Art at Elisa’s: In your backyard

With the ongoing development pervading Riverdale these days, the saying, “Not in my backyard,” is often used.

Seldom do we hear, “In my backyard.”

But that is where the Elisa Contemporary Art gallery is situated for those of us in Riverdale — right at 5622 Mosholu Ave.

For the past five years, Lisa Cooper, who owns the gallery and curates all of the exhibits there, has provided our community with its only contemporary art venue displaying paintings, drawings, photography and sculpture.

This month, Ms. Cooper was chosen to represent the Bronx in Curate NYC — a citywide event involving seven galleries across the five boroughs exhibiting the work of local artists 

Among the 23 artists currently showing their work at Elisa Contemporary Art are five Riverdale residents: Donna Diamond, Glen Fischer and Robert Presciutti along with wife and husband sculptors Nancy Quigley and Barnabas Quigley. Jonathon Alonso, a Bronx-based photographer, is also showing one of his pieces.

Curate NYC started in 2011 as a way to promote local artists throughout the city while drawing people to art galleries in their neighborhood.

We encourage everyone to take a few minutes and visit the intimate and welcoming space at Elisa Contemporary Art to view some of the creative works of our neighbors.  The exhibit runs through Saturday, Nov. 23. The closing reception is Saturday Nov. 16 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Ms. Cooper’s gallery is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and by appointment. For more information, call 212-729-4974, e-mail Ms. Cooper at lisa@elisaart.com or visit www.elisacontemporaryart.com.