Tag Archives: Karen Tashkovski

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

Signing In

Image March 23, 2017 Karen Tashkovski Leave a comment

I drive past Grover’s Table a lot, like almost every day, and every single time I say to myself, in my best Tina Fey voice, I want to go to there! Carthage native and Westhill High School art teacher Jamie Ashlaw is exhibiting his vintage sign-infused paintings in the Fayetteville, New York restaurant until the end of the month. Last night I attended his artist’s reception. So, that happened.

I met Jamie once before at the Art on Porches event last summer. I bought a note card print of his Palace Theater painting. I really admire his work! It has the ability to transport its viewer into the past evoking a sense of nostalgia for both local culture and national advertising. He uses Golden Artist acrylic glazes, which allow him the ability to create precise lines within the lettering. The canvases become veritable photographic replicas of their resource counterparts. Exquisite!

Grover’s Table is a gorgeous place and I would REALLY love the opportunity to exhibit there, but I have to say that Jamie’s artwork looks like it belongs on the walls of this beautifully renovated exposed-brick-ey space. They should consider buying the collection – at least to put up periodically in between other artist rotations. Meanwhile, he has agreed to display them in the Chittenango Middle School library as my final artist for the year! We will install his show around spring break.

Jamie donated this piece in the above photo. It hangs at the host stand by the front door. A vintage-like sign depicting Grover Cleveland, who actually once lived in the neighborhood, only a few blocks east. So cool!

According to their web-site Grover’s Table is open as follows:

Tues.-Thurs. 4:30-9:00pm

Fri.-Sat. 4:30-930pm

They do not serve lunch but luncheons are available for groups of 35 or more

Closed on Sunday & Monday

Grover’s Table is located at 104 Limestone Plaza Fayetteville, NY 13066. For reservations call (315) 632-4907.

art, art exhibition, art for sale, art in restaurants, encaustic, found object, hearts, horseshoes, Karen Tashkovski, mixed media, music, school library

Triple Whammy

Image March 20, 2017 Karen Tashkovski 4 Comments

So, here’s something crazy weird and great – I will be exhibiting artwork in three locations during the month of April 2017. Showing watercolors – the ones with the baseball themed titles – at the Half Moon Bakery and Bistro in Jamesville, New York. No date as of yet for the reception, but I am hoping they will do a baseball cake or cupcakes for it. That will be fun for spring, right?

I’m installing an exhibit at Dolce Vita World Bistro in Syracuse, New York on April 2, 2017. It would be nice to keep them up longer than a month, but no deets on this yet. I would love to have a gathering one evening, maybe fill the dining room with friends and have music too, but I haven’t planned that far ahead. Art shows are a great excuse for a party! I will either exhibit the encaustic crown series from 2012 or something more retro – oil & collage paintings from 1998. I don’t remember what I called this series. I made them in the 2nd bedroom of my apartment on Woodbine Ave. during winter break that year. Does anyone remember anything pre-new millennium?

CROWNING GLORY(11X14-12) (243x300) — Crowning Glory, 18″ x 15″, 2012, encaustic, $125

LIFE. LIBERTY. HAPPINESS., 18X36, 1997 (300x156) — Karen Tashkovski, Life. Liberty. Happiness., 1997, oil & collage, $675

And finally, my 1997 oil & collage series of paintings Messages (From the Other Voice) is up in the Chittenango Middle School library, Chittenango, New York, for the next two months!

STRENGTH, 18X36, 1997 (300x159) — Karen Tashkovski, Strength, 18″ x 36″, 1997, oil & collage, $675

So happy to be able to share my artwork in public spaces (you know, to captive audiences). New work is actually coming soon. My sister is opening a yoga studio around the corner from my house. I will be making encaustic paintings to exhibit and sell there. I’m going to be turning my kitchen into an art studio during spring break next month to get those (horseshoe paintings and maybe hearts too) ready for Syracuse Yoga’s opening in May 2017.

art, art education, art exhibition, art gallery, art resources, Karen Tashkovski

Mayer on Cloth

Image February 23, 2017 Karen Tashkovski Leave a comment

At 6:00 p.m. tonight, Jeffrey Mayer, Associate Professor of Fashion Design at Syracuse University, will be presenting a talk on the Art for Every Home: Associated American Artists exhibition at the SU Art Gallery. He will be focusing on the clothing and textiles that are in the back gallery.

I took these pictures when I was at the opening reception.

