Wednesday, March 10, 2010

That Moment In Time... - Thursday, March 11th, 2010

"That moment in time..."

...When Milford had dirt roads, Milford High School wasn't in existence...Look back to the late 1800's early 1900's by the Congregational Church as Cindy Rifkin's painting brings you into a world that was!

...when John Lennon wrote a song "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and everyone thought it meant "LSD." View John Lennon by Allan Dudek. His impression gives you the feeling that John Lennon is staring at you and Marilyn Cocking's quilt "Diamonds In The Sky" takes you back to those days...

The truth behind the song: The "Lucy" who inspired this song was Lucy O'Donnell (later Lucy Vodden), who was a classmate of John's son Julian Lennon when he was enrolled at the private Heath House School, in Weybridge, Surrey. It was in a 1975 interview that Lennon said "Julian came in one day with a picture about a school friend of his named Lucy. He had sketched in some stars in the sky and called it Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds."

The identity of the real Lucy was confirmed by Julian in 2009 when she died of complications from Lupus. Lennon re-connected with her after she appeared on a BBC broadcast where she stated: "I remember Julian and I both doing pictures on a double-sided easel, throwing paint at each other, much to the horror of the classroom attendant… Julian had painted a picture and on that particular day his father turned up with the chauffeur to pick him up from school."

...Marilyn Monroe had become known and will continue to be known to the end of time. See Allan Dudek's "Marilyn" imbedded in time!

...the Barbie Doll was "born" and became an icon. See "The Ying & Yang of Barbie" by Sacia Friedman. Her vintage style of the 50's icons bring back many memories. We also have "The Woody," "The Red Robot," "Army Men," and "Grandma's Kitchen Series."

...Walnut Beach Amusement Park, the CARROUSEL...view Yitzchik painted by Arlene Capozzi. Yitzchik is the name of the last known horse from the original carrousel at the Amusement Park. After researching and reading in the book "Sand In Our Shoes," Arlene located him on the floor in the basement of the New Haven Museum on Whitney Avenue in New Haven where restoration was about to begin. She told the curator who he was and he was very happy to know more about him.

...WWII - Allan Dudek's "Class of 42" a tribute to veterans says it all.

...when hand quilting was a way of life. When the use of old clothing became the warmth from the cold winters. A must see! Marilyn Cocking's hand quilted work is amazing!

...when draw bridges were used several times a day to let boats go by on the rivers. View the Stratford Bridge by John Iorio where you swear you can see yourself crossing! Isn't this draw bridge one of the last in existence? So, I've been told....

...the infamous time 9/11. See Michael Brotschul's air brush painting on a leather jacket of the Twin Towers in remembrance of that sad day.

...when bulbs, fuses, kerosene heaters, oil cans, television tubes etc. were used and taken for granted to make things work - to light the way, to power the electricity, to heat the house, to prevent errosion happening between metals, and to see an event take place on TV. Come and enjoy the metal sculptures of found objects by Bill Herschfeld. "Man with a Cane" looks like the "Tin Man" from the "Wizard of Oz!" "Tillie in her TuTu" is delightfully whimsical.

...and there is more as Unique Meets Sublime at SoBoBo!

Enjoy an evening of lively discussions, meeting new people, and greeting old friends!

Friday, February 26, 2010

SoBoBo & Firehouse Gallery RICH WITH HISTORY on Thursday, March 11th

On Thursday, March 11th enjoy the richness of art history as you visit SoBoBo and Firehouse Gallery. Starting at 6:00 pm and ending at 8:00 pm at Firehouse Gallery, 81 Naugatuck Avenue, awards will be given for those who placed in the juried show.

The artists who entered have an opportunity to choose their own interpretation of a certain style which reflects a particular period in art history from the classical Renaissance period, the Impressionist period, the Surrealist masters, the Cubists or the Abstract Moderns including pop art, collage art and constructions such as assemblages. The medium can be either oil, acrylic, ink, pencil pastels, hand-pulled prints and collage material. Sculptures too have been favorites by many artists throughout history. Sculptures can be created in bronze, clay, plaster of paris, paper mache, metal, or found objects.

Meet juror Josephine Robinson who is a professional artist. Her own works often reflect her interest in architecture and the human figure. Ms. Robinson received her art education in England. She received a BA from Warwick University and trained at Southwalk College and the London Film Makers Co-op. She is a resident of Milford, teaches at the Silvermine Guild Arts Center in New Canaan, also at the Creative Arts Workshop in New Haven and the Milford Adult Education Program.

