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Don’t Miss It! World-Class Artist Varvara Agabekova Lands in Ridgewood

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A Must-See! Highly Acclaimed Artist from Russia’s Top Art School Opens Stunning Solo Show in Ridgewood

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood, NJ– Art lovers, mark your calendars! OQO Gallery in Ridgewood, New Jersey, is thrilled to announce the opening of Varvara Agabekova: Reflecting the Colors of Nature, a spectacular solo exhibition running from October 4–25, 2025.

This show features the distinctive vision of Varvara Agabekova, a gifted painter whose breathtaking works are held in private and corporate collections across the U.S. and Europe. Her exhibition invites viewers to experience the world—from intimate still lifes and compelling portraits to vibrant Maine landscapes—through her deeply personal and powerful artistic lens.

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The Rise of AI-Generated Art: Creativity in the Age of Algorithms

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For centuries, the act of creating art has been a deeply human pursuit driven by emotion, experience, and intuition. From oil paintings and classical compositions to sculpture and poetry, art has always been tied to the human soul. But in recent years, artificial intelligence has stepped onto the creative stage, bringing with it a new and controversial era: AI-generated art.

No longer confined to logic and math, machines are now composing music, designing graphics, writing poetry, and even creating award-winning paintings. As AI models become more sophisticated, they’re beginning to challenge our long-held definitions of what art is and who gets to make it.

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Outside AIR: Transforming Ridgewood with Public Art

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, a passionate team of volunteers has launched Outside AIR (Art Initiative Ridgewood)—a creative movement dedicated to enhancing public spaces, celebrating Ridgewood’s rich history, and fostering community pride. Their mission? To revitalize the Central Business District through vibrant and meaningful public art.

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Ridgewood Artist Eric Santoli to Appear on Public Television & Develop New Painting Series

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, renowned Ridgewood-born artist Eric Santoli is set to make a national television appearance this April on J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom (Season 7, Episode 702), airing on public television and Create TV. Fans can also watch an exclusive online feature here: Behind the Bloom – Eric Santoli.

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Brother-and-Sister Duo Bring Brooklyn Robot Foundry to New Jersey

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The Brand Igniting Youth Inspiration Through Creativity and Technology Enters the Garden State

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Allendale NJ,  Brooklyn Robot Foundry – the vibrant and inclusive brand dedicated to prioritizing diversity and empowerment for children of all backgrounds and communities through STEAM Education, has announced its newest franchise partners, bringing the brand to New Jersey for the first time.

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The Growing Trend of Personalized Pottery for Gifts

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Gifting has a new favorite: personalized pottery. From unique mugs to adorable pottery platters, these gifts add an extra pinch of love to special occasions.

This trend is gaining steam because it ties into something deeper. People love feeling special, and what better way to show someone they stand out than with a one-of-a-kind piece made just for them?

Personalized pottery promises a gift that’s both thoughtful and practical. Let’s dive a little deeper into why this trend is seeing such a surge in popularity.

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Exploring Abstract Art: History, Importance, and Modern Examples

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Art in every era has been designed not only to show but also to tell a person a story – as if a connected plot and narrative on a canvas. And you ask, how is this possible in art? Any painting that’s painted carries not only an aesthetic meaning for your room, but also gives recognition about ancient heroes or biblical events, thus, painting developed in a person not only a sense of the beautiful and tangible, but also the historical and cultural development of man. The painting played the role of a kind of storyteller that conveyed to the viewer not only the images but also the emotions, thoughts and ideas of the artist, thus depicting for the viewer the specific subjects painted in the oil painting. Like other forms of art, they have a counterbalance to realism, and over time, other movements in painting emerged, and they continued to depict reality, only transforming it from a different angle – this concept includes impressionism, expressionism and post-impressionism. The question remains of the development of art, as something different and bold, so a new direction is emerging that will determine the future of abstract art and it gave impetus in the 20th century.

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The Ridgewood Art Institute’s 65th Annual Young People’s Scholarship Exhibition

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Art Institute’s 65th Annual Young People’s Scholarship Exhibition. This wonderful exhibition focuses on Young Aspiring Artist between the ages of 7 and 17 from the surrounding area. Their work will be hung in our beautiful galleries and family members and friends can view the work thru June 17th as well as at our Opening Reception, where awards will be also be announced. This is a lovely opportunity for those families with children interested in Art, to visit and see all that The Ridgewood Art Institute has to offer.

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Ridgewood Art Institute’s 71st Annual Sponsor Show

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Art Institute’s 71st Annual Sponsor Show is just around the corner! This remarkable, original, eminently successful show features paintings donated to the Institute by Member Artists. The Sponsors are the first of a limited number of people who contribute $275. Premium Sponsorships are also available for $400, which entitles the participant to three chances, but only one painting. On the last nite of the show, as their names are drawn, the Sponsors select their favorite painting to take home.

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Ridgewood Art Institute Artist: Creating Art produces endorphins which help galvanize us against these challenging times

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photos courtesy of the Ridgewood Art Institute
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Art Institute Artist Members painting from the live model in Rebecca Leer’s Wednesday and/or Thursday Morning Oil Painting Class. Creating Art produces endorphins which help to galvanize us in these challenging times.

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Priceless Painting Returned to Owner After Being Stolen in North Jersey in 1969

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Newark NJ,a historic and priceless English painting, “The Schoolmistress” by artist John Opie, stolen over 50 years ago by New Jersey mobsters, has been returned to its owner, Francis Wood, after a two-year FBI investigation. The painting, taken from Wood’s Newark home in 1969, was recently ruled as his rightful property by a judge in Washington County, Utah. The FBI, along with detectives from the Metropolitan Police in London, played a crucial role in the investigation. The painting, dating back to around 1784, depicts an elderly woman teaching children in a classroom in Cornwall, England. It was found in Utah in 2021, among the property of a deceased client who unwittingly purchased a house containing the stolen artwork. The painting, previously thought to be in the possession of organized crime gangs, has now been returned to the Wood family.

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The Stable Art Gallery in Ridgewood hosts Soo Kim this month for her exhibit, “Soo Kim and her Students”

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the staff of the Ridgewood  blog

Ridgewood Nj, the Stable Art Gallery hosts Soo Kim this month for her exhibit, “Soo Kim and her Students”. Meet the artist at a reception on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 1 to 3pm at the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue. The gallery can also be viewed during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. The Stable is closed on Monday, January 15th.

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The Rockland Arts Festival Invites Artists & Arts Organizations to Participate

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Rockland County NY, The Rockland Arts Festival is 2 weeks of FREE online & in-person arts events! Discover outstanding artwork, studio tours & art demos. Enjoy the best of live music, short films, theater & more!

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