The Land of Misfit Paintings

"There is a television show that airs during Christmas that refers to the "land of the misfit toys". Last weekend we went to our camp in Vermont and it occurred to me that our camp is the home of the misfit paintings. Hanging are paintings of mine that didn't meet my critical eye but still the process and finished piece was of value and even delight to me. One such painting is a watercolor named, "Time to Say Goodbye". It was done from a photograph I took on our only trip to Italy of three tenors singing to a group of us. The song depicted was of the Andrea Bocelli song, "Time to Say Goodbye". It was a beautiful evening and their voices and the music penetrated all our hearts and there was not a dry eye in the room. So, although the painting does not meet my high technical standards when I see it again I am brought back to that magical evening and am so glad I am surrounded by my misfit pieces."

Art brings joy,
Kathy Schneider

Show Weekend!!

Several of our artists participated in fine art and craft shows this weekend.  Our shows are always listed on the Gallery 54 website.  We hope some of you were able to get our and enjoy yourselves!  Terry Askey-Cole, Lauren Ritchie, Candace Rhea, and Lisa Noviasky all participated in the Westcott Art Trail.  The Art Trail is a tradition in the Syracuse University Neighborhood in which artists set up at multiple locations and homes in the neighborhood.  The quality of work is fantastic and the gardens are worth the trip as well! 

Ceramic face for your garden by Terry Askey-Cole



Terry seated on a fabulous twig chair made by Lisa Noviasky and her husband John



Pods!!

From our ceramic artist Sallie Thompson......

"Rainy days are wonderul for working in the studio. These are some of my pieces that have just come out of the kiln. This load is the culmination of 6 weeks of work and I am very satisfied with the results. New items---cups, garlic jars, ikebanas, bakers, fish--- will be in the gallery this weekend! Hope you can stop in and check them out!"

Splendor in the Glass

Gallery 54 presents our June First Friday event "Splendor in the Glass" featuring Rain Garden Art by Liz and Rich Micho opening Friday June 7th, 6-9pm. The Micho's specialize in stained glass for your home and garden. Come meet the artists and enjoy entertainment by Chris Malloy and his Electric Blue Harp. Refreshments will be served.

Kathleen Schneider: Watercolor and Acrylic Artist

"Art, for me, is less a career path and more a creative journey. As long as I can remember I was drawing or painting pictures of my siblings, my surroundings, even people on television like the Marlboro man. At ten years old when my Uncle gave me a John Gagny drawing kit for Christmas I realized that art books could be a means of instruction and so the journey continued. I believe that the gift of creating art is given to me only so that I may in turn give it to others and the finished painting still only part of the process; the process only complete when someone is touched by the piece. The painting below is a watercolor of my Grandfather and me. I hope you visit Gallery 54 where our passion for art surrounds you."

Singing in the Gallery

Here is a sweet story from our painter Kathleen Schneider:

     "Meeting our customers is such a pleasure!  The other day a woman came in the gallery with two friends and she absolutely loved our shop.  We got to chatting and she was very complimentary about my paintings.  She told me she was also an artist, a singer, and wished she could paint.  I expressed that I wished I could sing.  She then said that since she enjoyed viewing my work, would I like her to sing to which I replied, "l'd love it, how about "Star Dust"?"  We danced while she sang the entire song.  It was a sweet moment and there was no question that she was a lovely person inside and out.

     Her name is Betty Johnson and she was in town to speak to LeMoyne students.  I found out later that for years she was on Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Ed Sullivan, not to mention Broadway etc.  We really love meeting our customers so if you need a bout of happy, just visit a gallery."

"Adam's Door" by Kathleen Schneider

Fiona

One thing Gallery 54 has an abundance of is beautiful art for your garden.   Many of our ceramic artists make pieces designed for the garden, and Liz and Rich Micho make beautiful stained glass garden art.  This is the newest from Terry Askey-Cole.  She calls her "Fiona" and she is holding a miniature glass garden art made by Liz and Rich.  Stop by Gallery 54 this Friday for our opening and see her in person!