The work of more than 45 regional and internationally-recognized artists comprises “Highlights of the City Art Collection,” through Aug. 12, Rotunda Gallery, Town Hall, Bethlehem.

The paintings, prints, mosaics, sculpture and ceramics in the exhibition, curated by Richard Begbie, James DePietro and Barbara Kozero, were displayed in Bethlehem City Hall offices, hallways and meeting rooms.

“Every ?ve years, The Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission [BFAC] curates an exhibition highlighting the artistic treasures of Bethlehem’s City Art Collection to share with our community. From over 130 works of art by 80-plus artists, this show comprises nearly a third of this valuable art collection,” says Begbie.

“The Japanese Teahouse in April” (2012; Oil, 18 in. x 24 in.) by Donna Haney depicts the structure adjacent to the Bethlehem Area Public Library. According to Chair of the City Art Collection Denise Stangl, Bethlehem-based artist Haney donated her impressionistic painting to the city collection in 2018 to honor of the 50th anniversary of Town Hall.

Haney’s painting is grouped with three landscapes of Bethlehem, including the oils, “Main Street at Night” by Sergei Yaralov and “Spring on Conestoga Street” by Diane Hutchinson, and a watercolor by the late Fred Bees, “West on Church Street.”

Stangl fondly recalls taking watercolor lessons from Bees as a youth. Stangl retired in 2019 after working for Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) for nearly 40 years. She is the BFAC treasurer.

Calling attention to Alexander Calder’s “Les Etoiles” lithograph (circa 1972), Stangl says, “This is an unusual piece of artwork, because it is one of his works on paper.” Calder (1898 - 1976) is known primarily for his tapestries and sculpture.

One of the oldest pieces on view is “Hungarian American Farm” by Grace Albee (1890 - 1985). The etching was printed circa 1942 - 1943.

Much of the artwork in the collection was donated by artists. Other pieces were given to the city by collectors and corporate benefactors.

“We feel that the importance of art must not be discounted, but celebrated. And this show allows us to spread the word,” says DePietro.

“It is through the arts that we have the ability to see our ever-changing world, imagine its possibilities, and re?ect upon its sense of awe and wonder,” DePietro says.

“Highlights of the City Art Collection,” through Aug. 12, Rotunda Gallery, City Hall, 10 E. Church St., Bethlehem. Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, Closed weekends, holidays. Information: www.bfac-lv.org

“Gallery View” is a column about artists, exhibitions and galleries. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com