Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day is truly a somber day to honor all of our fallen heroes fighting for our freedom, our rights represented by The Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence - All of which are our guardians, our guides to how we made the United States of America a great country, a great power is what is protected by those who gave their lives defending it all.

 Our fallen heroes, our military forces have fought for those in the other countries as well who are oppressed and facing genocide but it seems those countries who asked for help don't seem to care we are there, taking for granted our presence and taking what was given them to use against us.

WWII military personnel, including women, makes one realize the sacrifices our American Armed Forces made during that time. Fighting in Japan, the Philippines, Hawaii (was not part of the United States then), Germany, Northern Africa, Europe, basically the world trying to stop a one world power, Adolf Hitler. The United States were fighting, at that point, for our lives as well as the lives of the people in the rest of the world.

 

"Social Balance" by Claudio Altesor

 

Since WWII our Armed Forces had responded to South Korea's plight in the 1950's known as the Korean War, losing lives. And then the United States was called on by France in 1959 to help in Vietnam. Once our Armed Forces had entered the fight, France left, leaving it to us. For 12-years we lost many men and women to what seemed to be a never-ending battle. Our men and women were considered and treated less than heroes when they came home in their coffins because of the tone made by those who opposed us being there. It was the first time the private world news media were involved in reporting...it was the beginning of the end of our Armed Forces.

Those men and women who fought in the Vietnam War are heroes and should never be forgotten. They had to endure more than one can ever imagine - from watching in disbelief infants, babies, toddlers children being used as live bombs, to learning a new technique in warfare - jungle warfare; from having to do an 18 month tour to doing more than one consecutive tour (not the 4-6 months done now); from going to Vietnam believing what our government was trying to do after being left in the dust by France and other countries to coming home to be buried in a country whose people hated them.

That alone is the worst, the epitome of feeling like a failure when your own country shuns your son or daughter who gave their life to save the lives of those who were being forced to live a life of oppression. Please know - NOT EVERYONE HATED YOU!

Now fast forward to today. Our Armed Forces who are trying to keep order in Iraq, protect and build in Afghanistan have sacrificed their lives for those people being oppressed, killed in genocide killings, being pounced and trampled on by the greed and power of one individual's beliefs, forcing these people to bow to what he/she wants. We have lost many, our hearts and prayers go out to those families who have lost a loved one in these battles. And again it is happening with protests at the funerals of these fallen heroes. Just remember, NOT EVERYONE HATES YOU!

But what brought us to this day and who actually were the first responders to these horrific acts that perpetrated on our soil? We all remember and will never forget the day that will go down in infamy. The infamous day of September 11, 2001.

September 11, 2001 - First Responders, as they are called, arrived to a pile of melting, twisted steel and iron, glass shatters, papers flying, inhaling deadly, toxic dust from so many different forms of building materials and seeing people jump to their death; the members of the police and fire departments. One must remember our military forces could not and cannot respond because it is against the law for them to do so on our soil. That is why each state has the National Guard, and the Coast Guard.

Seeing the "The Day the World Cried" by Matt Roe is heart wrenching. It brings back the memories of our schools being locked down, our local and federal buildings being in lock down, a hushed silence falling from the sky as you traveled down the roads to get home, an instinct to gather all family members. 

 

From the beginning, the members of the police and fire departments are the defenders of our soil. Our own terrorist attack by Timothy McVay on the federal building in Ohio, the Waco Texas siege, the bombing of the parking garage at the World Trade Center in 1992, the Fort Hood attack, the attempted, and thankfully failed bombing in Time Square, the arrest of the terrorist. The arrests of those who have tried to blow up planes, area targets of bridges and most recently and forever imbedded in our minds Sandy Hook and other shootings at schools, public events, malls, movie theaters and the Boston Marathon.

Why aren't the First Responders - men and women - who lost their lives included in this day of remembrance? After all, they have given their lives while trying to save the fallen citizens of our country, trying to thwart grievous attacks against us on our soil - they should be remembered on Memorial Day! They have given and sacrificed as our Armed Forces have. It truly is sad to learn that many of those first responders are dying now because of the residual effects of that infamous day of 9/11.

The constant vigilant efforts of our Armed Forces, whether they be policemen, firemen, military personnel is a somber realization they should be remembered always, not just on Memorial Day.

And to think after all of this, someone actually said "Happy Memorial Day!" Remember the Memorial Day parades of yesteryear when they were silent and all you heard was the footsteps of the veterans and active personnel of the armed forces marching, the clicking of the color guards rifles hitting the ground as they did their routine, perhaps you would hear a trumpet in the distance playing taps and then twenty one volleys of fire. A somber day.

