GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

There is excitement in the air! The elves are working feverishly to get it ready with the wielding of their hammers, the buzz of their saws - what beautiful sounds they make! The walls are painted, the floors were put in on Wednesday, the first coat of finish was laid yesterday. - For SoBoBo is moving to its new digs!

YES! Finally, SoBoBo is moving to just around the corner from its present place 17 Broadway to:

42 Naugatuck Avenue - Walnut Beach - Milford, CT

You can't miss it! The new cedar shake building with the green wrought iron railing which, by the way was done by one of SoBoBo's artisans - Jon Westberg! He designed it with a sail boat in the center and if you look very closely you can see a person sitting in it!

And of course we just gotta celebrate!

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12TH

NOON to 4:00 PM

42 Naugatuck Avenue

Walnut Beach

Milford, CT 06460

JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE!

Extreme Magical Metal Makeovers...

"I am a self taught artist, as such, I experiment with technique, style and material going beyond the boundaries that can confine artists.

I primarily work in metal, combining recycled metals, found objects and some new materials. Much of my artwork is made from things that without my intervention would end up in a land fill. In this time of environmentalism, finding beauty and purpose in discards and being able to reconstitute them into objects of art, drive much of what I do. Except for an occasional preserving clear coat, rarely is anything ever painted. Materials are left in their original state.
Materials are heated, bent, hammered, welded, brazed or soldered in the course of being reconstructed into sculpture.

I enjoy making pieces which bring a smile to the viewer, that invite being touched, that look natural in the home or outdoors."

--William Herzfeld, 2010

William Herzfeld takes old, rusted metals and creates whimsical, eclectic, beauties. Adding embelishments to create life...no paint, no toxic chemicals, no pollutants - just beautiful, forged metal that was discarded, laying to waste!

With a touch of the hammer and solder, and slight of hand -- VOILA! a magical metal makeover is created!

William Herzfeld, an Eclectic Wonder himself, gives quality of life back to something that was thought to be junk, a throw-away. He allows those who view his work to touch the new creation of life, to feel it's energy - a thriving piece of art standing tall and proud as it shows off its new expressive look!

Perhaps we all should think twice as Bill does before discarding something and maybe, just maybe Mother Earth wouldn't be in the situation she is in right now...

Come see his extreme magical metal makeovers for yourself! William Herzfeld will be displaying his Eclectic Wonders at SoBoBo from December 1st to December 31st. SoBoBo is open Thursdays and Fridays from 11 am to 4 pm; Saturday from noon to 7 pm; and Sunday from noon to 6 pm.

Just in time for the Holidays! and someone can own an original piece of art and at the same time save the environment! How wonderful that is!

Thanksgiving Today

We all know the history of Thanksgiving in the beginning. But, what is Thanksgiving today? We all sit at the table of food a plenty; passing around the mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and turkey. "Pass the corn please." "Pass the rolls." "Pass the butter." "Pass the bacon..." Bacon? Some do put bacon on top of their turkey when they roast it....so, yes, "please pass the bacon...."

These economic times have weighed heavy on us...unemployment near double digits (there are many who cannot collect unemployment anymore and we mustn't forget them); jobs are a plenty, however, one cannot survive on $8.00 per/hour; people are losing the roof over their heads; now that our job market has moved overseas and those citizens are becoming affluent we look to them to perhaps buy airplanes, and certain cars from us which are pretty much all that is left. Our clothes, toothpaste, foods, etc. are imported. Labels don't even tell you where things are made anymore - it has been changed to "distributed by:" no longer "made in." Warning labels are placed on jewelry stating "don't allow children 14 years old and younger wear this piece" because of the lead and cadmium levels....oh, yeah the heck with everyone else...So, we ask "What do we have to be thankful for?"

We are thankful for being alive, for having the ingenuity to create, for being able to develop ideas taking them to the level of products and services, for wheeling and dealing with "in kind" method of payment, for living in a country that allows us to think and create and develop and become sustainable -- we did it once before we will do it again!