Before you leave and head down around the corner to SoBoBo, make sure you place your vote for People's Choice Award.

SoBoBo, since it has been established in 2008, is rich with history referencing art and more. It truly is '...where Unique Meets Sublime." The ecclectic ambience introduces you to the world of art history.




Surrealists Julia Ambrose, Carla Kern, Caitlin TurnerWoods, and Lori Mack capture the lure, vying for your attention that draws you into their work, into another realm.



"Lioness - Odalisque"
by Julia Ambrose
Terra-Cotta Relief


Realist painters Arlene Capozzi, Rona Harris, John Iorio, Chandler Davis, Cynthia Rifkin, and Charles Bell create the world around us on canvas and wood. Their work is so real that you can touch the flowers, walk down the path and even wade in the water.


Contemporary and Modernists Frieda Howling, Matt Roe, Laryssa Sendich, Andrew Hungaski, and Luke Lynch, and yes, Cynthia Rifkin give us the sense of symetry and asymetry at the same time that shows us balancing of imbalance. Quite a unique perception on their part!



"Man For All Seasons"
by Andrew Hungaski
Oils








We have metal sculptures by Bill Herzfeld, Michael Brotschul, and Jon Westberg; quilting by Marilyn Cocking; collages by Jan McLean; humorous art by Allan Dudek; and the wonder of artisans Dawn Lombard, Keelin Britt, Analiese, Jennifer Jacobus, and Ruth Starcher and more....!



"Copper Butterfly"
by William Herzfeld
Metal Sculpture

You must come, see, and feel this wonderous experience at SoBoBo and Firehouse Gallery!

Don't forget! Mark your calendar for Thursday evening on March 11th. Starting at 6:00 pm at Firehouse Gallery. When things wind down come to SoBoBo and engage in lively discussions with artists and guests!

SoBoBo doesn't close until.....and that will be up to you!

Can't wait to see you!!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

UPCOMING
"PIECE TALKS"
TO TAKE PLACE IN
APRIL - MAY - JUNE
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON

Friday, January 22, 2010

Anything Goes! on Thursday, February 4th...



It has come to our attention that many don’t know about how the opening receptions at Firehouse Gallery have expanded to Art Strolls at Walnut Beach, becoming a wonderful experience…SO, do come visit us and “be a pART of ART” by experiencing “for the LOVE OF heARTS” on February 4th!!


Come in out of the cold....Get warm from the excitement...


Starting at 6:00 pm an opening reception for “No Theme Exhibit” at Firehouse Gallery, 81 Naugatuck Avenue begins. A juried show, The MFAC Firehouse Art Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of the 2010 season of Art Exhibits at the Firehouse Art Gallery, 81 Naugatuck Avenue, Milford, CT. The exhibit, Non-Themed, opens on February 4 and runs through March 4 at Firehouse Gallery. The juror, Sophia Gevas, Director of the Art Gallery at Sacred Heart University, has had twenty years of experience as Director of the Contemporary Art Gallery at Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT. She has a BFA from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and studied art in France. She is also teaching Art History as well as drawing and painting at Sacred Heart. As juror she will also choose the first, second and third place awards for which there are monetary prizes.


The Non-Themed exhibit gives the artists the opportunity to choose their own subject. It lets them express their own visual idea of a favorite topic, being a landscape, a still-life, a portrait, figures, land, sea or interiors, anything that expresses the artist’s inner self in a two-dimensional or sculptural piece. The medium is also of the artist’s choice, it can be oil, acrylic, watercolor, pen and ink, pencil, charcoal, prints such as mono-prints, etching, intaglio or a combination of the various techniques. Sculptural pieces may be of clay, stone, Paper Mache or wood.

Meander on down Naugatuck Avenue and around the corner to SoBoBo on Broadway...and Come in out of the cold, again...Get warm from the energy...And ENJOY...


