Last month, local artist and art teacher Geula Vardi held an annual art exhibit for her teen and adult students.

The artists' focus this year, she said, was to "enlarge the expression of our inner selves."

While studying different techniques throughout the year, Vardi's artists learned proportion, shading, and depth and dimension, all while using various kinds of materials not typically found in an art studio.

"Alcohol and salt were combined with paint to develop texture," she said. "Leather was treated and used to develop sculptures, producing an incredibly beautiful and surprising result. Many different types of materials were used to create dimension on canvas."

The show was held on June 14 at the Paramus home of one of Vardi's longtime students, Rachel Cohen.

"Rachel Cohen came to my studio for the first time when she was four years old," Vardi said. "[Her] work shows beautiful composition of color and technique. Her personality is evident in each of her pieces, making her artwork recognizable, popular and in demand."

Other artists on display at Vardi's art show included Richard Batista, Naomi Alon and Inbar Tivon, all of whom Vardi had kind words for.

"As the instructor I guided these students with supportive words, encouraging advice and gentle suggestions, allowing us to bond as a group that worked well together," Vardi said. "I was honored to help them rise to the level of achievement that each of them attained and gratified to witness their growing love of art."

The students' artwork, as well as Vardi's own pieces, may be viewed, by appointment only, at her Hopper Street home studio. They are also available for sale.

In the near future, Vardi said she plans to open her studio to the public at specified times as an art cafe, where artists young and old, developing and experienced, can sit down together in an atmosphere of artistic endeavor, share their love of art and create.

In addition to teaching classes for artists age 3 to adult, Vardi also books individual consulations for anyone with questions about their art and how best to market it.

"Perhaps you are undecided how to proceed with a piece of sculpture, or need to put together a portfolio for a college application," she said. "My experience and expertise are here to help you."

Anyone interested in the art café, an individual consultation, art classes, a gift certificate to the studio or viewing the artwork, can email Vardi at geula.vardi@gmail.com or call her at 201-993-6076.

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