2024-2025 Calendar
Meeting Calendar
6:30pm casual conversation 7-9pm meeting
November 21, 2024
Rachel Saul Rearick
Rachel Saul Rearick received a Bachelors of Fine Art in Printmaking with a Minor in Art History from Edinboro University; and went on to receive a Masters of Public Administration from Gannon University with a focus on Organizational Leadership.
Balancing her creative process somewhere between printmaking and painting, monoprints have become her primary visual language. She enjoys building conversations that are layered with information, working to evoke emotion through the use of color and texture, by first developing each background in an intuitive manner. Currently, Rachel is exploring the use of repeating shapes and forms, to delineate space through the use of line.. Following her undergraduate work, Rachel did a printmaking residency at Wilson College, leaving wok in their permanent collection.
Professionally, Rachel serves as the Executive Director at Contemporary Craft as well as an adjunct faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University, teaching a course in public art. Previously, she held the position of Arts and Culture Manager for the Allegheny County Airport Authority.
She is the President of the Board at the Office for Public Art, sits on the Board at Lawrenceville Corporation, is on the Art Advisory Committee for the Sports and Exhibition Authority, and is an active artist member of both the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Print Group..
https://www.rachelsaul.com/
Balancing her creative process somewhere between printmaking and painting, monoprints have become her primary visual language. She enjoys building conversations that are layered with information, working to evoke emotion through the use of color and texture, by first developing each background in an intuitive manner. Currently, Rachel is exploring the use of repeating shapes and forms, to delineate space through the use of line.. Following her undergraduate work, Rachel did a printmaking residency at Wilson College, leaving wok in their permanent collection.
Professionally, Rachel serves as the Executive Director at Contemporary Craft as well as an adjunct faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University, teaching a course in public art. Previously, she held the position of Arts and Culture Manager for the Allegheny County Airport Authority.
She is the President of the Board at the Office for Public Art, sits on the Board at Lawrenceville Corporation, is on the Art Advisory Committee for the Sports and Exhibition Authority, and is an active artist member of both the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Print Group..
https://www.rachelsaul.com/
October 17, 2024
Laura Tabakaman
Bio
I was born in Argentina, where my family and me lived until we moved to the US. I currently live and work in Pittsburgh.
After exploring several media including photography, I discovered fiber arts. Working with fibers appeals to me because of its tactile quality, variety of textures and colors. I also began working with polymer clay in 1995, making jewelry. The attraction to polymer clay comes from the versatility of the material. My current work integrates all my interests into jewelry, photography based work, mixed-media sculptures and installations.
An award-winning studio artist, my work has been shown in exhibitions nationally and internationally and has been featured in books and magazines. I have been teaching in the US and abroad since 2005.
Statement
The passage of time touches, alters materials and produces decay. There is beauty in the fragility of the natural world’s decomposition. Witnessing the marks left behind moves me and I incorporate that feeling into my work. The intention is to capture a moment in time, be it with a photograph, a piece of jewelry or an installation.
I am particularly interested in experimenting with different approaches to materials. I create my work with a series of repeated elements, each one made individually giving it its own character. Working this way, repetition through repetition, takes me to a meditative state, where time stops and the work flows. I am intrigued by the role light plays, passing through shear and translucent materials and generating shadows. I experiment with the limits of balance trying to create tension between stillness and movement. The objective, when creating my installations, is to immerse the viewer in an allusive environment where fragility, an uncertain balance, light and shadows are part of the experience.
http://lauratabakman.com/Index.htmhttp://lauratabakman.com/Index.htm
September 19, 2024
Sheila Hawthorne Klotz
Art has been my passion since my school days, and I made art more than just a hobby about 10 years ago. I work in several media, mainly
watercolor, acrylics, collage, and Gyotaku. My style is mostly impressionistic, and my subjects vary from flora to fauna. I like bright colors and hope that my pieces exude happiness and contentment.I have been fortunate to have pieces exhibited (some juried) and sold in
several galleries including North Hills Art Center, Manos Gallery, Latrobe Art Center, Butler Art Center, and the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (Bedford) as well as libraries, restaurants and professional offices. My love of creating art has expanded to teaching art. I have classes ongoing at North Hills and Butler Art Centers, Shaler and Monroeville Libraries, and the Lutheran Senior Care Center in Zelienople. My classes include Gelli Mat Collage, Abstract Acrylic, Loose Impressionist Watercolor, Gyotaku (a Japanese art style), Acrylic Pallet Knife, and National Geographic Collage. My studio, Blue Hues Art Studio, is in my home in Gibsonia, PA.
watercolor, acrylics, collage, and Gyotaku. My style is mostly impressionistic, and my subjects vary from flora to fauna. I like bright colors and hope that my pieces exude happiness and contentment.I have been fortunate to have pieces exhibited (some juried) and sold in
several galleries including North Hills Art Center, Manos Gallery, Latrobe Art Center, Butler Art Center, and the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (Bedford) as well as libraries, restaurants and professional offices. My love of creating art has expanded to teaching art. I have classes ongoing at North Hills and Butler Art Centers, Shaler and Monroeville Libraries, and the Lutheran Senior Care Center in Zelienople. My classes include Gelli Mat Collage, Abstract Acrylic, Loose Impressionist Watercolor, Gyotaku (a Japanese art style), Acrylic Pallet Knife, and National Geographic Collage. My studio, Blue Hues Art Studio, is in my home in Gibsonia, PA.
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May 15. 2024
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Sketch A Ballerina with Kim Freithaler
Kim will lead us through various short poses followed by a final long pose. Kim will be working in charcoal which is ideal for the short poses. Bring your sketch pads/paper and your favorite medium for the long pose and work along as Kim shares various tips. Our model Sydney will be in ballet costume. No previous figure drawing experience is necessary. Join us for the fun!