“for the LOVE OF heARTs” is always in abundance at SoBoBo Art Gallery! Celebrating over 70 artists’ masterpieces; Frieda Howling, Allan Dudek, Nancy Boccuzzi, Rona Harris, Keelin Britt, Genna Riggi, Teru Rexroad, Shelly Saber, Lisa and Louis Strauss, Luke Lynch, Dawn Lombard, Sam Rawls, Kristen LaViola, Kira Nelson, Sacia Friedman, Marian Doherty, Lee LaForte, Angela Alvisi, Arlene Capozzi are just a few…


As February 14th celebrates St. Valentine’s Day when we show our abundant love to our husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend, fiancĂ©/fiancĂ©e, and has been expanded to mothers/fathers, friends, and children over the years…SoBoBo having that unique and unusual gift created by artists who put their own LOVE OF heARTs into their art work is the place where the abundance is shared.


During these difficult economic times, we all are becoming the frugal budgeter, or as some would say being “scotch.” SoBoBo offers an installment plan or lay-a-way so everyone can have the opportunity to enjoy their LOVE OF heARTs by having ART a pART of their lives. It is easy and affordable.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

WINTER HOURS

During Winter SoBoBo will be
OPEN on Saturdays and Sundays
from Noon until 7 pm
SoBoBo will be
CLOSED on Thursdays and Fridays
DO COME VISIT US!
COME IN OUT OF THE COLD - GET WARM
ENJOY A CUP OF
COFFEE, TEA OR HOT CHOCOLATE
AS YOU VIEW THE ART OF
70 PLUS ARTISTS AND ARTISANS!
SoBoBo sports realism, surrealism,
contemporary and modern art, wood and
metal sculptures, oil and acrylic paintings,
jewelry, sea leather, knitted works and quilts...

EXPERIENCE
UNIQUE MEETING SUBLIME
Saturday - Noon to 7 pm
Sunday - Noon to 7 pm
Thursday - CLOSED
Friday - CLOSED

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Three Kings Day - Feast of the Epiphany - Little Christmas

You know the fascinating thing about all of these holidays? Christmas trees were still being sold during the 12 days leading up to January 6th and 7th! Something we don't see all that often that it can be considered unusual, but only in the United States of America...How wonderful that we live together understanding each other's beliefs. For in the end, even though we don't have the same belief system, we all believe in one being...or not.

January 6th in accordance with the western calendar was Three Kings Day, Feast of the Epiphany or Little Christmas; January 7th in accordance with the eastern calendar was Three Kings Day, Feast of the Epiphany or Little Christmas.

Nothing was forgotten...for in all of the writings every where, when the Christmas Story is told it is always mentioned about the Three Wise men, or the Three Kings arriving at the Manger, Jesus's side to bear gifts of Frankincense, Gold and Myrrh.

The Three Wise Men were astrologers and/or astronomers who studied the stars in the Heavens. They used the stars as navigation in their travels.

As have always been told, they knew and understood the prophecies that upon the appearance of a new bright star showing in the Heavens a Great King would be born to mankind and that His birth would bring Peace On Earth. But with that knowledge, King Herod who had heard about it decided that all male infants should be annihilated (ethnic cleansing? or genocide?) for fear that his own existence would be overthrown by this Great King and he would then lose all of his riches. Such a hateful and greedy person...

The Three Wise Men, or Three Kings, arrived bearing gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh in honor of Jesus. They told Joseph and Mary of King Herod's catastrophic deed warning them so that they would be safe. The Three Wise Men themselves were warned by an angelic vision that if they too returned, they would be killed. So they travelled a different route home.

The arrival of the Three Wise Men or Three Kings at Bethlehem is honored in the Eastern Religions. This celebration is also the Twelfth Day of Christmas. Gifts are exchanged as well. Commemorating the Three Wise Men or the Three Kings giving gifts to Jesus.

Many Latin Americans and Hispanics also celebrate Three Kings Day or the Feast of the Epiphany.

How the feeling of ANTICIPATION still continues on and on and on....and SoBoBo is quite honored to have celebrated each of these holidays - Ramadan, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, the Twelve Days of Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. Because in each society, belief, tradition, and ethnicity we all share in common the anticipation of what we can give to others as gifts and also, what we all would like to receive as gifts from others. Age also has no bearing on this commonality...

Hence, "...As WE lay asleep ALL snug in our beds...WE ALL have visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads..."

