Two
notable Central New York artists reach back into history as they
prepare to showcase their painting as Gallery 54's December guest
artists.
Both
Barbara Schramm and Joanne Balfour are well know in the Central New
York art community. Schramm, a painter of old world Victorian Santa's
and Joanne Balfour, whose theorem paintings draw on 19th
century techniques for inspiration, will be on hand at the
Skaneateles gallery from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, December 4. Their
unique and interesting work will be on display throughout the months
of December and January.
 |
| Joanne Balfour |
Balfour
was
drawn to the history and type of home decorative arts done in 17th
and 18th century England and America. As a member of the Historical
Society of Early American Decoration she is always anxious to
“promote the relevance of Early American Decoration’s
craftsmanship and design”. Basically a self-taught artists, her
work has received awards at the New York State Fair and at the yearly
conventions of the Historical Society of Early American Decoration.
“I
find satisfaction in this artwork from the challenge of seeing the
old designs studied, preserved and replicated as well as in educating
the public and making people aware of our past art history through
displays and presentations of techniques and history,” says
Balfour.
Her
theorem paintings exhibit a technique practiced by young ladies in
early 19th century American academies. Stencils were often provided
by their teachers and used in various combinations by the girls to
create their oil paintings or watercolors on cotton velveteen, often
embellished with freehand details. Work by Historical Society of
Early American members like Balfour is based on using designs from
19th century originals.
From
Costigan to Schramm
 |
| Barbara Schramm |
Google
the name John Costigan and if you are not already familiar, you'll be
introduced to a noted 20th
Century American artist and an important mentor of Barbara Schramm.
“As a youngster I enjoyed visiting my aunt,
artist Ella Ray Maccio and joining her at painting classes in Orangeburg,
NY,” recalls Schramm. While she didn't recognize the importance of
John Costigan and his role in the National Academy of Design, at the
time she welcomes the impact her peripheral introduction to the world
of art may have had on her passion today.
Schramm was one of the founding artists of Gallery 54 and takes a personal pride in "how well it continues to promote local artists and their work.
Schramm was one of the founding artists of Gallery 54 and takes a personal pride in "how well it continues to promote local artists and their work.
Visitors
to Gallery 54 for this First Friday show will be treated to Schramm's
old
world, victorian Santa's (or Father Christmas') painted on quarter
sawn Finger Lakes sycamore, oak or pine. The reverse of each
painting indicates where in the world the depicted Santa became
popular.
Schramm
is pleased to credit young Matthew McNeil, a Skaneateles High School
9th grader, for his bandsaw creation of the shapes of each Father
Christmas.
The
award winning artist, who considers herself an “itinerant
(self-taught) painter, also paints German brides boxes, women's
academy art, wardrobes, and furniture.
Both
artists will be on hand to answer questions and discuss their art
with music provided by Chris Molloy and his Electric Blue Harp. Light
refreshments will be served.
Gallery
54, located at 54 E. Genesee St in Skaneateles is an upscale gallery
specializing in fine art and craft created by Central New York
artists.
December
hours are Sunday thru Thursday 10 am- 5 pm as well as Friday and
Saturday 10 am – 6 pm.
