Artwork featured from Cuba to Syracuse

Cuban born Richell Castellon Ferriera, took his first steps as an artist teaching himself to draw at an early age and participating in local art competitions in his hometown of Cienfuegos, Cuba. At roughly the same time raku potter Dona Flaherty was discovering her interest in all things artful, here in Central New York. Beginning May 3, both will be featured guest artists at Gallery 54 here.

The depths of his paintings along with the way the light transforms the shapes in each piece makes Richell's work special. There's an sense of energy and life to his cityscapes that's crafted through the highlights of his brushstrokes. There's also a recognizable ease to the way he represents the scenery in his paintings.

Flaherty began creating her raku pieces just over 20 years ago and see the process as a natural progression of her life-long interest in the arts and in creating and building with her hands. “I became interested in raku

because of the unique designs and patterns the process creates,” she says. It, too, was sort of a natural extension of her experience with figure drawing, an interest she has been able to merge in the creation of truly delightful sculptural raku pieces.  

Dona Flaherty Raku incorporating
her figure drawing

“I enjoy the drama and unpredictability of raku,” she said recently adding, “I also enjoy fitting and moulding my figure drawings to the shapes of the vessels I'm able to create.”

In recent years Dona has begun incorporating and adorning figures with vintage jewelry. It allows her to enjoy the contrast between the refinement of the jewelry and the roughness of the raku process.

As self-taught artists, both artists should provide plenty of inspiration to aspiring artists, young and not-so-young alike.

Dona Flaherty Raku, incorporating her figure drawing

Their work will be displayed throughout the month of May beginning May 3 with an opening reception from 5 to 8 pm.

In addition, Richell will demonstrate how he creates his impressionistic paintings between noon and 3 pm on Saturday, May 4.

Skaneateles' own Anyela's Vineyards will be on hand for wine tastings during the Friday evening reception. Musical entertainment will be provided by the popular guitarist and singer Jane Zell.

Gallery 54 is an artist owned gallery of upscale art and fine craft. It is open Sunday through Thursday fro 10 am to 5 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.