About the Artist
Helen Giaquinto’s work experience as an artist began in New York City when she was hired during summer vacation to paint floral designs on china plates and personalize letters with calligraphy. Upon graduation from a comprehensive high school in Manhattan, she chose to seek employment during the end of WWII when the nation was faced with rehabilitation.
She was hired to draw line illustrations of new products, advertised in a buyer’s handbook for companies that sold general merchandise. Within a year, she was appointed as head of the art department. While there, she also did freelance layouts, logo designs and spot illustrations.
After nine years in the field of advertising, she decided to continue her education, but chose a teaching career based on her experience in the art field. Helen received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from City College, SUNY.
After moving to Long Island in 1967, Helen taught local high school students commercial art and graphic art and taught adult education classes. Helen also taught at several private watercolor workshops and institutional organizations.
Helen felt the need to utilize her skills as an artist, so she began painting fine art in watercolor. It included art forms such as seascapes, landscapes, abstractions, portraits and still life.
Looking to refine her painting skills, she had an opportunity to attend a workshop with Edgar A. Whitney, a teacher and artist. He was impressed with Helen's painting and offered her helpful criticism. One of the comments Helen remembers is when Edgar admonished his students to "make a painting, not a pretty picture."
Since then, Helen has done solo and two-person exhibits at the Southampton Artists Association, East End Arts Gallery in Riverhead, Clayton and Libertore Gallery in Bridgehampton, Rosalie Diamond Gallery in Jamesport, Watermill Museum, Hector DeCordova Studio in Greenport, Southampton Historical Society, Bay Area Friends of Fine Art Gallery at the Gillette House in Sayville, and the Hampton Bays, Quogue and Riverhead Libraries. She also exhibited in member shows at these locations, as well as a member show at the Parish Art Museum in Southampton. She organized summer art sale benefits for the Friends of the Library in Hampton Bays.
Helen participated in several auctions sponsored by the Southold Historical Society, which were held at delightful wineries and elegant homes on the North and South Forks.
Her support of the art community over the years has included Long Island artist establishments, as well as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Presently, she is a member of the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club in New York City, the Southampton Artists Association, and the Wet Paints Studio Group in Sayville. Many of her works are currently held in private collections.
Helen Giaquinto’s work is appealing, fresh and creative. Her paintings will always remain an attraction to the eye of the beholder.
Juried Exhibits/Watercolor Painting Awards
- Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, NYC - Anna Hyatt Huntington Bronze Medal
- Wet Paints Studio Group, Sayville - Honorable Mention
- Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, NYC - CLWAC Bronze Medal
- Southampton Artists Association - Honorable Mention
- Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, NYC - Cynthia & Jerome Googol Memorial Award
- Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, NYC - Placeido Shriver Memorial Award
- Builese Gallery, Easthampton - Honorable Mention
- Artist Malcolm Morley, Phoenix Gallery, Bellport - Honorable Mention
- Guild Hall, Exhibit Curator, Easthampton - Honorable Mention
- National League of American Pen Women - First Place Award
- National League of American Pen Women - 2 Honorable Mentions
- Goodman Gallery, Southampton - Award of Merit - Henry Geldzahler, Curator for An Exhibit in Retrospect at the Museum of Modern Art
- North Shore Art Guild - First and Second Place Awards