 

 "Happy Memorial Day!" You know, though, maybe there is something to this. Perhaps we should re-think it perhaps we should remember our fallen heroes but yet learn that it is okay to go on and enjoy living, celebrating our freedom, our rights; because they fought for us so that we can enjoy life, that we can celebrate life, our freedoms, our rights.

Just a thought...

Tears will flow, however bittersweet, for our loss and yet at the same time thanking the brave men and women for the most precious gift they had to give us – their own lives for ours and others.

Be at Peace! Enjoy Life! and please don't ever forget why you are able to enjoy life here in the United States...

 

Walnut Beach Art Strolls Moved to 3rd Thursdays

Walnut Beach Art Strolls have been changed and will now take place on 3rd Thursdays of each month! So, mark your calendars! Easy dates to remember!

The next Art Stroll is June 20th - 3rd Thursday. Starts 6:00 pm and ends with a Salsa Party from 8 pm to 9:30 pm!

Following with:  July 18th : August 15th : September 19th : October 17th : November 21st

Finally, no more confusion!

Father "Tee" : Open Mind, Open Heart, Open Soul

Father Robert J. Terentieff, known to Walnut Beach area as Father "Tee" was truly a brilliant man. His teachings offered us the ability to have an open mind, open heart and open soul if one had taken the opportunity to do so. This allowed us to learn more, instead of learning being a need it became a want, to absorb more to know to understand the world. The mundane became interesting; the microscopic became larger than life; the hate turned to like and love; seeing made one a believer; dullness became vibrant; the murkiness cleared away all teaching us that what we learned is not happenstance, but a gift. A gift from a higher source that is to be noticed and not taken for granted.

Sometimes unorthodox, even going against some principles created an air about Father "Tee" as a bull in a china shop. But, when he entered a room, it was like a breath of fresh air, you inhaled taking in the depth and breadth of his energy that illuminated the room. You couldn't help but smile as you were enveloped with the love and grace being bestowed on each of us. His deep throaty voice almost echoed as he spoke. His laugh would resonate within that you found yourself beginning to laugh with him, even if you didn't get the punch line.

Father "Tee" a man of principles, and a man who believed that sometimes those principles needed to be shaken up a bit if not broken to make one see the truth. Some felt he didn't care what was left in its wake, but it is a misnomer, for Father "Tee" cared and cared for all of humanity; he loved and understood more than anyone can ever imagine.

Father was a Doctor of Philosophy of Art, graduating with his PhD from Pacific Western University. He received his Masters in Art Education from University of Bridgeport (before the present owners) and a Masters in Theology from St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, MD. He continued his studies in art, religion, and Spirituality throughout his life. A professor, Chaplain, Art Coordinator for primary and secondary schools, Chair and instructor of an art department and a curator of a gallery had exhibited in over 34 exhibits; nine being one-person exhibits.

"Tee" as his adopted family members called him had different facets when creating his art. His private works were surreal, some modern and contemporary. Each one different, yet very geometrical with a fluidness that envelopes its subject and the viewer at the same time. The shapes representative of so many things, but we only can decide for ourselves what they mean; the universe?, the atomic structure of what cannot be seen?, the three dimensional life we live in?, or is it another dimension that has yet to be discovered?, or even the "God" particle that has just recently been identified which would mean Father had discovered it much earlier!? 

His collages are touchable, with multi-media forms, again creating geometric shapes, some using images of Mother Earth, a form of teaching the Creation from the Bible.

Orbs galore, smashing together to take form.

 

He understanding the “circle”, the one continuous movement, painted with such impeccable patience using pointillism. Each of his paintings, when looking afar at them they seem to be an embellished mosaic; but upon getting closer it takes the form of pointillism. He always being so meticulous in his work having the patience to complete each painting, yet, in life itself, he was always, always in a hurry.

 

 
His multi-media figures look to be a silk screen but when looking closer it is found to have more than one form of medium used - from flat to texture to width and height creating fluidness that we find ourselves moving in-line with each one.

However, there was a traditional, Renaissance facet; the facet that was for public viewing. This facet is seen in his commissioned work of stained glass windows for different institutions.

