Bridge by Steve Varner
Bassist Steve Varner Exhibits Pastels
Date: 07/02/12
Steve Varner was raised in Texas where he became very well known for his electric bass playing. Moving to New Jersey, he has picked up pastels and has rendered portraits, early morning and the beauty of local settings you might recognize. Varner has played acoustic bass with Pat Martino, Phil Woods, Dave Liebman and Michael Bond as part of the New York and New Brunswick jazz scene.
Soiourn in Xi'an
Ruth Jansyn, Soiourn in Xi'an
Date: 05/29/12
Ruth Jansyn, Soiourn in Xi'an
Show in June 2012
Ruth F. Jansyn has been taking photos since she received her first Kodak box camera as a child, graduating to a Nikon, a Minolta 7 and finally a digital camera.
“For me, the most important instrument is my eye, both when I snap the shutter and then when I view the image,” Jansyn said.
Along the way from her journey from high school teacher to college professor she traveled to archaeological sites in Northern Italy, Australia, and Russia and along with her husband traveled across the United States and Europe.
For seven years she studied photography at Long Island University in New York. She has lived in Highland Park for three decades and new splits her time between New Jersey and south western Texas.
Show in June 2012
Ruth F. Jansyn has been taking photos since she received her first Kodak box camera as a child, graduating to a Nikon, a Minolta 7 and finally a digital camera.
“For me, the most important instrument is my eye, both when I snap the shutter and then when I view the image,” Jansyn said.
Along the way from her journey from high school teacher to college professor she traveled to archaeological sites in Northern Italy, Australia, and Russia and along with her husband traveled across the United States and Europe.
For seven years she studied photography at Long Island University in New York. She has lived in Highland Park for three decades and new splits her time between New Jersey and south western Texas.
Transitional Interim: Abstract Paintings by Sam Castillo
Transitional Interim: Abstract Paintings by Sam Castillo
Date: 05/03/12
Transitional Interim: Abstract Paintings by
Sam Castillo, a show of journeys through color and shape, exhibits the journey of the artist moving beyond her previous visceral works to a new exploration of basic shapes and colors. Sam Castillo received a B.A. in Visual Arts, from University College, at Rutgers University.
Sam Castillo, a show of journeys through color and shape, exhibits the journey of the artist moving beyond her previous visceral works to a new exploration of basic shapes and colors. Sam Castillo received a B.A. in Visual Arts, from University College, at Rutgers University.
Journeys Near and Far: Paintings and Photos
Mudleaves
Date: 03/12/12
Seven artists from the Highland Park Artist Collective are participating in Journeys Near and Far: Paintings and Photos.
Artists E. Carol O'Neill, Fred Cole, Mort Farrah, Bill Giacalone, Bill Bonner, Tom Maugham, and John Marron. are all represented in the show.
Each artist has multiple submissions that place you in a different environment. Thomas Maugham’s photos place you in scenic habitats near Frozen Water, a Red Barn, where even the Sayreville Power Plant has beauty and majesty.
E. Carol O’Neill drops you in different universes with collages, like Lithium Dreams. Her water colors are lush while William Giacalone’s large abstract oils invite us in. You might just find yourself in one of Bill Bonner’s Downtown Highland Park, photos. Mort Farrah invites you to the Jersey shore with his large, colorful summer paradises. Fred Cole has two hanging sculptures and John Marron contributed two pen and ink pieces.
Artists E. Carol O'Neill, Fred Cole, Mort Farrah, Bill Giacalone, Bill Bonner, Tom Maugham, and John Marron. are all represented in the show.
Each artist has multiple submissions that place you in a different environment. Thomas Maugham’s photos place you in scenic habitats near Frozen Water, a Red Barn, where even the Sayreville Power Plant has beauty and majesty.
E. Carol O’Neill drops you in different universes with collages, like Lithium Dreams. Her water colors are lush while William Giacalone’s large abstract oils invite us in. You might just find yourself in one of Bill Bonner’s Downtown Highland Park, photos. Mort Farrah invites you to the Jersey shore with his large, colorful summer paradises. Fred Cole has two hanging sculptures and John Marron contributed two pen and ink pieces.
Thea Williams, Material Art.
Thea Williams, Material Art.
