"Emancipation" Wins Honor Award

Nov 11, 2023

"Emancipation" received the "Honor Award" for sculpture at the 95th Grand National Exhibition of the American Artists Professional League!

Thank you, Gary Godbee, juror of the exhibition!

» View post on Instagram

Threadneedle Gallery Welcomes Serena Bates

Sep 30, 2023

Serena Bates will now be appearing within the Threadneedle Fine Art Gallery of Newburyport, MA. This gallery has been representing New England artists for over 20 years.

Stop by this gallery to see some of Serena's work in-person.

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Serena Wins 1st Place in Salmagundi Club's Animal Exhibition

Sep 6, 2023

Just found out that I won first place at the Salmagundi Club's Animal Exhibition which runs from August 28th through September 22, 2023. The Salmagundi Club is located on 5th Avenue in New York City.

» View Facebook Post
» Salmagundi Club New York Website

Serena to Participate in the 39th Annual Sculpture in the Park Show & Sale

Jun 20, 2023

I am excited to announce that I have been selected to participate in the 39th annual Sculpture in the Park Show & Sale in Loveland, CO. Sculpture in the Park, the largest outdoor juried sculpture show in the U.S., returns to Loveland August 11-13, 2023. Considered a mecca of international talent, the 39th annual show and sale transforms beloved Benson Sculpture Garden into an art lover's dream come true with over 2,000 sculptures created by 162 artists from around the world for viewing and purchase.

For more information about Sculpture in the Park 2023, including Patron Party tickets (limited availability and $75 each), weekend show and sale hours, and details, visit www.sculptureinthepark.org.

2023 "Art it Forward" Scholarship Winners

Jun 13, 2023

So happy to report that this past week my dear friend Corrine Hansen Taylor and I presented two $1,000 "Art it Forward" scholarships. One to Westerly High School student Lily Fuller and one to Stonington High School student Olivia Fuller. Both recipients are "Fuller"s, but they are not related and are pursuing careers in the arts.

Congratulations to Lily and Olivia!

Thank you to the Artists Cooperative Gallery of Westerly for serving as the nonprofit sponsor of our scholarship "Art it Forward". This is only our 2nd year and we are trying to grow the fund so, if you would like to make a donation to help other needy students pursuing a career in the arts, contact me directly for information.

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"Emancipation" Wins Top Honors for Sculpture in 112th Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts Exhibition

Jun 7, 2023

Thrilled to learn my piece "Emancipation" won top honors for Sculpture at this year's Connecticut Academy of Fine Artists Exhibition. The show is hosted by the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts in Old Lyme CT. Show Dates are Saturday, Jun 10 - Saturday, Jul 22. The exhibition is open Wed - Sun from 2 - 4pm. Opening Reception is Saturday, June 17 from 5 - 7pm.

Thank you to Jurors Tom Edwards and John Favret.

» View Emancipation in the Portraits Gallery

Serena Will Be June's Resident Artist at Mystic Seaport Museum

May 29, 2023

So excited! For the month of June I will be the Resident Artist at the historic Mystic Seaport Museum. While there, I will be collaborating with head ship carver Richard Froh to interpret and create a new figurehead based on the specifications of one of the original Mystic shipbuilders. Here are pictures of the beginning maquette that I am creating with our wonderful model Elizabeth.

Wood carvers will carve a full size figurehead following traditional methods from my model. The piece pays homage to the early beginnings of women baseball. Come visit me at the seaport in June to see the progress.

» View Post with Photos on Facebook

"Emancipation" to Appear in 112th Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts Annual Juried Exhibition

May 22, 2023

My sculpture "Emancipation" was selected into the 112th Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts Annual Juried Exhibition. The opening will take place at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts on Saturday, June 17 from 5 to 7PM.

» View Emancipation in the Portraits Gallery
» View post on Facebook

Our Holy Mother's Fatima Restoration Project

May 13, 2023

Our Holy Mother's Fatima restoration project is now complete. Serena has been working on the Fatima miracle project for her home town church St. Pius X in Westerly, RI.

» View article in the Westerly Sun
» View Post with Photos on Facebook

"Ice Bears" Selected for Academic Artists 73rd Annual National Exhibition of Traditional Realism

Apr 22, 2023

I am pleased to announce that "Isbjorn - Ice Bears," raku fired ceramic, was selected for the Academic Artists 73rd Annual National Exhibition of Traditional Realism.

It will be judged for awards by the talented and well-known artist, Del Bourree Bach.

This exhibit will show at Arts Center East in Vernon, CT from May 21 - June 18, 2023. The Opening Reception will be Sunday, May 21, 2023 from 1 - 4 pm. I hope to see you there!

» View Ice Bears in the Animals Gallery
» View post on Instagram

“Feast for the Senses – Spring Is Here” Exhibition

Apr 7, 2023

Fragrant blossoms, trilling birds, and peeping frogs. Finally, spring! And April’s show at the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly, “Feast for the Senses” - Spring is Here brings the season to life in a variety of media. Come see at the show’s Opening Reception, Friday, April 7 from 5-8 PM.