Here is more info taken from their Facebook invite page –

Join Jeffrey Mayer for a thrilling discussion focusing on the costumes and textiles featured in the current exhibition “Art for Every Home: Associated American Artists,” on dislay through March 19th in the galleries!

Post World War II fashion, with a new silhouette and a new appreciation for the designer as an artist, created the perfect opportunity for Associated American Artist to team with textile manufacturers to produce art based fabric prints. Creating series of textiles for both home decoration and clothing use these prints were marketed as being created by ‘fine artists’. The collaboration with textile manufacturers would only last for a very few years before AAA designed print fabrics would cease to exist. This lecture will include additional textile print examples from the Syracuse University Sue Ann Genet Costume Collection which document how the trend became popular and what contributed to its demise.

Jeffrey C. Mayer is Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Fashion Design in the School of Design, SU CVPA, as well as the curator of the Sue Ann Genet Costume Collection for which he has designed many historic costume exhibitions. He is also author of ‘Vintage Details; A Fashion Sourcebook’ published by Laurence King, London.

The show continues though March 19, 2017. The gallery is located in the Shaffer Art Building on Syacuse University campus. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 am – 4:30 pm. The gallery stays open until 8:00 pm on Thursdays. They are closed during university holidays. Call (315) 443-4097 for more information or email them at suart@syr.edu.

art, art exhibition, art for sale, art gallery, ceramics, Karen Tashkovski, mixed media

Gallery Girl

Image February 21, 2017 Karen Tashkovski 4 Comments

Visiting Novado Gallery for the first time was like entering a magical place akin to Oz for Dorothy or the Wonka factory for Charlie in that I had been privy to the adventure of it long before the opening in December 2016. Anne Novado relocated to Jersey City, New Jersey from Syracuse, New York a year ago with a plan to open the gallery at 110 Morgan Street in the Modera Loft building within three months. That plan took additional time due to paperwork and construction. I had visited Anne twice before in that time; the last time I could only peer in the window to see this vast space (3,000 square feet) and imagine what it might look like filled with art.

And…so, on Sunday evening, I got to experience the full fruition of a dream. A beautifully artful space organized by Anne’s keen eye and aesthetic to deliver the Jersey citizens and surrounding area cool people (including NYC, only a hop, skip and train ride away) with many wonderful options of artwork to buy, enjoy and collect. It is a magnificent space filled with a lot to love!

She and business partner Steve Pearlman plan to have monthly exhibitions, as well as a stable of artists’ and artisans’ work displayed throughout. The current show is called Identity and features work by Lacey McKinney, Carrie Will, David Samuel Stern, Brandy Kraft and Alyssa McClenaghan.

The original opening was snowed out due to a bizarrely timed blizzard. It has been rescheduled for Friday, March 3, 2017 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will include food, drink, entertainment and a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Fulop in attendance!

A portion of the proceeds from sales of the artwork will be donated to Women Rising, Inc. of Jersey City. Identity runs through March 9, 2017. The next exhibit, tentatively titled The Power Show, will feature Jim Ridlon, Dusty Herbig, Brian Gustafson, Rainer Maria Wehner and Maurizio Zuluaga.

Anne is also a working artist. If she is not drawing or painting, she spends her off-time away from the gallery doing studio visits. If you are a local artist looking for gallery representation or interested in more information about the gallery, you can contact her at (201) 744-6713.

Current gallery hours are Wednesday and Friday 11:00am-6:30pm, Thursday 11:00am-8:00pm, Saturday noon-5:00pm and Sunday noon-6:00pm and by appointment. The gallery specializes in industrial and live-edge furniture and contemporary functional and decorative ceramics, as well as mixed-media fine art. For more about the gallery visit www.novadogallery.com <3

art, art education, encaustic, found object, hearts, Karen Tashkovski, mixed media, painting

Valentine-ing

Image February 18, 2017 Karen Tashkovski Leave a comment

On Tuesday, I gave each of my twelve Studio in Art students a valentine. I prepped 3″ x 5″ canvas panels with a few layers of beeswax. I carved in a heart stencil. I thought this would be a quick and fun way to introduce them to encaustic painting.

I took an encaustic course (graduate level) at Syracuse University in 2012 with free credits I’d earned for hosting a student teacher. Davana Robedee was my instructor. I love incorporating this relatively new-to-me media in the art classroom.

