Category Archives: art

art, art exhibition, art for sale, art gallery, art in libraries

Immersion

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Thirty-six more paintings!  I started them today.  Created twelve new stencils.  Added the wax to the hardboards.  Traced the stencils onto the boards.

I will be taking down my art exhibition at the Fayetteville Free Library on Thursday and travelling to Rochester to deliver a painting to the Rochester Contemporary Art Gallery on Friday.

Karen Tashkovski, MUSTANG DANCE, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 48”

The following week I will be installing a show at the Hazard Branch library then it’s back to the Canastota Public Library during September and October, and then back to the Hazard Branch during November!

Karen Tashkovski, Simplify, 36″ x 36″, 1997, oil & collage, $800

Can’t wait to get immersed in the process of making the new robes!  Stay tuned….

Karen Tashkovski, Lotus, 2025, encaustic & collage

 

 

abstract, art, art exhibition, art for sale, crowns, encaustic, encaustic & collage, Karen Tashkovski

Encaustic Crowns @ FFL

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I just returned from installing my latest art exhibition.  This one is at the Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard Street, Fayetteville, NY 13066.  The artwork will be on display through the month of July 2026.

There are six dozen 8″ x 8″ encaustic & collage paintings in this series.  They are part of my bigger arch – creating a multi-cultural kingdom where everyone is welcome and everyone gets to choose their place in the dream, selecting their level of participation.  In this world, there is only happiness and joy – no complaints, no violence, no illness, no misery.

I’ve incorporated international coins and stamps, origami and mulberry papers, embroidery floss, tartan ribbons, gold enamel and game pieces.  The vintage elements create a feeling of nostalgia, as well as a sense of deja-vu.

Last year it took me six hours to work out the site plan, move the apparatus around and install a similar amount and sized series.  This time I clocked it at four and a half hours.  Thank you, Laurie Heyboer, for ordering more hooks.  It was so much easier to mount the show!  I appreciate you!!!

 

 

animals in art, art, art for sale, art gallery, group art exhibition, juried exhibition, Karen Tashkovski

Horse Power!(!!!)

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I am honored to be a part of the latest exhibition at Main Street Arts, 20 W. Main Street, Clifton Springs, New York 14432.   Titled Horse Power!, it will be on display until July 15, 2026.

My painting is called Mustang Dance (see above).

The horse theme was inspired by the Chinese New Year celebrating the year of the Fire Horse in 2026.  And – OMG – there are so many wonderful pieces of art representing horses (and donkeys, zebras and even unicorns).  People and their horses, am I right???

Paintings, drawings, sculptures, fiber art, mixed media – so much to see and enjoy.

The show is the brainchild of Executive Director Heather Olson (*) who is a total shining star.  Her positivity is infectious and the atmosphere during the art reception today was truly heart warming.

It is a fabulous exhibit.  The artwork occupies two floors in this gorgeous little gallery.  YOU HAVE TO GO TO THERE – to experience this amazing energy and also to buy something.  There is an adorable gift shop in addition to all the art that is for sale.  And donations for this non-profit organization are welcome, as well.

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday : 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

  • Heather Olson

    Executive Director and Gallery Curator

    Heather Olson joined Main Street Arts as Executive Director and Gallery Curator in January of 2025. An equestrian and lover of places, ecosystems, and the plants and animals which define them, her painting and photography work explores storytelling, erasure, movement, freedom, memory, and amends. Inspired by her summer-long artist residency at Chautauqua Institution and studies in Florence, Italy she weaves historically-driven narratives anchored in place. After living across regions of the US and Canada, Olson has a broad professional lens-bringing programming, planning, grant-work, business-ownership, teaching, and design experiences to Main Street Arts. She has public and private K-12 and college-level teaching experience. Heather earned a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art (honors), a Masters in Landscape Architecture, a Masters in Art Education, and has hours towards an MFA. Heather is building upon the exceptional programs and events developed by our prior director. She curates and hangs gallery exhibitions and works directly with artists, instructors, and our community for programs and events.

art, art exhibition, art in libraries, encaustic

What the What…Is Happening?!!!!!

