An artist’s imagination takes flight

Drawing the characters he saw in the comic books he read and taking every available art class, Chris Sciarrotta has been driven to improve his artwork since elementary school.

Sciarrotta, 26, grew up in Inwood, Hewlett and Woodmere, and now lives in Woodmere, but his artistic sensibility is influenced by 19th century masters. He is currently the featured Artist of the Month at the Community Enrichment Mini-Center (CEmC) on Broadway in Woodmere.

Alli Berman, a Woodmere resident who is the center’s art programs director, said that Sciarrotta’s work made an impact on her because of “his sensibility and his excellent drawing technique.”

On April 19, an opening of Sciarrotta’s work was held at the CEmC. More than 50 people attended the Kosher food-catered event, where the artist was presented with a Certificate of Achievement.

Berman, a professional artist, who has brought her unique brand of interactive puzzle arts in schools, thought the kids in attendance were stimulated by talking with Sciarrotta. “The children seemed to very much enjoy the chance to speak to the artist himself,” she said.

As a child, Sciarrotta would draw a new ending to a cartoon he saw on television that didn’t satisfy his imagination. His parents encouraged his artistic pursuits, but at the same time urged him to be practical and find steady employment as an art teacher. However, after graduating from Hartford University, Sciarrotta is determined to make a name for himself and produce a substantial body of work. “The intended audience of my work is somewhere around my own age, I felt the older audience certainly appreciated the work,” the Hewlett High School alum said about the reaction to his artwork.

Sciarrotta cited late 19th century masters such as John Singer Sargent, John Waterhouse and Frederic Remington as his main artistic influences, and describes his work as “classical.” He focuses on his surroundings, using live models and photographs and works in a variety of mediums that range from oils, pastel, graphite and charcoal. “Biking across the Verrazano Bridge, I was struck by the beauty of the scene,” he said. Sciarrotta asked a passerby to take his photo so he could later draw the scene.

The artwork on exhibit at the center has likenesses on paper of his friends and family. He looked to capture their appearance before it was skewed by memory, he said. Future interests include social documentary and painting distinct cultural groups in their natural environment. His current work entails a mural for a pediatric dentist’s office. He wants to paint more murals. Sciarrotta’s goal to have his work featured in a well-known art galley in New York City.

“Chris’s work reaches deep into your soul,” said Leanne Murphy Baker, co-chair of the center. “Our goal is to promote local artists within the community and by having their art displayed here in the community we hope it help promote local artists and will bring people to [the] surrounding local vendors.”

The community center will host an exhibit from a different artist each month. Upcoming artists include Amy Chace of Woodmere opening on May 3 and Lisa Cangemi of Cedarhurst on June 7.

Emerging artists or those in mid-career can apply for Artist of the Month. A solid body of work that is age appropriate is required. Each artist will be showcased for a full month. On the first Thursday of the month there will be an opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Contact Alli Berman at (516) 837-3339.