The sculptures of featured artist Serena Bates bring the stories of people and animals to life, combining observation, intuition and connection to create both serious and whimsical sculptures.

Come see work reflecting spring’s feast for the senses by over 50 member artists in a wide variety of media ranging from painting and photography to work in wood, textiles, hand-crafted jewelry, sculpture and more.

» Visit Artists' Cooperative Gallery of Westerly Online

"Love Story, Sirena & Octavious" Wins 3rd Place at South County Art Associations

Oct 22, 2022

"Love Story, Sirena & Octavious" has won 3rd place at South County Art Associations All Media Open Juried Show. The show was judged by fabulous Artist Del-Bourree Bach and runs from Oct 20 - Nov 12, 2022.

Jurors Statement:
Working large poses challenges in any medium. This nearly life sized sculpture has wonderful movement and balance, which can be seen from afar. The texture and patina, and the lovely detail in the face come into play as one zeros in.

» View Love Story, Sirena & Octavious in the Alternate Materials Gallery

Mystic Seaport Posts Artist in Residence Video

Sep 16, 2022

The Mystic Seaport has created an Instagram video post which shows some of the "tricks of the trade" that Serena is using during her "Artist in Residence" stay at the Seaport.

» View Instagram Post

"Chuck Royce" accepted into 94th Grand National Exhibition

Sep 12, 2022

So proud and honored to find out that my portrait sculpture of our local philanthropist Chuck Royce has been accepted into 94th Grand National Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club of New York from November 7th - November 18th, 2022.

The awards reception will be held on Saturday, November 12th in-person at the Salmagundi Club from 1-3 pm. An online video of the show and awards will be available on their website.

This year’s awards judge is Marilyn Symmes. A longtime museum professional, Marilyn Symmes has worked with prestigious museums such as the Detroit Institute of Arts, Toledo Museum of Art, Cooper-Hewitt/Smithsonian Design Museum, and the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University. With her knowledge of all art media since the Renaissance, she currently works as an independent curator. Recent projects include work for the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation, the Brooklyn Historical Society and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

» View Chuck Royce in the Portraits & Figures Gallery
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One Week Down as Artist in Residence at the Seaport

Sep 11, 2022

Wow one week down at the Mystic Seaport Museum as the Artist in Residence. Met so many wonderful people and made a lot of art!

Two weeks left if you want to come and visit.

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Art It Forward Pancake Benefit Breakfast

Sep 11, 2022

Join us for a pancake breakfast to benefit the Art It Forward program which provides scholarships for Westerly Arts Students.

Where: Franklin Lodge #20, 20 Elm St, Westerly RI
When: Sep 11, 10AM to 12PM
Donation: $10 / person (100% to fund)

For more information you can call Serena at (401) 932-9775 or email her at [email protected].

» View Flyer

Serena selected as Artist-In-Residence by the Mystic Seaport

Jun 30, 2022

The Mystic Seaport has announced that Serena Bates has been selected for their Artist-In-Residence program. This program will have Serena working on the Seaport grounds creating art and interacting with the Seaport visitors to answer questions.

» View Facebook Post

"Dolly On The Rocks" Wins Joseph Beardsley Sandor Memorial Award

June 2022

The piece "Dolly On The Rocks" has won the Joseph Beardsley Sandor Memorial Award at the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club 125th Anniversary Annual Juried Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club New York, NY.

» View Dolly On The Rocks in the Animals Gallery

First Scholarship Awards for "Art It Forward"

Jun 7, 2022

So happy to report that on June 7th, I presented my first scholarship awards for "Art it Forward" which the Artist Cooperative Gallery of Westerly is hosting. $1000 was given to Justin Chen and $750 was given to Sienna Fusaro. They will be having a small exhibit of their artwork in August at the Coop and we will be selling tickets for a pancake breakfast to take place in September. The local Chapter of the Masons are hosting this event to support the scholarship endeavor for 2023. I hope you will support us in this venture or consider making a direct contribution to the fund.

» Contact me for questions regarding "Art It Forward"
» View Instagram Post

"Upward Dog" Wins Award Of Merit

May 2022

The piece "Upward Dog" has won the Award of Merit from the Academic Artists Association 72nd Annual Exhibition of Traditional Realism at the Arts Center East in Vernon, CT.

» View Upward Dog in the Animals Gallery

"Love Story, Sirena and Octavious" Wins a Top Prize

May 7, 2022

Serena's latest piece, "Love Story, Sirena and Octavious," has won a major top prize in the 30 Year Anniversary Regional Exhibition of the Artists Cooperative Gallery in Westerly, RI.

» Visit the Artists' Cooperative Gallery of Westerly
» View Love Story in the Alternative Material Gallery

Serena Bates Showing in Norwich Arts Center

Feb 10, 2022

Serena Bates will have two pieces, including My Precious, showing in the "Love, Red, Hearts" exhibition at the Norwich Arts Center. The exhibition opens on February 10th.

