"Emancipation" Receives the Francis Hudson Storrs Award

May 30, 2025

"Emancipation" received the Francis Hudson Storrs Award at the 2025 Connecticut Women Artists Open Juried Show tonight at the Benton Museum of Art.

Thank you juror, Deanna, Fitzgerald, Dean of the School of Fine Art at UCONN.

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WJAR TV Interview with Serena regarding Tarzan Brown Sculpture

May 26, 2025

Highlights from Serena's interview with WJAR 10 News regarding our Tarzan Brown memorial project.

> Watch WJAR 10 News Interview

"Rapunzel" Selected to Copley Society of Art's National Show

May 17, 2025

It is with great pleasure I received word that my piece "Rapunzel" was accepted into the Copley Society of Art's National Show titled "Expression Now: An Impressionist Approach".

Works were selected by guest juror, Daisy Alejandra, Curatorial Assistant of the Department of Contemporary Art at the MFA, Boston. 38 pieces were selected from approximately 350 entries.

Exhibition Dates: June 5th - July 3rd
Reception and Awards:
June 5th from 5:00pm - 7:00pm

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"Amun Ra" Wins Second Place at Earthworks

Apr 18, 2025

Amun Ra has been awarded Second Place at the Earthworks 52nd Open Juried Clay Annual Exhibition at the South County Art Association in Kinston RI.

> See "Amun Ra" in the Ceramics Gallery

Serena Bates Honored to Create a Life Sized Statue of Tarzan Brown

Apr 13, 2025

Serena Bates, a Westerly native, has been commissioned to create a life-sized statue of the legendary Westerly RI native American Indian, 2 time Boston Marathon winner, Tarzan Brown for the Narragansett Indian Tribe.

The piece, which will be placed at the URI Museum upon completion of a new museum for the Tomaquag Indians, will reside in Westerly at a site to be determined until the Museum's completion.

Donations are actively being sought to get us over the finish line! Please click the QR code with the flyer which you can view below to donate.

> View Fund Raiser Flyer

Serena Bates Commissioned to Sculpt "Spirit of the Pines" for Wickham Park

Apr 12, 2025

Serena Bates was recently commissioned to sculpt Spirit of the Pines for Wickham Park in Manchester CT. This piece is a reinterpretation of a piece by Evelyn Longman Batchelder / Evelyn B. Longman. The original Spirit was melted in a fire at the park in the 1980's and the board wanted to create a fresh interpretation of the piece for the next generation.

Serena Bates was the logical choice! The clay is currently being cast at Buccacio Sculpture Services in Canton, Mass and will be unveiled later this year.

Thank You to All Who Participated in My Annual "Art it Forward" Scholarship Campaign

Jan 4, 2025

Thank you to all those who participated in my annual "Art it Forward" scholarship campaign for local graduating high school students pursuing a career in visual or performance arts. The Artists' Cooperative Gallery of Westerly sponsors this endeavor, for which I am extremely grateful.

This year I did a little something different and offered up one of my artworks for raffle for those who donated $100 or more. I am happy to say we raised approximately $5,300. Congratulations to our winner Elaine Hardiman. We appreciate your continued support. This year's scholarship recipients will be announced in June 2025.

If you would like to make a donation and make a difference in a young creatives life, please contact me directly.

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Westerly Girls Bring Home Top Prizes

Dec 8, 2024

Serena Bates and Cathy Mansell, both of Westerly RI, brought home top prizes at this year's Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's 127th anniversary Annual Open Exhibition.

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Serena to Receive Joseph Beardsley Sandor Charlotte Dunwiddie Memorial Award for "Joyful Ellie"

Nov 21, 2024

The Catharine Lorillard Wolfe 127th Annual Juried Exhibition opened November 19th and runs through December 6th, 2024 at the Salmagundi Club, 47 5th Ave, NY, NY. A benefit reception for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will be on Thursday, November 21st from 5:30-8:00pm.