Kim Freithaler is originally from New York City and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from St. John's University, where she completed an internship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She has also studied at the Art Students League in Manhattan. She taught art in Manhattan public schools and currently teaches at the North Hills Art Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she is the Executive Director. She is an award winning painter who exhibits her work in galleries, as well as local businesses. Her murals are installed in public buildings both here and in Georgia. She participates in area art shows and does portraits by commission.
https://www.facebook.com/kimfreithalerportraits/
Kim Freithaler is originally from New York City and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from St. John's University, where she completed an internship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She has also studied at the Art Students League in Manhattan. She taught art in Manhattan public schools and currently teaches at the North Hills Art Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she is the Executive Director. She is an award winning painter who exhibits her work in galleries, as well as local businesses. Her murals are installed in public buildings both here and in Georgia. She participates in area art shows and does portraits by commission.
https://www.facebook.com/kimfreithalerportraits/
April 18, 2024
Lynda Kirby
From pixels to paint, I am a multi-disciplinary artist based in Pittsburgh, PA. I own & operate my own graphic design studio, Kirby Creative, founded in 2006. Early in my professional career, I designed with markers on paper and then hand constructed press-ready mechanical art (think light table, drafting board, photostats, rubber cement, rubylith!). With the dawn of desktop publishing, the tools of my trade became digitized.
My art reflects my history. Digital art is a natural fit with my skill set. With this medium, I have unlimited tools and can take risks by experimenting with composition, color and texture since it's a non-destructive process and anything can easily be undone. Alternatively, I find more traditional mediums like drawing, painting and monotype printmaking a deeply satisfying contrast to my digital art life by providing a hands-on, physical, tactile experience.
Regardless of the method, I strive to represent subject matter and concepts truthfully rather than realistically, inviting the viewer to assign their own meaning to the art.
https://kirbycreativeser9f0a.myportfolio.com/work
March 21, 2024
Steph Moraca
Steph Moraca’s passion for translating the beauty of natural landscapes onto canvas began at a young age. She became enamored with the great outdoors through her childhood travels, where she visited many national parks and golf courses with her family.
Ms. Moraca attended professional studio drawing classes at age 10 and began to paint by age 12. Ms. Moraca received a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts from the University of Pittsburgh in 2012. Today, she is still painting what originally sparked her passion: golf and nature landscapes. She is a nationally recognized award winning artist.
Ms. Moraca creates original oil paintings for private art collectors throughout the United States. You can find her work online, at trade shows, and in golf shops. Her landscape paintings have been recognized in national fine art exhibitions and the talk of podcasts and magazines. She is involved with organizations including the Golf Heritage Society, Oil Painters of America, the Pittsburgh Society of Artists, and more.
“I have developed a unique painting style somewhere between realism and photo-realism,” she explains, “I dedicate many hours to work on fine detail in these paintings.” Her clients boast that her paintings are realistic, yet artistic to the point where a piece can be recognized as a painting when taking a look at an original work up close.
Ms. Moraca completes original paintings in her studio and participates in live painting demonstrations at corporate events and weddings throughout the United States. She accepts custom commission requests for paintings including pet portraits, family portraits, hole-in-one paintings, vacation landscape paintings, and imaginary landscapes. In addition to selling her own artwork, she teaches free weekly painting lessons on her YouTube Channel “The Painting Stoof” to help others learn how to paint.
https://www.stephmoracafineart.com/
February, 15, 2024
Laura Stuart
Laura Stuart is a mixed media artist from Pittsburgh, PA. Laura studied Visual Communications at both The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and Westminster College where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts Communications. She later went to Carlow University for an Art Education degree/certification. She has taught art within a variety of educational and therapeutic environments that include: teaching art to children through a counseling agency, teaching art within elementary and secondary education schools, and teaching art to adults who are neuro-diverse through a number of service providers.
Laura is a practicing artist with experience working with a variety of materials since she was a child. Her mother, Sophia is also an artist who greatly influenced Laura’s early love of the visual arts. At a young age, Laura’s mother introduced her to sewing, drawing, and painting. Both her grandmothers were very influential as well. “Grandma taught me how to make beads, jewelry, and rugs out of recycled bits and pieces. My Yiayia (Greek for Grandma) taught me an appreciation for spiritual art with an emphasis on Greek Orthodox and Byzantine iconography.” With those early influences, travel, education and an exploratory nature, her first love is the use of color and the spatial relationships of color mixed with pattern.
www.cattouchthispress.com
January 18, 2024
West Hills Art League Show and Share Pot Luck with Artist & Craftsman Supply Prize Drawing!
Please join us in person or via Zoom on Thursday, January 19 at 7:00 pm at Robin Hill for an evening of art, conversation and light refreshments. Please bring some recent pieces of art to show and a snack to share as we celebrate the new year!
Artist & Craftsman Supply is an employee-owned art supply store that caters to artists and creatives of all ages and skill sets, with a broad spectrum of materials catering to a variety of mediums, from fiber craft and sculpture to painting supplies and fine papers. Serving the greater Pittsburgh arts community for over 20 years, Artist & Craftsman is a company of artists who aim to share their knowledge and experience to empower our community to create freely. They will be donating a prize for us to have a drawing that evening for those in attendance in person and online.
Artist & Craftsman Supply
5603 Hobart Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.
www.artistcraftsman.com
Artist & Craftsman Supply is an employee-owned art supply store that caters to artists and creatives of all ages and skill sets, with a broad spectrum of materials catering to a variety of mediums, from fiber craft and sculpture to painting supplies and fine papers. Serving the greater Pittsburgh arts community for over 20 years, Artist & Craftsman is a company of artists who aim to share their knowledge and experience to empower our community to create freely. They will be donating a prize for us to have a drawing that evening for those in attendance in person and online.
Artist & Craftsman Supply
5603 Hobart Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.
www.artistcraftsman.com
November 16, 2023
Lisa Markowski
Lisa Markowski is a contemporary mosaic artist. Her process for designing fine art, mirrors and jewelry is evolutionary, driven by colors of glass and textures of diverse materials. She often starts with a specific piece of glass and then selects her subject and gathers potential materials - stained glass, tiles, millefiori, smalti, beads, stone, metal and pottery.
As she focuses on the interplay between color and texture, the work inevitably morphs many times. The original idea becomes more developed, the colors and shapes inspire her to go in different directions.
The finished pieces are individual creations that she hopes bring joy.
www.markomosaics.com
As she focuses on the interplay between color and texture, the work inevitably morphs many times. The original idea becomes more developed, the colors and shapes inspire her to go in different directions.
The finished pieces are individual creations that she hopes bring joy.
www.markomosaics.com
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October 19, 2023
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Dwight Pritchett
Artist Bio:
“I started out in Wilkinsburg, PA and lived in various locations. I ended up back in Pittsburgh pursuing a degree at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. After graduating I worked as an airbrush artist at several studios until I started my own commercial art business.
