October 2023 artist of the month

October Artist of the Month

              Art At The Kent Library

Sponsored by The Friends of Kent Library

with Arts on the Lake

Exhibition Dates: October 3rd - October 30th 

Wendy Alvarez

I make Art to Connect and Play and give voice to Flights of Fancy. 

There are two overarching fascinations that are present in my art. 

The first is Nature. It enthralls and inspires me. I am fascinated by the changing colors, complex details, infinite variety, and sheer wonder of the natural world. I never tire of observing and interpreting the beauty around me.

The second is the use of patterns-in particular, those used by diverse indigenous cultures throughout history. I think of these designs as a dynamic, universal language weaving through time, connecting us all to one another and allowing us to continue the age-old story.

I have been greatly influenced by the philosophy and work of Navajo and Apache artists with whom I spent the summer of 1996. They showed me the many profound ways in which Art can be informed by Nature and Belief. This transformative experience forever changed my creative process and I now always strive to celebrate the essential spirit of the Natural World in my work.

www.wendyalvarezart.com

(845) 216-5644

Kindreds #28

Acrylic and Oil Pen on Canvas

$575

Tweet #20

Acrylic and Painted Paper on Canvas

$300

Kindreds #33

Acrylic and Oil Pen on Canvas

Not for Sale

 September Artist of the Month

              Art At The Kent Library

                                                          Sponsored by The Friends of the Kent Library

                                                                            with Arts on the Lake

                                                               Exhibition Dates: September 1-30, 2023

                                                                                    Frank Mari 

I’ve been a pro photographer since 1990 but my interest in photography began way back in 1969. With a basic knowledge of the craft, I started working for my college newspaper and yearbook all the while getting tips from some of the more “seasoned” staff photographers who were a year or two ahead of me. I successfully muddled my way through and the passion took hold. From that point on, I’ve been fascinated by the art of photography and capturing that single moment in time which will never happen again.

Mostly self-taught, I began soaking in as much knowledge as I could from books and photo magazines. Throughout the years I attended professional seminars, was mentored by some pros, shared best-practices with other photographers and I will continue to learn more about the craft, the technology, and the art.

I’m still in business in the corporate photography field doing headshots, events, and group photos. I get the opportunity to travel to such locations as Shanghai, Barcelona, Chicago, Washington DC, and Miami.  When people ask me what I do to relax, photography is right up there with family time, travel, and playing guitar - not so well, but fun none the less.

To say my work is a bit eclectic is an understatement.  I photograph all kinds of subjects from CEOs to landscapes, headshots, group photos, real estate, events, animals, travel, flowers, bugs...you name it, and I probably have a shot of it somewhere in my archives.

 

With regard to artistic captures, oftentimes I don’t put a lot of forethought into what I’m going to shoot.  I love the vibrancy and joy of color and the documentary feel and sometimes moodiness of black & white. My personal philosophy is very simple. If I see something I like, I take the photo. Understanding the rules of photography is important but knowing when to break them can be the key to get the shot. Most of all, just have fun doing it!

Please visit these sites to see more of my work,

business: www.frankmari.com

art: https://frank-mari.pixels.com/

Iguana On A Branch

Framed print, 8x10 print, 11x14 matte

$95.00

Path To Smathers Beach

Framed print, 8x10 print, 11x14 matte

$95.00

Sailboat On The East River

Framed print, 8x10 print, 11x14 matte

$95.00

August Artist of the Month:

  

   Art At The Kent Library

Sponsored by The Friends of the Kent Library 

with Arts on the Lake

Exhibition Dates: August 1st to August 31th

Jeanette Rodriguez

Jeanette Rodriguez is a teaching artist. She has worked in the art field for over 28 years. She graduated from the High School of Art and Design and received her Bachelor in Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Rodriguez is an award-winning artist who has exhibited in Solo and group exhibitions. She has artwork gracing the walls of private homes throughout the Hudson Valley, New York City, New Jersey, Florida, Arizona, and Hawaii. 

Jeanette has experience working with all age groups in both communities and via Zoom. She has taught Alcohol Ink painting and Soul Painting in the Hudson Valley area, Mayor Arizona, and the Big Island of Hawaii. Soul Painting is a workshop that helps students tap into their intuition. The paintings on display were created using a meditative technique that she calls flow. 

Website: jeanetterodriguezinks.weebly.com

Instagram: jralcoholinks

Spring is coming

Watercolor on photo paper

$350

Stillness

Watercolor on photo paper

$350

Autumn Sky

Watercolor on photo paper

$350

Warm regards,

Jeanette

June Artist of the Month: Aries

 

   Art At The Kent Library

Sponsored by The Friends of the Kent Library 

with Arts on the Lake

Exhibition Dates: June 1st to June 30th

Aries

Artist Statement | Aries

Hi!  I’m Aries, it’s a nickname I have had since I was 13 years old.  I am married, have 2 beautiful adult daughters and the universe has finally decided THIS time, right now, is time for me to seize the opportunities I've failed to seize in the past and to become a full-time artist.  My husband, and my entire family both blood and chosen are so supportive and encouraging!  It's like having my own cheerleading team by my side!

