Karin Arnds
I became interested in weaving after a trip to Peru about 12 years ago. Seeing the unique patterns and fiber art pieces that the weavers create there left me totally in awe. Since then I have studied weaving with Deb Meterney at the Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media. In the last few years I have exhibited my work at PCA’s member exhibits and continued my studies with more advanced classes and workshops at the Redstone Glen Fiber Art Center near Harrisburg, with renowned fiber artists Tom Knisely and Sara Bixler.
Professionally, have been a relationship therapist for over 35 years. I now realize my career is related to my passion of weaving more than I had initially recognized. I have been weaving people’s stories and experiences into new patterns, creating and connecting meaning in a way that is not so different from a pattern on the loom. I am excited to be taking my skills into the fiber arts world and to glean inspiration from the stunning natural beauty of the Allegheny River Valley.
Artist’s statement:
Over, under, over, under… an ancient story told with each union of warp and weft.
Single threads merge to form unique patterns and useful objects.
Appreciating the beauty of creation and connectedness. Weaving our stories into the fabric that is life.
Taylor Banner
Taylor Banner is an artist and educator from Clarion, PA. She received herBS in Art Education from Edinboro University and has continued pursuing her exploration of the fine arts through studio courses at Clarion University. Currently, Taylor is the Vice President of the Clarion County Arts Council and the visual arts teacher at Clarion Elementary School.
In her words Taylor states, “As an artist and educator, I enjoy working with a range of mediums and applications but I am most drawn to collage, mixed media and fibers. I find inspiration for my mixed media work in vintage and found imagery, as well as family photographs.Each picture captures a brief moment in time and carries with it a fragment of a life story. Working with collage allows me to create layered surfaces that rewrite that narrative and tell a new, imagined history.”
Taylor goes on to say “My recent digital work reflects upon issues of emotion, identity and human conventions. These works were heavily influenced by the collectiveisolation and uncertainty of the past few years, coupled with my personal introspection. These digital collages strive to explore the disconnect between our private and public selves. This struggle often presents as whowe are being at odds with what we project to others.”
Christian Bauer
25 years ago, I enrolled in my first wheel throwing class at Westminster College. While I had worked with clay periodically throughout my life, those first few moments in the studio grabbed me. The process of preparing the clay, throwing on the wheel, glazing and firing my pottery fueled my interest. At that time, I knew I wanted to continue with clay and someday build my own kiln.
After graduating in 2001, I pursued a teaching certification from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and for the last 20 years, I have been teaching Art in the Grove City Area School District.
Throughout my time as a teacher, I often thought about my journey as a ceramic artist and what I would like to do next. So, in November of 2020, I began a detailed drawing of my Japanese inspired climbing kiln. For weeks, I meticulously measured the layout of the kiln, calculated the internal dimensions, and counted the bricks.
Almost 3.5 years and 6 firings later, I feel so incredibly blessed. I genuinely enjoy the process; from gathering firewood to loading and unloading the kiln. I am also drawn to wood firing because there is an element of chance. Flames passing through the kiln carry and deposit ash creating a natural glaze on my pottery. Each piece is a bare canvas I paint with ash and flame
Joanne Crosbie
Joanne has dabbled in different forms of art and crafts throughout her life. She now expresses her creativity and problem-solving skills as a basket weaver. She grew up in Butler, Pa and spent most of her summers on the Allegheny River. Joanne met her husband Kurt while attending Slippery Rock College where she received her degree in secondary science education and went on to teach 9th & 10th grade science for 28 years at Butler Intermediate High School.
Kurt and Joanne moved to Foxburg to live along the Allegheny River and finished raising the last 2 of their 5 children. They also started a business, Foxburg River Tours, where she is a U.S. Coast Guard boat captain. She has been a long time ARCA board member and currently is a Red Brick Gallery marketing associate, designing materials as well as managing exhibit webpages.