One of my current project is the process of frottage (art) to create a rubbing of a manhole cover with oil pastels on canvas. This new and interesting idea has turned into something visually rewarding and historically
interesting. It’s not only inspiring for myself but also for anyone who chances to pass by as I create the rubbing. The final piece is a colorful, graphically interesting manhole cover rubbing on canvas. The art forever preserves a tiny piece of history that other- wise goes unnoticed.”
FROTTAGE (art): A technique in the visual arts of obtaining textural effects or images by rubbing lead, chalk, charcoal, etc., over a paper or canvas laid on a textured or raised surface.
“I started out in Wilkinsburg, PA and lived in various locations. I ended up back in Pittsburgh pursuing a degree at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. After graduating I worked as an airbrush artist at several studios until I started my own commercial art business.
One of my current project is the process of frottage (art) to create a rubbing of a manhole cover with oil pastels on canvas. This new and interesting idea has turned into something visually rewarding and historically
interesting. It’s not only inspiring for myself but also for anyone who chances to pass by as I create the rubbing. The final piece is a colorful, graphically interesting manhole cover rubbing on canvas. The art forever preserves a tiny piece of history that other- wise goes unnoticed.”
FROTTAGE (art): A technique in the visual arts of obtaining textural effects or images by rubbing lead, chalk, charcoal, etc., over a paper or canvas laid on a textured or raised surface.
September 21, 2023
Cory Bonnet
Cory Bonnet is a Pittsburgh oil painter and preservationist who paints contemporary nostalgic scenes of Pittsburgh and the surrounding area using salvaged and reclaimed materials.
Bonnet earned a BFA in Drawing and a Minor in Art History from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 1998. The importance of sustainable development was a huge catalyst in defining his work. The use of reclaimed materials and focus on conservation of historic buildings led Bonnet to earn the title of LEED AP from the USGBC. This gave him an in-depth understanding of sustainable building prac-tices and reinforced his commitment to using salvaged, reclaimed or sustainable materials in his work.
Bonnet was named “2017 Preservationist of the Year” by the Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh.
Bonnet has worked on a number of community development initiatives and works with local charities to help them reach fundraising goals.
Growing up in the Pittsburgh area, Cory Bonnet has always appreciated the inherent beauty of the city and its surrounding neighborhoods. His paintings reflect the optimism and beauty he sees in his hometown.
Bonnet’s work can be seen by appointment at his studio in the Energy Innovation Center 1435 Bedford Ave PGH, PA 15219 and
Pattern Gallery 1421 Penn Ave PGH, PA 15222
www.corybonnet.com
Bonnet earned a BFA in Drawing and a Minor in Art History from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 1998. The importance of sustainable development was a huge catalyst in defining his work. The use of reclaimed materials and focus on conservation of historic buildings led Bonnet to earn the title of LEED AP from the USGBC. This gave him an in-depth understanding of sustainable building prac-tices and reinforced his commitment to using salvaged, reclaimed or sustainable materials in his work.
Bonnet was named “2017 Preservationist of the Year” by the Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh.
Bonnet has worked on a number of community development initiatives and works with local charities to help them reach fundraising goals.
Growing up in the Pittsburgh area, Cory Bonnet has always appreciated the inherent beauty of the city and its surrounding neighborhoods. His paintings reflect the optimism and beauty he sees in his hometown.
Bonnet’s work can be seen by appointment at his studio in the Energy Innovation Center 1435 Bedford Ave PGH, PA 15219 and
Pattern Gallery 1421 Penn Ave PGH, PA 15222
www.corybonnet.com
May 18, 2023
Victor Beltran
Mother's Day Show award selection conversation
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April 20, 2023
Anna Singer
Opera Singer/Music Curator/Painter in Oil
Having been attracted at an early age to the visual and aural magic of on-stage musical productions, Anna Singer dreamed of becoming an opera singer. Through studies at Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University and supplemental instruction and coaching in New York City, Ms. Singer’s dreams were realized in decades of performance at opera houses in Europe and the United States, where she displayed her vocal and dramatic talents in the lead roles of Madame Butterfly, Tosca, Aida, Salome, Die Walkure, Susanna, and others. These productions allied Ms. Singer with skilled professionals in lighting, costume and stage design and provided her a strong grounding in the dynamic interplay of composition, color, light and shadow.
Returning from New York City to her home town of Pittsburgh, Ms. Singer added another chapter to her artistic portfolio when she joined the staff of the celebrated classical music radio station, WQED FM, where she has been an on-air host and music programmer for over twenty years.
While interested in visual art from an early age, Ms. Singer’s latent interest was activated in 2009 when a friend and fellow artist literally
enabled her to “try her hand”. Since that introduction, Ms. Singer has been guided by her inner muse in developing her own voice in painting, receiving guidance from numerous treatises, on-line courses and support networks, and in-person study with accomplished
artists across the United States. It has been a journey of constant exploration, trial, error and course adjustment that has brought her to her current artistic waypoint and she looks forward to continued discovery.
www.asingerpaints.com
Returning from New York City to her home town of Pittsburgh, Ms. Singer added another chapter to her artistic portfolio when she joined the staff of the celebrated classical music radio station, WQED FM, where she has been an on-air host and music programmer for over twenty years.
While interested in visual art from an early age, Ms. Singer’s latent interest was activated in 2009 when a friend and fellow artist literally
enabled her to “try her hand”. Since that introduction, Ms. Singer has been guided by her inner muse in developing her own voice in painting, receiving guidance from numerous treatises, on-line courses and support networks, and in-person study with accomplished
artists across the United States. It has been a journey of constant exploration, trial, error and course adjustment that has brought her to her current artistic waypoint and she looks forward to continued discovery.
www.asingerpaints.com
March 16, 2023
Jeanine Murch
Illustration and Lettering
I’m Jeanine Murch, a freelance illustrator who loves creating whimsical & colorful art and hand lettering for books, greeting cards, magazines, and more. I began my career in the big publishing houses in NYC, designing and art directing children’s books. After a decade, I made the leap from corporate world to running my own freelance business, which also allowed me to return to my hometown of Pittsburgh. That’s where I can now be found, usually snuggling one of my 2 small kiddos or sweet rescue pup, when I’m not drawing in my home studio. I love incorporating hand-lettered type into my imagery, and draw inspiration from travel, nature, music and my Pittsburgh roots. BFA in illustration from University of the Arts, Philadelphia Member Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators (PSI) and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
http://www.jeaninemurch.com/
http://www.jeaninemurch.com/
February 16, 2023
Bill Karaffa
Bill Karaffa is a practicing Pittsburgh based creative who focuses on capturing the portrait/figure in
many of his works. He is a current member of McMurray Art League, Pittsburgh Pastel Artists, the
Pittsburgh Society of Artists Guild and the Portrait Society of America. Participation in life drawings
session at many venues throughout the City are part of his weekly regiment. Bill focuses on the
technical aspects of portraiture/ figure drawing and has been successful in a variety of juried art
exhibitions.