Date: 02/03/12
Thea Williams of Highland Park has been designing and making dresses since she was 15 years old and learned the craft from her grandmother. The New Brunswick seamstress will be exhibiting her new work, Material Art. “Although I’m a dress maker by trade, creating fabric art has given me new inspiration from a craft I’ve been doing since I was a child learning at the knees of my grandmother,” Williams said. “I get ideas from all walks of life, church, books and people.”
Painting by Marjorie Everett
Marjorie Everett, painting
Date: 11/16/11
Decades ago a group of young mothers began meeting in Highland Park and never stopped meeting. Many share an interest in art and as some are retiring, seven members are having an art show at the library. An art reception will be held on Saturday, December 3 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM for Marjorie Everett, E.Carol O’Neill, Jane Adas, Joyce Orenstein, Kay Tsurumi, Lynne Pitcher, and Linda Loveland. The community is invited.
The show will feature watercolors, collages, pastels, composite art works, photographs and a quilt.
“After many years and many changes in membership, we are now a group of friends retired from various careers and continuing to lead interesting, diverse lives while still coming together monthly,” Lynne Pitcher said. “We have long noted an abiding interest in the arts, whether as a nurturing force or as a serious amateur or professional interest. Member Marjorie Everett suggested we assemble a show for Highland Park where most of us reside.”
The show will feature watercolors, collages, pastels, composite art works, photographs and a quilt.
“After many years and many changes in membership, we are now a group of friends retired from various careers and continuing to lead interesting, diverse lives while still coming together monthly,” Lynne Pitcher said. “We have long noted an abiding interest in the arts, whether as a nurturing force or as a serious amateur or professional interest. Member Marjorie Everett suggested we assemble a show for Highland Park where most of us reside.”
Michael Guccione: Photography
Michael Guccione
Date: 10/18/11
Michael Guccione is a photographer from Laurence Harbor, NJ and is exhibiting Nature’s Patterns and Textures: Photos. In the last year, Michael has had his first solo showing, and has had the opportunity to show other works with the South Brunswick Arts Commission and the Raritan Photographic Society. Michael is an active member of the Raritan Photographic Society, regularly participating in the club’s monthly photo competitions.
This is Michael’s 2nd solo showing. This show features mostly nature shots with lots of patterns and textures as well as vivid colors and abstract shapes. There are both color and black and white photos.
This is Michael’s 2nd solo showing. This show features mostly nature shots with lots of patterns and textures as well as vivid colors and abstract shapes. There are both color and black and white photos.
Painting by Cynthia Walling
painting by Cynthia Walling
Date: 09/19/11
Cynthia Walling is an artist who has the eye of the poet. Her next exhibit, Places I Visited: Large Paintings from Mexico will be on display at the library in October. The Highland Park artist is also bringing a collection of smaller pastel paintings to the library main hall display case in October.
Walling worked for 21 years as a special education and history teacher at Elizabeth High School. She has studied painting in Maine, North Carolina, and Ringling Brothers Summer Art School in Sarasota, Florida. She has exhibited through the area.
Walling donated one of her large outdoor canvases to the library’s reference area.
Walling worked for 21 years as a special education and history teacher at Elizabeth High School. She has studied painting in Maine, North Carolina, and Ringling Brothers Summer Art School in Sarasota, Florida. She has exhibited through the area.
Walling donated one of her large outdoor canvases to the library’s reference area.
Lizard by Diane Reh
Lizard by Diane Reh
Date: 08/31/11
Lizard by Diane Reh, part of Group Mixed Media Show
Michael Shoudt, the group’s instructor, and the following students have all contributed to the exhibit: Diane Reh, Debbie Spinella, Joan Gartenberg, Cindy Salsbury and Galia Estlein.
“Splashes of color and happy accidents are celebrated in this exhibition of artists,” Michael Shoudt, graduate student in the MFA program at Mason Gross, said. “They met in this class and came from all different backgrounds including Dance, Design, Building Inspection and Law, to name a few. Prints include titles such as Apocalypse, Friends as Cats, Gates to Jerusalem and Pink Elephants.”
Michael Shoudt, the group’s instructor, and the following students have all contributed to the exhibit: Diane Reh, Debbie Spinella, Joan Gartenberg, Cindy Salsbury and Galia Estlein.
