By Elizabeth and Jennifer Castellano

An exhibition entitled Audiophthalmology - A Collaboration by Elizabeth Castellano and Jennifer Castellano will open on January 8, 2006 and remain on display in the library's art gallery until February 2nd, 2006. There will be an opening reception on January 15th from 2 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. The reception will include a piano concert given by Jennifer Castellano at 3 p.m.

The exhibition features a variety of acrylic paintings which depict various portraits of urban youth. These paintings reflect Elizabeth's experiences as a New York City art teacher. She concentrates primarily in the medium of paint. The basis of her artwork is personal experiences and perceptions. Her paintings incorporate vivid color and bold, semi-abstracted form. Ms. Castellano states "My artwork acts as a chronology of my ongoing search in understanding my perceptions of contemporary society and my place in it. Each painting is an assertion of who I am at the moment of creation."

The concert will feature piano works by the great masters, as well as Jennifer's original compositions. Jennifer's compositions reflect the ideas and philosophy associated with Russian composer Alexander Scriabin. Many of her works are reflections on her philosophy of color and sound and demonstrate how there is great similarity between the two. Ms. Castellano states, "The different colors that an artist uses to create a painting are the visual equivalent to the different tones that a musician produces when performing a composition."

Elizabeth and Jennifer were both born with an eye condition known as corneal opacity, which causes them to be visually impaired and legally blind in both eyes, despite two corneal transplants they received over ten years ago. In addition, Elizabeth and Jennifer both have mild to moderate hearing losses. Much of their work, including the title of this current show, Audiophthalmology - A Collaboration, is about their personal triumphs and struggles.

Elizabeth Castellano received a BFA from Manhattanville College in May of 1999. In January of 2000, she received MAT from Manhattanville College as well. In the fall of 1998, Elizabeth took a leave of absence from college to study painting, printmaking, and photography at Lancaster University, in England. Currently, Elizabeth is a teacher at Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy Charter School. She has experience teaching junior high and elementary school art. She has been teaching art for five years. In addition, Elizabeth Castellano has been in a variety of group and solo art exhibitions. She has artwork in several public and private collections. For more information on the artist, please refer to Elizabeth Castellano's website at castellanoart.com.

Jennifer Castellano graduated from Manhattanville with a BA in music in May of 2004 where she studied both piano and composition. She currently teaches piano at the Mike Risko Music School in Ossining and also teaches privately from her residence In Thornwood.

The Mount Pleasant Public library is located at 350 Bedford Road in Pleasantville. The gallery is located on the bottom floor. For further information about the exhibit call (845) 225-0253.