Each of us may be experiencing at least one of the horrors of the economic issues taking place, but we learn of someone else's situation and we realize we should truly be thankful for what we have and we then pray for those who have nothing and see what we can do to help them.

We always were taught about the atrocities in other countries - the lack of opportunity, the lack of work, the poverty levels more than double digits, the lack of food, pure water, of the death and diseases -- that we should pray for them and if we can, help them, i.e., U.N.I.C.E.F. Do think about the countries where the companies/corporations have gone to as they take advantage of others and reap more in profits - the people, the companies/corporations' new employees, don't have the inalienable rights to think, to create, to develop ideas because of the oppression they experience on a daily basis...and think about it - putting food on their tables with the menial wages they are making is a miracle to them! In an ironic almost satirical fashion, our prayers have been answered though with great sacrifice, but they have been answered.

We did it once before we will do it again! Sure our way of life has changed, for some dramatically, but you know what?, we need to remember "Order Always Comes Out of Chaos."

So, as Thanksgiving arrives tomorrow, remember who you are, what you can do and how you can make it happen for yourself and others because its only then you will be able to "Bring Home The Bacon" so that it will be passed around at your Thanksgiving table. And be thankful that you are able to!

Many Blessings as you bow your head in Thanks for what is...

Be thankful for what you have,
for you can have less.

Be thoughtful towards others,
so they may not go without.

Be hopeful of the future,
so we all (including Mother Earth)
will be healthy and prosper.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Stop By SoBoBo Friday, November 19th!

Do Drop by SoBoBo
Tomorrow Night!

Greet old friends, meet
new acquaintances
when you visit.

Meet Allan Dudek,
Artist for the Month!

Enjoy refreshments!

Starts at 7:00 pm

SoBoBo Art Gallery
17 Broadway - Walnut Beach
Milford, CT 06460

"Silent Movie" - mixed media

by Allan Dudek

You might want to do a little bit of Christmas shopping! Original artwork - what a wonderful gift to give...and to think you didn't have to go into New York to get it!

BUY LOCALLY!

See you soon...

NOVEMBER'S ARTIST RECEPTION

JOIN US!!!

November's Artist Reception in honor of Allan Dudek!

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH, 2010 -- 7 PM to 9 PM

SoBoBo Art Gallery
17 Broadway - Walnut Beach
Milford, CT

ALL ARE INVITED!!

No need to travel too far

to get that unique, eclectic gift

for that someone special

BUY LOCALLY!

LAST ART STROLL OF 2010 USHERS IN THE HOLIDAYS

COME JOIN US! as we celebrate the last Art Stroll of 2010 and usher in the Holiday Season.

Firehouse Gallery is entertaining the viewers with a new exhibit "Small Works" - nothing larger than 18" x 18". This is the last exhibit for 2010! It takes place Thursday, November 11 from 6pm to 8pm. The works will be on exhibit until December 16th with Firehouse Gallery closing for 2010 on December 19th. Firehouse Gallery will re-open with a new exhibit - "Interiors" - on February 3rd, 2011.

Emily Bett, a well-known painter, printmaker and potter in the Greater New Haven area is the juror for this exhibit. She studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, has a BFA degree from the University of Chicago, an MFA in printmaking from Southern Connecticut University and attended graduate studies at Carnegie Mellon University.

When Firehouse closes for the evening, walk down to SoBoBo Art Gallery to see a wonderful new exhibit that will WOW you...

Come enjoy lively conversations over coffee and...

SoBoBo Art Gallery is open year round - Thursdays and Fridays 11:00 am to 4:00 pm; Saturdays Noon - 7:00 pm and Sundays Noon - 6:00 pm...

Come in, meander about and find that unusual, unique, sublime gift for the person who has everything! "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus..."

November's Artist - Allan Dudek

"Golden Monkey" - mixed media - by Allan Dudek

"No expectations. No disappointments. Art inspired by living with humans and their peculiar ways. As a wanderer of the world I have observed many things that have no explanation. Man’s destruction of man, of nature, of oneself. Killing in the name of God. Breaking the hearts of the people you love the most.