“Splashes of color and happy accidents are celebrated in this exhibition of artists,” Michael Shoudt, graduate student in the MFA program at Mason Gross, said. “They met in this class and came from all different backgrounds including Dance, Design, Building Inspection and Law, to name a few. Prints include titles such as Apocalypse, Friends as Cats, Gates to Jerusalem and Pink Elephants.”
Triangle by Marc Scheinman
Triangle by Marc Scheinman
Date: 08/31/11
Triangle by Marc Scheinman is part of an installation of hand-painted figures and works on paper by Marc N Scheinman (1943-2011), a Highland Park resident for 37 years.
A self-taught artist, during two decades he evolved a personal drawing style in black Rapidograph pen. In 2008 a box lot of dried natural gourds found at Englishtown flea market tempted him to take up a paintbrush and acrylics.
Dr. Scheinman, professor of Marketing in the Lubin School of Business at Pace University in New York, commissioned wood carvings in Oaxaca during academic vacations and started gathering dried horseshoe crab shells on the New Jersey shore to paint and design. Among his sources of inspiration were artists Joan Miró, Paul Klee, Henri Matisse, and Francisco Toledo; prehistoric rock art; and Australian aboriginal art.
Scheinman taught, lectured and traveled extensively, both as a leader of undergraduate student marketing study tours abroad, and as an expert on the Mexican automotive and beverage industries. With his wife Pamela, an adjunct professor in the Dept. of Art & Design at Montclair State University, he collected Latin-American masks, alebrijes (Oaxacan carved figures), ceramics and other objects.
A self-taught artist, during two decades he evolved a personal drawing style in black Rapidograph pen. In 2008 a box lot of dried natural gourds found at Englishtown flea market tempted him to take up a paintbrush and acrylics.
Dr. Scheinman, professor of Marketing in the Lubin School of Business at Pace University in New York, commissioned wood carvings in Oaxaca during academic vacations and started gathering dried horseshoe crab shells on the New Jersey shore to paint and design. Among his sources of inspiration were artists Joan Miró, Paul Klee, Henri Matisse, and Francisco Toledo; prehistoric rock art; and Australian aboriginal art.
Scheinman taught, lectured and traveled extensively, both as a leader of undergraduate student marketing study tours abroad, and as an expert on the Mexican automotive and beverage industries. With his wife Pamela, an adjunct professor in the Dept. of Art & Design at Montclair State University, he collected Latin-American masks, alebrijes (Oaxacan carved figures), ceramics and other objects.
Maine Mother and Child, detail of painting by Don Bloom
East Brunswick artist Don Bloom is exhibiting Parents and Children: In Oils
Date: 06/27/11
East Brunswick artist Don Bloom is exhibiting Parents and Children: In Oils. The East Brunswick artist explores the intimate relationship between parents and children. His use of blocks of color infuse his images with energy, which give his paintings movement and emotion.
Bloom has received fellowships and awards for his work including a Guggenheim Fellowship in painting. He has exhibited nationally on both coasts and throughout New Jersey. He is also a book illustrator and a caricature artist at private and public events.
Bloom has received fellowships and awards for his work including a Guggenheim Fellowship in painting. He has exhibited nationally on both coasts and throughout New Jersey. He is also a book illustrator and a caricature artist at private and public events.
Jayant Shroff painting
Jayant Shroff painting
Date: 04/27/11
Jayant Shroff, a Metuchen artist, is displaying Life In Rural India. Jayant loved painting and art as a student in India. He deferred painting for 40 years to build a career and raise a family. Beginning 2001, Jayant picked up painting where he had left off, fulfilling his dream. Jayant paints in watercolor, acrylics and oil pastels using the subject matter that reminds him of his roots.
Jayant worked in various corporate research and management positions in a fortune 100 company retiring in 2001 after 34 years of illustrious and progressive career.
Jayant worked in various corporate research and management positions in a fortune 100 company retiring in 2001 after 34 years of illustrious and progressive career.
Wilted Lilies by Tom Maugham
Wilted Lilies by Tom Maugham
Date: 04/01/11
Four members of the Highland Park Art Collective, Thomas Maugham, Lisa Cameron, Monique Ortiz-Arndt, and John Marron,
will be exhibiting in the meeting room at the HP Library in April. An artist reception will be held Saturday, April 9 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM.
will be exhibiting in the meeting room at the HP Library in April. An artist reception will be held Saturday, April 9 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM.
