The New York Academy of Art in downtown New York hosted it’s annual fundraiser last night, this year honoring Robert De Niro. The five floors of the Franklin Street building were transformed from working studios to bright gallery spaces for the TriBeCa Ball, hanging the work of over 100 artists. Over 600 people were in attendance and many stopped in to take a look at my work; among them were Julianna Margulies, Liev Schreiber, Naomi Watts, and artist Will Cotton. My thanks to the administration for the wonderful opportunity to showcase my paintings. For an upcoming date to visit me at my studio come on down to Open Studios at the New York Academy of Art on April 27, 2012 from 6-9pm at 111 Franklin Street. To contact me email manu@manusaluja.com or call 212-461-4989.

"Far From Home", Oil on Canvas, 2011

This latest still-life is an arrangement of sacred items. Prasad translates to “gracious gift” (an offering to all those who visit the Sikh temple). The textures are richly depicted from the steel of the bowl, the softness of the Prasad, the wood of the Kirpan, and the red velvet of the book, Sacred Nitnem.

Saluja’s portrait of her paternal grandmother, Shani Devi Kaur, is currently on exhibit at the Lyme Art Association’s Goodman Gallery in Connecticut from March 4, 2011 through April 23, 2011. The group exhibit, coordinated by the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists is a juried show titled “Faces of Spring”. Out of the 200 entries, judged by portrait artist Mary Minifie, approximately 60 paintings were selected. Saluja’s portrait is one of nine paintings to receive an award. For more information on the exhibit please visit www.lymeartassociation.org.