Diane Lennox Bares

Board Member

An award-winning artist working in oil, acrylic and watercolor, whose current work features landscape painting through which she expresses nature’s moods; an illustration of feelings evoked by the light and atmosphere in our environment to which we all respond. Her employment as a cataloguer in the American Painting Department at Sotheby’s served as an early influence for her appreciation of American realism.

The Art Guild is a remarkable organization whose members, leadership and staff define the success story that quickly emerged and continues to grow since its inception 20 years ago. It is exciting to be part of a visual arts community brimming with talented individuals whose creativity is respected, nurtured and shared. I have been honored to serve on the Board of Directors.

WORK EXPERIENCE

The Art Guild of Port Washington – Executive Director May 2010- May 2018 

Decorative Painting/Fine Art – Freelance. Commissioned works include paintings, interior wall finishes, and murals. Pieces sold at galleries, fine art/craft fairs. Paintings exhibited in juried shows. 

Sotheby’s Auction House, New York – Cataloguer and researcher, American Paintings Department 

IN THE COMMUNITY

Founding Member of Port Washington SEPTA (Special Education Parent Teacher Association) 1991-1999. Served on Executive Board as Co-President, Vice President, Corresponding and Recording Secretary. Coordinated and implemented highly successful after-school sports program for children with disabilities. 

Presenter at New York State Council for Exceptional Children Conference, Albany NY, November 1996. Best Practices in Special Education: panel member – “Inclusive Education: A Team Approach.”

New York State Education Department Conference, Albany NY, May 1995. Inclusive Schools and Communities for Children and Youth: panel member – “A Collaborative Team Approach.” 

The Art Guild of Port Washington, Inc. – Member since 2002, Board of Directors 2004-present. Served as Secretary, Co-President and Membership Chair.

AFFILIATIONS
American Artists Professional League, Inc.
AWARDS
Recent exhibits of the artist’s paintings include juried shows organized by the American Artists Professional League where she won the “President’s Choice Award” at the 91st Grand National Exhibition held at the Salmagundi Club in 2019, the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts, The Atelier at Flowerfields, Pen and Brush Inc., Arts Council of the East Islip Public Library, Art League of Long Island, The Art Guild of Port Washington, and the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn Harbor, NY where she won the “Museum Choice” award in July 2006.
She also received the “Best in Show” award at the Huntington Arts Council’s juried Landscape Show held December 2006-February 2007. Solo exhibits of the artist’s work were held February 2006 and May 2009 at the East Islip Public Library, the Locust Valley Library in October 2009 and Briarcliffe College May 2008 and November 2009.
Commissioned work includes paintings in private collections, murals in homes, businesses and the entrance at the Lutheran Church in Port Washington NY. She also designed and painted three life-size horses for the 2003 Nassau County fundraiser, Horses of a Different Color as well as a painting of the Village of Flower Hill’s logo in its courthouse. Born on Staten Island NY, Ms. Bares received a BA in Studio Art from Drew University. She currently resides with her family in Port Washington NY.