Tag Archives: art in Syracuse New York

art, art education, art exhibition, Karen Tashkovski, mixed media, photography, Syracuse University, transmedia, video installation

Flowers, Tatts & China

Image April 22, 2019 Karen Tashkovski 1 Comment

I have become a Transmedia groupie.

Syracuse University Associate Professor Laura Heyman, guest Visiting-Artist and Instructor Ira Lombardia, and Everson Museum of Art Curator of Art and Programs DJ Hellerman led students through a critique tonight at Apostrophe’s Art Gallery, 1104 Oak Street, Syracuse, NY 13203.

I was there a couple weeks ago for a similar event. This time it was a joint showcase of work by Han Zhao and Hangyi Zhou.

Han Zhao’s exhibit, Flowerbility, utilizes various media to showcase a single flower. According to his artist statement, he creates on his I-Pad and laptop, which allows his ideas to flow freely and quickly. There is joy to this ease. His work ethic reminded me of artist Kiki Smith. Last year, she visited Syracuse University and talked about coming at an idea from all angles. I enjoyed the consistency of the image and saw how its use had implications and applications to interpreting and re-imagining business logos, taking the image to its unlimited potential. That was exciting!

I jumped into participating in Hangyi Zhou’s critique session. What was I thinking, lol? I guess the teacher in me couldn’t just be a fly on the wall. I loved being a part of this adventure. The artist’s four-piece photography exhibit, Chinese Tattooed Women, seemed rather simplistic until she shared some back-story.

What happens in China stays in China – except when young artists relate how their view of the world is tainted by a judgmentally governed society. In this case, the notion that tattoos suggest disreputable character, specifically in regard to women. Finding Chinese women courageous enough to pose for these photographs was quite an accomplishment, apparently.

Each model wears black and poses to portray their emotional connection to their respective tattoos, which are similarly inked in black and were all similarly executed in China.

This series seems to be in its gestation period, and a lot of what was said in the critique was thought-provoking in a helpful way.

Thank you, Transmedia gang, for including me. This SU grad loves that Syracuse University art has expanded into the off-campus community. Utilizing this unique gallery space for student exhibitions and holding receptions on Mondays is a win-win! <3

art, art exhibition, art gallery, Karen Tashkovski, painting

Diamonds

Image June 9, 2018 Karen Tashkovski Leave a comment

There is no better way to celebrate my birthday than spending time with wonderful friends viewing art.

The Everson Museum of Art is host to two exhibitions of Darryl Hughto’s paintings. From Diamonds to Sailboats will be on display until August 26, 2018. According to the Everson Bulletin, this show “examines the artist’s tireless interest in the power and possibility of a single shape: the diamond”.

These diamond and sailboat paintings are ethereal, immediately transporting the viewer to the blue skies and sunshine of summer. I loved how the unprimed canvases allowed the paint to seep into the cloth. There is an underlying structure of softness that builds into a textural landscape of ocean waves by the commanding use of gel mediums. The paintings are shimmery and soft while also entirely rhythmic. Beautiful work!

Also on view are portraits of friends and acquaintances in his world. These are energetic gestural works. A must see!

Hughto will do a gallery walk to discuss his work on June 14, 2018 at 6:30 pm. It is free for Everson members, otherwise $8.00.

art, art exhibition, art for sale, art gallery, encaustic, found object, Karen Tashkovski, mixed media, painting

Happy Little Treehouse

Image April 24, 2018 Karen Tashkovski 2 Comments

I was invited to participate in an art show at the Syracuse, New York Golisano Children’s Hospital. In 2011, my Chittenango Middle School students exhibited Mexican sun sculptures in this same little gallery on the 12th floor. This time Ryan Wood from the 40 Below Public Arts Task Force connected with Jenny Dickinson, Coordinator for Pediatric Programs and Events to create an art event in which all artists produced treehouse themed art and called it The Happy Little Treehouse Show.

An all call went out via email and I responded. Three weeks ago, I created three new paintings for the event. Other artists in this group exhibition are as follows: Madison M. Quinn, Carlos Lee, Micha L. Crook, Sofia Marquez, Eva Hunter, Brandon Hall, Becki Fuller, Tommy Lincoln, Karmin Schafer, Jamie Santos, Melquea Smith, Aldea K. Gerard and Ryan Wood.

