakutansky, who was born and raised in Perth Amboy and has been living in Manchester for the past several years, said that she was overjoyed with the support from the reception. She mingled with the attendees as they also spoke amongst each other. Prior to the reception beginning, Zakutansky told Patch that she was a late starter with art and began in 1979 at age 50.

Most of the work on display was of flowers and landscapes. Zakutansky said she loves roses, especially those of the yellow variety, which was shown in her painting "Rose Wall.” The work exhibits being inside an enclosed area looking out to the world, she said.

“You can look out to the world and fantasize about where you are going and how it is,” Zakutansky said. This piece in particular was selling for $185. 

Among the attendees were Zakutansky's family members and friends, in addition to area residents. Helen Bacovcin of Whiting has been friends with Zakutansky for about three years. She said she knew she was an artist but had never experienced her work and was unsure what it was like until this event.

“It’s very diversified, very beautiful and very realistic,” Bacovcin said. “I want to commission her to do one of my favorite flowers — the daisy.”

In Grega’s introduction to Zakutansky, she said the artist's mature years have helped her to develop a painting hobby and that she is primarily self taught. Oils are her first love, but after studying in basic local painting classes, she spread her horizons to acrylics and watercolors. She’s exhibited at mall shows, fairs and festivals throughout New Jersey and has won numerous awards. 

The organization donated various snacks and baked goods to the reception including: cookies, chocolate covered strawberries, vegetables, fruit, beverages and more. Before and after Grega’s speech where she introduced Zakutansky, who also spoke a bit about herself and her work, attendees dug into the food and admired Zakutansky’s art.

Those interested in submitting their work for future displays can contact Grega at 732-341-2624.