Podcasts, Tattoos & Favorite Things

What do these 3 things have in common?  They are all new art exhibits and art interviews happening now…and I’m happy to be involved with all three of them!  Spring brings out the motivation & creativity in many of us so it’s a great time to create new work or get out & experience what’s going on in the art world.  Social media makes this easier than ever, especially with podcasts !  My friend at the XFactory hooked me up with the awesome guys at Know-Shit Podcasts to do an hour long interview about everything from what it’s like to be a full time artist, to the Gothic & Steampunk scenes, mythology, spirituality & more!   I hope you’ll take some time to check it out, & listen in on future podcasts as well, as they have many interesting guests.  Here’s the link to my interview:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjFT7TLpCF4&feature=share

As for Tattoos, they are an ancient art form that has gone thru many changes and stereotypes but is now more respected than ever as a true art form and is being honored in a new art exhibit at Atelier Rosal in Rahway, NJ!  Amazing works depicting tattooed people and art by artists who’s work has ended up on a walking canvas as well as images addressing this much maligned but now popular art form. Show runs thru June 7, 2018.  74 East Cherry St., Rahway, NJ.  
https://www.facebook.com/AtelierRosal/

Digital photo collage using actual x-ray images.

I’m happy to have 2 of my “X-RAYted” digital photo collages in this show and the exhibit will also coincide with a huge biker fest in town Sat. May 12.  Here’s the Facebook invite page for details:   https://www.facebook.com/events/1803649219938141/

This town wide, free event will be the perfect place to see tattoo art at it’s best, both in the gallery and on human canvases!

Finally we come to “a few of our Favorite Things”.  This is the latest theme for the new art exhibit at the South Brunswick Municipal Gallery, which opens Fri. May 18, 6:30pm-8pm. It’s a free event, with refreshments served, that features art from many local NJ artists focused on things we feel a connection to, that bring back memories and tell stories!  I’ll have the photo below, “NOLA VooDoo Window” in this exhibit.  Show runs thru Aug. 5, 2018.
540 Rt. 522/Ridge Rd., Monmouth Jct., NJ www.sbarts.org

So, there are many ways you can get involved with the arts this spring, whether it’s attending a gallery show, a biker tattoo outdoor fest or listening to a podcast from the comfort of home…or all three!  Either way, I hope you enjoy these free and creative events…& stay tuned for more to come this summer!

Immigration Issue Exhibit

Art can serve as more than a way to decorate your walls or express personal emotions…it can also serve to address important social and political issues and create a positive forum for discussion and exchange of ideas.  That’s why I’m proud to have 2 pieces in the IMMIGRATION ISSUE group art exhibit at Nails in the Wall Gallery in Metuchen, NJ opening this Saturday afternoon, 2-5pm (1/25/14).  Here’s all the details about this important show:

The Immigration Issue THEN & NOW will open at Nails in the Wall, the Gallery at St. Luke’s, 17 Oak Ave., SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2-5PM with a reception for artists.  It is free and open to the public.

Art works using many media and styles by artists from all over the country reflect on this ethical moral issue, a major justice concern of our day.  Spearheading the 150^th Anniversary celebration of the founding of St. Luke’s Church, this exhibit calls us to acknowledge that we have always been and continue to be a nation of immigrants….and what that means emotionally and psychically.

According to Gallery Director, Linda Vonderschmidt-LaStella, “I believe visitors to this exhibit will find themselves entering the gallery and catching their breath.  The images are so powerful and speak to the issue from so many and varied perspectives.  These are works that truly touch the heart.”

The Immigration Issue art exhibit flyer

Among the most poignant, is a series of sculptures by NJ artist Robert Lach.   His “Nestboxes” make use of antique suitcases hollowed out and supporting nest-like elements.  Like Lach’s sculptures, WV artist Victoria Pendragon’s collage connects strongly to the broad mythic experience of the immigrant as does the work of NJ artist Thelma Fried, FL artist Beau Wild and Allison Merriweather, who makes her home in Houston, TX.

The largest element in the show is a 10′ long print “Family Homestead” by the Chicago, IL artist Audrius  V. Plioplys., created from a photograph of the Plioplys family farmhouses in Lithuania.  His story of his family’s escape from persecution is woven in web-like fashion into the work, reflecting what was preserved…and what was lost.

Like Plioplys, many artists created work that connected directly with their family’s experiences of immigration:  NJ artists Lydia Congiu, Cornelia Dohse-Peck, Ellis Eisner, Lisa G. Westheimer, Roberta Rose, and NM artist Diego Rios.

Exploring additional aspects of the concept is the work by NJ artist Lauren Curtis, AK artist Jeannie Stone, and two Maryland artists Erich March and Johan Lowie. Refreshments for the Opening will be provided by our “Art Partner” the Metuchen Inn, and live music by Metuchen musician Steve Kaplan will add to the celebratory experience.

The exhibit continues through May 31, with the gallery open daily.  Check the website:  www.stlukesmetuchen.org/nails-in-the-wall.php  for times and for the two additional programs connected with this exhibit.

Art with soul; a call for artists & poets!

Art can bridge gaps, start discussion and have healing effects.  These are 
some of the main reasons i love being represented by Gallery U in Red Bank!
They strive to help others through creativity and here's just on example.  So
if you're an artist/poet and also a social worker, this one's for you!




CALL FOR ARTISTS AND POETS WHO ARE SOCIAL WORKERS
 
In celebration of Social Work Month 2013, Gallery U in Red Bank NJ
presents a month long celebration of social workers in New Jersey. A
number of events are scheduled for the month, including an exhibition
celebrating artwork by social workers and a special edition of POETRY
U focusing on poetry by New Jersey social workers.
We are currently looking for artwork by social workers (current,
retired and students) who are also artists. You can find submission
guidelines at https://www.facebook.com/groups/251637761584426/ in our
"file" section.
 
We are also looking for social workers who are poets to join this
special POETRY U event scheduled for Friday, March 22 from 7-9 PM. If
you would like to be considered for a featured reader spot at POETRY
U’s SWART event, please send three sample poems to
rlangdongalleryu@gmail.com. Submissions must be received by March 1,
2013.
Please pass this opportunity to anyone who may be interested.