Many of the works are priced as donations to the hospital. Mine too, although the signage was wrong on that. I must have checked the wrong box when I filled out the form.

My paintings are titled “Spring”, “Autumn” and “Winter”. They are encaustic combines. I used two hardboard panels to create the abstract tree and house then added a variety of found object items. Encaustic is a process of heating beeswax and infusing it with oil paint. They are priced at $75 each.

The one hour reception took place this afternoon. Because of hospital security issues, only artists and hospital staff attended. It was really lovely networking with the other artists. The gallery is a wonderful space, right across from the library near the elevators.

The Happy Little Treehouse show continues through the end of May.

art, art for sale, art in restaurants, Karen Tashkovski, photography

Newbie

Image April 23, 2018 Karen Tashkovski Leave a comment

Photographer Laura Thorne is new in town. The former Tampa, Florida resident is having her first art exhibition at Dolce Vita World Bistro, 907 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, New York. The show will be up until May 19, 2018.

See more of Laura’s photographs on her website www.laurathornephotography.com.

Here is the information from the Facebook page:

Dolce Vita presents… PerspectiVe Changes Everything, a showcase of some of Laura Thorne’s most unique and compelling photography from around the world and in Syracuse.

Donate to Believe in Syracuse by May 18th to enter a drawing to win a framed 11 x 14 print. For each dollar donated to the Creativity Crates Project fund you will receive one wanted. IE $5 = 5 chances to win.
https://mailchi.mp/192c738f9f9f/enter-to-win-an-11-x-14-framed-print-by-laura-thorne-of-absolute-revolution-gallery

abstract, art education, art exhibition, art for sale, art gallery, art in restaurants, Karen Tashkovski, painting

The Spirit Beckons

Image April 16, 2018 Karen Tashkovski 2 Comments

Sandra Sabene and Laura Stisser have united in art for an exhibition at the Roji Tea Lounge in Syracuse, New York. The artwork will be on display through May 2018. Tonight was the reception, which included a demonstration of meditative painting by Sabene and a musical performance by Zoe Mullan-Stout and Blake Propst.

Sabene spins her canvas on a mobile contraption-style easel her husband had built for her. It was pretty cool and reminded me of a similar process I am using with my 5th graders – their paper canvas-based sculptures are propped on banding wheels in order to look at and paint them from all sides.

During her presentation, the artist’s hand, holding a two-inch flat brush, danced across the canvas to the beat of music, dipping that paintbrush in a succession of primary colors, working intuitively and discarding brushes along the way. She would grab another and another in an attempt to prevent the inevitable muddiness that can occur using this process, as she had mentioned prior to her start. She lets go of pain, hurt, and the past and focuses on the now. In the present moment, her hand guides her emotional healing sparking the flow of spirituality and inner peace.

Sabene teaches this method in her studio gallery, the Liverpool Art Center, located near Onondaga Lake Parkway in Liverpool, New York. For more information on Sandra Sabene and her style visit www.artbysandra.com.

Both artists create non-representational work. Both connect to their inner spirit as they work. Laura Stisser’s work looks to use a marbleizing technique. She is evolving as an artist (she is a Sabene disciple) while also selling Young Essential Oils in her spare time, as well as making a living as a professional actor! Connect with Laura Stisser at www.laurastisserart.com.

The show is titled “A Soul on Fire…is the most powerful force on earth”. The Roji Tea Lounge is located at 108 East Washington Street #2, Syracuse, New York. Visit www.rojitealounge.com for information such as their latest menu and hours of operation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqJesktztEE

abstract, art, art exhibition, art for sale, art in restaurants, Karen Tashkovski, painting, watercolor

Friendship & Art

Image April 29, 2017 Karen Tashkovski Leave a comment

IMG_20170429_131408_509 — Coach baseball cap, Halston Heritage dress, Karl Lagerfeld Paris boots

The closing reception for Art & Baseball, my watercolor show at Half Moon Bakery & Bistro, was sooooo much fun! The baseball cupcakes were so cute, and delicious too. I had a lemon one – yum!

I have such an amazing support system of love from my immediate family. My sister Kathy and my mom were there and my dad stopped in after a long morning of tilling his vegetable garden. My friend Penny was doing the same at her place in Sylvan Beach before coming! I have the best friends and I know how fortunate I am to have them in my life.

