News
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."
»
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!
»
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
»
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
"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.
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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.
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View Chuck Royce in the Portraits & Figures Gallery
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View post on Facebook
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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View post on Facebook
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Visit the Norwich Arts Center website
»
View My Precious in the Animals Gallery
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
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"
AAPL 95th
Grand National
Nov 6 - 24, 2023
American Artists Professional League
Salmagundi Club, NY,
aaplinc.org
Juror: Gary Godbee
Award: Honor Award, "Emancipation"
View all Awards
Exhibitions
The Crossings, Annual Juried Show
May 11 - Jun 15, 2024
Hygienic Gallery
New London, CT
Juror: Dana Naumann
Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Member and Associates Show 2024
Apr 19 - May 30, 2024
Lyme Art Association
Old Lyme, CT
Juror: Kimberly Monson
Respite
Apr 4 - Apr 29, 2024
Copley Society of Art
Boston, MA
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