This same man has raised families, helped strangers, built hospitals and schools. The world I see is filled with curiosities that have existed since the beginning of time. As an artist I can only record what I see. I can not create what is not there. That is for the dreamers. Mixing medias is my choice to capture the controversy. Love and hate, warm and cold, war and peace. Recycle, re-use, renew. All material is in play. No expectations. No disappointments."

-- Allan Dudek, 2010 --

"Blood Diamonds" - mixed media - by Allan Dudek

If only we all take into consideration the observations that Allan sees, perhaps we would be more endearing to our fellow man, to the environments and Eco-systems, Mother Earth. Maybe then we can see ourselves sitting down at the Thanksgiving table together giving thanks for all the creations set before us.

Allan's work is from the heart, he sees what most cannot because of his observations and he understands more than some the issues and climates of different societies of the underdeveloped nations as well as here in the United States. He brings to us in art form that same knowledge, hoping those who view it will grasp the meaning behind the images and perhaps pass along the message. All the while recycling, reusing, reducing which in turn he is renewing what was left into a work of art!

"Overdose" - mixed media - by Allan Dudek

An amazing man, amazing messages, amazing art! His creations can get a chuckle even a laugh because his humor hits the funny bone; his creations makes one ponder hoping to stir the mind to take action; his art can even bring together a room that seems to have an emptiness, connecting and bringing it to life...A must see!

Allan's work will be on display at SoBoBo for the month of November. And a reminder when the month is done he still will be exhibiting certain other work!

Visit SoBoBo to truly enjoy Allan's art. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday 11am to 4pm; Saturday Noon to 7pm and Sunday Noon to 6pm. If you cannot make it during the times Gallery is open, please call 203-906-8945 to make an appointment.

Don't Forget!

Halloween is fast approaching us!

Halloween cards designed by artist Judy Ruskin are available!

Each one is signed with an original signature!

It's not too late to pick one up for friends and family you would like to send to!

DON'T FORGET TO JOIN US!!

SoBoBo for an Exhibit Reception in honor of

October's Artist - Michael Brotschul

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29TH from 7pm to 9pm

SoBoBo Art Gallery

17 Broadway - Walnut Beach

Milford, CT 06460

The reception is open to the public, so make sure to bring along your friends!

BEWARE!! of WALNUT BEACH WITCH...

It is becoming more and more eerie at Walnut Beach as we approach Halloween! One wonders "What could it be?" It seems rumor has it that Walnut Beach Witch is slowly making her way here to Walnut Beach! That explains the scarey and spooky eerieness!

Some seem to think she's going to pop up out of nowhere, you know the twixt and tween of things - and scare the living daylights out of us...others feel she is going to be here on Sunday, October 31st arriving promptly at 6:00 pm! WOW!

Yes, Walnut Beach Witch will be arriving promptly at 6:00 pm but there is more going on!

Listen to this, shhh! it's a secret - you must come in costume! AND starting earlier than 5pm Jamie the Clown is going to be on hand to perform her beautiful face paintings on those who wish to have it done! Costume photos and Music!!!

New this year a PUMPKIN PARTY! Bring a carved pumpkin to light the parade as Walnut Beach Witch, arriving at 6 pm sharp, leads the way!

Be sure to bring bells to ring and scare away any bad spirits along the way!

What an awesome way to celebrate the day!

JOIN US! Friday, October 29th - Exhibit Reception

JOIN US!

at SoBoBo for an Exhibit Reception in honor of

October's Artist - Michael Brotschul

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29TH from 7pm to 9pm

SoBoBo Art Gallery

17 Broadway - Walnut Beach

Milford, CT 06460

The reception is open to the public, so make sure to bring along your friends!

October's Artist

"Body Armor"

(in homage to the Navajo)

sculpture

by Michael Brotschul

"As an artist we all want approval in what we do especially from our inner self. I feel that I have surpassed those limitations, opening in myself another way of seeing the world. I have many influences in my life (from nature and experiences to personal journeys) which reflects in what I have accomplished. From what my dad has taught me growing up and his death, finally being able to gather the strength to carry on.