Visit Bill Karaffa on Facebook
many of his works. He is a current member of McMurray Art League, Pittsburgh Pastel Artists, the
Pittsburgh Society of Artists Guild and the Portrait Society of America. Participation in life drawings
session at many venues throughout the City are part of his weekly regiment. Bill focuses on the
technical aspects of portraiture/ figure drawing and has been successful in a variety of juried art
exhibitions.
Visit Bill Karaffa on Facebook
November 17, 2022
Karen Nootbaar
Interactive Magazine Collage
“Magazine collage art is a perfect way to simultaneously create AND repurpose. It allows us to utilize artistic elements developed by others, in new ways. Magazines are the ideal source material. From color and texture to words and graphics, there is something for everyone. You may find inspiration in the most unlikely places (and magazines). Simply cut (or tear) out what appeals to you. There is no wrong way to collage and your work can be realistic, abstract, or even fantastical.
Supplies:: 1” foam brushes, mod podge (matte), white cardstock, assorted magazines.”
Karen is a native of the Midwest, although for the past 26 years she, her husband, and their daughter have called Pittsburgh home.
Art has been a constant passion of hers since early grade school, andshe’s dabbled in all sorts of media. She used to call herself a “jack of all trades, master of none”, but then she learned the word “multipotentialite” and liked the sound of that much better. She has experience teaching a variety of creative projects, including knitting, crochet, Shibori dyeing, needle felting, rubber stamping, and tapestry weaving. WHAL Virtual Show And Share on Tuesday, Nov. 1 @ 7pm Demo on painting our feathered friends by Lance Maloney
Supplies:: 1” foam brushes, mod podge (matte), white cardstock, assorted magazines.”
Karen is a native of the Midwest, although for the past 26 years she, her husband, and their daughter have called Pittsburgh home.
Art has been a constant passion of hers since early grade school, andshe’s dabbled in all sorts of media. She used to call herself a “jack of all trades, master of none”, but then she learned the word “multipotentialite” and liked the sound of that much better. She has experience teaching a variety of creative projects, including knitting, crochet, Shibori dyeing, needle felting, rubber stamping, and tapestry weaving. WHAL Virtual Show And Share on Tuesday, Nov. 1 @ 7pm Demo on painting our feathered friends by Lance Maloney
October 20, 2022
Patricia Mae Young
Pastel Demonstration
“I have been painting plein-air in pastels for a long time.
I enjoy painting outdoors in warm as well as cold weather.
I have lived and traveled in various parts of the world and
took my art materials along.”
Patricia’s can be viewed at
patriciamaeyoung.wordpress.com Featuring a Concertina
Sketchbook
I enjoy painting outdoors in warm as well as cold weather.
I have lived and traveled in various parts of the world and
took my art materials along.”
Patricia’s can be viewed at
patriciamaeyoung.wordpress.com Featuring a Concertina
Sketchbook
September 16, 2022
Ron Thurston
“Watercolor painting is an exploration of transparent spirit possibilities. Some colors hide as a supporting role to others that glow as leaders. If we are lucky these visual combinations of spirits, a little bit spontaneous and a little bit planned will evoke a memory, even if just for a moment.”
May 21, 2022
Suzie Sparks
Suzie Sparks is the president of the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society and our Juror our 2022 Mother's Day Show.
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Alison Zapata
Interactive multi-media collage demonstration
Alison Zapata has been working as a visual artist and art educator throughout Pittsburgh for more than fifteen years. She works primarily as a painter, with a focus on portraiture, murals, and multi-media collage. Her paintings are collected throughout the United States. My interest lies in building community and interpersonal relationships through the exploration of art. Experienced and versatile in the classroom, Alison has a natural ability to create a dynamic, organized, and warm environment in which students thrive in their creativity and love for learning. Having obtained a BA in Art Education at Carlow University, Alison has developed engaging, child-centered arts programming in classrooms throughout Pittsburgh in various populations since 1998. Her ability to communicate concepts creatively and effectively extends to her students, parents, colleagues, and the school community. Alison has received art education training through Gateway to the Arts, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Lincoln Center’s Aesthetic Education, and Wolf Trap Institute. She is a resident artist in the Artists in Education program through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Creative Aging Roster. She was awarded participation in and studied Contemporary Art in Rio De Janeiro and Salvador, Brazil with the Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad Art and Society: Brazil/U.S. Educational Partnership with the Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Pittsburgh and the Andy Warhol Museum. She was awarded a grant for a long-term TAP- Teacher Artist Partnership- with South Fayette School District to implement art and technology integration with a focus on STEAM. She is an educational consultant and instructor at the PA Council on the Arts TAP Summer Institute. She was the keynote speaker at the Sayre Learning Early Conference in 2015. At Familylinks, she teaches visual art experiences weekly for students with severe developmental or behavioral disorders, including an Autism Support Classroom. She works with staff to create lesson plans and projects connecting art history to social studies. She has professional experience in educational leadership. Her expertise lies in visual arts, painting, portraiture, murals, sign painting, collage, and arts integration with a focus on STEAM. She is the owner/ lead artist of Zapata Studios. Alison’s paintings have been featured in Good Housekeeping and Pittsburgh Magazine. She has a B.A. in Art Education from Carlow University.