» Visit the Norwich Arts Center website
» View My Precious in the Animals Gallery

"Gemini" Wins 3rd place at the Connecticut Sculptor's Annual Exhibition

Nov 29, 2021

Nice surprise 3rd place at the Connecticut sculptor's annual exhibition now on display at the Lyme Art Association through December.

» View Instagram Post
» View Gemini in the Animals Gallery

"Star Gazer" Wins Alphaeus P. Cole Memorial Award

Nov 24, 2021

Just got word my little penguin "Star Gazer" has won the Alphaeus P. Cole Memorial Award in the Annual Thumb-Box Exhibition for sculpture.

» View Instagram Post
» View Star Gazer in the Animals Gallery

"Miss Independence" Wins Barbara Newington Award for Traditional Sculpture

Nov 10, 2021

So proud and honored to learn I have been awarded Barbara Newington Award for Traditional Sculpture in the 93rd Annual Grand National Exhibition of the American Artists Professional League, NY, for my sculpture "Miss Independence". Awards were selected by Peter Trippi, Editor-in-chief of Connoisseur magazine.

The exhibition will be on display November 8 thru 19th at the Salmagundi Club, 5th Avenue, New York, New York.

» View Facebook Post
» View Miss Independence in the Portraits Gallery

"Upward Dog" Wins at 79th Annual Audubon Show!

Oct 30, 2021

The piece "Upward Dog" has won the Marion & Gill Roller Memorial Award in the 79th Annual Audubon Show.

The exhibition will be on display October 25 through November 5 at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY.

» Visit the Audubon Artists 79th Annual Exhibition Online
» View Facebook Post
» View Upward Dog in the Animals Gallery

"Miss Independence" Accepted into the 93rd Annual Grand National Exhibition of the American Artist Professional League

Oct 13, 2021

I'm thrilled to announce that my piece "Miss Independence" has been accepted into the 93rd annual Grand National exhibition of the American Artist Professional League in New York City.

The exhibition will be on display November 8 thru 19th at the Salmagundi Club, 5th Avenue, New York, New York.

» View Facebook Post
» View Miss Independence in the Portraits Gallery

Star Gazer Appearing in Small Works: Seaport Exhibit

July 7, 2021

If you've stopped by the gallery since the Small Works: SeaPort exhibit was put up, you may have already crossed paths with this little guy! If you haven't had the chance, or miss him already, make sure you drop by and say hello!

» View Instagram Post
» View Star Gazer in the Animals Gallery

"Leviathan" Awarded Second Prize

June 17, 2021

Leviathan has been awarded second prize in the Connected Land & Sea exhibit at the Copley Society of Art in Boston, MA.

Comments from the Juror, Donal Demers, included the following:

"This portrayal of an octopus, with its visual beauty, is so exceptional. With no beginning or end to this sculpture, the work offers itself to the viewer, organically flowing from its positive spaces to the negative spaces it occupies.

It's particularly enchanting and enhanced by the exceptional finish, the patina in its glaze, and the complexities of the finish. These elements are dedicated to the subject itself, but are also metaphoric, symbolic, and emblematic of the sea. They pay homage to this fascinating creature in its habitat.

It's a static depiction and yet the object is moving right in front of our eyes, expanding our perspective and senses in many ways. It's a unique and extremely artistic portrayal of this aquatic subject."

» Visit Copley Society Website
» View Leviathan in the Animals Gallery

Serena Bates Elected to Allied Artists of America

May 12, 2021

So honored to be a newly elected artist member of the Allied Artists of America. To learn more about this organization, visit their website, or their Facebook Page.

» View Facebook Post

"Sir Penguin" Wins Award of Merit

May 7, 2021

My piece, "Sir Penguin" has been awarded the Award of Merit at the Copley Society of Art Summer Exhibition "Seaport". This exhibition runs from May 6 through August 29, 2021, in Boston MA.

» View Facebook Post

Meet the Artist: Serena Bates

April 25, 2021
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Meet award winning sculptor Serena Bates and hear how she goes about creating the many stunning sculptures of animals, figures and portraits and tells their stories.

Serena will demonstrate the lost wax process used in creating bronze sculpture and talk about her journey to becoming an accomplished sculptor.

There will be time after the presentation to talk one on one with the artist, walk through the gallery and talk about her pieces.

» View Facebook Post

Survivor Selected to Appear in CT River Museum Exhibit

March 5, 2021

"Survivor" has been selected as one of 40 pieces to appear in the Hands on the Land: Art and the Environment in the Connecticut River Valley exhibit by the CT River Museum.

» Visit the CT River Museum Website

Serena Named Guest Juror for The Crossing 16th Annual Juried Exhibition

March 3, 2021

Serena Bates has been named the Guest Juror for the Hygienic Art organization in New London as they present their 16th Annual Juried Exhibition called The Crossing.

This exhibition continues with the original concept of getting folks to cross the bridge literally and become involved in Hygienic Art and downtown New London. This show is open to all themes and we hope to receive artists' most recent and best work.

» Hygenic Art Website