Being an artist is an important aspect of my life it is what makes me, me. If I can get people to talk, maybe shock them a little I feel that I have accomplished what I have set out to do.
Not everyone is going to like what I do, and that is alright with me. I am not here to please the whole world just myself. That is part of being an artist, to make people think maybe reflect on their own fragility, to do something with their own life in the process. It is not about making the money but being able to go beyond what I am capable. I feel I have accomplished that and much more. I will be forever grateful for what everyone has taught me along the way and hope to pass that on as I continue on my journey."

-- Michael Brotschul, 2010

"I Call Him Spike for Short" or "Just Call Him Spike" - bone, copper sculpture - by Michael Brotschul

Michael Brotschul does exactly that. One might not realize it but he stirs the cauldron so to speak making your soul come to life, or perhaps is it ego because we all know how ego controls us most of the time with fear, with want, with greed - that sinister feeling creeps in intertwining with your thoughts, leaving you settled? or unsettled? Only you can experience it! After all it is Halloween...and anything can happen...the magic is in the air...

"Skulls" - print - by Michael Brotschul

Visit SoBoBo on Thursdays and Fridays from 11 am until 4 pm; Saturday - Noon until 7 pm and Sunday - Noon until 6 pm. See this world of the unusual, Michael will be exhibiting from October 1st through and including HALLOWEEN, October 31st!

An Exhibit Reception will be held on Friday, October 29th, 2010 from 7 pm to 9 pm at SoBoBo, 17 Broadway, Milford, CT.

A must visit on HALLOWEEN as we are participating in the arrival of Walnut Beach Witch!

Booooooooooo!

Boo! Scared Yah, The Holidays Are Fast Approaching...

The rains and winds blew and swept around bringing in October with a cold snap and a reminder that winter is around the corner...

"Inside Out"
Oils
by Kate Davoli

"Walk In The Rain"
Watercolor Print
by Betty Geller

The foliage is brilliant,

"Drive Through The Country"

Oils
by Arlene Capozzi

the mushrooms and toadstools are enjoying the moisture,

"Peach Glow"

Color Pencil

by Sharon Poole

"Woody"

Color Pencil

by Sharon Poole

the Sound slamming its waves against the shore. Oh, the beauty of nature...

All natural and supernatural combined and we have magic in the air, wizards about, witches flying, ghosts appearing and disappearing, goblins hiding in the shadows...

"When Ghosts Go Glam"
Mixed Media
by Jan McLean

And low and behold we have Halloween! The "holiday" which started as a protective instinct of parents to have their children dress-up as the ghouls and goblins so the real ghouls and goblins wouldn't be able to tell the difference, protecting them from being stolen and taken into the mystical world...Trick or Treat, a saying, eludes to the fact a trick will be done to you if you don't give a treat...a little bit of intimidation wouldn't you say? but all in fun.

Even though the Art Stroll has already passed, Firehouse Gallery has a new exhibit entitled "After Dark" which can be a variety of different subjects. Juror, Don Garbera had chosen the winners. He is an artist from Stamford, has been a professional photographer and business writer for forty years. He was an editor of Technical Photography magazine, published many articles and created a number of magazine covers. Presently his favorite mediums are oils and watercolors. Don is a graduate of Visual Art, NYC, the Institute of Photography, NYC, and the New School for Social Research, NYC. His photographs and paintings have been included in numerous group shows in the New England area where his works are in many private collections. Although he is retired he still produces photos for a photo stock house in New York City. And you can find his work at SoBoBo!

Visit Firehouse Gallery! See the creations! They are opened every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Noon until 5 pm. You might want to check to make sure on the closing time, since it is getting colder and darker the Gallery might be closing at 4 pm instead.

