Skip Navigation LinksHome > Artist Exchange Leaves Lasting Impression
Artist Exchange Leaves Lasting Impression

Rochester artist Lynne Feldman made a lasting impressing during her recent visit to Modi’in, our Partnership 2000 community in Israel. Both in the exquisite artwork she left as a gift to the city, and the many people she met – students, artists and dignitaries – Lynne made an impact.

Lynne was chosen by the Rochester-Modi’in partnership, chaired in Rochester by Rick Goldstein, to be this year’s first Artist Exchange ambassador, making the journey from Rochester to Modi’in with Federation staff member Isobel Goldman. She had the opportunity to get to know her Modi’in counterpart, sculptor Aviva Berger, who will in turn visit Rochester this May.

A hallmark of this exchange is that each artist creates and leaves one of their works in the partner community for their ongoing enjoyment and as a tribute to the partnership. Modi’in’s city hall now has a Lynne Feldman original, a stunning 50" x 60" acrylic and fabric collage depicting the holiday of Hanukkah, as its centerpiece. Shown above, Lynne is presenting the work with Modi’in Mayor Moshe Spector at her side. Working on the piece was the focus of her visit; Lynne painted everyday, right in the city hall where it is now displayed, while people stopped, visited, and learned about the partnership. Students groups also came through; tables were set up on the spot, materials provided, so that student art classes could work with Lynne on their projects as she worked on hers.

The focus of Lynne’s work, Hanukkah, is an apt theme for the city of Modi’in, home of the Hanukkah story. It is also a logical selection for the artist; Lynne Feldman has focused much of her work on Jewish themes.

Lynne was graciously hosted throughout the week, by Cultural Exchange Chair Efrat Kahana-Beckler and sub-committee member Sherri Aharon, by Modi’in Partnership Chair Hilla Hadas, by Mayor Spector and his wife Drora, and numerous other members of the Modi’in community.

Rochester’s Cultural Exchange chair is Elyse Capell. Learn more about our partnership, which also sponsors such notable programs as the teen "Journey for Identity," at www.partner.org.il/modiin.