Portrait by Anne Davis
Women: Portraits by Anne Davis
Date: 03/07/11
Women: Portraits by Anne Davis
The work of Anne Davis has been on display on the west and east coast and she has studied at the Whitney Museum, in Greenwich, Connecticut, Malibu, California and in Manhattan.
“My favorite place to paint is in Highland Park,” Davis said. “I’ve lived here the longest and paint full time in my Highland Park studio.”
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of women whose commitment to nature and the planet have proved invaluable to society.
The work of Anne Davis has been on display on the west and east coast and she has studied at the Whitney Museum, in Greenwich, Connecticut, Malibu, California and in Manhattan.
“My favorite place to paint is in Highland Park,” Davis said. “I’ve lived here the longest and paint full time in my Highland Park studio.”
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of women whose commitment to nature and the planet have proved invaluable to society.
Photography by John Flint
Exuberance in Slovakia by John Flint
Date: 01/28/11
Photographer John Flint strapped on a camera 50 years ago and has been snapping photos in America, Europe, and Asia ever since. He will be displaying his exhibit, People and Places in the month of February 2011.
Flint, who is a long time resident of Highland Park, has included photos from his trips to Arizona in the late 1950s, trips to Europe in the 1970s, 80s and 90s and a 2006 trip to Thailand and Cambodia where he spent time with the hill tribes of northern Thailand and visited the temple ruins of Angkor Wat.
“A visit to Monet’s gardens at Giverny inspired a broadening of subject interests from landscapes to opportunistic shots,” Flint said. “Many of which are represented in the show.”
After four visits to the gardens, Flint privately published a book of photographic essays.
Flint, who is a long time resident of Highland Park, has included photos from his trips to Arizona in the late 1950s, trips to Europe in the 1970s, 80s and 90s and a 2006 trip to Thailand and Cambodia where he spent time with the hill tribes of northern Thailand and visited the temple ruins of Angkor Wat.
“A visit to Monet’s gardens at Giverny inspired a broadening of subject interests from landscapes to opportunistic shots,” Flint said. “Many of which are represented in the show.”
After four visits to the gardens, Flint privately published a book of photographic essays.
Lizard
Lizard painting by Jessica Mekeel
Date: 01/27/11
Jessica Mekeel is fascinated with lizards. She owns two of her own and loves to use them as subjects in her paintings. The 12 year old artist, who has been painting for six years, is having her first solo art show in the Main Hall Case. The exhibit will also feature a variety of animals as well as reptiles, some from Jessica’s own menagerie.
Art by Coleen Tyler
Artist Coleen Tyler, who has previously been chair for the Highland Park Arts Commission, attempts to create an abstract composition that reveals her personal point of view on a given topic. For instance, one composition is entitled, “Once Upon A Time”.
Date: 01/02/11
Artist Coleen Tyler, who has previously been chair for the Highland Park Arts Commission, attempts to create an abstract composition that reveals her personal point of view on a given topic. For instance, one composition is entitled, “Once Upon A Time”. This piece is about the innocence, humor, wonder, and excitement inherent in a well-told fairy tale. The ink and collage composition allows the viewer to have a personal interpretation.
This exhibit is composed of encaustic paintings on wood and mixed media pieces on paper. Some unifying elements that interest me are: geometric and spatial illusion, the press and pull of shallow abstract space, and the symbolic use of color, line and shape to convey specific emotional states.
Tyler, has been a life long artist and is a long time resident of Highland Park. For several years she has been an ESL instructor.
She has an ESL Certificate from the College of New Jersey and a Master of Fine Arts in ceramics from the Virginia Commonwealth University.
This exhibit is composed of encaustic paintings on wood and mixed media pieces on paper. Some unifying elements that interest me are: geometric and spatial illusion, the press and pull of shallow abstract space, and the symbolic use of color, line and shape to convey specific emotional states.
Tyler, has been a life long artist and is a long time resident of Highland Park. For several years she has been an ESL instructor.
She has an ESL Certificate from the College of New Jersey and a Master of Fine Arts in ceramics from the Virginia Commonwealth University.