Once you visited Firehouse Gallery saunter down Naugatuck Avenue and get a bite to eat - if you just want a snack visit the Deli, if you want pizza try Alpha's or if you want seafood or ribs you must eat at Lazy Lobster. For dessert stop at Walnut Beach Creamery - don't forget they close for the season on October 31st! When you feel content, stroll to 17 Broadway to SoBoBo and meet the many artists who are showing wonderful work! October's Artist, Michael Brotschul allows your imagination to go wild with his surreal work...from is sculpture that is reminiscent of the 'Headless Horseman," with the "Horseman's Horse" right by his side...his drawings have brought out the dark side of October...

"Body Armor" a/k/a "Headless Horseman"
Copper Sculpture
by Michael Brotschul

"Horse Head" - metal/wood sculpture - by Michael Brotschul

"Feed The Meter"

by Michael Brotschul

"Skulls" by Michael Brotschul

"Wolves in Sheeps' Clothing" by Michael Brotschul

Sheila Pite's "Mask" scares you,

"Mask"
Clay/Macrame
by Sheila Pite

"Shadow's Realities" by FranCesca

FranCesca's "Life's Shadows Series" gives you chills as you imagine a cemetery on a cold, rainy night.

"Wheel Of Life" by FranCesca

Robert Pike's miniature, hand carved "Scarecrow" reminds you of the thriller "Children of the Corn,"

"Scarecrow" - hand carve bass wood - by Robert Pike

"Leprechaun" by William Gallagher reminds you not to pick up hitchhikers as he stands in front Matt Roe's "Pumpkin Patch."

Jan McLean's "Street Talk" series lends to the dark-side of the street instead of the "sunny-side of the street," creating a sense "one should walk down the center of the street to avoid ALL dark doorways, alleys and corners."

"Street Talk #1
Mixed Media

by Jan McLean

October is also harvesting time for preparation for winter, and seeing the Terra Cottas of fruits and vegetables will look well mixed with the tiles in your kitchen, "Onion Family" by Andrea Roth-Moore highlights the beauty of food that are roots.

"Onion Family"
oils
by Andrea Roth-Moore

Rona Harris, "Harvesting," had captured the labor of the farmer and

"Harvesting"
Acrylics
by Rona Harris

Betty Geller's "Corn Growing" and "Squash & Zucchini" show the rewards of that hard work as well as "Peppers and Bottle" by Joan Fresher; Arlene Capozzi's "Pumpkin Harvest" reminds you of the days when you went to the local farm to pick the best pumpkin for carving.

"Squash & Zucchini"-Watercolor-by Betty Geller

Betsey Wright's "Carrots" offers themselves to be eaten.

"Rainbow Trout" by William Gallagher adds to the table of the harvested foods as Thanksgiving is about to be celebrated.


"Carrots"
Watercolors
by Betsey Wright

"Shabby Sheep" - oils - by Marcia Wiltsie

Marcia Wiltsie's "Shabby Sheep" represents the wool to be spun to make the warm clothing needed for the upcoming cold or even "the stockings to be hung by the chimney with care in the hopes of ST. Nicholas would soon be there..." And "Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus" - Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Twelve Days of Christmas, and Little Christmas are creeping up on us.

"Light One Candle" - Mixed Media - by Jan McLean

"Angel"
by Thelma Burr

So as you can see, visiting SoBoBo

after Firehouse Gallery
Can give you a fright

yet one can find a Holiday delight
For the Season of Giving is fast approaching; and

What better way to surprise those you love,

by giving an original artwork

other than a pair of gloves...

Ho! Ho! Ho!

"Neptune's Trees" by Paula Carlino

"Santa On Chimney" - hand carved bass wood - by William Gallagher

See you at SoBoBo...

September Ends....

During September we celebrated a day off from work - Labor Day, kids returned to school, parents had at least 6 hours of freedom a day, summer ended - but that's okay, fall and winter sports are about to begin, and the beginning of the holiday season...

All of these are things we take for granted on a day to day basis and we tend to put them in the back of our mind because they are recurring every year.