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Yes, I am currently working on a new series of thirty-six encaustic & collage paintings that I will share in the coming weeks, and yes, my  art exhibition of forty-eight paintings of Encaustic Trees and Encaustic Hearts remains on display at the East Syracuse Free Library until June 30th, 2026.  And, yes, I still have plenty of new artwork available for sale that will have their moment later in the year (some will be at the Fayetteville Free Library during July 2026).  And, yes, yes, YES, I just returned from the Canastota Public Library where I installed an exhibition of seventy paintings (from three different encaustic & collage series) on the walls and tables in the Lawson community room!!!

Canastota Public Library
102 W. Center St.
Canastota, NY  13032

  1.  Heraldry (Encaustic  Heraldic Shields 2026):   I completed these encaustic & collage paintings about two weeks ago.  They are 6″ x 8″ hardboard mounted onto 8″ x 10″ cradled chalkboard and framed.

2.  Arcadia 2 (Encaustic Targets 2025):  I recently framed these encaustic & collage paintings.  I originally planned to sell them along with table easel stands, but I like them better this way.  They are 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8″ x 10″  chalkboard and framed.

3.  Arcadia 1 (Encaustic Targets 2024):  These encaustic & collage target paintings are 6″ x 8″ mounted on 9 x 12 1/2″ chalkboards and sold with the table easel stands.

This exhibition will be on view during library hours through June 30th, 2026.  If you are interested in making a purchase, my  contact information is listed in three locations in the room.

The Lawson community room is in the basement of the facility.  It contains a full kitchen and I believe it is available for small events, like club meetings.  They have regularly scheduled exercise and knitting club events there, for example.

LIBRARY HOURS

Monday: 9am – 8pm
Tuesday: 9am – 8pm
Wednesday: 9am – 8pm
Thursday: 9am – 8pm
Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 12pm
Sunday: Closed

So, this is what’s happening.  And P.S. – my painting Mustang Dance is currently on display at Main Street Arts.  The art reception is Saturday, June 6th, 2026 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.

abstract, art, art for sale, art gallery, art venue

Road Trip in Rain Finds Garden on Main

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I took a road trip today to visit Main Street Arts, 20 W. Main Street, Clifton Springs, New York 14432.  My painting, Mustang Dance, will be in the next group show, Horse Power!, which opens Saturday, June 6, 2026 with a reception from 3:00 – 6:00 PM..

The current display, The Garden Within, will be up until May 27, 2026.

The abstract work in this collection was created by former Arts-in-Education colleagues Sara Michalak and Jari Poulin.  For more information about them click here.

This is a beautiful art gallery!  I’m in love with this place.  It is worth a visit – rain or shine!  My trip was 100% rainy, lol, but so worth it.

I will be back on June 6th for the Horse Power! opening.  Join me if you can.  It will be nothing but horses-horses-horses-horses…..

Karen Tashkovski, MUSTANG DANCE, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 48”
art, art for sale, art in libraries, encaustic & collage, Karen Tashkovski

The Heraldic Shields

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Karen Tashkovski, MARTYR, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, PLUS ONE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, LOYALIST, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”

Here are the twenty-four encaustic & collage  paintings that I literally just finished.

I am very excited to announce that these paintings, along with the encaustic & collage target  paintings, Arcadia 1 and Arcadia 2, will be in an exhibition at the Canastota Public Library (102  Center St., Canastota, New York 13032) during the month of June 2026!!!

Karen Tashkovski, CLUB ROYALE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”

Photographs never do my work any sort of justice – they are very colorful and layered with texture.  You really need to experience them in person.

Karen Tashkovski, SABLE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”

They will be for sale during the show.

Karen Tashkovski, LOCAL AMBITION, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, AZURE TREASURE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, SOVEREIGNTY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, HERALDRY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, RICHES, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, IN LOVE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, INNOCENCE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, SANGUINE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, INNER RESOLVE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, SENSITIVITY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, AFTERGLOW, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, WORTHY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, GREAT WISDOM, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, CONSTANCY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, PROTECTION, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, GENTLE WARRIOR, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, THE BOUNTY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, PURELY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, SINCERITY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
art, fiberarts, Karen Tashkovski

Ann’s World View

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Ann Clarke is one of four artists selected by the CNY Arts Initiative to exhibit artwork in that gallery I call the crawl space (it is actually the Member’s Art Council gallery tucked into the corner of nowheresville) in the Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison Street, Syracuse, New York 13202.

