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SEPTEMBER 18 – NOVEMBER 14 – THE ART OF MELISSA MONTIEL
Melissa Montiel is a Philadelphia artist and gallerist working in a variety of mediums including oils, watercolor and mixed media. In 2002, Montiel studied draftsmanship at the Barnstone Studios in Coplay, PA. In 2007, she received a Certificate in Printmaking at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and BFA from the University of Pennsylvania. She and her husband own a successful tattoo studio and art gallery in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia.
Her work is an exploration of the human condition through the use of found images. She seeks out figures in disarming and uncomfortable positions to focus on the awkwardness and vulnerability of the individual. Melissa finds that although these expressions are unique to the stranger in the photograph, there are basic emotions that unite all people, throughout generations.
JULY 24– SEPTEMBER 12: CAUSA SUI: THE ART OF JACQUELINE SOLIMEO
This exhibit, Causa sui (pronounced kau̯. sa ˈsʊ. i) is a Latin term relating to a philosophical hypothesis denoting that something is self-generating or self-creating. Artist Jaquie Solimeo offers her take on abstract painting and what makes her love it so much.
As imperfect humans, she thinks that we can feel so aware of that imperfection that the process of creation and expression like art can be tainted. When Jaquie sees art that she carefully planned, re-visited, and toiled over, it seems ugly because what she really sees is this all-consuming battle against imperfection. Her experience with abstract art, however, is that it's almost as if it creates itself. There’s no plan, no expectation, no anxiety…and in the end when she looks at it, she finally sees art and beauty. She sees nothing of herself and it’s like she had no part of it. It’s a special mental space to enter into when you can enjoy art as if you didn’t make it.
The mixed media abstract paintings in this Causa Sui collection are largely monochromatic and generally influenced by grunge. You can expect to see translucent layers, scrapes, markings, lines, drips, and bits of mica. Rarely are brushes or tools used during the painting process but rather air, motion, heat, and repelling mediums are used to create unique shapes and organic motion.
THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF JOAN WHEELER
Joan Wheeler’s passion for photography began in high school. She worked for a newspaper, captured portraits of people and pets, photographed action sports, landscapes, abandoned spaces and worked with non-profits. Now, much of her artwork reflects old and abandoned places and things. She loves the history behind everywhere she visits and tries to imagine what life was like when these places and things were new and thriving. The photographs in this show include local places like Smithville, Batsto, the remains of the Circus Drive in Hammonton, as well as many old houses and barns in Burlington County. Also included are photos from an abandoned silk mill, barns from Peter’s Valley in the Delaware Water Gap, old Missions from Arizona, and old cars, some of which she found along the roads in South Jersey. While many of the prints are digital and were printed on fine art paper with archival inks, there are some that are printed using alternative methods including Gum printing and Van Dyke Brown prints. Joan feels it’s important to photograph the old so we can remember and learn. What most excites her is showing the audience her view of the world through her photographs. Her work will be on display through July 17.
THE ART OF CAROL BELL
Please welcome artist Carol Bell who recently won best of show in the 44th Annual Juried Art Show at Smithville park. Carol minored in art in college and always knew she would return to it when the time was right. Even though It took more than 35 years, when she retired in 2013 she started enjoying painting in watercolor. Carol began taking several classes at Perkins Center for the Arts in Moorestown and at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia. Although she really admires the work of those who paint more loosely, most of the work featured will be photo realism, which is a very literal interpretation of what she sees.
The Little Things (In Technicolor) - Paintings by Michael Anthony
Many of us look for beauty in the world in obvious places, like mountains, beaches, and forests. But many of the wild and scenic places omit any trace of the modern world. This exhibit by local artist Michael Anthony, displays these missed opportunities, and shows that beauty that can be found everywhere from a simple night scene to even a run-down old building! See the works in person on Tuesdays and Saturdays, from 10 AM – 4 PM, or view the gallery online!
THE ART OF JONNY BUSS
Jonny Buss, a handyman with the Burlington County Division of Parks, creates abstract compositions through the use of digital data corruption, photocopy wheat paste, and acrylic stenciling techniques. The aesthetic of his artwork is a commentary about the relationship between data, technology and contemporary society. Abstract Sound installations will accompany the visual art through the duration of the exhibit. Visit the Gallery Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 AM - 4 PM or Preview the exhibit!