After all, Judy's sugar plum is the handcrafted silver jewelry with green garnet or amethyst that Harry will give her. Dad's sugar plum is the leather wallet made from Sea Leather. Mom's sugar plum is the handwoven Thrawl. Harry's sugar plum is the lithograph of "Mama Said There Would Be Days Like This.." Sally's and Eddy's sugar plum are handmade Remember Me Teddy Bears made from Daddy's shirt so when he is away fighting for Democracy they can hold him close. Aunt Clara is hoping that her sugar plum is the painting or the collage she pointed out...

So, DO COME AND VISIT...ENJOY THE ENERGY AS IT INSPIRES YOU...CHOOSING THE SUGAR PLUM FOR SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOUR HEART! For "...As WE lay asleep ALL snug in our beds...WE ALL have visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads..."

But now that we are 6 days into the New Year - we are also entering into the 10th year of the new millennium. My gosh! how time flies....

However, that is the Western Calendar....the Eastern Calendar shows that their new year is January 14th! So, we can celebrate again!!!

WISHING EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!

PEACE!!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL.. .THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

SEASONS' GREETINGS TO ALL!!!

Chanukah is over. The traditional celebration of Christmas in the United States is over. Kwanzaa has ended. How sad. Some are glad the celebration is over. Some are thinking about next year's celebration and some are still thinking about their celebration to come this year. Yes, that's correct, there are many who have not yet celebrated their Season of Giving!

As we know the Twelve Days of Christmas according to the Western Calendar had begun on Christmas Day, December 25Th. So, if calculations are correct we should be celebrating the Ninth Day of Christmas....

Now according to the Eastern Calendar, which encompasses the orthodox religions, Russian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, and so on, the Twelve Days of Christmas began in the evening of Christmas Day (December 25Th) and the actual First Day of Christmas is December 26Th. So, if calculations are correct we should be celebrating the Eighth Day of Christmas....

Traditions in both celebrations are almost the same since gifts are exchanged each night of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

But so many don't realize that all of this leads to the day (or the Twelfth Day of Christmas) the Three Wise Men arrived at the manger. The Three Wise Men were astrologers and/or astronomers who studied the stars in the Heavens. They used the stars as navigation in their travels.

As the story goes, they knew and understood the prophecies that upon the appearance of a new bright star showing in the Heavens a Great King would be born to mankind and that His birth would bring Peace On Earth. But with that knowledge, King Herod who had heard about it decided that all male infants should be annihilated (ethnic cleansing? or genocide?) for fear that his own existence would be overthrown by this Great King and he would then lose all of his riches. Such a hateful and greedy person...

The Three Wise Men, or Three Kings, arrived bearing gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh in honor of Jesus. They told Joseph and Mary of King Herod's catastrophic deed warning them so that they would be safe. The Three Wise Men themselves were warned by an angelic vision that if they too returned, they would be killed. So they travelled a different route home.

The arrival of the Three Wise Men or Three Kings at Bethlehem is honored in the Eastern Religions. This celebration is the Twelfth Day of Christmas. Gifts are exchanged as well. Commemorating the Three Wise Men or the Three Kings giving gifts to Jesus.

Many Latin Americans and Hispanics also celebrate Three Kings Day or the Feast of the Epiphany.

How the feeling of ANTICIPATION still continues on and on and on....and SoBoBo is quite honored to have celebrated each of these holidays - Ramadan, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, the Twelve Days of Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. Because in each society, belief, tradition, and ethnicity we all share in common the anticipation of what we can give to others as gifts and also, what we all would like to receive as gifts from others. Age also has no bearing on this commonality...

Hence, "...As WE lay asleep ALL snug in our beds...WE ALL have visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads..."

After all, Judy's sugar plum is the handcrafted silver jewelry with green garnet or amethyst that Harry will give her. Dad's sugar plum is the leather wallet made from Sea Leather. Mom's sugar plum is the handwoven Thrawl. Harry's sugar plum is the lithograph of "Mama Said There Would Be Days Like This.." Sally's and Eddy's sugar plum are handmade Remember Me Teddy Bears made from Daddy's shirt so when he is away fighting for Democracy they can hold him close. Aunt Clara is hoping that her sugar plum is the painting or the collage she pointed out...

So, DO COME AND VISIT...ENJOY THE ENERGY AS IT INSPIRES YOU...CHOOSING THE SUGAR PLUM FOR SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOUR HEART! For "...As WE lay asleep ALL snug in our beds...WE ALL have visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads..."

As always,

WISHING EVERYONE THE BEST OF EVERYTHING!

BLESSED BE!