Students melted oil pastels on pancake griddles (all the windows in the room were open and the fans were on high) and went to town tackling their tiny canvases. The thing about wax is that when warm, it produces a luscious liquid color on the brush – but as soon as you remove it from the heat source, it solidifies, so…that brush stroke needs to be a quick thinking confident one – needs to count! They really loved the process. We decided to add a second day of it, which gave them time to process the process and make better decisions once they got the hang of it.

I painted 11″ x 14″ canvas panels with black acrylic paint for each of them and glued wooden plaques to the centers. Students carved into their encaustic paintings with clay tools to enhance the texture then added mixed media items to it and/or to the black frame. We brought the encaustics in for the landings with Elmer’s glue.

I am in love with the decisions they made and the fact that in three classes they all created these wonderful emotionally-charged finished products. So beautiful. I love heart energy! <3

art, art for sale, Karen Tashkovski, painting

Mandala Man

Image February 11, 2017 Karen Tashkovski Leave a comment

Ken Nichols‘ mandala paintings have been on display in the Chittenango Middle School library since the end of November 2016. They are coming down on Monday. Ken is a painter and a potter, a Syracuse artist who believes in the passion of creation.

He uses Golden Artist acrylic paints. He begins by painting the surface of the canvas black then uses an intuitive process to shape the composition relying on color to forge a path of rhythm throughout. The result is vibrant and fun abstracts that keep the viewer hypnotized in his psychedelic vortex.

Ken spoke to students during a 10th period art reception in December. He had them mesmerized! I have a short video at the bottom of this post. It is always a win-win for students to meet artists. A mutual admiration society of positive energy that transcends age and time. Belief in yourself is always the message. Taking pride in what your hand can manufacture. Art for art’s sake and for peace of mind. Really good conversation.

Check out more about Ken Nichols by visiting his web-site here.

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

art education, fashion, Karen Tashkovski

Me & Karl L.

Image February 1, 2017 Karen Tashkovski 1 Comment

img_20170110_085438_024 — Free People dress, BCBGMaxAzria top and leggings, Karl Lagerfeld Paris boots

img_20170113_084703_629 — BCBGMaxAzria dress, Karl Lagerfeld Paris boots

These Karl Lagerfeld Paris boots are in heavy rotation right now. They are 2 1/2″ heel – over the knee boots in both blue and black suede. I couldn’t decide which color to get, and you know that meant I had to have both of them. So comfortable, so amazing! They go with everything in my closet. It is incredible how a new item makes everything else that’s old appear fresh again. Karl Lagerfeld Paris definitely gets the Tashionista seal of approval. <3 <3 <3

img_20170118_085510_542 — Banana Republic cardigan, Trina Turk top and skirt, Karl Lagerfeld Paris boots

img_20170120_084415_444 — Banana Republic cashmere cardigan and skirt, Warner Bros. T-shirt, Karl Lagerfeld Paris boots

img_20170125_091950_624 — Banana Republic cardigan, Trina Turk dress, BCBGMaxAzria belt, Karl Lagerfeld Paris boots

img_20170123_091920_949 — Berkeley Cashmere cardigan, Free People dress, Karl Lagerfeld Paris boots

img_20170131_100004_151 — Free People cardigan, BCBGMaxAzria T-shirt and dress, Karl Lagerfeld Paris boots

img_20170127_082738_083 — Free People cardigan, BCBGMaxAzria top and leggings, Karl Lagerfeld Paris boots

art, art education, art exhibition, classroom, fashion, Karen Tashkovski

LOL & Art (& Fashion)

Image January 9, 2017 Karen Tashkovski Leave a comment

img_20170109_085058_851 — Michelle DaRin jewelry choker, Free People cardigan, Banana Republic leather top, Trina Turk leather skirt, Hue tights, Nine West booties

Today I tripped over a drawing board that was leaning against my classroom desk. I proceeded to totally wipe out in a sort of Chevy Chase circa the ’70s Saturday Night Live skit way. My students just shrugged it off, as if it wasn’t the stupidest thing they have ever seen a teacher do. I don’t know how to explain why I did not rip my tights except to say that Hue brand are amazingly durable. So stupid funny. I couldn’t stop laughing and even now hours later the laughter is bubbling up inside and…OMG! Here it comes again!

img_20170106_084116_092 — Banana Republic cardigan, BCBGMaxAzria dress, Hue tights, Nine West booties

img_20170105_084653_298 — Honora necklace, Banana Republic cardigan, Free People top, BCBGMaxAzria skirt, Karl Lagerfeld boots

