Gallery 25N Builds Momentum of Peekskill's Downtown Artist's District, Will Showcase Contemporary Art

Ribbon Cutting for New Gallery Will Take Place on Friday, Sept. 17th at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Testa, Others Will Be Present.

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, September 1, 2004

Contact: Mayor John Testa
914-734-4105
Edward A. Burke
914-293-0811

PEEKSKILL, NY-This city's downtown artist's district is taking another step forward with the opening of Gallery 25N by noted artist Edward Burke.

Burke's attractive and accessible work has been a favorite of everyone from businesses to private collectors. His new gallery will focus on abstract and representational work of local and regional artists-at times including both his and his son Chris Burke's art.

A steadily growing artists district and a welcoming and supportive artists community are among the most important elements that drew Burke to Peekskill, he says.

"With the opening of the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Arts, the construction of new art lofts and all the other developments going on, Peekskill is the right place for any artist or anyone in the art business," Burke says.

Members of the artist and business community have been welcoming and incredibly supportive, Burke says. "The artists and the other gallery owners have been fantastic in helping us understand the lay of the land here," he says. "We truly feel at home. The people have been wonderful."

"I'm glad Mr. Burke feels so welcome in Peekskill. The opening of his gallery and the warm reception he's gotten shows the true strength of our revitalization and the momentum that is building," says Peekskill Mayor John Testa.

Gallery 25Ns mission is to show fine arts, painting, sculpture and photography of local, regional and international artists. Burke's work will be on display as well. A painter for 35 years, Burke has had significant shows in Manhattan and done a great deal of work for private collectors and corporations. His art covers a wide range that includes everything from truly abstract to highly detailed representational paintings.

The first show at Gallery 25N focused on such things as "A Sense of Place," which featured four artists doing work on such topics as reflections on water in Peekskill and Croton Ponds. The current show starting September 10th presents abstract paintings by Edward Burke and sculptures by Chris Burke.

Visitors to Gallery 25N will get a chance to see an artist at work. Besides a showplace for art, the facility is also a place of work.

"My studio is always open," Burke says. "I want the gallery and studio to be an inviting and friendly experience for people when they come in and look at art," he says.

For more information, contact Edward Burke at 914-293-0811, e-mail eburke@gallery25N.com or go to: www.gallery25N.com .