Being known for his stained glass work one can enjoy each piece everyday just by passing by certain institutions or visiting them: St. Anthony Claret Church in Lakewood NJ is adorned with 54 windows; Academy of Our Lady of Mercy a/k/a Lauralton Hall in Milford, CT is adorned with six windows honoring their legacy and their 100th Anniversary of the school's establishment; St. Gabriel Church in Milford, CT has three circular windows; The Stratford Library is home to five windows four of which are dedicated to the memory of Board Member Ed Fennell and the fifth is in honor of the library's 100th Anniversary. His works appear in Live Oaks School, Milford, CT which is adorned with one window entitled "The Cheryl Window"; Mary Taylor Church, Milford, CT is blessed with four pairs of windows and 18 hangings four of which are 25 feet long with images of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; Mt. St. Mary's University is blessed with seven windows; Emmitsburg Osteopathic Primary Care Center in Maryland, one window; Georgian Court University in New Jersey, six windows; The Alzheimer's Resource Center in Connecticut, four windows; the three Hewitt Nursing facilities in Shelton, CT is adorned with a total of six windows and five hangings; St Andrew Roman Catholic Church in Bridgeport, CT, five windows; and St. Clement Roman Catholic Church in West Warwick, RI one window. AMAZING! Just AMAZING!

His sense and understanding of the connection between art and soul was always treated as a gift from God, he never took it; he knew by receiving this gift he was to give back so he knew he was to create. And create he did. His brilliance in design, his words was "guidance from above", his styles and techniques combined with his love of God all flowed together creating astounding works.

His unorthodoxy at times may just have been what was needed for all of us to question, and seek more than what was handed to us. He wanted each of us to find truth, peace within our souls, love for Mother Earth and love of our fellow man/woman. Fr. Robert Joseph Terentieff has made his mark, he has left a legacy.

We will miss him, however, he will always live in each art piece he created, teaching us still that we should always seek more.

Join us on Saturday, May 4th at Sobobo Gallery from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm as we celebrate Father Tee's life as an artist and relish in what he continues to tell us. Visiting us on May 4th you will have the opportunity to find out more of Father's life and his life's works and meet his adopted family, the Yurgas.

It will be pure joy to greet you!

Karen Macker, April's Artist, Brings Balance & Harmony

"I have always enjoyed creating things, whether painting or crafting. I find inspiration mainly from nature itself.  A beautiful sunset…Autumn leaves turning their vibrant colors ..or the snow softly caressing the earth. I see it, I hear it, I smell it and I feel it. I am grateful that I can find it every where every day and is the reason why I paint many landscapes and still-life's.

You may even recognize or see similarities with some of my paintings and local areas. I am often out with my husband looking around local parks, beaches and lake areas. I even use his iPhone to take some of  the pictures I use as inspiration.

 

Being able to sit and paint what I experience, brings me much joy. I am so fortunate that at this time in my life, I am able to focus on my passion. I am self taught, but have been influenced by many artists I have observed over the years.

If you asked me to describe my work, I would have to say my paintings are a mixture of primitive, realism and impressionism. I paint only when I feel like painting. If I force myself to paint, it just doesn’t work…I find that my paintings will catch whatever I am feeling.

My father was a photographer, but also sketched and painted. I think I definitely inherited my artistic eye from him. While growing up he sometimes let me use his oil paints to beautify rocks or even an old canvas board.  I am grateful he encouraged my artistic side."

-- Karen Macker

Karen Macker's works are traditional capturing what the eyes see. Even though some may feel her work is primitive in some respects, it is not bad that it is. Primitive adds its own ambiance to the paintings. Yet there is a sense of a harmonious balance, almost tranquil as you view each piece. Your breath is not taken away, but you definitely find yourself breathing deeply and out of nowhere comes a sigh, a sigh of calmness; you become relaxed and the edginess of the day's stresses just disappear. A quality that is captured in her technique that cannot be taught, it is from within.

"Nocturnal Path" has you walking into this world of harmonious balance.

"Nocturnal Path" - acrylic - by Karen Ehret Macker

"Stream" continues to takes us deeper within as the calmness imbues combined with the serene sound of the water "babbling" over the rock bed. A sound soothing our frayed nerves from the stresses of the day.

"Stream" - acrylic - by Karen Ehret macker

When you finish your travels throughout and within, you find yourself approaching "Cabin in the Woods", home where your soul lies waiting for you, calling out to you to enter and sit.  By all means do enter, don't hesitate, pour yourself a glass of wine, a cup of tea or coffee, or iced tea or iced coffee and ponder over what you had seen, what you had felt.

"Cabin in the Woods" - acrylic - by Karen Ehret Macker

"Irises and Fruit" sitting on the table next to you have you inhaling their scents. Enjoy the taste of the fruit. Enjoy what you have experienced, Enjoy the serene feeling that has enveloped you. ENJOY LIFE!

