Award-winning Wildlife Photographer Featured at Gallery 54

Diana Whiting photography is in the spotlight

Award winning nature photographer Diana Whiting will be the December Guest Artist at Gallery 54 in Skaneateles, NY. Beginning with an opening reception from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, December 1, many fine art photographs resulting from her dedication and creativity will be available for viewing and purchase.

A Skaneateles resident and business owner (Headquarters Salon), Diana will be on hand to speak with gallery guests about her photographic experiences that date to 1993. “I come from a family of artists and as a child was encouraged to pursue my artistic leanings. So,” she adds, “when I bought my first professional camera I promised myself I would grow into it.”

Through photography she was able to develop her own voice. In her landscape and intimate nature photographs she's attracted to things that evoke rhythm and simplicity. “When I photograph wildlife,” she says, “I want to tell their stories.” Diana is known for spending hours studying wildlife in order to be able to understand the story her photos will convey.

She feels rewarded by the actual connections that she develops with her wildlife subjects. “I enjoy being accepted by wildlife and not influencing or changing their behavior,” she says. That acceptance has become “so many windows into other worlds.”

Her awards are numerous dating to the Michael Fawcett Award for a photo titled Stone Canoe in the “Journal of the Arts” in 2007. In 2010 she garnered second place in the National Audubon contest as well as a second place prize from the National Wildlife Federation. Other recognition has come her way from Nature Photography Magazine, the Adirondack Museum, and the Rocky Mountain School of Photography.

Light refreshments will be served with Toro Run Winery offering wine tastings. This show opening will also feature the music of Chris Molloy and his famous Blue Harp.

Gallery 54 is an upscale venue for Central New York artists that showcases and sells unique, inspired, and timeless art in a diversity of mediums.

CNY photographers shine

Gallery 54 guests and CNY Photo Expo entrants gather for
this year's awards presentation.

The opening for this year's edition of Gallery 54's CNY Photo Expo turned out to be a rousing event. Right from the 5 pm start the gallery was jam packed with photographers, friends, family and no one knows how many others excited to see the annual exposition.

This year's expo was designed to mirror Gallery 54's focus on showcasing Central New York art and artists.  In addition, the gallery reached-out to three noted CNY photographers – Phil Spitz, Norm Schillawaski, and Chris Murray – as judges. They had more than a hundred entries to review before selecting the images for this year's month-long exposition.

First Prize Winner Rachael Thompson receives her award.

Another new wrinkle was the addition of cash prizes. Teresa Letkiewicz walked away with the $150 grand prize for her photo of Syracuse University's Dick Clark Studios. Rachael Thompson was on hand with her parents and twin sister to claim her First Prize check of $100 for an image titled "Keeping it Clean." Sue Armstrong's photo captured at a recent "Syracuse Air Show" earned her a Second Place check for $75 and the Third Place prize was accepted by Sherry Dans for an image she titled "Homer Rainbow" along with its $50 check.

Teresa Letkiewicz receives her Grand Prize check for
an image taken at the Dick Clark Studios on Syracuse
University.

The Expo will continue until November 28 so everyone still has time to enjoy this year's exposition.

Then the gallery will begin to make room for the very special wildlife photography of Skaneateles Photographer/Artist Diana Whiting, this year's guest artist for December.

Looking ahead to the opening for her show put December 1 on your schedule.

Gallery 54's CNY Photo Expo

Okay, we've enjoyed a great autumn, so now maybe it's payback time. The weather forecast for the coming weekend (November 3-5) is cool and rainy. Still, that's doesn't mean we can't enjoy Central New York.

Here's an idea that are sure to add a little "sunshine" to your weekend.

This is an iPhone photo that doesn't do justice to the
work of so many fine photographers. Stop by
tomorrow evening and see for yourself.

Begin your weekend Friday evening with the opening reception for the 2017 CNY Photo Expo. Why not join us from 5-8 pm at Gallery 54, 54 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles.

Most, if not all, the photographers whose award winning images make this show will be on hand. I'm even expecting the judges who made the selections to join us.

The highlight of the evening will take place at about 6:30 pm when cash prizes will be awarded to Grand Prize, First, Second and Third Prize winners. You'll love their work and more importantly you'll love the opportunity to meet so many wonderful photographers all in one place.

Of course there will be wine, snacks and music all evening, too.

Tomorrow's Photographers Today

Homer Rainbow by Sherry Dans

The traditional First Friday celebration in Skaneateles will offer a glimpse of the future beginning November 3 as Gallery 54 marks the opening of a month-long exhibition of photographs from the winners of this year's Central New York Photo Expo.