http://www.zapatastudios.com
Alison Zapata has been working as a visual artist and art educator throughout Pittsburgh for more than fifteen years. She works primarily as a painter, with a focus on portraiture, murals, and multi-media collage. Her paintings are collected throughout the United States. My interest lies in building community and interpersonal relationships through the exploration of art. Experienced and versatile in the classroom, Alison has a natural ability to create a dynamic, organized, and warm environment in which students thrive in their creativity and love for learning. Having obtained a BA in Art Education at Carlow University, Alison has developed engaging, child-centered arts programming in classrooms throughout Pittsburgh in various populations since 1998. Her ability to communicate concepts creatively and effectively extends to her students, parents, colleagues, and the school community. Alison has received art education training through Gateway to the Arts, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Lincoln Center’s Aesthetic Education, and Wolf Trap Institute. She is a resident artist in the Artists in Education program through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Creative Aging Roster. She was awarded participation in and studied Contemporary Art in Rio De Janeiro and Salvador, Brazil with the Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad Art and Society: Brazil/U.S. Educational Partnership with the Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Pittsburgh and the Andy Warhol Museum. She was awarded a grant for a long-term TAP- Teacher Artist Partnership- with South Fayette School District to implement art and technology integration with a focus on STEAM. She is an educational consultant and instructor at the PA Council on the Arts TAP Summer Institute. She was the keynote speaker at the Sayre Learning Early Conference in 2015. At Familylinks, she teaches visual art experiences weekly for students with severe developmental or behavioral disorders, including an Autism Support Classroom. She works with staff to create lesson plans and projects connecting art history to social studies. She has professional experience in educational leadership. Her expertise lies in visual arts, painting, portraiture, murals, sign painting, collage, and arts integration with a focus on STEAM. She is the owner/ lead artist of Zapata Studios. Alison’s paintings have been featured in Good Housekeeping and Pittsburgh Magazine. She has a B.A. in Art Education from Carlow University.
http://www.zapatastudios.com
March 17, 2022
Diane Pontoriero
PYSANKY – “EGG WRITING”
Ukrainian Easter Eggs are a folk art of the eastern regions of Europe, dating back centuries. Pysanky is a batik process, using beeswax to draw designs and patterns on the eggs and acid dyes to create the color. The egg was used as it was a symbol of rebirth and the bringing forth of spring. The intricate patterns, symbols, and colors on the eggs are signs of good luck, spring, good harvest, health, Easter, Lent, Christianity, etc.
Diane Pontoriero will have a variety of Pysanky to show and discuss their unique meanings. She will talk about the symbolism and colors, how the meanings changed over time, and will demonstrate the batik process of Pysanky, using the “Kistka”, the writing tool, from start to finish.
Diane Pontoriero is an artist/art educator with a bachelor degree in Landscape Architecture and Masters degree of Art Education. She has taught elementary/middle school art in the North Hills and is an instructor and the pottery supervisor at the North Hills Art Center. Diane enjoys teaching pottery, drawing, pastel, watercolor, Shibori, Pysanky, fused glass and more at the art center. She is the current President of the Board of Directors at the North Hills Art Center.
February 17, 2022
Garrett Bower
Artist & Craftsman Supply is an employee-owned art supply store that caters to artists and creatives of all ages and skill sets, with a broad spectrum of materials catering to a variety of mediums, from fiber craft and sculpture to painting supplies and fine papers. Serving the greater Pittsburgh arts community for over 20 years, Artist & Craftsman is a company of artists who aim to share their knowledge and experience to empower our community to create freely. Garrett will be joining us to do a Zoom presentation and Q&A on A&C and their
new products as well as some of their favorites.
Artist & Craftsman Supply
5603 Hobart Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.
www.artistcraftsman.com
new products as well as some of their favorites.
Artist & Craftsman Supply
5603 Hobart Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.
www.artistcraftsman.com
January 20, 2022
Kim Freithaler
Join us on Thursday for our January 20 WHAL Zoom meeting and figure drawing class with Kim Freithaler. Choose your favorite medium and work along as Kim screen shares various model photos and we go through various short poses followed by a final long pose and informal chat session. I have attached the images here for your reference. No previous figure drawing experience is necessary.
Kim Freithaler is originally from New York City and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from St. John's University, where she completed an internship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She has also studied at the Art Students League in Manhattan. She taught art in Manhattan public schools and currently teaches at the North Hills Art Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she is the Executive Director. She is an award winning painter who exhibits her work in galleries, as well as local businesses. Her murals are installed in public buildings both here and in Georgia. She participates in area art shows and does portraits by commission.
http://kimfreithaler.com/
Kim Freithaler is originally from New York City and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from St. John's University, where she completed an internship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She has also studied at the Art Students League in Manhattan. She taught art in Manhattan public schools and currently teaches at the North Hills Art Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she is the Executive Director. She is an award winning painter who exhibits her work in galleries, as well as local businesses. Her murals are installed in public buildings both here and in Georgia. She participates in area art shows and does portraits by commission.
http://kimfreithaler.com/
November 18, 2021
Rae Gold
A BFA graduate of Carnegie Institute of Technology in Graphic Design, Rae Gold has been self-employed for 30 years. Making wearable art, she exhibited in such shows as American Craft Baltimore, Philadelphia Museum Craft Show, and the Smithsonian Craft show.
She was the Co-Director of Fiberart International 2About 019.
Gold’s work has been published in books, including Worldwide Colors of Felt, by Ellen Bakker, The Surface Designer’s Handbook, by Holly Brackmann, and Dimensional Cloth by Andra Stanton.
For the last 13 years Gold has devoted her creative life to working with three dimensional felt forms, taking classes from the finest dimensional instructors from around the world. She is now sharing her experience and knowledge with new students through Contemporary Craft virtual classes..
A BFA graduate of Carnegie Institute of Technology in Graphic Design, Rae Gold has been self-employed for 30 years. Making wearable art, she exhibited in such shows as American Craft Baltimore, Philadelphia Museum Craft Show, and the Smithsonian Craft show.
She was the Co-Director of Fiberart International 2About 019.
Gold’s work has been published in books, including Worldwide Colors of Felt, by Ellen Bakker, The Surface Designer’s Handbook, by Holly Brackmann, and Dimensional Cloth by Andra Stanton.
For the last 13 years Gold has devoted her creative life to working with three dimensional felt forms, taking classes from the finest dimensional instructors from around the world. She is now sharing her experience and knowledge with new students through Contemporary Craft virtual classes..