My dream is to be able to share and sell my art, not only to make a living for myself, but to raise money and awareness for local charities.  I've donated to several auctions and Tricky trays for local school fundraisers as well as to no kill shelters and other Pet charities.  Art is meant to be shared, and I can think of no better way to share it.  I look forward to growing so that I can give more.

In 2023, for the first time, I am participating in Art shows, exhibitions, and vending events!  If you would like to know where else you can see me and my art feel free to sign up for email list at signsofaries.com or follow me on my Facebook page at Signs of Aries.  

Website: Signsofaries.com 

Facebook: @SignsofAries

"Peek-a-boo" Bald Eagles

Pyrography and Watercolor

8x10 matted and framed

ORIGINAL $362.00

Archival prints $24.00

"Morning Huddle" Black capped chickadee's

Pyrography and Watercolor

8x10 matted and framed

ORIGINAL $362.00

Archival prints $24.00

"Morning Stretch" Red tailed hawk

Pyrography and Watercolor

8x10 matted and framed

ORIGINAL $362.00

Archival prints $24.00

"Evening Stretch" Little brown bat

Pyrography and Watercolor

8x10 matted and framed

ORIGINAL $362.00

Archival prints $24.00

April Artist of the Month: Joe Cuccinello

 

     Art At The Kent Library

Sponsored by The Friends of the Kent Library 

with Arts on the Lake

Exhibition Dates: April 1st to April 30th

Joe Cuccinello

Water World

"Family Walk"

"Seal Pup"

"Breaching Dolphins"

Artist Statement | Joe Cuccinello

I have always had a love of water and all things associated with it, fish, corral etc. and even though I personally cannot swim. That is how my paintings of water and water life came to be. I hope my renderings bring smiles to people’s faces as much as painting my impressions of the underwater world of ours.

February & March Artist of the Month: Karen Jacobs

     Art At The Kent Library

Sponsored by The Friends of the Kent Library 

with Arts on the Lake

Exhibition Dates: February 1st to March 31st

Karen Jacobs

“It is a true gift to share my artistic creations and designs with you! It is my intention to transform and inspire people on a large scale through the use of my unique, imaginative visual vocabulary while inspiring, bringing joy, love and healing to others. I am eternally grateful for all the people and resources that have continued to support me on my colorful artistic journey.”

Ms. Jacobs is a self-taught artist living in New York. She comes from a highly artistic background, her mother is a classical musician and her father is a fine artist. From an early age she expressed her emotions in journals using colored pencil and has evolved this process organically, now exploring the spatial movement of color and elements of design. Today, this process has manifested into vibrant and intricate images filled with spontaneity and deep revelations. Her intent is to inspire others with her creations and have the viewers connect emotionally and spiritually.

Immersed in a powerful artistic journey, Karen spends hours creating vibrant, raw and symbolic imagery. It is Art full of discovery and mystery, allowing the viewer the opportunity for novelty time after time. Within each drawing hidden images are revealed. Her art ranges from serious to whimsical and can have playful elements, for example the doves found in her "Rainbow Peace Palace" drawing.

Working primarily with colored pencil allows Karen to delve within her senses while exploring the unknown in the abstract world. She prefers to design a juxtaposition of objective and subjective elements, displaying balance between emblematic shapes, imaginative detail and an instinctive sense of color. 

Karen has also begun exploring different styles of painting including Acrylic Abstract Painting and Oil. She had the honor and privilege of attending a Mische Technique visionary summer painting seminar in Boulder, Colorado with Professor Philip Rubinov Jacobson, who studied with internationally renowned artist, Ernest Fuchs. Under his guidance and mentorship along with co-teacher Mantra Cora, she explored a fascinating mixed technique consisting of egg tempera and oil and experimented with Creative and Innovative Grounds. 

"Higher Remembrance"

Medium: Colored Pencil

Dimensions:11” h x 14” w

Price: $500

 

"Vibrational Neon Light"

Medium: Colored Pencil & Neon Paint

Dimensions:11” h x 14” w

Price: $375

"Territory Climax"

Medium: Tempera Grassa and Oil

Dimensions: 16” h x 16” w 

Price: $850

Artist Statement | Karen Jacobs

The meditative quality of working primarily with colored pencils inspires me to explore the spatial movement of color. I express original thoughts and sacred symbolism organically discovering surreal and metaphysical elements within these vibrant and intricate patterns. My intent is to give the viewer a sense of wonder and surprise. This process provides a conduit through which I am most able to access hidden memories and an ever changing desire to create.  

Website: kjacobsart.com

Instagram: @karenjacobsfineart

December Artist of the Month: Achmed John Assaff

Art At The Kent Library

Sponsored by The Friends of the Kent Library 

with Arts on the Lake

Exhibition Dates: December 1st to December 31st

Achmed John Assaff

IN TUNE - A selected collection of street photography

A native New Yorker, Achmed John Assaff was born in 1941 on 104th Street and Lexington Avenue. John grew up near Central Park and knew all its majestic views, paths, and ponds like the back of his hand. The park was a place he considered home and would become the connective tissue of a body of work he photographed in his late 20's, setting in motion a life-long love of photography.