Drop, photo by Max Zandstein
Max Zandstein, a high school student in Highland Park, is one of the Middlesex teens whose art work is on display.
Date: 11/28/10
Max Zandstein, a high school student in Highland Park, is one of the Middlesex teens whose art work is on display.
The Arts High School & Middle School program is a special release-time program for gifted and talented teens. Students interested in joining the program must audition to participate. It is administered by the Arts & Education Center which has been operating the program in Middlesex for the past 30 years.
Participants include Max Zandstein from Highland Park HS, Adelaide Agyemang, Sayreville WMHS, Anica Bustamante, Edgar School,Cynthia Cheng, Edison HS,Chloe Cruz, Thomas Jefferson MS,Jeanna Dressel, Monroe HS, Nami Farrell, Monroe HS, Areta Jez, Sayreville WMHS, Liza Kotik, Old Bridge HS, Ye-Seul Lee, South Brunswick HS, Shelly Luo, Woodrow Wilson MS (Edison), Laura Materna, Metuchen HS, Katherine Moy, Colonia HS, Weronika Pajdak, John F Kennedy HS, Sara Pineda, New Brunswick MS,Olivia Restivo, Monroe HS, Gabrielle Rosenthal, Highland Park MS, Kaylin Vee, South Amboy MS, Julie Witkowski, South River HS, Daria Yackwack, Woodbridge HS, Taylor Young, North Brunswick HS, Brianna Young, Carl Sandburg MS, Allison Aniskina, JP Stevens HS, Margaux Antoine, South River HS, Lila Barth, Metuchen HS, Tom Baumser, John Adams MS, Alex Chalker, Edgar School, Averi Chan, Metuchen HS, Michelle Czerwinski, Old Bridge HS, Kaitlyn Dunphy, Edison HS, Amy Dworsky, Herbert Hoover MS, Jessica Gilman, Metuchen HS, Dawn Govlick, Spotswood HS, Natalie Hale, Edgar School, Randy Irarragorry, North Brunswick HS, Taylor Jengo, Edison HS, Emily Keenan, South Amboy H,S, Abigail Kolb, South River MS, Monica Landaverde, JP Stevens HS, Melissa Leardi, Edgar School, Joelle Marrone, Applegarth MS, Jade Rodriguez, Sayreville MS, Kevin Sauls, South Amboy MS, Christina Scalici, Old Bridge HS, Tori Yates, Sayreville WMHS, and Shirley Yu, JP Stevens HS.
The Arts High School & Middle School program is a special release-time program for gifted and talented teens. Students interested in joining the program must audition to participate. It is administered by the Arts & Education Center which has been operating the program in Middlesex for the past 30 years.
Participants include Max Zandstein from Highland Park HS, Adelaide Agyemang, Sayreville WMHS, Anica Bustamante, Edgar School,Cynthia Cheng, Edison HS,Chloe Cruz, Thomas Jefferson MS,Jeanna Dressel, Monroe HS, Nami Farrell, Monroe HS, Areta Jez, Sayreville WMHS, Liza Kotik, Old Bridge HS, Ye-Seul Lee, South Brunswick HS, Shelly Luo, Woodrow Wilson MS (Edison), Laura Materna, Metuchen HS, Katherine Moy, Colonia HS, Weronika Pajdak, John F Kennedy HS, Sara Pineda, New Brunswick MS,Olivia Restivo, Monroe HS, Gabrielle Rosenthal, Highland Park MS, Kaylin Vee, South Amboy MS, Julie Witkowski, South River HS, Daria Yackwack, Woodbridge HS, Taylor Young, North Brunswick HS, Brianna Young, Carl Sandburg MS, Allison Aniskina, JP Stevens HS, Margaux Antoine, South River HS, Lila Barth, Metuchen HS, Tom Baumser, John Adams MS, Alex Chalker, Edgar School, Averi Chan, Metuchen HS, Michelle Czerwinski, Old Bridge HS, Kaitlyn Dunphy, Edison HS, Amy Dworsky, Herbert Hoover MS, Jessica Gilman, Metuchen HS, Dawn Govlick, Spotswood HS, Natalie Hale, Edgar School, Randy Irarragorry, North Brunswick HS, Taylor Jengo, Edison HS, Emily Keenan, South Amboy H,S, Abigail Kolb, South River MS, Monica Landaverde, JP Stevens HS, Melissa Leardi, Edgar School, Joelle Marrone, Applegarth MS, Jade Rodriguez, Sayreville MS, Kevin Sauls, South Amboy MS, Christina Scalici, Old Bridge HS, Tori Yates, Sayreville WMHS, and Shirley Yu, JP Stevens HS.
seesaw
Found Objects by Highland Park Artist Cooperative
Date: 10/06/10
The Highland Park Artist Cooperative is exhibiting Found Objects in the Main Hall Display Case in October.