This year's CNY Photo Expo was open only to photographers who reside in CNY and to their images of CNY subjects. From 5 to 8 pm this years winners will be on hand to discuss their work and the experiences they enjoyed in creating them.

Gallery 54 is proud to be able to introduce so many photographers whose work is new to much of the Central New York community,

Syracuse Air Show by Sue Armstrong

according to Tom Dwyer, one of Gallery 54's owners and it's resident fine art photographer. Dwyer helped coordinate this year's contest. He commented “this reception offers Central New Yorkers the opportunity to not only meet some really talented local photographers but to also purchase prints of their prize winning efforts as well as framed editions.

Mid-evening, cash awards will be presented to Grand Prize winner, Teresa Letkiewicz; First Place winner, Rachel Thompson; Second Place winner, Sue Armstrong and Third Place winner, Sherry Dans.

Keeping it clean by Rachel Thompson

This year's judges, photographers Phil Spitz, Norm Schillawaski and Chris Murray, all recognized leaders in the CNY photographic community, will also be joining the celebration.

The gallery will feature the music of Chris Molloy and his blue harp, along with wine tasting from Skaneateles' own Anyela's Winery. As usual, refreshments will be served.

Gallery 54 is an upscale gallery of fine art and fine craft, located at 54 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles, NY.

SU by Teresa Letkiewicz

November gallery hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10-5; Friday and Saturday, 10-6.

www.gallery54cny.com 315-685-5470.

Gallery 54 Features Kew Garden Artist

The Kew Gardens, botanical gardens in southwest London, are not only the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world, they are also where artist Christi Sobel served an internship in botanical illustration in England. Gallery 54 is pleased with the opportunity to introduce Christi to the Central New York community as its guest artist for October.

Christi Sobel

 A selection of Christi's latest creations will be exhibited and Christi herself will be on hand to greet our guests from 5 to 8 pm, Friday, October 6.

Christi traces her creative interests to her childhood when she started drawing mushrooms and horses. She subsequently trained in scientific illustration, what she refers to as “that obscure field which melds science, natural history, and fine art” obtaining a bachelor's degree in biology and art at Eastern University in St. Davids, PA. In addition to her internship with the Kew Gardens, she completed grad school in science illustration at UC Santa Cruz, in California.

Her work reflects what she finds “beautiful and interesting in the Creation around us,” she says, “bringing attention to the details that might otherwise go unnoticed.”

Her show at Gallery 54 will feature acrylic paintings on boards. She noted that she “likes to let the wood grain and organic shapes show and become part of the design.” Christi closely observes the natural world and credits her love of travel and the way she is able to absorb the environment around her with helping her capture her impressions and feelings about the places she visits.

“Art is an organic process which is always evolving,” she says. She's inspired by what she finds striking in the natural world and the ability of her art to bring attention to unnoticed and colorful detail in clean elegant design. She finds it particularly rewarding to raise environmental awareness and communicate meaningfully through her art.

Gallery 54 is an upscale venue for Central New York artists that showcases and sells unique, inspired, and timeless art in a diversity of mediums. This show opening will also feature the music of Jane Zell along with wine and light refreshments.

Shannon Crandall's Mixed Media Featured

Twenty years ago, Shannon Crandall began experimenting with acrylic and collage. She loved the intuitive nature of the art. Today she lets the various elements reveal themselves as she creates many layers of acrylic paint and collage.

Examples of the results of her two decades of experimentation will be on display at Gallery 54 in Skaneateles, NY beginning with the September 1 opening reception for her month-long show as the gallery's guest artist. The reception will be open from 5 to 8 pm.

Shannon describes her art as mixed media featuring many layers of vibrant color and whimsical themes. As the September guest artist she will concentrate on the use of paper and “up-cycled materials.” “I think the whimsical nature of my work, combined with the layers of paper and paint makes it uniques,” she said recently. When asked if she had any mentors, Shannon listed Flora Bowley, Grandma Moses, and Gustav Klint.

She enjoys solving the creative problem in front of her as she begins a piece. She then allows the balance and flow that results in the finished piece be her reward.

Shannon's reception will be accompanied by the guitar music of Jane Zell. Wine and light refreshments will be served from 5 to 8 pm. Gallery 54 is an upscale venue for Central New York artists that showcases and sells unique, inspired, and timeless art in a diversity of mediums. This show opening will also feature the blue harp music of Chris Molloy along with wine and light refreshments.

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Puff the magic dragon . . .

Take a look at one of the newest stained glass pieces created by Liz & Rich Micho from our gallery.

Brings back lots of memories for many of us. The window is 4-feet in diameter, customed designed and created for customer in Camillus, NY.

Emotive Faces and Form – Safran Photography

Large, bold images in color and form – using dancers, models and flowers - are featured as Syracuse studio photographer, Marc Safran, is center stage at Gallery 54 for the month of August. 

Those intrigued by modern dance and art will appreciate Safran's selections from his work with professional models, performers and floral subjects. Employing a variety of innovative techniques in the studio and in processing, Safran’s images work to bring out color and emotion in his various subjects. For the past decade Safran has been recruiting talent to his downtown studio from clientele including: actors at Syracuse Stage and Redhouse; dancers from Garth Fagan, Paul Taylor, Diavolo and FuturPointe; and many area modeling and fashion companies.

Marc had his first darkroom in New York City when he was only 14 years old. He says, “I've always been attracted to the visual” and this lead to a lifelong relationship with the arts and the Syracuse photographic community. His images have received multiple medals in graphics publications, been awarded prizes by Aer Lingus, are the cover for the current 2017 Peace Corps calendar, were posters for “Let’s Dance” International festival in England and have been featured in many local publications. His online portfolios are viewable at www.marcsafran.com or marcsafranphotography (IG/FB).

It is notable that Safran also serves as an ophthalmologist in Liverpool, NY. “Ophthalmology and photography are both ultimately pursuits of the visual” says Safran. His interest in volunteering both his photographic talent and medical skills have lead him to volunteered for surgical eye missions in Bolivia, India, Ecuador and Vietnam. “The trips are gratifying,” he says, “allowing services to the unfortunate while experiencing a foreign culture.”

The Open Dream debuts at Gallery 54 July 7

Laura Leigh Lanchantin from Tannersville, NY, takes the primary patterns and shapes found in nature and bends them into abstractions. Her primary tools, her imagination and “the actual earth as paint.” 

Laura Leigh Lanchantin

Most people likely cannot fathom what all that means. Luckily, Gallery 54, is providing the opportunity for anyone interested to discover the meaning in what Laura calls her “dreamscapes from the heart” beginning with the opening of her show, In The Open Dream, at the gallery Friday, July 7 from 5-8 pm.

Though Laura began making art as a child, influenced by the pastel landscapes of her mother, Lesley, and sculptures of her father Bill, a stone mason, it wasn't until about six years ago, while a student at SUNY New Paltz that she was inspired by the large-scale paintings he saw in the local art studios and switched her major from english to painting.

Laura at her art

The farming lifestyle that she grew up with along with her father's stone masonry work prompted her to research stone pigments and other natural pigments and dyes. “I was inspired by the act of making my own art materials,” she says, “and collaborating with the earth.”

Her dreamscapes from the heart focus on the primary patterns and shapes found in nature. They are inherently feminine and create a profound connection between body and land. The womb-like forms create raw, existential, and psychological language. “I do not wish to simply capture a natural scene with realism, but rather capture the raw energy and emotion of the land,” she says.

Some of the works she will be exhibiting at Gallery 54 are illustrations for an upcoming children's book being written by Salvatore Bevilacqua, a writer and good friend. The book, I Am the Painter of the Sky is a story about a young Native American girl who experiences a connection with nature and a magic tree that sprouts paintbrushes for branches and allows her to paint the sky. As a bonus, Laura will also present a stone pigment demonstration during the opening.

Stone pigments are a very rare medium in the modern world. Laura notes that she “applies her stone pigments to oil and charcoal” which makes them even more uncommon. Her

technique creates abstractions “from the very center of my psyche,” she says. “There is no censor between my emotions and the canvas.” The result is very primitive, intrinsic images that elicit unique reactions from each viewer.

Music from the electric harp of Chris Molloy, wine and light refreshments will be served. Gallery 54 is an upscale venue for Central New York artists that showcases and sells unique, inspired, and timeless art in a diversity of mediums. Gallery hours are Sunday through Thursday 10 am to 5 pm, Friday & Saturday 10 am to 6 pm.

House calls aren't just for doctors any more

"We do house calls." Only a couple months ago no one would have thought to apply those four simple words to anything or any one at Gallery 54. That is until one day, when a couple visiting the gallery was having difficulty deciding whether or not one of the Tom Dwyer framed photographs displayed in the gallery would look as good in their homes. Tom had a way to find out and he offered to take the photo to their home so they could see it in the living room.

A new home for one of Tom's images, following a recent Gallery 54 house call.

Further conversation expanded his idea and before they left he was suggesting that he bring his laptop computer and projector so he could project images on the wall of their home. What better way to see which images would work best. It turned out the photograph they had seen worked better in a different room, but another really fit the bill for the living room.

The next month, when another couple was visiting the gallery it was almost an exact repeat situation and a few days later Tom was in another living room. Turns out, the saying "Seeing is Believing" really applies and house calls are just for doctors any more.

Silk Artist Headlines June's First Friday

Maureen Stathis can't actually recall when she began creating art, though as a shy, sensitive child she remembers being encouraged by her parents and teachers. Still, it wasn't until a dozen years ago that she “stumbled upon silk painting, the Serti technique in particular.”

Maureen Stathis

“I was immediately addicted to its intensity of color and the diversity it made possible,” she said recently, upon accepting an invitation from Gallery 54 to be its guest artist for the month of June. The resident of nearby Marietta, NY describes her work as “organic, nature inspired themes using layers of vibrant color.”

Silk art

All of the work that Maureen will showcase at the gallery, beginning with an opening reception Friday, June 2 from 5 to 8 pm, will be original designs of hand painted pieces. She notes, “Each piece, by nature of the process is truly unique.” The work is a combination of experimentation and processes used by silk artists Jean-Baptiste and Susan Moyer.

Maureen finds the most rewarding part of creating silk art to also be its most frustrating. “Despite careful planning and design, ” she says, “the medium in unpredictable and often has a mind of its own.” A graduate of SUNY Oswego, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a MS in creative arts therapy from Nazareth College Maureen has also taken courses in surface pattern design at Onondaga Community College and Syracuse University.

She has recently cut back on her work as an art therapist to devote more time to pursuing her own art which includes watercolor art, acrylic painted furniture and wood items and being “newly obsessed” with mosaic art.

Maureen will be on hand to greet visitors to Gallery 54 from 5 to 8 pm June 2. Music, wine and light refreshments will be served.

Gallery 54 is an upscale venue for Central New York artists that showcases and sells unique, inspired, and timeless art in a diversity of mediums. Gallery hours are Sunday through Thursday 10 am to 5 pm, Friday & Saturday 10 am to 6 pm.

Peaceful Death Valley NP Showcased at Gallery 54

“I was literally and figuratively blown away during my recent visit to Death Valley National Park,” says Tom Dwyer, a Gallery 54 photography artist. “I traveled to the famous park in Southern California, and just north and west of Las Vegas, NV for a photography class being conducted by noted photography artist Guy Tal. I had little real interest in the park itself,” Dwyer notes, “until the 115 mile drive from Las Vegas to Stovepipe Wells Village in the park changed all that.”

Mosaic Canyon

He was blown away by the “park's grandeur, vastness, and peacefulness,” he says adding, “ I quickly felt challenged to try and capture as much of the 5,000 square mile park's character as I could in my brief visit.” Thus the name for Dwyer's show opening May 5 at Gallery 54, Peaceful Valley – one man's visit to Death Valley National Park.

Dwyer's photography has been part Gallery 54 for almost five years. “It's a misnomer,” he says, “to suggest that I've been self taught, despite the fact that I don't have any formal education in photography. But, in reality we are all taught by those who have gone before us as well as others who are running the same race we are.” He says he's been fortunate to be able to learn from classes and workshops conducted by top nature photographers including luminaries like Guy Tal, George Lepp, and Margo Pinkerton.

Mesquite Sand Dunes

“I think we also have to recognize the impact of photographs we see in magazines, in galleries like Gallery 54, at art shows and in the work of fellow photographers on our own efforts,” he says.

Besides his photography, Dwyer is known for the photography workshops he leads, primarily in the Fingerlakes and Adirondack regions of New York. “We can't forget that as workshop leaders, we also benefit from each workshop we conduct because of our exposure to the work of students and the opportunity the workshops present for us to help others stretch in their photography . . . which often leads to learning opportunities for us as well,” he notes.

Ubehebe Crater

Dwyer's photography has been featured in venues as diverse as the Image City Photography Gallery in Rochester, NY; the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake, NY; and galleries and stores through-out upstate New York.

The Death Valley images that Dwyer will exhibit will all be available for purchase as custom giclee´ prints as well as for custom framing.

Gallery 54 will open Peaceful Valley – one man's visit to Death Valley National Park from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, May 5. The special show will run through the end of May.

Toro RunWinery from Ovid, NY is scheduled to conduct wine tastings during the show opening and light refreshments will be served. Gallery 54 is an upscale venue for Central New York artists that showcases and sells unique, inspired, and timeless art in a diversity of mediums.

