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BAFFA Spotlight
April 2026
Juried Invitational High School Student Art Show Judges
Rick Wenner
ABOUT RICK WENNER
Rick Wenner is a portrait photographer and director based in New York. His work spans entertainment, editorial, and advertising, with clients including Walt Disney Studios, HBO, Universal Music Group, The Hollywood Reporter, Condé Nast, EMMY Magazine, Bloomberg Businessweek, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Texas Monthly, Cigar Aficionado, Wine Spectator, New York Institute of Technology, and Northwell Health, among others.
Rick’s style in both photography and directing is rooted in trust. He focuses on building a genuine connection with his subjects as
quickly as possible, then uses subtle direction to allow moments to unfold naturally. The result is portraits that feel honest, intimate, and alive. For more than 15 years he has been building his ongoing Artists project, a series that continues to grow as he photographs painters, sculptors, and other visual artists who inspire him most.
Outside of commissioned work, Rick’s life is centered on family. He spends as much time as possible with his wife Michelle and
daughter Norah, aiming to give her the fullest life he can provide. He also enjoys hip-hop, soul, and the blues, collects tattoos, loves
classic cars, and is usually planning the next trip.
www.rickwenner.com
WHAT DOES THE BAFFA ART GALLERY MEAN TO YOU?
The BAFFA Art Gallery is a space for community and creativity with a long history of supporting the arts.
AS A JUDGE FOR THIS EXHIBITION, WHAT MAKES YOU THE MOST EXCITED?
I'm excited to see what young artists are creating in today's world. What they see and experience that they will translate into art.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO ABOUT THE HIGH SCHOOL EXHIBITION?
Hopefully this is the beginning of a long creative journey for the artists exhibiting their work and I'm excited to be part of it.
WHAT ABOUT THE LOCAL ART COMMUNITY MAKES YOU THE MOST HAPPY?
Opportunities like this exhibit to support students is what makes me happy about the local art community.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN THIS EXHIBITION AS A JUDGE?
As a working artist in the photo and entertainment industry for over 18 years I have a unique perspective of the arts. My experience, vision, and opinion may help young artists.
Diana Aliberti
ABOUT DIANA ALIBERTI
Elementary school teacher by day, artist by night. Recently retired, all of my energy can now be focused on art!
I began painting on clothes, then canvas, then furniture. Any surface would do. Eventually my full attention shifted to paper using watercolor. What an exciting medium! I have been working in watercolor for 25 years, but my time painting and creating was very limited due to... life! I recently started entering professional watercolor society shows, have been accepted into many, and have won awards in a few. Recently, I began to branch out creating collage, sometimes incorporating acrylics or watercolor. It’s all exciting to me.
My subjects are varied. I enjoy taking day trips to Botanical Gardens, New York City and to the East End - the North Fork, South Fork. Each place is unique to take photo references for my paintings. I love the sights, the sounds, the energy of the bustling city, peaceful gardens, farms, farm stands, antique stores, the beaches and the natural beauty of Long Island and New York. It’s home.
WHAT DOES THE BAFFA ART GALLERY MEAN TO YOU?
The BAFFA Gallery is a genuine source of music, art and inspiration. Its shows are varied, interesting, and inclusive. The gallery invites artists to hold workshops, participate in a variety of themed shows, display their work, and has been very supportive to the art community. I appreciate having a local venue to take classes, visit, and display my work.
AS A JUDGE FOR THIS EXHIBITION, WHAT MAKES YOU THE MOST EXCITED?
I am excited to see the variety of art presented by local, talented students. I am honored to be part of their art journey.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO ABOUT THE HIGH SCHOOL EXHIBITION?
I am looking forward to delving in to their art and their messages expressed through their art. I also hope to read what inspires them and what they look forward to in their futures.
WHAT ABOUT THE LOCAL ART COMMUNITY MAKES YOU THE MOST HAPPY?
Being able to connect with like minded individuals makes me happy. Creative people hold a special place in this world. Every day I see someone who has created something that blows my mind.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN THIS EXHIBITION AS A JUDGE?
I want to be part of a collective group of artists. Being a retired teacher, I hope to bring my teacher's eye to the process.
Lisa Stanko
ABOUT LISA STANKO
Lisa began painting at the age of ten and continued her art education through high school. As an art major in college, she gained inspiration from a diverse combination of classes and informative professors. Learning to look at things differently gave her freedom to experiment and develop her own style. So much of what she learned is still present in her work today.
After working in advertising and raising a family, Lisa began creating artwork again in 2022. She has been fortunate to have sold many paintings and has participated in several exhibitions on Long Island and in California, including the Biennial at the Heckscher Museum of Art. Solo shows have been held at Daniel Gale Sotherby's, Copiague Memorial Library, Jack Jack's Coffee House in Babylon, and the Calling Bell in Huntington. She is passionate about her work and is the happiest while creating bold abstracts on canvas.
WHAT DOES THE BAFFA ART GALLERY MEAN TO YOU?
The BAFFA Art Gallery has been in my life for less than a year but has shown me so much in that short time. Not just the physical beauty of the Gallery but the warmth, kindness and support from all of the wonderful people I have had the pleasure to meet through this organization. They provide wonderful opportunities and they have the best receptions for their artists making everyone feel right at home and very special.
AS A JUDGE FOR THIS EXHIBITION, WHAT MAKES YOU THE MOST EXCITED?
Being selected was very exciting. I can't wait to see the art work. My first visit to the Gallery was this exhibit last year. It honestly blew me away. These young people are so talented. I am so excited to be a part of the entire process. First viewing it all and then finally choosing winners. What a thrill it will be.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO ABOUT THE HIGH SCHOOL EXHIBITION?
Choosing what we feel are the best works will be very challenging, but I am really looking forward to seeing all of the amazing work. I can't wait to see every single entry. Also looking forward to meeting my fellow jurors and discussing the pieces.
WHAT ABOUT THE LOCAL ART COMMUNITY MAKES YOU THE MOST HAPPY?
Meeting other artists and getting to know them . Supporting each other by showing up at each other's exhibits. Sharing experiences and ideas together.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN THIS EXHIBITION AS A JUDGE?
This is such an important position to be in. We were all young once and can relate to how. these new artists feel about being recognized. I want to support these very talented students and do my very best to choose wisely and honestly.
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