“Found objects become art when artist takes an interest in an otherwise mundane item,” artist Bill Bonner, from the cooperative explained. “It can be part of an assemblage or it can be used as a stand alone.”
In addition to Bonner, Fred Cole, Ruth Jansyn, Nancy Schultz and Rick Black are displaying works assembled with feathers, granite, drift wood, shells and common house hold objects.
The Highland Park Artist Cooperative is also exhibiting a second show, Paintings, Drawings and Photos, in the Meeting Room through October.
“Found objects become art when artist takes an interest in an otherwise mundane item,” artist Bill Bonner, from the cooperative explained. “It can be part of an assemblage or it can be used as a stand alone.”
In addition to Bonner, Fred Cole, Ruth Jansyn, Nancy Schultz and Rick Black are displaying works assembled with feathers, granite, drift wood, shells and common house hold objects.
The Highland Park Artist Cooperative is also exhibiting a second show, Paintings, Drawings and Photos, in the Meeting Room through October.
Rita Herzfeld painting
Rita Herzfeld painting
Date: 06/29/10
Rita Herzfeld has been painting abstracts for the past 20 years.
“I feel the energy and color of my work almost jump off the canvas and is pulled back just in time to avoid a serious collision that may ruin the flow and movement of the painting.”
Herzfeld claims to stay away from recognizable images and doesn’t always know what her objective is, which gives her work a fresh and surprising perspective for viewers.
“I don’t always know what I’m after, but I do know when I achieve it,” Herzfeld said.
“I feel the energy and color of my work almost jump off the canvas and is pulled back just in time to avoid a serious collision that may ruin the flow and movement of the painting.”
Herzfeld claims to stay away from recognizable images and doesn’t always know what her objective is, which gives her work a fresh and surprising perspective for viewers.
“I don’t always know what I’m after, but I do know when I achieve it,” Herzfeld said.
Point of View by Coleen Tyler
Point Of View, painting by Coleen Tyler
Date: 06/15/10
Coleen Tyler's show, Point Of View, abstract images on ink and paper, tackle the issues of different impressions and opinions.
Tyler, who has previously been chair for the Highland Park Arts Commission, has created multiple small abstract images that she has combined in one unit. The ink and collage composition allows the viewer to have a personal interpretation.
Tyler, who has previously been chair for the Highland Park Arts Commission, has created multiple small abstract images that she has combined in one unit. The ink and collage composition allows the viewer to have a personal interpretation.
To Market
To Market (detail) by Phyllis Halsted Freedman
Date: 01/04/10
To Market (detail) by Phyllis Halsted Freedman
The exhibit, The Beauty of Work, was inspired by the beautiful interplay of people doing their daily work in natural environments. The source material was taken from National Geographic Magazine from 1987 to 2000.
Freedman, who has studied and painted for more than 40 years, has had four major solo shows and has exhibited in private and corporate collections as well as in galleries and juried shows.
The artist, who has been an adjunct professor at the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University, is also a long time resident of Highland Park and a member of its artistic community.
The exhibit, The Beauty of Work, was inspired by the beautiful interplay of people doing their daily work in natural environments. The source material was taken from National Geographic Magazine from 1987 to 2000.
Freedman, who has studied and painted for more than 40 years, has had four major solo shows and has exhibited in private and corporate collections as well as in galleries and juried shows.
The artist, who has been an adjunct professor at the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University, is also a long time resident of Highland Park and a member of its artistic community.
Vaulted
Vaulted by J. Verni, a Highland Park artist and photographer
Date: 10/18/09
Vaulted by J. Verni, a Highland Park artist and photographer
According to Verne, using a digital camera allows him to capture exactly the image he wants, a process quicker than painting.