October 21, 2021
Keeley Hancox
Stained Glass Artist, Designer & Manager: Williams Stained Glass Studio
Keeley began her stained glass career in 2006 as an apprentice at Williams Stained Glass Studio in the Castle Shannon area of Pittsburgh. In 2015, she took over the head design & managing duties, and also makes or repairs panels and lampshades for the studio.
On her own time, she is working on a colorful series of rock icons/bands, with the hopes of having an exhibition in the near future.
In addition to stained glass, she does commissioned charcoal drawings (mainly portraits); watercolor, oil & acrylic paintings; and attends weekly pottery workshops at the North Hills Art Center.
Keeley graduated from the Ohio State University in 2002, with a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education. She was also a member of the OSU women’s track team, competing in the Javelin event for 4 years. Her favorite experience in college was a 3 month study abroad program in Florence, Italy, studying Art History, Drawing & Painting.
Stained Glass Artist, Designer & Manager: Williams Stained Glass Studio
Keeley began her stained glass career in 2006 as an apprentice at Williams Stained Glass Studio in the Castle Shannon area of Pittsburgh. In 2015, she took over the head design & managing duties, and also makes or repairs panels and lampshades for the studio.
On her own time, she is working on a colorful series of rock icons/bands, with the hopes of having an exhibition in the near future.
In addition to stained glass, she does commissioned charcoal drawings (mainly portraits); watercolor, oil & acrylic paintings; and attends weekly pottery workshops at the North Hills Art Center.
Keeley graduated from the Ohio State University in 2002, with a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education. She was also a member of the OSU women’s track team, competing in the Javelin event for 4 years. Her favorite experience in college was a 3 month study abroad program in Florence, Italy, studying Art History, Drawing & Painting.
September 16, 2021
Victor Beltran.
Victor is an accomplished artist and art teacher who has been sketching and painting locales from around the world for over 40 years. His collections of Western Penn- sylvania include Fallingwater, the Phipps Conservatory, Cooks Forest, and Carnegie Museum. Victor Beltran has won numerous awards and has exhibited in the US including at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pitts- burgh, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador in the Peruvian Embassy Gallery, and Brazil. Victor Beltran has over 50 years of experience in architecture, illustra- tion and watercolor. As an= accom- plished watercolorist and teacher, he has taught at Phipps Conservatory, conducted workshops for artists’ guilds, and previously served as Vice- President of the Pittsburgh Water- color society.
After many years of sketching throughout the world, Victor has developed extraordinary fine-tuned skills where he can quickly sketch spontaneously to produce stunning images regardless of place or setting.
Beltran produces artistic works that build on his talents and training which is expressed in his spontane- ous art forms. In the spring of 2009, Victor produced an event, Art Just in Time, where he produced 16 acrylic paintings in a day. Recently, during a live performance by the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, Victor created 4 paint- ings while perched on high a scaffold during Musssorgsky’s Pictures at
an Exhibition. During his travels to Europe, Canada, Ecuador, Mexico and Eastern United States, Victor Beltran has completed over 60 sketch books which depict thousands of locals in- cluding the Swiss Alps, Venice, Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, Rome, Sienna, Florence, Seville, Cordoba, Granada and San Miguel de Allende, Taxco, Morelia and Quito.
Victor Beltran is a member of the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society and Associated Artists of Pittsburgh. Beltran, a native of Lima, Peru, came to Pittsburgh in 1986 and currently resides in the Fox Chapel Area.
https://m.facebook.com/VictorBel- tranArt/
Victor is an accomplished artist and art teacher who has been sketching and painting locales from around the world for over 40 years. His collections of Western Penn- sylvania include Fallingwater, the Phipps Conservatory, Cooks Forest, and Carnegie Museum. Victor Beltran has won numerous awards and has exhibited in the US including at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pitts- burgh, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador in the Peruvian Embassy Gallery, and Brazil. Victor Beltran has over 50 years of experience in architecture, illustra- tion and watercolor. As an= accom- plished watercolorist and teacher, he has taught at Phipps Conservatory, conducted workshops for artists’ guilds, and previously served as Vice- President of the Pittsburgh Water- color society.
After many years of sketching throughout the world, Victor has developed extraordinary fine-tuned skills where he can quickly sketch spontaneously to produce stunning images regardless of place or setting.
Beltran produces artistic works that build on his talents and training which is expressed in his spontane- ous art forms. In the spring of 2009, Victor produced an event, Art Just in Time, where he produced 16 acrylic paintings in a day. Recently, during a live performance by the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, Victor created 4 paint- ings while perched on high a scaffold during Musssorgsky’s Pictures at
an Exhibition. During his travels to Europe, Canada, Ecuador, Mexico and Eastern United States, Victor Beltran has completed over 60 sketch books which depict thousands of locals in- cluding the Swiss Alps, Venice, Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, Rome, Sienna, Florence, Seville, Cordoba, Granada and San Miguel de Allende, Taxco, Morelia and Quito.
Victor Beltran is a member of the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society and Associated Artists of Pittsburgh. Beltran, a native of Lima, Peru, came to Pittsburgh in 1986 and currently resides in the Fox Chapel Area.
https://m.facebook.com/VictorBel- tranArt/
March 18, 2021
Elizabeth Myers Castonguay, MFA
www.CreationArtStudio.com
"I have known since I was a small child that I was an artist. I have not been content to paint pretty pictures but have always had a need to speak to humanity about those issues that affect our lives…our souls… our very existence."For almost a decade after September 1, 2001, I sought to artistically break down barriers between diverse groups of people. This was something that I have been involved in socially for a lifetime. A celebration of the diversity of humanity is key to unlocking the door to peace in a world plagued by prejudice, hatred, and war.
The work evolved to speak of the fragile interrelationships between humanity and our ‘Endangered’ world (2010-present). The paintings often depict the human form monochromatically with the endangered flora and fauna in full color to establish greater equality between humanity and the over 41,000 endangered species on Mother Earth. These species are as important to nature’s fine balance as humankind, if not more so. Since clothing connotes an era or culture, the figures are generally undraped to show the universality of the problems we are facing and the need for a global partnership. This is necessary for the world to be a healthy place for future generations.
My paintings are created to work on a myriad of levels and to speak in a universal language. I try not to sensationalize or be confrontational because I want my viewers to internalize, reflect, and see the face of a world that we have painted. Within the work there is urgency but also an element of hope.
