Sunday, September 4, 2011

September's Artist - Sheila Pite

"My background is in Art Education, BS from Southern Connecticut State University and Art Therapy, MS from the College of New Rochelle. I also studied ceramics, drawing, and painting at various times before and after my formal education at the Creative Arts Workshop in New Haven, CT.



I worked as an Art Therapist, mainly with a geriatric population. Since I had found doing/making art to be therapeutic for myself, this was a very satisfying profession for me.



My work is usually in clay or mixed media, and reflects my feelings about women, family, the environment , and life in general.

I have been exhibiting my work for the past twenty years in various Connecticut galleries, and at the Castle Gallery at the College of new Rochelle in New York, The Connecticut galleries include: Bennett Gallery in Fairfield, Firehouse Gallery in Milford, Gallery 53 in Meriden, Farmington Art Center in Farmington, City Lights Gallery in Bridgeport, 22 Haviland St. Gallery in Norwalk and the Westport Library among others.


I have created some of the work for this show over the last couple of years. I combined my own photos of some of my favorite people or places with recycled materials, paint, graphite, ink, and/or oil pastels. The recycled materials that presently appeal to me are shredded paper, discarded cuts of wood from places like Hope Depot, screening from my broken screen doors, and chicken wire purchased for other projects.


I often find myself fencing in images of women, or depicting places usually off limits to me, or altering photographs that I have taken to depict a slightly "off" image. I believe, from my experience in Art Therapy, that these voiceless expressions actually say a lot about who I am, and how I view the world - especially the many layers of MY world."


--Sheila Pite, 2011


There is still much that one does not know about Sheila, she is a humbled person. Her work displays this attribute she hides. When you are viewing her work you find that something stirs inside you. You don't know exactly what it is, but it makes you connect to exactly what she states. You walk away complete because you understand, a knowing comes over you that you are at peace, a sense of tranquility because you just know....what that is in our every day mundane lives you ask? It isn't there it runs deeper, soul searching, soul settling.


One understands the "voiceless expressions" that are hidden in each piece -- resonating with each of our souls, making that balance happen that sense of tranquility spoken about before. A better understanding of what is not there, the unknown becomes known, that knowing keeps you balanced...an assured feeling that you thought lost is returned. You can see this in "I Can See Clearly Now" seen below. This piece is haunting, ghost like, yet it resonates with your soul, understanding what is today for some women throughout the world.





"I Can See Clearly Now" - mixed media - by Sheila Pite



Sheila's travels through life -- acceptance, expectations - her own and others -- has given her grace and humility so many are seeking. A multi-faceted woman, Sheila's words "...especially the many layers of MY world...." peaks your curiosity to see what lies underneath, and in between.






"Mother's Garden II" - ceramic - by Sheila Pite


One can view "Mother's Garden II" in the round...the work shows how Mother nurtures, cares, and loves automatically, with instinct, cultivating their offspring. Gathering and nestling her most precious gifts around her protecting them from the world's events....as Mother Nature does with her own offspring -- rain/drink, minerals in dirt/food, trees/protection, flowers & bees/pollination (birth/rebirth), grass & plants hibernating under snow...so awe inspiring.


Sheila is September's Artist. She will have her work on display at SoBoBo from September 1st to September 30th. Visit with her at her Opening Reception on Thursday, September 8th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm and learn more....


SoBoBo is located at 42 Naugatuck Avenue, Milford, CT. Gallery hours are Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 6:00 pm. To view Monday through Wednesday, please call 203-906-8945 for an appointment.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Irene....the Unruly, Unwanted Guest

SOBOBO faired very well during Irene's visit as did Firehouse Gallery....We are open usual hours....


UPDATE: NO ART WALK THIS MONTH due to the effects of Irene's stay at Walnut Beach...truly an unruly guest if anyone has ever seen!....You know she is the type of guest that forcibly invites herself to visit! Some nerve! wouldn't you say??!!

You know perhaps, the best way to put all that has happened these past few weeks, i.e., the earthquake and Irene, aside for a moment is to join us on Thursday, September 8th....

Firehouse Gallery, whom also faired well, will be having their opening reception for their new exhibit "Humans" on Thursday, September 8th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm....

and....even though the art walk will not be taking place, meander down to SoBoBo as we have September's Artist - Sheila Pite's opening reception starting at 7:00 pm and will end when the last person leaves....

Walnut Beach Creamery will definitely be open that evening as perhaps Lazy Lobster and Alfa's Jolly Jug....

Make sure to send best wishes to those who were effected by her whirlwind of a stay...neighbors and friends...including our own area small business Wild Expressions, Collected Stories, Lazy Lobster, Walnut Beach Creamery, Ortiz Upholstery, Painted You, Safe-Way, Howard's, Alfa's Jolly Jug, New Town Deli, Alfa's Pizza and Speier's Accounting....Do try to make it...a wonderful way to recoup some energy and enjoy yourself at the same time!

It would be a pleasure to see you!

New Artisans Have Arrived....

New Artisans, Carlyne Labreque and Patricia Clark, have arrived at SoBoBo. Their handcrafted jewelry have added a different look to whomever wears it.


Carlyne's work takes you from sophistication to flamboyance while Patricia's work takes you from classy to casual. Both have a way that caters to all. From coin pearls to swarovski crystals from turquoise to glass beading and fresh water pearls.




Visit us, try on the jewelry and you will see exactly what is meant when it is said "both have a way that caters to all..."


Newly added to our family, they will be here for sometime and what better place than SoBobo to get one of a kind designs and handcrafted jewelry for that someone special as gifts for the upcoming holidays...even birthdays and anniversaries....The work is a definite must see!