Studio A Gallery, Tarrytown’s newest addition to its ever-expanding fine arts scene, provides the opportunity for art classes and commissioned portraiture, as well as an expansive display space for artworks for sale. Artist and owner Athena Bing has completely renovated her space on Main Street, inside and out; look for the storefront with extensive gleaming copper, framing over-sized windows, that gives you a glimpse into her spacious rooms displaying art on every inch of wall space.

Bing, born and raised in China, grew up in a family that loved the arts. As a matter of fact, she said, “My mother made up her mind that her daughter was going to be an artist.” And, so her technical education began at age four. Her Russian training at the university gave her a firm background in realism, which, she noted, has given her a solid foundation, especially for portraiture. “My hand can reach my mind,” she said.

Arriving in the United States in 2001, Bing continued her art studies, adding theatre classes to her busy agenda, then bringing over her son Davy, who is now 15 and studying classical piano. Davy was just chosen Student of the Month at Dobbs Ferry High. Upon arrival here, Bing continued her art class teaching of elementary school-aged children.

“The children loved me,” she acknowledged,” because I taught differently. I never wanted my students to be exactly the same. To be a good teacher you need to find what is special inside each student. Arts students need to express themselves but with skills. There isn’t a right or wrong because then you ruin the talent.”

With such a philosophy foremost in mind, Bing will begin teaching classes at her gallery in January to adults, young artists (ages 12-18) and children (ages 6 to 12). In small groups, her reasonably priced classes will give her students technical skills and an ability to draw or paint on his or her own easel. Plans for the spring include tenting her backyard so that classes can be held outdoors as well.

Commissioned portraiture is also offerred at Bing’s gallery by appointment, and can be ordered in black and white or color pastel. She will work primarily from one photo but enjoys telling her subjects, at sittings, to feel free to move, talk, express themselves. Her portraits “tell their life story” this way.

Bing’s gallery’s front room, with its polished wood floors, high, white ceilings and airy feel, is filled with her oil paintings: portraits of friends, the natural world, streetscapes, and spontaneous 18 by 18 inch “diary” projects that capture the moment.

Artist, Jieping Liu exhibits in Studio A’s middle gallery. His masterful depictions of Tarrytown’s Main Street burst with color and charm, while his abstract watercolors, executed with a Chinese ink brush on rice paper, are large-scale, expressive works in black and white.

“I have great respect for other artists, because I know, first-hand, it is not an easy thing to do,” Bing said. So, she will be welcoming other artists to exhibit, lecture, and demonstrate their ideas, since she feels it is better for students to know many styles and techniques from a variety of artists in order to establish their own.

Soon, Bing dreams of having visitors stroll into Studio A Gallery with a cup of coffee in hand, seeing artists painting or taking class in the backyard, while viewing artwork in the gallery, and she hopes this experience will expand and enrich their everyday relationship to fine art.