HEWITT Artist Chuck Berk is this year’s recipient of the Judy and Elias Newman Memorial Award presented by the National Society of Painters in Casein and Acrylics for his painting, “NY Spice.” Berk, who is a full-time artist in Hewitt, has belonged to the national society for about eight years. This represents his third award from the society, but it’s the first time he has won one of the top awards. “It’s a nice bit of recognition from your peers,” he said. The painting will be on exhibit with the National Society of Painters in Casein and Acrylics show at Binney and Smith Gallery in Bethlehem, PA. Show dates are July 22 through Sept. 17. He will actually receive the award (and a check for $1000) at a ceremony in the gallery on Friday, Sept. 1. Berk is a past president of the Ringwood Manor Art Association and has taught art at SUNY Rockland and at the former Wycoff Gallery. He occasionally exhibits in NYC.