The Awards Reception will be on Saturday, December 7th, from 12 - 2:00 pm.

Come on out to support women artists. Additional details can be found at clwac.org. I will be receiving the Joseph Beardsley Sandor Charlotte Dunwiddie Memorial Award for "Joyful Ellie."

> View Facebook Post
> See "Joyful Ellie" in the Animals Gallery

2024 Corrine Hansen Taylor "Art It Forward" Scholarship

Nov 11, 2024

The annual "Art It Forward" scholarship is now accepting donations and applications. This scholarship will be awarded to a Westerly or Stonington High School graduating senior in need of financial assistance, who is pursuing a career in any area of the fine arts.

> Scholarship Donation Form
> Scholarship Application

Serena Receives "Copley Artist Status"

Oct 10, 2024

Very excited to announce that I have been received "Copley Artist Status" from the Copley Society of Art in Boston, MA.

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Serena Named Mystic Seaport 2024 Artist in Residence

Aug 6, 2024

Just heard that I was named as a 2024 Artist in Residence for the Mystic Seaport!

I will be at the Museum daily August 6 through 10 and August 13 through 17 in Clift Block in the Museum's Seaport Village.

> View Seaport Artist In Residence Page

"Archimedes" Wins Visconti Sculpture Award (Best Sculpture)

Jul 23, 2024

"Archimedes" has won the Visconti Sculpture Award for Best Sculpture at the South County Art Association's 97th Annual Members Exhibition. The exhibition runs from July 20 through Aug 10, 2024 in Kingston RI.

> SCAA Website
> See "Archimedes" in the Animals Gallery

Ocean House En Plein Air Artist: Serena Bates

Jun 29, 2024

On select weekends this summer, notable artists are invited to Ocean House to share their artistic vision and give a demonstration of their skills.

Serena Bates will be sculpting en plein air on Ocean House grounds between 10:00 a.m. and Noon and 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Serena will share how she creates her stunning sculptures and other amazing works of art. Finished pieces will be available for purchase.

> View Ocean House En Plein Air Artist Event Page

"Sirena and Octavius, a Love Story" visits the Ocean House for the Summer

May 22, 2024

The piece "Sirena and Octavius, a Love Story" has been temporarily moved to the Ocean House in Watch Hill, RI for the Summer.

Stop by to see this amazing piece and enjoy the beautiful views from the Ocean House.

> View Ocean House Instagram Post
> View "Sirena and Octavius, a Love Story" in the Alternative Materials Gallery

"Preaching to the Choir" Wins Harry R. Ballinger Memorial Award

Mar 7, 2024

"Preaching to the Choir" has won the Harry R. Ballinger Memorial award at the 147th Annual Salmagundi Members Exhibition. The show is on display at the historic Salmagundi Club at 47 5th Avenue New York, NY from February 26 thru March 29, 2024.

> Salmagundi Website
> See "Preaching to the Choir" in the Animals Gallery

Serena Named AFC Conservation Artist of the Month for March, 2024

Mar 2, 2024

Artists for Conservation has named Serena Bates as their Artist of the Month for March, 2024.

"So honored to have been chosen by Artists for Conservation as this month honored artist. I have always tried to focus my work on animal conservation and awareness. This great recognition means so much. Thank you."

> Visit Artists for Conservation

Serena featured in the American Society of Marine Artists Winter Bulletin

Jan 25, 2024

I'm pleased to announce that I just received the American Society of Marine Artists Winter Bulletin and there is a nice feature within it which discusses my work!

> American Society of Marine Artists Site
> American Society of Marine Artists Signature Artist

Serena Chosen as 2023 Honored Member

Nov 27, 2023

Serena Bates was chosen to be Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's 2023 Honored Member at this years 126th Annual Exhibition. The exhibition is on view at the Salmagundi Club in New York City from Novemver 27th through December 8th.

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"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