Membership in the following Juried Associations: Salmagundi Art Club (NYC), Ceres Gallery (NYC), Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, PA
Elizabeth Myers Castonguay, MFA
www.CreationArtStudio.com
"I have known since I was a small child that I was an artist. I have not been content to paint pretty pictures but have always had a need to speak to humanity about those issues that affect our lives…our souls… our very existence."For almost a decade after September 1, 2001, I sought to artistically break down barriers between diverse groups of people. This was something that I have been involved in socially for a lifetime. A celebration of the diversity of humanity is key to unlocking the door to peace in a world plagued by prejudice, hatred, and war.
The work evolved to speak of the fragile interrelationships between humanity and our ‘Endangered’ world (2010-present). The paintings often depict the human form monochromatically with the endangered flora and fauna in full color to establish greater equality between humanity and the over 41,000 endangered species on Mother Earth. These species are as important to nature’s fine balance as humankind, if not more so. Since clothing connotes an era or culture, the figures are generally undraped to show the universality of the problems we are facing and the need for a global partnership. This is necessary for the world to be a healthy place for future generations.
My paintings are created to work on a myriad of levels and to speak in a universal language. I try not to sensationalize or be confrontational because I want my viewers to internalize, reflect, and see the face of a world that we have painted. Within the work there is urgency but also an element of hope.
Membership in the following Juried Associations: Salmagundi Art Club (NYC), Ceres Gallery (NYC), Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, PA
February 18, 2021
James Sulkowski
http://www.jamessulkowskifineart.com
James Sulkowski received his education from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, Carnegie Mellon University, and - most notably - the Art Students League of New York with Frank Mason and Robert Beverly Hale. His timeless works have been displayed in the White House, the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, and historical museums abroad. Since first offering classes in 1981, he has instructed hundreds of students - first at his studio, then at the university level and workshops across the country.
James has authored articles for numerous publications, including American Artist, American Art Review, and US Art. His first full-length book, Mastering Oil Painting, was published by Walter Foster in 2013. For eleven seasons, he hosted the instructional show Let's Paint on public access television. His art instruction dvds art and art video downloads have been collected worldwide .
His original oil portraits , commissioned murals and other work has been collected worldwide and is in public and private collections including President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush, The Metropolitan Opera of New York, The Abdul Azziz Museum in Jedda, Saudi Arabia, The Hotel Lafayette in Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Carnegie-Mellon University and countless others.
For those interested in original oil paintings , commissioned portraits , florals , landscapes , still life or a special project please email us or call us . Art workshops conducted nationally and in the Pittsburgh area as well as art video downloads , art instruction dvds and art instruction books are all available . James' classical art approach has garnered many awards throughout the years and he shares his knowledge with those who attend his art workshops in Houston,Pa.
James lives in Pittsburgh with his wife, Sherri, and their adopted beagles, Opal and Molly.
James Sulkowski
http://www.jamessulkowskifineart.com
James Sulkowski received his education from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, Carnegie Mellon University, and - most notably - the Art Students League of New York with Frank Mason and Robert Beverly Hale. His timeless works have been displayed in the White House, the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, and historical museums abroad. Since first offering classes in 1981, he has instructed hundreds of students - first at his studio, then at the university level and workshops across the country.
James has authored articles for numerous publications, including American Artist, American Art Review, and US Art. His first full-length book, Mastering Oil Painting, was published by Walter Foster in 2013. For eleven seasons, he hosted the instructional show Let's Paint on public access television. His art instruction dvds art and art video downloads have been collected worldwide .
His original oil portraits , commissioned murals and other work has been collected worldwide and is in public and private collections including President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush, The Metropolitan Opera of New York, The Abdul Azziz Museum in Jedda, Saudi Arabia, The Hotel Lafayette in Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Carnegie-Mellon University and countless others.
For those interested in original oil paintings , commissioned portraits , florals , landscapes , still life or a special project please email us or call us . Art workshops conducted nationally and in the Pittsburgh area as well as art video downloads , art instruction dvds and art instruction books are all available . James' classical art approach has garnered many awards throughout the years and he shares his knowledge with those who attend his art workshops in Houston,Pa.
James lives in Pittsburgh with his wife, Sherri, and their adopted beagles, Opal and Molly.
January 21, 2021
Annie Heisey
https://www.annieheisey.com
Annie Heisey is an artist and educator living and working in her native city of Pittsburgh, PA. Best known for her paintings of beautifully rendered figures in abstracted or impossible environments, Heisey’s work aims to disrupt the viewer’s experience of a painting as a simulation of the physical world. Since receiving her MFA from Boston University in 2007. Heisey’s work has been exhibited nationally in galleries and institutions which include the Boston Center for the Arts, Site:Brooklyn Gallery in Brooklyn, NY, and the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, PA. Her awards include the Junior Artist Residency at the Oregon College of Art and Craft in Portland, OR, a nomination for the Portland Art Museum’s NW Contemporary Art Award, and the 2019 Festival Award at the Three Rivers Arts Festival. Her work has been included in several catalogs and publications including the Boston Globe. She is represented locally by BoxHeart Gallery
Annie Heisey
https://www.annieheisey.com
Annie Heisey is an artist and educator living and working in her native city of Pittsburgh, PA. Best known for her paintings of beautifully rendered figures in abstracted or impossible environments, Heisey’s work aims to disrupt the viewer’s experience of a painting as a simulation of the physical world. Since receiving her MFA from Boston University in 2007. Heisey’s work has been exhibited nationally in galleries and institutions which include the Boston Center for the Arts, Site:Brooklyn Gallery in Brooklyn, NY, and the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, PA. Her awards include the Junior Artist Residency at the Oregon College of Art and Craft in Portland, OR, a nomination for the Portland Art Museum’s NW Contemporary Art Award, and the 2019 Festival Award at the Three Rivers Arts Festival. Her work has been included in several catalogs and publications including the Boston Globe. She is represented locally by BoxHeart Gallery
November 19, 2020
Brian D. Payne
www.brianpaynestudio.com
Brian Payne (Brian D. Payne Studio) is a visual artist living and working in his hometown of Girard, Pennsylvania. Formally trained at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, he continued his education at Triangle Technical Institute, and further honed his craft with over 30 years of experience and practice. After mastering watercolor painting, and being accepted into many juried exhibitions for his watercolor work, Brian allowed himself to experiment with a variety of media and painting styles. His exhibition, Clarity, at Stonewall Gallery contained over 75 new paintings, created over the span of a single year. This exhibition was a catalyst for an increase in creative expression—Brian was inspired to create without limitations. This new attitude has allowed for freedom within Brian’s craft, and has solidified his place as an established artist within his community.