However, there is one day that is beginning to be (with only local news reporting) and will perhaps be forgotten as Pearl Harbor Day (2,896 casualties) has been forgotten, as the end of WWI (37 million casualties), WWII (over 60 million casualties,) the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (approx. 199,000 casualties and doesn't include those who designed the atomic bomb, who gave the orders to drop the atomic bomb, or who did the actual act) Korean War (4 million total casualties - 336,00 Americans,) Vietnam War (6.5 million casualties - approx. 600,000 Americans,) The Gulf War (approx. 300,000 casualties - 183,000 Americans,) and most recently the end of our military presence in Iraq (over 150,000 Americans & other coalition members and over 1 million Iraqi civilians - all the casualties of the Iraqi civilians are not the direct result of our military - the majority are due to the terrorist attacks on our military and areas that hold more civilians claiming collateral damage due to their own hatred of the United States) which it has been eerily silenced.

It will join the words in the history books as everything else and those words are not all telling...

The day was named Patriot Day in honor of the fallen citizens of the United States and other countries who were victims in the 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon, on AA Flight #11, and the Twin Towers. The East Coast will never forget, however, others throughout the United States may not have the same memories, the same feelings about what happened since they weren't close to it...It is almost like the earthquakes on the West Coast which are intense and devastating, but on the East Coast we have never felt the true impact of an earthquake, surely we have had tremors but not the devastation as on the West Coast...Tornadoes are another event we couldn't imagine until recently...

All who have perished in one form or another because of 9/11 will be remembered in their families' hearts and through history books; but will only be remembered by the masses when we all take part in the memories. So as you visit SoBoBo this last weekend in September and until September 30th, you will view an exhibit in homage to those heroes who probably never thought they would be considered heroes in their wildest dreams...

As Sheila Pite's sculpture "Re-Membering" shows the shock in Figure's face as she looks up to the Towers re-creates every one's emotions that day. As she gazes up, she also looks at "5-Star flag" by Allan Dudek which represents the five branches of our military as well as their courage and bravery. To Figure's right stands "Stars & Stripes In The Round" hand carved by Robert Pike.

"5 Star Flag"
mixed media
by Allan Dudek

"Re-Membering" - sculpture - by Sheila Pite
(Right) "Stars & Stripes In The Round" - hand carved bass wood - by Robert Pike

To her left one can see a mezzo tint by Genna Riggi of "A Soldier's Silence." Yes, the title alone lends you the knowledge of how brave our military men and women truly are. Looking at it one can see flags in the distance, a bit tattered, but flying proud.

"A Soldier's Silence"
Mezzo tint
by Genna Riggi

As Figure would glance down to her left you can see the quilt "Clouds & Stars" by Marilyn Cocking with hands emerging out of the dust from the devastation "Help Me, I Am Here" or are they saying "Please Raise Me Up To The Heaven's For I Will Never Be Saved." The image so striking, hitting you. One hand white, one hand black - "Life's Shadows" by FranCesca beautifully done! So many interpretations, Are they the hands of the same person; are the hands representing that we truly are One; are the hands representing for this exhibit ALL the ethnicities and races that perished that fateful day? Only you can decide, for the interpretation is always in the eye of the beholder.

"Clouds & Stars"
hand quilted
by Marilyn Cocking

"Life's Shadows"
Traditional Photography
by FranCesca

To the right stands "Class of '42" by Allan Dudek, although it represents the brave of WWII it is a reflection of ALL the brave of every skirmish we have been involved in.

"Class of '42" - mixed media - by Allan Dudek

"Re-Membering" meaning to attach again to something lost, something from the past....There are those who say re-membering is unhealthy and one must forget and move forward, but yet, if we do forget we will never know or understand what is needed to go forward...for it is the strength of the past that pushed us to our future, not hate and anger; and when we waver, with a sense of falling we look back to find that strength...

and to think it is ONLY A MEMORY....

Be at Peace...

Join Us! Friday Evening...

On September 24th - Friday evening stop off at Lazy Lobster and taste their lobster roll or ribs because from what is understood they were named #1 in the state for both! When you are done dining - go across the street to 19 Broadway - Walnut Beach Creamery and try the sorbet -- a nice light dessert!

...And then you can join SoBoBo from 7 pm to 9 pm as we celebrate September's Artist. Come meet Lee LaForte and other artists - learn about their techniques, inspirations and the like...

