News
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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View Facebook Post
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."
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View Facebook Post
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See "Joyful Ellie" in the Animals Gallery
2023 Scholarship Winners
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.
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Scholarship Donation Form
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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.
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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.
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SCAA Website
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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.
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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.
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View Ocean House Instagram Post
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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.
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Salmagundi Website
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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."
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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!
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American Society of Marine Artists Site
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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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View Instagram Post
"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!
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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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View Post on Facebook
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.
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View Facebook Post
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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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View Post on Facebook
"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.
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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.
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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.
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View Emancipation in the Portraits Gallery
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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.
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View article in the Westerly Sun
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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!
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View Ice Bears in the Animals Gallery
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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.
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Visit Artists' Cooperative Gallery of Westerly Online
Memberships & Affiliations
Academic Artists Association, Springfield, MA
Allied Artists of America, NY, NY
American Artists Professional League, NY, NY
American Society of Marine Artists, St Louis, MO
Artists for Conservation, Signature Member
Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, NY, NY
Connecticut Academy of Fine Artists, CT
Copley Society of Art, Boston, MA
Deerfield Valley Art Association, Northfield, MA
Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme, CT
Hygienic Art Gallery, New London, CT
Lemon Tree Gallery & Studio, Cape Ann, VA
Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, Old Lyme, CT
Lyme Art Association, 90 Lyme St., Old Lyme, CT
Marquee Gallery, New London, CT
MASS MoCA, North Adams, MA
National Sculpture Society, NY, NY
Salmagundi Club, NY, NY
Society of Connecticut Sculptors, CT
Threadneedle Gallery, Newburyport, MA
Collections
Andrea Restaurant, Misquamicut, RI
Children's Museum of Southeastern CT
Don Mann, SEAL Team SIX Commando & NY Times Best Selling Author
Great Lodge at Arctic Watch, Somerset Island, Nunavut
Ledyard Police Department, Ledyard, CT
Mystic Marriott, Groton, CT
Ocean House Resort, Watch Hill, RI
Pequotsepos Nature Center, Mystic, CT
Pfizer Chemical, Groton, CT
Pleasant View Restaurant, Misquamicut, RI
Private Collections throughout the Northeast, England and Ireland
Raiche Realty, Westerly, RI
Renovations to Rentals, Westerly, RI
Salmagundi Club
Westerly Animal Hospital, Westerly, RI
Westerly Animal Shelter, Westerly, RI
Westerly Public Library, Westerly, RI
Zoe & Co. Lingerie, Westerly, RI
Education
LYME ACADEMY COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
OLD LYME, CT 1985 - 1995
CONCENTRATION IN FIGURE DRAWING, PAINTING, ANATOMY AND SCULPTURE
RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN
PROVIDENCE, RI 1990 FRAMING
SMOOTH ON INDUSTRIES
EASTON, PA FEB 2002
MOLD MAKING AND RESIN CASTING
KANE SCULPTURE STUDIO & FOUNDRY
PAWTUCKET RI 2005 - 2008
INTERNSHIP FOCUSING ON MOLD MAKING, WAX WORK FOR LOST WAX CASTING AND PATINATION
SOUTH COUNTY ART ASSOCIATION
N. KINGSTOWN RI 2015 - 2017
CONCENTRATION IN CERAMIC SCULPTURE AND ALTERNATIVE FIRING METHODS
Awards
SCAA 97th Annual Members Exhibition
Jul 20 - Aug 10, 2024
South County Art Association
Kingston, RI
Juror: Deborah Baronas
Award: Visconti Sculpture Award (Best Sculpture), "Archimedes"
The Crossings, Annual Juried Show
May 11 - Jun 15, 2024
Hygienic Gallery
New London, CT
Juror: Dana Naumann
Award: Honorable Mention, "Precipice"
SCNY 2024 Members Exhibition
Feb 26 - Mar 29, 2024
Salmagundi Club, New York, NY
Juror: Patricia Watwood
Award: Harry R. Ballinger Memorial Award, "Preaching to the Choir"
View all Awards
Exhibitions
82nd Annual Audubon
Online Exhibition
Dec 1, 2024 - Dec 1, 2025
Audubon Artists Inc.
audubonartists.org
Juror: TBA
52nd Mark Twain Library Art Show
Dec 7 - 15, 2024
Mark Twain Library, Redding CT
Juror: Davilled Alan Dunlop
127th Anniversary Open
Juried Exhibition
Nov 28 - Dec 7, 2024
Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club
Jurors: Jeffrey Spring, Modern Foundry; Janice Mauro, Sculptor
View all Exhibitions
Teaching
MY STUDIO
GROUP AND PRIVATE LESSONS IN OIL, PASTEL, DRAWING, SCULPTURE AND MOLDMAKING
MYSTIC MARINELIFE AQUARIUM
MYSTIC, CT
MYSTIC MUSEUM OF ART
MYSTIC, CT
HOPE VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
HOPE VALLEY, RI