“I come from a fine art background and as an abstract painter, forms and texture always intrigued me. Over the years I found myself getting caught up in technique and would sometimes lose sight of my original idea,” Verni said. “I would find it difficult to translate the image onto paper or canvas as I had imagined it in my head. When I discovered the world of digital photography, a whole new way to express myself opened up.”
According to Verne, using a digital camera allows him to capture exactly the image he wants, a process quicker than painting.
“I come from a fine art background and as an abstract painter, forms and texture always intrigued me. Over the years I found myself getting caught up in technique and would sometimes lose sight of my original idea,” Verni said. “I would find it difficult to translate the image onto paper or canvas as I had imagined it in my head. When I discovered the world of digital photography, a whole new way to express myself opened up.”
Evolving Form Sculpture by Jack Shapiro
Sculpture by Jack Shapiro
Date: 07/08/09
Sculpture by Jack Shapiro: Coinciding with his 92nd birthday, artist Jack Shapiro loaned the Highland Park Public Library a 500 pound alabaster stone sculpture. Evolving Form is one of 70 soft stone pieces Shapiro has completed during his 55 years living, painting, and carving in the borough.
Shapiro, who grew used to working with small hand tools during his career making artificial teeth and crowns at his dental laboratory, now feels comfortable using them on large stones, some more than 50 million years old.
In 1954 he took a painting class at the borough Y with George Segal, a sculptor who later became famous for creating large pieces by swaddling his human models in plaster bandages manufactured by nearby Johnson and Johnson. From the time he enrolled in the class, through the rest of his career and 25 years in to his retirement, Shapiro has never stopped painting or carving.
The alabaster stone piece, now in the entranceway of the library, took Shapiro about three months to carve, polish, and finish. It is on long term loan to the library.
“It’s important for me to develop original work and not repeat myself,” Shapiro said. “It’s also vital for the artist to be seen and share with their community; otherwise we’re creating in a vacuum.”
Shapiro, who grew used to working with small hand tools during his career making artificial teeth and crowns at his dental laboratory, now feels comfortable using them on large stones, some more than 50 million years old.
In 1954 he took a painting class at the borough Y with George Segal, a sculptor who later became famous for creating large pieces by swaddling his human models in plaster bandages manufactured by nearby Johnson and Johnson. From the time he enrolled in the class, through the rest of his career and 25 years in to his retirement, Shapiro has never stopped painting or carving.
The alabaster stone piece, now in the entranceway of the library, took Shapiro about three months to carve, polish, and finish. It is on long term loan to the library.
“It’s important for me to develop original work and not repeat myself,” Shapiro said. “It’s also vital for the artist to be seen and share with their community; otherwise we’re creating in a vacuum.”
Artist Jack Kushnick
Chinese Brush Art by Jack Kushnick
Date: 06/30/09
Chinese Brush Art and Watercolor Exhibit by Jack Kushnick: Jack B. Kushnick specializes in Chinese brush art. He uses ink and water color on a variety of materials including rice paper, papyrus, and silk. His work is displayed in private collections and he is a member of numerous Sumi-e and watercolor societies both locally and nationally. He has exhibited in California, Florida, New York and New Jersey.
In this show he depicts the peacefulness, beauty and simplicity of Asian life. The East Brunswick artist has also been a physical therapist for more than 37 years.
“Art can enhance the healing powers of both mind and body,” Kushnick said. “I am enthralled by the beauty of nature and this is reflected in my paintings.”
In this show he depicts the peacefulness, beauty and simplicity of Asian life. The East Brunswick artist has also been a physical therapist for more than 37 years.
“Art can enhance the healing powers of both mind and body,” Kushnick said. “I am enthralled by the beauty of nature and this is reflected in my paintings.”
Praying Mantises
Praying Mantises, photo by Bill Bonner
Date: 06/01/09
Praying Mantis, photo by Bill Bonner, part of Nature Themed Works: paintings, photographs and a variety of other media of more than 15 borough artists.
Twin Sadness
Twin Sadness by Katja Valeur
Date: 04/07/09
Katja Valeur, who is originally from Denmark, works with acrylic, enamel paints, powdered glass, collage, glitter, and crayon. She has exhibited in her native Denmark as well as in New York and New Jersey. Her art is on display at the library in April 2009.