The work here is all new and is a study in the contemplation of family, life, mortality and the camaraderie of the sewing circle – techniques and skills passed down through the generations preserving and respecting this predominantly female handiwork while creating a modern tapestry, which she refers to as “Under the Canopy”, implying both the idea of a landscape as subject matter, as well as the broader landscape of shared experiences in community and education.

The work is fresh and new, and yet, masterful and mature.  To take a medium like rug making and turn it into an emotional infusion of love and all the heartbreak that unfolds from that to the extent that the art breathes, well, it is exquisitely sublime.

The only thing that would have made this show better is if Ann had created a rug that was actually displayed on the cold cement floor, allowing the community to walk upon it in order to participate in the group spirit of said canopy.  I mean, it would get dirty, but that is kind of the point, that life presents unexpected challenges and hardships – that art is both a pursuit in solitude and an opportunity to connect with people, reminding us that we are not alone – not ever, really.  <3

The exhibit runs through June 7, 2026.

Hours:

Mon./Tues: Closed
Wed. 11:00am – 5:00pm 
Thurs. 11:00am – 8:00pm
Fri. 11:00am – 5:00pm
Sat. 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sun. 10:00am – 5:00pm

art, Karen Tashkovski

Heraldry

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On Friday night, I went to the spring art reception at the Everson Museum of Art (401 Harrison Street, Syracuse, New York 13202).  While in the Robineau Gallery, I had a fully developed vision of an art exhibition of my own in that space.  It was this strong realization that all of my various encaustic and collage series are creating a kingdom.

There are the houses, the landscape of trees and flowers, the fans, the crowns…and so I went home with the clear idea for my next series:  heraldic shields.

You can see the progression here.  I’ve been working on them all weekend and I am almost finished.  I feel like they have always existed and I just pulled them out of the ether, the way I will manifest that dream art show.

I feel incredibly content.  I will finish them in the next few days.  There are twenty-four encaustic & collage paintings – 6″ x 8″ that will be mounted on 8″ x 10″ cradled hardboard and framed.

Then I will title them and photograph them.

And possibly make more.  🙂

 

art, encaustic & collage

Horses Refreshed

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Karen Tashkovski, ARIES, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, COMING & GOING, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”

Seven of the twelve encaustic & collage paintings in this series of horses are left.  I created them in 2012 and had previously mounted them on 18″ x 18″ chalkboard.  Now the 12″ x 12″ masonite boards are mounted onto 12″ x 12″ cradled hardboards.

Karen Tashkovski, SIENNA ON FIRE, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, CHAMPION, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”

I also added collage items to some of them.

Karen Tashkovski, RED HORSE, 2011, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, THE RACE, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, SILVERY STRETCH, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”
art, encaustic cows

The Cow Has New Clothes

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Karen Tashkovski IDOL, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, SACRED ONE, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”

This collection of cows was part of the ensemble of about one hundred paintings I created during the six-week period in 2012 when I took the best Syracuse University course of my life – Encaustics with Davana Robedee.

They are 12″ x 12″ encaustic & collage paintings on 1/8″ masonite board that are now mounted onto cradled hardboards.  Previously I had them mounted onto 18″ x 18″ chalkboards.  This made the presentations much larger.

Karen Tashkovski, LIBRA, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, HEAD OVER HEELS, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”

They look so much better now.  Fresh and new.  I also added collage materials to some of them.  I did the same thing to the encaustic horse paintings – I will share those tomorrow.

I had originally created several cow stencils to be used in connection to a farm animal project I presented to first graders many years ago, so I had several stencils.  Davana encouraged me to play with the animal shapes to allow for a more dynamic flow and this lead to the upside-down and backwards stuff.  I know that some of them are rather unsettling.

Finding an audience for non-traditional constructions can be a challenge if I allow it to be, so I won’t let it be.   I really love how weird they are.

Karen Tashkovski, TAILS, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, STRAWBERRY FIELD, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, THE TAURUS, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, CHOCOLATE MILK, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, DAWN OF AQUARIUS, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, TETE-A-TETE, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”