October 15, 2020
Olga Brindar
Russian-American artist painter, illustrator, and muralist
https://www.olgabrindar.com/
Please mark your calendars for Thursday, October 15, 7pm and plan to join us for a fun and informative evening as we welcome our guest speaker Olga Brindar who has agreed to lead us through an online drawing lesson. Olga will be using charcoal but please feel free to select your own choice of supplies. All are welcome to draw along or just just watch the presentation.
Olga Brindar is a Russian-American artist who draws, paints, illustrates, and creates murals. In 2009, she graduated with a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University. She has been showing her work as well as teaching in the Pittsburgh area for over a decade. She lives in the Northside with her partner, two-year-old daughter, and two red dobermans.
Olga Brindar
Russian-American artist painter, illustrator, and muralist
https://www.olgabrindar.com/
Please mark your calendars for Thursday, October 15, 7pm and plan to join us for a fun and informative evening as we welcome our guest speaker Olga Brindar who has agreed to lead us through an online drawing lesson. Olga will be using charcoal but please feel free to select your own choice of supplies. All are welcome to draw along or just just watch the presentation.
Olga Brindar is a Russian-American artist who draws, paints, illustrates, and creates murals. In 2009, she graduated with a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University. She has been showing her work as well as teaching in the Pittsburgh area for over a decade. She lives in the Northside with her partner, two-year-old daughter, and two red dobermans.
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September 17, 2020
Jared Cullum Author-cartoonist and painter http://jaredcullum.com/ Jared is an amazing author-cartoonist and painter who will share with us his plein air watercolor, observational, from-life style of art. We are so excited to have him agree to join us and hope to have strong attendance for a lively Q&A. |
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2019-2020 Calendar
6:30pm casual conversation 7-9pm meeting
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September 19, 2019
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December 19, 2019 - There is no December meeting due to the holiday season.
January 16, 2020 - Pot Luck
This is our annual member's social. Bring your favorite appetizer or dessert to share while we get a chance to catch up with one another. Please bring a piece of your artwork for our artist show and tell so members, new and old, will get a chance to see the wide variety of art styles created by our membership.
This is our annual member's social. Bring your favorite appetizer or dessert to share while we get a chance to catch up with one another. Please bring a piece of your artwork for our artist show and tell so members, new and old, will get a chance to see the wide variety of art styles created by our membership.
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February 20, 2020
Chris Fondi Mixed Media Artist Chris Fondi will present an altered book/journal mini workshop at our February meeting. Attendees may participate in an art zine project that utilizes some of the techniques Chris will be showing. Mark making and collage building will be the main techniques participants can experiment with. The final product will include some basic folding and a little cutting to provide a small 4 page art zine. So, dig into those secret pockets and bring along your personal stash of little pieces of paper you saved, like movie theater tickets or those fortunes from fortune cookies. You know, those personal little memories to make the zine your own. Come play!! http://chrisfondi.blogspot.com/ |
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CANCELLED
In light of the COVID-19 developments and acting in an abundance of caution, we have decided to cancel the March 19 West Hills Art League meeting. Stay well all! March 19, 2020 Patricia Young Plein Air A word about myself for the West Hills Art League as I plan the talk for your March meeting. I have been very fortunate with help along the way in enjoying making art. From early encouragement by lower school teachers, to today's teachers, people have been there to help me enjoy the arts. High school there was Saturday classes at Carnegie Tech. The Art Institute of Pittsburgh after high school. Classes from various art instructors. The greatest help was living in NC and painting Plein-air and teaching for Duke Continue Education in the Duke gardens. Lived in Singapore for a year and painted there at the Botanical Gardens. Took Chines Brush Painting classes. Lived in Valencia Spain for a year and loved painting the country side of Spain. I love to paint on Martha’s Vineyard and in New Mexico as well as here in PA. My medium of choice is pastels for painting Plein-air. https://patriciamaeyoung.wordpress.com |
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April 16, 2020
WE ARE GOING VIRTUAL FOR OUR APRIL 16 MEETING!! Gadi Leshem Sculptor www.facebook.com/gadi.leshem.1 Gadi is a self-taught sculptor, mainly interested in classical figurative sculpting, portraiture in particular. Originally from Israel, Gadi moved to Pittsburgh with his family 12 years ago for a job opportunity as a computer engineer. Gadi has always loved sculpting, investing more time in recent years to develop and extend his skills. His primary medium of choice is water based clay, and occasional use of mixed media as a supplementary component. Gadi’s sculptures are often mixed with some hinted humor, sometimes a touch of bizarreness, and originate from life studies or imagination. Gadi is a member of the Pittsburgh Society of Sculptors and the Cranberry Artists Network. His work can be found in exhibitions by those organizations and in social media online. Artist Statement I was always impressed with the complexity of the forms of the human figure, especially intrigued by features of the face. I enjoy the challenge of capturing an emotion, a gesture, an expression - into a three dimensional piece. The process of creating a sculpture, starting with the touch and feel of the clay, the modeling process and the finishing stage is an exciting journey. |
Mother's Day Show JurorLaura Domencic
Abstract www.lauradomencic.com/ Laura Domencic is an independent artist, curator, and educator who cultivates creative thinking in individuals and communities. As the Director of the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts for eleven years, she developed many exhibitions, education programs, and publications. Working with artists, community organizations, and universities, she consults on strategic planning and grant writing for visual arts projects. Currently Laura is directing Arts France, Saint Francis University’s artist residency program in Ambialet, France. She has managed corporate and private art collections in regional hospitals, law firms and other public settings to provide artists opportunities to share their work outside of the gallery context. Her collaborators and clients include individual artists, private collectors, The Documentary Works, and Ogletree Deakins law firm. Her paintings, drawings and sculptures are in private collections in Pittsburgh, PA, Buffalo, NY, Santa Fe, NM, and Melbourne, AU. |
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