 

For a five year period between 1968-1973, John socialized with like-minded photographers and other regulars around Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, an active meeting place where he spent most weekends and his days off as an Aircraft Mechanic at Pan American Airways. It was an exciting time and John was seldom seen without his Pentax camera. Relishing the spontaneous opportunities the day would bring, his vibrant portraits of musicians, activists, and park goers were a consistent source of inspiration for him. The city was changing and culture was on full display as current events unfolded along Fifth Avenue, including frequent protests against the Vietnam War and women’s rights demonstrations.

 

Self-taught, John’s hobby developed to have a documentary-style flair. His keen observation, composition, and use of natural light captured social issues on display in and around the park. Now, more than fifty years later, the subjects he photographed still resonate. In retrospect, John photographed a time-capsule of many intimate and powerful moments in New York City’s ever evolving history.

"Bethesda-Fountain"

Matted Photo $75

Framed $200

"Bethesda-Guitarist"

Matted Photo $75

Framed $200

"Woman Unite"

Matted Photo $75

Framed $200

November Artist of the Month: Liz Crimi Olsson

    Art At The Kent Library

Sponsored by The Friends of the Kent Library 

with Arts on the Lake

Exhibition Dates: November 1st to November 30th

Liz Crimi Olsson

Having grown up around art and artists, I have become a very visual person. Sometimes I think I see what others may not see. Very often I may be taking a walk or driving my car and my eye is caught by something beautiful. Something that I think will make a beautiful photograph or painting or sculpture.

I come from a family of artists and sculptors, both professional and non-professional. As a child my mother took me to the many art museums in New York City and I fell in love with the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I always participated in special art projects in elementary school. I spent childhood summers in our little cottage in Lake Carmel where I sketched and painted the wildflowers, made outfits for my paper dolls, and taught myself needlework. I majored in art in high school and participated in several art projects. I majored in art in college where I studied sketching, life drawing, design, sculpture, and art history. The creative genes in me always found a way to surface…either by painting stage sets for community theater, needlework, making my own clothing, assorted crafts, baking, cooking, gardening, painting and wallpapering my home, directing the repainting of a Westchester railroad station, and as an active member of a town beautification committee. In my more recent years I have visited Italy and Sicily many times to revel in the art of the masters.  However, I never really learned how to “paint”.

I have always been attracted to the beauty of watercolor. I never had the confidence to take a watercolor painting class until I met an artist in a gallery who encouraged me to take the plunge. So I enrolled in classes at the Putnam Arts Council in Mahopac, NY, the Westchester Community College Center for the Arts at the White Plains County Center, the Bronx Botanical Gardens, HRCE (Hudson River Community Education) in Dobbs Ferry, and  the Railyard Arts Workshop in Croton Falls, NY. I have participated in many art workshops in watercolor, acrylics, calligraphy, and drawing at several public libraries.

I am a member of the Putnam Arts Council in Mahopac, NY and Arts-on-the-Lake in Lake Carmel, NY. I have participated in local group art shows and have sold some of my watercolor paintings.

I have fallen in love with the meditative aspect of painting which allows me to focus on my art and put all worries aside! I choose to see and paint beauty in difficult times…

"Day's End"

Watercolor

$200

"Rockport, Massachusetts"

Watercolor

$200

"Venezia"

Watercolor

$200

Artist Statement | Liz Crimi OHarrison

I love color. So I study and paint in watercolor.  I choose peaceful references and, most recently, from photos that I have taken over the years. Many have personal meaning.  I choose to see beauty in challenging times and share it with the viewer.

October Artist of the Month: Richard Harrison

       Art At The Kent Library

Sponsored by The Friends of the Kent Library 

with Arts on the Lake

Exhibition Dates: October 1st to October 31st

Richard Harrison

ALICE AT THE LIBRARY

THE CHESHIRE CAT…ALICE AT THE MAD TEA PARTY…

THE MARCH HARE….TWEEDLE DUM AND TWEEDLE DEE. 

All iconic figures written by Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson) 

and illustrated by Sir John Tennial, a political cartoonist.

Alice and the Caterpillar

Alice Meets Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee

Big Alice

Cheshire Cat

Mad Tea Party

Artist Statement | Richard Harrison

I was always impressed by the strong and varied use of line in

Tennial’s work which showed such expressiveness. I began studying

and drawing some Alice in Wonderland illustrations on paper when my

sister Kathy suggested working on fabric instead. She would use a

technique called trapunto which would give the fabric a low relief,

three dimensional effect. This she would use to create wall hangings,

pillows and soft sculptures.

I began experimenting using various media on the fabric — markers,

acrylic paints, etching, photo silk screen, and mixed media. We

eventually brought our work to a crafts gallery in New York City where

they were very successful. When Kathy’s career demanded more

time I coerced my mother Helen, to take over the fabric sewing and

design. She was very hesitant at first but ended up succeeding very

well.

After ten years work with Alice art we decided to move on to the next

phase of each of our lives. Today both Helen and Kathy are no longer

with us and I am dedicating this exhibit to them.

Richard Harrison was an art teacher at George Fischer School for

twenty five years.