"Irises and Fruit" - acrylic - by Karen Ehret Macker

Come and visit Sobobo Art Gallery during the month of April to experience Karen Macker's work. Do join us on Thursday, April 25th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm for a reception. Meet Karen, and enjoy your experience! Take time for yourself and ENJOY LIFE!

Matthew Hester connects us to what was left behind . . .

"I am often asked why I shoot so many pictures of abandoned structures. Some call them morbid, same say the pictures I take are in a way dealing with my own abandonment issues. To those I say that it is neither.

I find out our past history is a doorway to a forgotten world. Far to often we always look ahead, and tend to leave are past behind as if it had no significance at all. That is why I shoot places like Remington Arms, once a beacon of the community that supported families for generations.

Remington Arms is a company that helped build Connecticut to new heights. Along with Colt, Smith & Wesson, and Winchester, they were the main suppliers of guns and ammunition through out most of the countries major wars.

In 1986 Remington Arms closed its doors forever in Bridgeport, one of the many gaping holes that would go on to plague this once great city. Like many abandoned structures, it then fell prey to homeless occupants, vandals, and drug addicts. Add on the the abuse it has endured over a century of many cold harsh winters brought on by New England weather and without any upkeep, we have a shell of a once great establishment.

While shooting Remington I could feel a sense of history just walking around the place. Seeing the furniture and old offices made me think of the thousands of people who worked at this place. It was like stepping into the past and catching a glimpse of what was.

I hope you enjoy my virtual tour of this once proud facility, and my hopes are that these images will make you think about our past accomplishments. If anything we can learn from are success and failures in life."

- - Matthew Hester

Abandonment: walking away, leaving something or someone behind, sometimes looking back, sometimes not. However, Matt Hester forces a connection to what was left behind whether it is wanted or not; to look back, to learn, to know what created the future for us. The connection, the string that tethers us to our past cannot be severed because emotionally there is always a tugging of, "if only". Intellectually, it is known to walk away is a much needed change to go forward to the future. Both truly, are needed to be able to live in the future.

Remington Arms was a thriving manufacturing business that had paved the future for many, many people walking through their doors; doors of opportunity. Over a century of lives!

Looking at "Remington disArmed" you can hear the sounds of the machines, the voices yelling over the noise trying to hear each other. The workers working together, a camaraderie that produced so much more than ammunition and armaments. The thread, the connection each had thrives and lives on and will never die even though the buildings are crumbling adding to the rubble of loss of jobs, loss of community, loss of spirit left behind by a great institution.

 

"Remington disArmed" by Matthew Hester

 

As years passed and the "threads" increased the need for the company to be "more cost effective to make more profits" the doors closed in Bridgeport, CT in 1986 moving to Delaware, North Carolina, Maryland area. Today, Remington is still a thriving company but in New York and other areas of the country as they had purchased other smaller companies making the same or similar products. Part of DuPont they now have the responsibility of "cleaning the land of toxins and environmental hazards" which is now stopped because of the new owners of the land "RemGrit" a real estate firm. Many different legal aspects have evolved. But as you stand looking, the connections that the area, the former employees, the community, its neighbors have to this site is remarkable. One actually grieves with the thoughts of what was. . .

Seeing "the paycheck" of just one employee from 43 years ago shows the difference in the livelihoods from then and now; it shows the hard working middle class thriving making a path for the future for their children, for us.

 

"Remington disArmed" by Matthew Hester

On the shoulders of the blue collar worker, the company thrived making millions, perhaps billions over a century's time. "The memo" is one from a supervisor requesting authorization to go forward with a new part, an added piece to the manufacturing mogul.

 

"Remington disArmed" by Matthew Hester

Earth has begun to regain its strength as the "thread of ivy" connects the brick and mortar back to its "roots" giving society the land back as it was before building the company. The connection humanity has to its source of life. The connection society has to humanity. The connection capitalism/company has to society. The connection the blue collar worker/the middle class has to capitalism/company. The connection the families of the blue collar worker/the middle class has to Earth. A cycle, an unending circle that made up of give and take creates our world. So do we truly abandon and walk away leaving behind what was? In essence it seems we do, but the "thread" never is cut, it tethers us hoping we will never forget from whence we came; for there will always be that connection to what was left behind . . .

Connect with what was left behind, and join us for an opening reception on Thursday, March 14th. Starts at 7:00 pm and is part of the Walnut Beach Art Stroll.  Matthew Hester will be exhibiting "Remington disArmed" for the month of March.

Happy ST. Valentine's Day!

The Kiss? The Embrace? Who knows? Does it really matter?

FEBRUARY : 2013