Helen Bishop Santelli, based in Rochester, NY, is an artist with a rich and diverse portfolio, spanning painting, sculpture, and ceramics. She holds an M.F.A. in Painting from the Rochester Institute of Technology (1984) and a B.F.A. in Sculpture from Pratt Institute (1968-1971) and Syracuse University (1971-1972).
Over the years, Helen has been associated with notable galleries like the Oxford Gallery in Rochester, NY, M Contemporary in New Orleans, LA, Canyon Road Contemporary in Santa Fe, NM, and West End Gallery in Corning, NY. Her work has been featured in various juried competitions and exhibitions, showcasing her commitment to sharing her art on a broader scale.
Helen has held solo exhibitions, including "Along the Path II" at the Wayne County Arts Council in Lyons, NY, and "Recent Works" at Gallery 34, Finger Lakes Community College. She has also participated in group exhibitions such as "The Four Humors" and "Awakening" at the Oxford Gallery in Rochester.
Throughout her career, Helen has received recognition, including the People's Choice Award at the Trumansburg Conservatory of Art and an Honorable Mention at the Small Works exhibition, Main Street Arts, Clifton Springs, NY. Her artistic contributions have been acknowledged through grants and awards like the Money for Women/Barbara Deming Memorial Fund and the Decentralization Award from the New York State Council on the Arts.
Helen's artwork can be found in the collections of institutions like the Hallmark Company, Rochester Institute of Technology, Xerox Corporation, and the Smith Opera House. She has also undertaken portrait commissions, creating oil paintings and ceramic sculptures for private patrons and institutions.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Helen has made significant contributions to arts education. She served as faculty at Finger Lakes Community College from 1992 to 2003, teaching subjects like foundation drawing, sculpture, painting, and printmaking. As an Artist in Residence at Lyons High School and North and West Street Geneva Schools, she shared her expertise through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on projects.
Helen has been an active participant in the arts community for approximately 30 years, serving as a board member and member of the Wayne County Council for the Arts. Currently, she is involved as a fundraiser for the Renaissance Academy Charter School, using the arts to enhance the education of underprivileged children in Rochester.