Art on Display
Now on display in the library.
Mostly Rye - Art Exhibit by Howard Bratches
July 2 through August 25 July 2 through August 25
Howard Bratches is a traditional watercolorist trained at the Art Students League of New York and SUNY Purchase under Hugh Gumpel.
His paintings have been shown in New York City, Rye and White Plains as well as in national traveling shows.
His paintings are in many public and private collections including Washington and Lee University, The Union League Club of New York, Christ’s Church in Rye, Rye Art Center, Rye Library, Manursing Island Club and the White Plains Board of Education.
He can be contacted at 967-4921
Kids Pix by Isabel Becker
Fabric Art in the Children's Room Corridor July 6 through August 26
Isabel Becker says that this exhibit is a happy exhibit with themes that children of all ages will relate to: from the nursery to their teens. Framed pictures of animals on land and sea, nursery characters, transportation vehicles and interests and hobbies of children will cover the walls of the Rye Library’s Children’s Room Corridor. The art work is made from cut up fabrics which she then uses to create the pictures and sew them on the machine. Much of Becker’s work has won awards in art shows and just recently won first place in mixed media at the Dobbs Ferry Women’s Club Beaux Arts exhibit.
About the Artist
ISABEL BECKER – The Inspiration for the Framed Pictures came while I was reading a children’s book to a granddaughter, I was inspired by the illustrations in fabric and decided to try to sew one to be hung on a wall in a room I was decorating for grandchildren. Because I do not copy – even my own work- the picture was original and turned out to be fun to do. Since then I have been sewing the fabric collage/ appliqué pictures in an expanding amount of subjects. What started out as creations for my family has turned into a creative arts business. I now exhibit and win awards in juried exhibitions and sell at crafts fairs, art shows and charitable events. It is creative, sometimes challenging, but always rewarding work. My work is considered both art (mixed media) and a craft (quilting); this seems a natural combination of many of my lifelong interests.
The Creative Process - Inspiration comes to me from many areas; viewing a picture, a fabric or just an idea which intrigues me. Themes range from nursery rhyme characters, jungle and domestic animals, sea life as boats or fish, vehicles as cars, fire engines, planes and trains, sports for boys, girls and adults (including golf), ballet dancers and other girl fancies, hobbies, flowers, landscapes and whatever else I find which will create an original picture. Most recently, I have started working on house portraits. After deciding on an approximate size by using a sample mat, I start “fussy cutting” fabrics which relate to the theme which I have determined. Once the background fabric or fabrics have been selected, I lay the pieces out to create a picture that works in the size mat or frame I have chosen. I use pins to hold the picture pieces in place and often wait until I decide that the picture “works”, rearranging as necessary before sewing. As with all appliqué type sewing, I start with the lowest layer of fabric and work up, matching threads and using special stitches where desired. The sewing is done by machine. At this point I begin the time-consuming process to clip all threads, both front and back before I starch, press and adhere the finished product to a backing material and mat and frame the picture. While many subjects are revisited, each comes out differently so no two are alike. I create special orders for my client’s needs, such as a baby picture for a special gift or wall art for a professional office.
My Background - I grew up in a home where my mother was very artistic, I was always aware of art, composition, color and beauty. My mother encouraged me to try everything and exposed me to many types of art media. She also taught me how to sew which I always enjoyed. I followed up on some of the arts as an adult, mainly working with silver and sewing. In a professional capacity I have been trained and worked as an educator and a REALTOR.
Isabel Becker .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Art Exhibit: Lucia Oliveira
In Charcoal and Pastel September 1 through October 11
In describing another artist, Wassily Kandinsky said, “He sacrifices conventional form to inner expression, but his art tends ever towards the spiritual, towards that profounder emphasis which cannot be expressed in natural objects nor in words.” Connecticut artist Lucia Oliveira’s unique portraits can be described similarly as they too are the product of her spirituality and inner vision. Experience, in your own way, the ethereal quality of Ms. Oliveira’s very personal works.
Woman’s Club of Rye - 58th Annual Beaux Arts Exhibit
Come See What Your Talented Neighbors Have Created October 21 through November 18
The Woman’s Club of Rye, Arts Section presents its 58th Annual Beaux Arts Exhibition in the gallery of the Rye Library from October 20 to November 20. Displayed will be original art work including Oil/Acrylic, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Graphics, Pastels, Photography and Portraits. First prize winners will be eligible to compete in the Westchester County Federation of Woman’s Clubs Beaux Arts Finale.