Proprietor Debbe Titus said exactly that – “you have the best friends supporting you”.

After the reception and take down, my friend Kim and I drove over to her hair salon, Kimberly’s Salon at 2520 James Street in Eastwood (Syracuse, New York). We hung the paintings there. So that is the answer to the questions, when and where is your next show? They will be up indefinitely and are available for sale in a cash & carry. I will just replace them with more art.

Kimberly’s Salon hours of operation are as follows: Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00 am – 6 pm, Wednesdays & Fridays 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, and Saturdays 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Call (315) 463-2735 for more information.

I do have the very best friends a girl could ever ask for. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Today was such an amazing day in my universe.

art, art education, art exhibition, art for sale, art gallery, Karen Tashkovski, painting

Velatura Maria

Image April 4, 2017 Karen Tashkovski Leave a comment

I took a lot of pictures at Maria Rizzo‘s art reception, mainly because she was exhibiting quite a bit of art! Maria has been busy – she curates the art exhibits at Natur-Tyme in Dewitt, New York, teaches entrepreneurial courses at the Syracuse Tech Garden, is a wife, mother of two, a painter and – something I did not know about her until tonight – an art student.

She is growing exponentially as a person of this world – learning, knowing, loving, teaching, giving…. It is really incredible to know her. Her positive energy is magnetic. This show marks the culmination of her art degree at SUNY Empire State College. Maria’s art is currently on display in the Central Arts Gallery of the annex located at 6333 Route 298 (3rd floor) in East Syracuse, New York.

Yes! This for me, was another case of making the invisible visible. I had no idea there was an art college around the corner from my house. Thank goodness Penny drove this time. Like that last time with the SUNY Oswego annex campus in downtown Syracuse, New York, I had no idea where we were going, but Penny did! (Am I the only one who doesn’t know about these things?)

It turns out that SUNY Empire State College is the largest of the SUNY schools fractured into pieces around the state. Students have the flexibility to create their own programs of study to a degree with many of them non-traditional students, like Maria, who are embarking on their studies after spending time in the real world. Classes are held at night and on weekends in some cases. The art degree is a B.A. due to limited studio space according to her mentor.

The show will be up for the next two months. Am not sure of the hours and how easy-peasy it is to view. We will need to look that up on their web-site. Maria’s original paintings are for sale. She has smaller versions, prints that are available as well. You can find them at Natur-Tyme or visit her web-site for more information.

art, art education, art exhibition, art for sale, art gallery, art in restaurants, found object, hearts, Karen Tashkovski, mixed media, music, painting

The World

Image April 2, 2017 Karen Tashkovski Leave a comment

It means the world to me to share my artwork with all of you. To find the perfect venue, Dolce Vita World Bistro, for the Honor Thy Master series. To take a group of paintings that had been stored under my bed, re-work them to give them new life, and get them out into this world. And to just see them again, breathing new life on the walls of this wonderful restaurant – it just feels magnificent. This is an artist’s bliss.

Today I installed my art exhibition at Dolce Vita World Bistro. It took two-and-a-half hours to figure out the placement and hang them all. I brought the paintings into the space and began by just leaning them against the wall where I thought I wanted them to go – the way I do when assisting the artists who show at the school library gallery. I rearranged a little bit but it pretty much looked like my vision very quickly. Then it was only a matter of climbing on a barstool, measuring with my favorite yardstick borrowed from school, and figuring out how to operate the clasps on the plastic cords that make up the display system on the walls. That, and finding the right bit for my power screwdriver, lol (I brought flat head rather than phillips head screws – how weird).

I love the way the artwork looks in the space. The colors work well with the terracotta walls, and I love the contrast of abstract work in this old-world classic style bistro. It just works.

Here is the menu for the special one-night only art reception on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm.

There may be a wine special – proprietor Antonietta Vigliotti is working on that, as well as selecting some great music via the sound system. I requested ’70s rock, preferably 1977 stuff, which is my definitive moment musically. I think you pick the music of your life when you are fourteen, am I right?

All are welcome. Make your reservations early if you care to join. Antonietta said she has already received a few reservations! Yessss! I am sooooo excited. It will be a fun party.

The paintings are only $200. The larger one – 24″ x 48″ is only $500 (regularly $800) and the three 11″ x 14″ paintings are only $75. They are priced low to sell. I want them to find good homes. That would mean everything.

