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Pastel Paintings by Marion Derrett of Scotch Plains on Exhibit at Pearl Street Gallery

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of artwork by Marion Derrett in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of Derrett’s pastel paintings entitled “Salad Days” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery from now until Jan. 28. The Gallery is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“We are pleased to display an exciting and beautiful exhibit of portraits, floral and landscape paintings by artist Marion Derrett,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “The talent and diversity of our county artists ensure an inspiring and interesting variety of exhibitions at the Pearl Street Gallery.”

Born in England, Ms. Derrett earned her art degree from Froebel Institute of Education in London and taught art in England for many years. She has traveled the world and studied Chinese painting while living in China and Singapore. After moving to Scotch Plains in 2002, she pursued her studies at Artspace Studio in Morristown with Julie Friedman; at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit, and the duCret School of Art in Plainfield. Marion Derrett works from her Scotch Plains studio in pastels, oils and acrylics on commissioned portraits and landscape paintings. She also writes and illustrates children’s books. Her work can be seen at www.marionderrett.com .

Ms. Derrett has exhibited extensively and won many awards, including: the Scotch Plains & Fanwood Arts Association 2010, First Place; the Scotch Plains & Fanwood Arts Association 2009, Best of Show; and the Pastel Society of New Jersey 4th Annual Member’s Exhibition 2009, Award of Merit. She has shown her paintings in exhibitions throughout Connecticut, New Jersey and New York.

In the eight years that Marion Derrett has lived in Scotch Plains, she has pursued her art career with passion and focus. She enjoys involvement in many professional organizations: Juried Member of the American Artists Professional League; Juried Associate Member of the Pastel Society of America; Portrait Society of America; Contemporary Art Group, Westfield; Westfield Arts Association; Pastel Society of New Jersey; Scotch Plains & Fanwood Arts Association; Millburn-Short Hills Art Center; and the Watchung Arts Center.

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery space are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or to learn about other programs and services please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711. E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .