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.

-30-

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.”