Honor Thy Master will be on display through the month of April 2017, so if you cannot make the reception I trust that you will find the time in your world to visit the restaurant some time during the month! <3

art, art exhibition, art for sale, art in restaurants, Karen Tashkovski, mixed media, painting, Syracuse University

What’s Right is Left

Image March 11, 2017 Karen Tashkovski Leave a comment

Dolce Vita World Bistro is across the street from Syracuse Stage – at 907 E. Genesee Street, Syracuse, New York. The restaurant serves international cuisine, hosts musical and theatrical events in collaboration with Syracuse University and promotes local visual artists via monthly art exhibitions on the walls of its dining room.

Friday night I attended the opening reception for What’s Left, an art show combining the talents of Le Moyne College colleagues Erin Davies and Penny Santy. The title is derived from a Robin Williams quote –

What’s right is what’s left if you do everything else wrong.

The show features wood collage pieces by Erin and oil paintings by Penny.

Meredith Cuddihy on violin provided the musical entertainment. There was wine and cake, and other yummy fare, as well as friendship, camaraderie, and lots of fun! It is always very special to support my friends in all of their endeavors and of course, any excuse for a party is a good one, especially now – we are weathering a severe cold spell in Syracuse, New York and no one really wants to hunker down in their respective shelters to wait it out.

According to their web-site, Dolce Vita is open Monday – Thursday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Wednesday – Friday 11:00 am – midnight, and Saturday 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm. They schedule private events on Sundays. If you are interested in scheduling one, making a reservation or checking out the wonderful art, call (315) 475-4700 for the deets.

art, art exhibition, art resources, fashion, found object, jewelry, Karen Tashkovski, mixed media, sculpture, Syracuse University

Army of Thieves

Image February 10, 2017 Karen Tashkovski 2 Comments

According to the literature for this exhibit of sculptures by Vanessa German, “when assembled together, these power figures resemble an army of women on the march”. German creates them from a plethora of found objects. The mannequin parts are plastered and tarred then assembled and dressed via wiring, sewing and gluing the objects in place, adding jewelry and dress that evokes some form of armor.

They become modern soldiers lined up in effect, like those terra-cotta figurines found at the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang in China. It is incredibly breathtaking and powerful to witness. The work is in the Sculpture Court and in the Wampler and Robineau Galleries on the first floor of the Everson Museum of Art (400 Harrison Street, Syracuse, New York).

Tonight was the art reception for this exhibit titled de.structive dis.tillation (a nod to the chemical construction of tar), as well as for the Bradley Walker Tomlin retrospective. I will be attending an in-service for teachers in March that focuses on the latter. I titled this post Army of Thieves because the German sculptures stole the show, which is totally ironic in that the upstairs galleries are full of local artists work and that has ALWAYS been my dream for the Everson, lol, and includes my colleagues and former S.U. professors in its mix. Vanessa German is a product of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

German’s dolls are meant to tell the story of/create a dialogue about the social injustices of the African-American experience. It’s to do with destructing in order to construct. Rebuilding a world and giving voice to a type of commitment to peace, joy and love in spite of challenges. The result is the whimsical and harmonious sound of texture, a cultural heritage-based beauty and personification that has the potential to resonate for everyone in our community.

It is the flavor of intense joy. There is so much to see here! Flea market finds that take your breath away. Attention to detail with regard to fabric and fibers. The sculptures are skateboarding and riding tricycles, standing on soap boxes and rejoicing as they stand for one’s tears and for the healing hope of a better future.

You need to see them! I really ought to plan a field trip for my Studio in Art students. We just finished creating sculpture/mobiles of paratroopers using plaster, found objects and humanoid forms, so, this would be right up their alley.

The exhibit continues through May 7, 2017. The Everson is planning a day camp for students during the week of Mid-Winter recess (that starts a week from today). Go to their web-site for more information or call them at (315) 474-6064. They will also be doing a Saturday workshop for children, and in addition, several events such as family day and docent led tours of the exhibitions. <3

	Janine on Bears Craft Lions
	Karen Tashkovski on Greatness Awaits!
	Janine on Greatness Awaits!
	Janine on Greatness Awaits!
	Karen Tashkovski on The MOST

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