A nice way to end the week, to end summer and celebrate the beginning of Fall...

Enjoy!

Exhibit Reception - Friday, September 24th

"Marine Volcano"

Acrylic

by Lee LaForte

Visit SoBoBo and meet Lee LaForte, September's Artist! You will not only meet Lee, but other artists who are presently exhibiting at SoBoBo.

Just a reminder that September's Artist Exhibit Reception will be taking place at SoBoBo - 17 Broadway on Friday, September 24th from 7pm to 9pm.....Stop off at Lazy Lobster for dinner and walk across the street to SoBoBo when you are done....

A wonderful way to end a crazy work week, or forget about the stresses of life!

FALL is on its way...enjoy the warm days and the chilly evenings! Don't forget to look at the ever changing foilage!

September's Artist

"My current work is the result of active exploration of techniques and styles. Earlier realistic and semi-realistic watercolors and acrylics, such as my under-seascapes, endangered animals series, jazz pieces and Zen series evolved into expressionistic, figurative, and semi-abstract works, with emphasis on color and form on limited pallets (including a few mono-prints.)

-- Lee LaForte, 2010

Upon entering SoBoBo one finds an explosion of art. In viewing Lee LaForte's work one can see the fluidness jumping from art piece to art piece assimilating a connection. Jazz Series moves you rhythmically and actually brings together work from

"Jazz Series VII - Trombone"

watercolor

by Lee LaForte

artists Cynthia Rifkin - "Out There" and William Herzfeld - "Piano Men" and "Tillie In Her Tutu" finding oneself slowly rocking into a dance. And then it moves to the lines of "Mary Ellen," "Nudes," and "Head Over Heels," marking the movements each human makes with a graceful instinct, not knowing that

"Mary Ellen"

charcoal

by Lee LaForte

the connection continues as it swims to meet Lee's underwater seascapes "Big Buddy," "Eden," "Marine Volcano," and "Fire from the Sky" and again a connection with artist Jan McLean's "Angel Fish Swims at the Edge of the Universe" and when you

"Marine Volcano"

acrylic

by Lee LaForte

turn it over flows to the real world again as "Multi Flora" seems to grow and "Fox" hides behind them and "Origami Heron" as she finds a connection with Betty Geller's "Heron" who moves with a graceful elegance in time with the rhythmic fluidness or "music" where it all began.

Lee LaForte, fine artist, is SoBoBo's Artist for the Month of September. You can see his work from September 1st through September 30th.

On Friday, September 24th, from 7pm to 9pm SoBoBo will be hosting an Exhibit Reception. Please do come an join us - the public is invited.

Enjoy the Amazing World of Flavor - Thursday, September 2nd

The French say "Bon Appetit!," in English it means "Enjoy Your Meal!"
The Italians say "Mangiare!," in English it means "Eat Up!"

Whatever language one speaks, when it comes time to food the glorious terms enhance the excitement to eat. It invokes the senses to become extremely sensitive to aromas, to textures, and to flavors of what is eaten - creating a sensual, almost orgasmic feeling. Savoring every sumptuous morsel as each touches the tongue, titillating the taste buds - Mmmmm, delectable, delightful, succulent, mouthwatering, ambrosial, heavenly....

Speaking of palate teasers before you arrive at Firehouse Gallery - 81 Naugatuck Avenue, to see the new exhibit you might want to stop off at The Lazy Lobster - 6 Broadway, and enjoy a sumptuous, savory, and mouthwatering lobster roll that is to die for! Large pieces of lobster, (not the teensy weensy shreds seen at other places,) on a buttered, toasted roll...Did you know that Lazy Lobster is ranked #1 in the state for its lobster roll by Connecticut Magazine?...that must mean it's true - their lobster rolls are the BEST! And you know what they were also awarded the rank of #1 in the state for its ribs too!

