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Photographs by Charlene Rieger-Velli of Linden on Exhibit at Pearl Street Gallery

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of photographs by Charlene Rieger-Velli of Linden in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of Rieger-Velli’s photographs entitled “Flora, Fauna and Faces” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until Sept. 30. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“The talent and diversity of our county artists ensure an inspiring and interesting variety of exhibitions at the Pearl Street Gallery,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “We are pleased to display this exhibit of intriguing photographs by Charlene Rieger-Velli.”

In 2010, encouraged by family and friends, Charlene entered the National Arts Program(r) Exhibit and Contest for Union County Employees and Their Families. One of her photographs placed second in the Adult Intermediate category and secured her an invitation to exhibit her winning work at the Union County Freeholders Gallery.

Charlene Rieger-Velli is an accomplished, self-taught photographer. She has a background in both black and white film and color film, but now works entirely in digital. A generous portion of her work reflects her lifelong love of nature; however, she enjoys photographing anything that catches her eye.

Ms. Rieger-Velli’s work can be found in local homes and businesses and it has appeared in the Star-Ledger newspaper in New Jersey. She was the first artist to represent Union County on the National Arts Program Foundation website and in July 2010 she was selected as their weekly “Featured Artist.” One of Charlene’s photographs was chosen to appear in the book, “Great Destinations NJ,” which features the art of New Jersey’s best photographers.

Charlene has donated her artwork to benefit numerous community and cultural organizations including her local library, cultural and heritage committee, YMCA and two animal shelters.

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

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