This incident happened a few minutes after lunch – I had been making a list of intentions: things I desire for my life, and one of them is to laugh out loud every day. That is either totally ironic or I am a fast manifester, lol. I guess it depends on how you look at things.

img_20170104_091940_978 — Michelle DaRin jewelry, JCrew cardigan, BCBGMaxAzria top and pants, Nine West booties

img_20161223_084617_026 — Free People cardigan and dress, Calvin Klein jeans, Nine West booties

There’s always something funny going on in the art classroom. I keep saying I will write a screenplay one day. It is tentatively titled Middle School Musical. Oh and yes, there WILL be song and dance.

img_20161222_084527_519 — Banana Republic cardigan and skirt, Grant Thomas tie, Bailey 44 top, Hue tights, BCBGMaxAzria booties

img_20161221_085544_693 — BCBGMaxAzria dress, Steve Madden boots

I’m currently wrapping up lessons with my first semester crew. Starting at the end of the month, I will entertain new students until the end of the school year in all but one class. My Studio in Art class will remain. They meet every day for the full year. Students just finished up a mixed-media lesson. I will do a post on it soon. We will keep the materials out and do a mixed-media sculpture/mobile next then on to a portrait lesson, watercolor and finally an acrylic landscape painting.

img_20161209_091735 — Free People dress, Calvin Klein jeans, BCBGeneration booties

I didn’t have any Scholastic Art award winners this year (I entered eleven pieces) – a disappointment for sure, but it is not as much a reflection of the quality of the work as it is a particular judges’ whimsy. I think I entered eleven pieces last year and six won honorable mentions. The still life drawings we are currently finishing along with the Wayne Thiebaud-influenced drawings are looking very competitive, so I may hold on to some of them to enter next year.

img_20161202_085046 — Fossil bracelets, BCBGMaxAzria top and pants, Nine West booties

Meanwhile, students have created the illustrations for the Ozstravaganza 2017 coloring contest and we are exhibiting the Lions Club peace posters in the Community Room of the Sullivan Library in Chittenango, New York through February 2017.

img_20161129_091703 — Free People top, BCBGMaxAzria pants, BCBGeneration sandals

img_20161122_112624 — Banana Republic dress, Hue tights, Nine West booties

So, it is not all fun and games in the art world (we are working after all). It is only mostly fun and games, because that is what life should be – creative fun with A LOT of laughing out loud.

img_20161110_092606 — BCBGMaxAzria dress and leggings, Nine West booties

art, art exhibition, art for sale, Karen Tashkovski

So Decked

Image December 30, 2016 Karen Tashkovski 2 Comments

I braved the storm – basically, it’s four streets to get to the Beer Belly Deli & Pub from here. It’s actually fun to drive in blizzard conditions. Oh…yeah, it is. Like, we who live in the snowiest city in the nation take it as a badge of honor that we can do it without a single note of fear. The giant snowflakes silently smacking my car windshield made me feel like I was inside a snow globe. It was so cool! I mean, there were not many cars on the road to crash into. I figured everyone else was homebound. And so, it was startling to witness a full house at the art reception for Deck the Halls 2016.

This is due to the strong following this amazing group of artists has and of course, kudos goes to the wonderful Jamie Santos, tattoo artist and illustrator, for creating another great happening.

The following artists are represented in this show of skateboards:

Aaron Carmody, Aaron Z. Lee, Abbie Fitzpatrick, Adam Golden, Adam Zombie, Aimee Maroney, Ben Krzykowski, Brian Manos, Cait Mathews, Cayetano Valenzuela, Casey Landerkin, Charlie Sam, Chris Sosa, Collin Buck, Dan Bingham, Dan (Dippel) Styles, Dan Tickner, Eric Althoff, James Coldiron, Jamie Santos, Jemola Addley, Jeremiah Clifford, Jesse Gabriel, Jesse Ryan, Jim Sidelinger, Josh Montgomery, Kimi Rees, Kyle Proia, Matt Tyska, Micheal Giannattasio, Mike Tommyrot, Nik Moore, Pete Ott, Sara Tierney, Shane Trevett, Thad Jackson,Tommy Lincoln, Tom Ward, Tony Thompson, Victoria Storm, Zac Barres, & Zach Wheeler.

The work will continue to be on display and for sale during the month of January 2017. The Beer Belly Deli & Pub is located at 510 Westcott Street, Syracuse, New York.

They will be there until 11:00 pm – there’s still time to see the artwork tonight while listening to talented local musicians and partaking in drink specials and nachos!

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