Schnitzel by Bill Giacalone
Children's book illustrated by Highland Park artist Bill Giacalone
Date: 01/26/09
During the 1960's Highland Park artist Bill Giacalone illustrated a number of story books and Hebrew school books for young children. Three Stories by Sholom Aleichem, The Pitzel Holiday Book, The Shlimeels of Chelm by Sol Scharfstein, Draydel, Draydel, Draydel, Debbie In Dreamland-Her Holiday Adventures and one of his favorites The Schnitzel Book.
His illustrations are whimsical and reminiscent of the old country where Hasidim studied and danced with the Torah, villagers labored on farms, and where students attended small village schools.
His illustrations are whimsical and reminiscent of the old country where Hasidim studied and danced with the Torah, villagers labored on farms, and where students attended small village schools.
Still Life on Pink Tablecloth by Cynthia Walling
painting by landscape artist Cynthia Walling
Date: 10/31/08
For landscape artist Cynthia Walling, painting outdoors in Vermont and Maine has its advantages and disadvantages. The borough artist is displaying her work at the library in November and will have an artist reception on Saturday, November 8 from 1:00 to 4 pm.
“Fresh air presents many challenges, but offers incomparable inspiration,” Walling said. “It’s fun to be outdoors with the sun and wind, despite heat and insects.”
The retired special education and history teacher, who taught at Elizabeth High School, has exhibited at the Barron Art Center, Johnson and Johnson, Joyce Browning’s Livingston Art Gallery in New Brunswick, New Jersey State Museum, Monmouth College, Middlesex Community College, and the Cornelius Low Museum in Piscataway.
Walling has enjoyed doing outdoors painting at the Maine Coastal Art Workshop in Rockland, Maine, the Wildacres Summer Workshop in Little Switzerland in North Carolina and the Ringling Brothers Summer Art School in Sarasota Florida.
4:00 PM.
“Fresh air presents many challenges, but offers incomparable inspiration,” Walling said. “It’s fun to be outdoors with the sun and wind, despite heat and insects.”
The retired special education and history teacher, who taught at Elizabeth High School, has exhibited at the Barron Art Center, Johnson and Johnson, Joyce Browning’s Livingston Art Gallery in New Brunswick, New Jersey State Museum, Monmouth College, Middlesex Community College, and the Cornelius Low Museum in Piscataway.
Walling has enjoyed doing outdoors painting at the Maine Coastal Art Workshop in Rockland, Maine, the Wildacres Summer Workshop in Little Switzerland in North Carolina and the Ringling Brothers Summer Art School in Sarasota Florida.
4:00 PM.
coleen_tyler
Abstract composition on ink and paper by Coleen Tyler, Highland Park resident and chair for the Highland Park Arts Commission
Date: 08/01/08
Abstract composition on ink and paper by Coleen Tyler, Highland Park resident and chair for the Highland Park Arts Commission
January, 2008. Pottery exhibit by Kristen Vogelius. Abelone bowl, Raku vases and jars, candle sticks, pencil cups.
Date: 01/10/08
Student of Middlesex County Arts HS and Arts MS.
November 2007 display. Student of Middlesex County Arts HS and Arts MS.
November 2007 display. Date: 11/01/07 Student of Middlesex County Arts HS and Arts MS.
November 2007 display.
November 2007 display. Student of Middlesex County Arts HS and Arts MS.
November 2007 display. Date: 11/01/07 Student of Middlesex County Arts HS and Arts MS.
November 2007 display.
Mayan Art
Mayan Arte Nafi of Guatemala was exhibited in October 2007, courtesy of collector Richard Morgan
Date: 10/18/07
Mayan Arte Nafi of Guatemala was exhibited in October 2007.
Artist Jean Lochet
Paintings exhibit; September 2007
Date: 10/13/07
Paintings exhibit; September 2007
Artist John Flint
Photos by John Flint were on display in August 2007.
Date: 08/15/07
Photos by John Flint were on display in August 2007.
Artist Mort Farrah
Mort Farrah showed his colorful paintings at the library.
Date: 06/27/07
Mort Farrah showed his colorful paintings at the library.
Highland Park Public Library, 31 North 5th Ave. Highland Park, NJ 08904 (732) 572-2750