FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 4, 2010

Photographs by Marilyn Espinoza of Scotch Plains
Are on Exhibit at Pearl Street Gallery

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of photographs by Marilyn Espinoza of Scotch Plains in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of her work entitled “Beautiful Sights” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until Sept. 30. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Free on-site parking is available.

“The talent and diversity of our county artists ensure an inspiring and interesting variety of exhibitions at the Pearl Street Gallery,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “We are pleased to display an exhibit by award-winning photographer Marilyn Espinoza.”

In 2009, Marilyn Espinoza received first place honors in the non-professional category for her photograph entitled “Peeking through Driftwood” in the Union County Senior Citizens Art Exhibit. The photo then was included in the New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show. She is now a professional photographer and her work can be seen on her website: www.beautifulsights.biz.

Mrs. Espinoza is a self-taught artist. Her career was sparked ten years ago by a visit to Yosemite National Park in California. Her photographs are not digitally enhanced. In addition to framed photographs, she also offers photo cards and photographs printed on stone.

“Capturing sunrises and sunsets are two of my favorite scenes,” Espinoza said. “My motto is, ‘Never Take a Beautiful Sight for Granted,’ which was partially inspired by the tragedy of September 11, 2001, in the sense that no one ever imagined how a treasured skyline could be forever changed in such a short period of time.”

In October, Mrs. Espinoza will show her photographs, photo cards and photos on stone at Wings Gallery and Art Studio, 228 South Avenue in Fanwood. From mid-November through mid-February, her work will be exhibited in the New Jersey Blood Services Building, 2279 South Avenue in Scotch Plains.

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery space are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or other programs, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Telephone (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711. E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.