Vernon artists beat the odds

Husband and wife make art their life; gallery shows their latest work VERNON — John and Lisa Strazza of Vernon escaped the fast pace and hype of the city art scene when they opened their Strazza Fine Art and Photography Gallery in the Hudson Valley back in 2007. The Strazzas' dream was to provide a more personal experience for their clients, where people could get to know the artists along with their work. In today's economy a dual artist income requires a great deal of hard work, commitment and faith, they point out. But, against the odds, this husband and wife team has been able to flourish as individual artists and together as business owners. In 2010 they moved their gallery into a larger space in the historic clocktower building in Warwick, N.Y., where they have been acknowledged as a valuable addition to the arts community. John Strazza is an accomplished artist/photographer and has gained recognition for his emotional and striking images. One of his series of photographs was taken from the viewpoint of the everyday commuter. From Hoboken, along the Hudson River, and into South Street Seaport in New York City, Strazza took many of these emotional black and white film photos on a daily commute into New York's financial district. These works have recently been acquired by international collectors and the Kunstwerk museum in Germany. His unique style of street photography and his rich prints have connected with many people and rekindled their nostalgic love for film. Lisa Strazza is well-known for her large vibrant abstract paintings which display a painterly use of expressionistic color. She was voted #1 Best of Oil Artist in the Hudson Valley by the Times Herald Record of Middletown, N.Y., for both 2010 and 2011. She studied under Italian master artist Pietro Antonio Narducci and she won the SOHO international art award for her work in abstract expressionism. In June 2010 she exhibited at the Station Gallery in TriBeCa, N.Y., where she was chosen to represent today's top contemporary female artists. The latest work by the Strazzas can be seen at the Strazza Fine Art and Photography Gallery, which is open all year from Wednesdays through Sundays. It is located at 65 Main St., Warwick, N.Y., in the Clocktower building. For directions or more information call 845-988-5598 or go to www.StrazzaGallery.com.