Friday, May 7, 2010

Thursday May 20th - Save the Date!

On Thursday, May 20th make sure to come and enjoy an evening of greeting old friends and perhaps, meet new friends! See the work of artists and artisans! Savor the flavors created by culinary artisans!


"Let It Be"
Mixed Media
by Allan Dudek

Starting at 6:00 pm at Firehouse Gallery, 81 Naugatuck Avenue, Walnut Beach - Milford, CT - artists will be interpreting the state of our planet in their own creative way. Everyone on this planet is concerned with the environment and the threat of global warming.

How can we as a people help improve the surroundings of our daily lives and help fight Global Warming?

The mission for the artist was to think of an area that is of most interest to him or her and ideas will emerge for creative expression. It may be in the area of electricity. We get electricity from coal, sun, wind, water, and other alternative energy sources. Agriculture is another area that offers ways to improve the environment. Crops are grown organically and meats and various other foods are produced in organic ways.

The point the artist can present is of ways the average person can help by thinking green – turn off unnecessary lights, use public transportation, recycle, conserve on water and in general don’t be wasteful. These are just a few examples of the way the artist can express an idea pictorially of saving the planet.

All media are accepted – oil, acrylic, pen and ink, pastel, collage, photography, sculptures in stone, clay, wood, paper mache, plaster of paris, or wire.

The juror for the exhibit is artist Kevin Van Aelst. Kevin has a B.A. in Psychology from Cornell University and an M.F.A. from the University of Hartford. He is a professional, very creative photographer.

Presently he is teaching at Quinnipiac University and at the ACES/ Educational Center for the Arts High School Program in New Haven. He has taught at the Hartford Art School, University of Hartford, and the Middlesex Community College and at the Willard Straight Hall Community Darkroom, Cornell University.

Kevin has exhibited his innovative works extensively throughout the area, Massachusetts and New York. His most recent one person show was at the Seton Hall Gallery, University of New Haven, Ct. He has contributed illustrations to several photography magazines. In 2008, he received the Artist Fellowship Grant, Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism and in 2007, he was awarded the Visiting Artist Honorarium, at Southern Connecticut State University.


Afterward, meander on down Naugatuck Avenue to Urban Antique Radio and Vintage Hi-Fi to hear voices from the past. Continue down to Lazy Lobster so that you can enjoy a lobster roll or a cup of lobster bisque and check out Collected Stories for the book you've been trying to find. Saunter across Broadway to SoBoBo Art Gallery and see amazing artwork of local artists and artisans.

"Anna"
Mixed Media
By Allan Dudek




Metal Sculptors William Herzfeld and Jon Westberg used found objects, recycling them into works of art! Jan McLean's collages uses scraps of fabric and objects to complete her pieces! Allan Dudek's art takes on it's own personality as he uses pages from telephone books, old maps, re-claimed wood, and other sources.



Luke Lynch and Samantha Hatch went the natural/organic route using turmeric, the juice of beets, and other organic forms to get the dye they needed to create "Prayer Spirals"!

Ren Farnsworth, stained glass artisan, used left over pieces from her projects to produce ornaments to be used as shade pulls and tie backs for curtains! Ren even created beautiful reflective mirrors to be placed under lit candles as a center piece for your table or behind them on a fireplace mantle!

Wood Carvers William Brill, James Dutton and Robert Rahn used pieces of wood to carve master pieces! Mr. Brill's squirrels, fish, and birds are life like! Mr. Dutton's hand carved "Welsh" spoons tell stories of love, commitment, and life. Mr. Rahn's hand skilled wood ornaments are so detailed and finely done you wonder how he did it! Even his plaques are made with different types of wood, they almost look like a puzzle!

When you leave SoBoBo, walk next door to get the most delicious ice cream at Walnut Beach Creamery. The ice cream is made right on the premises! Try it! You'll like it!

A wonderful way to enjoy the evening and bring in the Summer Season!!

See you soon!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

FAST APPROACHING DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION!


The deadline for registration is approaching!!


Don't forget to contact Artist, Jan Mc Lean about her classes on
Techniques of Mixed Media Collage - Acrylic Faux Encaustic


"Journey Through X"
Acrylic Faux Encaustic
by Jan McLean


Class Description:

Explore the technique of Acrylic Faux Encaustic. Basically a mixed media collage process done in layers, acrylic faux encaustic provides an alternative process to traditional encaustic, using acrylics to mimic the encaustic look, but without toxic chemicals or heat. Through the application of thick layers of various acrylic gels and mediums, students will create works with both actual physical depth and the illusion of depth, and will be encouraged to layer images, drawings, paint, textures and objects into their works. Beginners welcome. No previous collage experience required.
Click on Masters Of The Arts at the top of the page for more information regarding schedule and registration.

A wonderful opportunity to learn and meet new people.