Maffiori Joins Gallery 54

A copper fold formed cuff

Gallery 54 is pleased to announce that Lisa Maffiori has joined a growing list of artists the gallery represents, bringing with her a wonderful selection of custom designed jewelry.

Her jewelry making journey began as a relaxing hobby that she enjoyed with her sister. Not only did she look forward to their spending time together but the creative outlet of "playing with stone beads" became a weekly respite from a busy professional career.

Copper Ginko Earrings

Lucky Link Kyanite Necklace

"I began exploring different jewelry making techniques and my passion grew tenfold when I took my first metalsmithing course. It expanded my skills and mind and opened up the door to endless possibilities," she explained. While happiest forging and forming metal, the opportunity brought with it new techniques and an infinite opportunity for growth.

Reed Pearl Earrings

"My designs are refined, yet organic," she says, "reflecting the natural world in the combination of natural stones and organic metalwork." Her hope is that each piece she creates will bring the wearer "joy, confidence and a sense of unique beauty."

Lisa joins us beginning April first. So, stop by Gallery 54 and help us welcome her and her artful jewelry.

The rush is on for Valentine's Day

Pottery galore . . .

. . . ideal for Valentine's Day
and the red dots mean
you save.

Everyone at Gallery 54 is loading up the shelves for Valentine's Day and we've doubled-up on the importance of your next visit by launching our first ever Midwinter Sale. When you walk around the gallery, countless items that will make perfect Valentine's Day gifts attract your eye. To make your challenge even more interesting the gallery is literally festooned with red dots. Red dots that indicate the item is sporting a special, limited time (the end of February), 15% discount. Pictured here are just a couple examples . . . but really tempting ones.

Everything you could want in a rainbow

All I could think when Liz Micho showed me her new stained glass creation was, "everything you could want in a rainbow." The photo here doesn't really do it justice because of the gyrations I had to go through to photograph it without incorporating glare and reflections from the light flowing through Gallery 54's window as well as the overhead lights in the gallery.

Every color in this rainbow is waiting for your Valentine

At Gallery 54 we are often thinking of Liz's stained glass pieces as garden art because so much of it (not all, for sure) is designed and constructed specifically to add beauty and color to any garden. Certainly, this new piece will star in a garden if that's where someone wants to showcase it. But, her design will also garner a lot of compliments displayed in a picture window or maybe in your sunroom as well.

When we look at Liz's designs, they show off so well backlit in front of the gallery's window that overlooks Skaneateles Lake, we're able to focus our attention of her art and we just mentally block out the distractions that a camera records.

So, I guess you'll just have to come into the gallery and take a look for yourself. And, at the price she's put on it for February, I'm guessing you ought to come sooner rather than later. After all, the first one to claim it is going to be the one taking it home. Anyone want to make any bets whether stays in the Gallery until Valentine's Day?

Gallery 54 is open from 10 to 5 everyday except Tuesday, through-out February.

Valentine's Day is Coming

If you are seeing spots now, wait until you see everything else.

It's definately not to early to be thinking about your Valentine and I don't care what they say on the radio and TV commercials. There are a lot more ways to your valentine's heart than roses or chocolate covered strawberries. Don't believe me? Just stop by Gallery 54 and see if you can convince yourself that the many interesting, beautiful and unique items we have won't do the trick. Then just remember how long those roses or strawberries will last. Your valentine will be remembering how you remembered, not just for a few days, but for weeks, months and even years.
Go ahead take a look. I dare you. Oh, and don't forget the gallery's first ever Midwinter Sales is still going on. How lucky are you?

Valentine jewelry like you've never dreamed!

Even a mosaic for her heart

Visit the Lake Room for stained glass

There is sure to be
something to warm his or
her heart.

Skaneateles Winterfest means savings

Gallery 54 will celebrate this year's Skaneateles Winterfest by beginning a month long (Jan 28 - Feb 28) Midwinter Sale as a means of showing our appreciation for the many customers we enjoy serving all year long.

February featured image: Limekiln Colors

Many artists will have special work available at a 15% discount to make the celebration even more valuable to all our visitors.

For example, Photographer Tom Dwyer will be featuring his photograph titled Limeliln Colors as the first in a new monthly series of ˆFeatured Images" and this month it will carry the 15% discount of the Midwinter Sale. In addition visitors will see a "Red Dot" on many of his prints. Many other artists will be following suit with 15% discounts on their work, so this is a great time to visit Skaneateles and Gallery 54.

Gallery 54 hours for January and February are: daily 10 am - 5 pm, closed Tuesdays. We will be happy to open by appointment on Tuesdays, just give us a call at 315-685-5470 on any other day to let us know when you would like to come in.