September 2nd marks the day for the opening of a new exhibit - "Bon Appetit" at Firehouse Gallery, which runs until September 30th and an Art Stroll that will take you to SoBoBo Art Gallery. Starting at 6pm Firehouse Gallery will be hosting a juried show judged by Susan Nally. Appetizers will be catered by Bridgehouse - Bridgeport Avenue, Devon.

Walk off that feeling of being full and meander down Naugatuck and around the corner onto Broadway to SoBoBo Art Gallery - 17 Broadway where you will meet the artists who created wonderful, eclectic art work! Perhaps you will meet Jan McLean, Artist for the Month of August and Lee LaForte, Artist for the Month of September! See the collages by Jan, the watercolors by Lee; as well as the cosmopolitan ceramics by Sheila Pite! Oils by Andrea Roth Moore and Rick Senft and Marcia Wiltsie, Acrylics by Arlene Capozzi, Cynthia Rifkin and Rona Harris! Be amazed by the sculptures of Michael Brotschul, William Herzfeld, William Brill, William Gallagher and Robert Pike! Jewelers galore - Lara Sendich, Shelly Saber (G.S. Lillian), Teru Rexroad, Sam Rawls, Analiese, Sally-Ann Endleman, Dalhia Fowler, Keeling Brett and Marcie Wright! Photos by Don Garbera, Karen Allen, Sacia Friedman! We have new artists Kate Devoli, and Vinita Manjunath...there are so many more....

You know, talk about ambrosial, one will have to become decadent and end the evening by having a delightful ice cream dessert at Walnut Beach Creamery right next door to SoBoBo! OH!!! sooo HEAVENLY!!

Enjoy the evening, celebrate the kids going back to school, lose yourself in the amazing world of flavor!

"BON APPETIT!"

Artist for the Month

"Street Talk #4"

Mixed Media

by Jan McLean

"Street Talk #2"
Mixed Media

by Jan McLean

SoBoBo Art Gallery & Consortium is bringing an unexpected change to its exhibit space by introducing “Artist for the Month.” Beginning this month of August, Jan McLean, artist/teacher, will be exhibiting her mixed media pieces. She uses gel image transfers, textures, and acrylic faux encaustics to create a world one is drawn into. You find yourself engulfed with the warmth of her creations, wanting to touch them, to feel each piece.

"Through paint, paper, fibers, fabric, transfers and a "let's-try-this" approach to mixed media collage, I create the world as I see it - whimsical, colorful, fun and funny - offering the viewer playful but also profound insights into the essence of humanness and of Life itself.

I am a storyteller. Whether the motif is houses, fish and moons or something more abstract, my work is always a narrative. Houses carry on conversations, learn to dance or how to become transparent. Fish teem in cosmic seas, weaving tales from many moons ago. The story may not always be evident, even to myself, but it is inevitable.

"Lure of the Moon"

Mixed Media

by Jan McLean

"Full Moon Tonight"

Mixed Media

by Jan McLean

My intent always is to connect in whatever way is possible. My aspiration is to engage the viewer at one or more levels, be that physical, intellectual, emotional, visceral or even spiritual. My hope is to touch them in some way, to say:

"Sunny Side of the Street"

Mixed Media

by Jan McLean

"Hey, look at this. This is me. This is you." My wish is that they see my work as a mirror, allowing the loving recognition of some aspect of ourselves with humor, warmth and compassion, that it will inspire them to reflect, to smile or perhaps even to laugh.

For as Oscar Wilde reminds us:

"Life is too important to be taken seriously."

-- Jan McLean, Artist

"Dancing in the Streets #3"

Mixed Media

by Jan McLean

To see and experience this wonderful world, Jan McLean’s artwork will be on display for the month of August at SoBoBo Art Gallery, where unique meets sublime. A reception will be held at SoBoBo on Friday, August 27^th from 7pm to 9pm, the public is invited.

SoBoBo Art Gallery is located at 17 Broadway – Walnut Beach, Milford, CT. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday from 11am to 4 pm; Saturday 12 pm to 7 pm and Sunday 12 pm to 6 pm. If you wish to view her work Monday through Wednesday, please call 203-906-8945 to make an appointment.