Basket weaving has become one of Joanne’s favorite hobbies since meeting another local basket weaver, Lois Steele. She had always admired the work of Lois, who at one time, sold her hand-made baskets at the Red Brick. She decided to apprentice with Lois and now visits her once a week to continue perfecting the art and mastery of basket weaving. Joanne has also taken classes at the Michigan Folk Art School in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Artist Statement
I have always been fascinated by the form and functions of baskets. My introduction to the concept of basket weaving was in grade school when I made my first basket from strips of multicolor construction paper for Easter. The first basket I bought was in the early 70’s when my grandmother and I went to an antique auction in the country. There I bid on a large woven-laundry basket from the early 1900’s that I still use in my home today. From that point on, I saw baskets as an elegant way to create three-dimensional vessels from a wide range of natural materials for a wide range of uses.
I like to solve 3 dimensional problems that contain some degree of science. It might involve taking pictures of the path of the sun with a homemade pinhole camera, teaching my children vermi-composting, doing science experiments with the grandchildren or making black walnut dye. For me, making a basket is about what it will be used for and how it should look. For example, I have to make sure that the weavers are the best quality and are of the right size for what I am shaping. Every step has to be premeditated to allow for it to be constructed properly.
For me, the staining is where the magic is. There is such a gradation of colors and a slight level of control that fascinates me. This combines the ambiguity of nature and my inquiring mind. The black walnuts that I use to dye baskets are gathered here in Foxburg and are used to prepare my stain. The processing of black walnut stain has led to many discoveries on how to control the hues and intensities of the stain.
I enjoy seeing the creativity that other weavers have with their baskets, from weaving a functional willow coffin to the more decorative woven sculptures. In the future, I look forward to growing my own willow, harvesting clematis, bittersweet and honeysuckle vines, and sourcing different types of wood reeds to enhance my weaving.
Nature Photographer
Kurt has always had an interest in photography since his early days growing up in the rolling hills of Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Much of his free time was spent exploring the woods and streams near his hometown of Rockwood. He took his love of the outdoors to Slippery Rock University where he would earn a B.S. degree in Geology.
After meeting his future wife there, he found his true calling in education. His teaching career lasted over 30 years at Karns City High School where he taught Jr/Sr high sciences creating countless memories in sharing the love of nature with 1000’s of students. During his time at KCHS, he was also instrumental in planning and developing the school’s nature center, in addition to, creating and leading the school’s outdoor adventure club, environmental club, hunting/fishing club and a summer science camp for elementary students.
Kurt, along with his wife Joanne, moved to Foxburg 18 years ago after discovering this beautiful and charming town. They built a home, finished raising the last 2 of their 5 children, and then retired from teaching. They also started a business, Foxburg River Tours, with the help of Dr. Arthur and Patricia Steffee. Their business specializes in history and nature along the Allegheny River with Kurt and Joanne being certified U.S.C.G. boat captains. They have had the pleasure of sharing the magic of this area with over 10,000 customers and plan on continuing to do so for many more years to come. Kurt and Joanne are active in their community having been ARCA board members for the past 15 years.
Artist Statement
Like most kids at a certain age, I’ve gravitated to being outdoors since my youth. My mother became my biggest advocate in this interest and would always ask what I discovered during many of my forays into the wild. My father, being a photo journalist, became my catalyst for photography. Seeing how he used his camera to illustrate life’s moments helped me develop my own “photographers’ eye” manifesting in 50 years of adventures in photography.
My photography, as well as the equipment I have used, has evolved over the years. I have learned that if use my honed and instinctive observation skills, I can create so many more possibilities for unique natural snapshots. Many of my favorite photographs, though, occur when I least expect it, which is why I have needed to have the right equipment. My preferred tools of the trade these days, especially with wildlife photography, is the Nikon Z-9 mirrorless camera body and the Nikkor mirrorless 600mm lens.
I find that photography has always been cathartic for me. As most people would attest, when you are present in the natural world, it’s not only calming, but possesses a matrix through which I can share once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I pride myself in finding these special events to freeze in time, whether it be photographing the Aurora Borealis or the solar eclipse; a Brown Bear catching a Salmon or the breaching of a Humpback Whale; or even seeing a rare Orchid blooming in the local forest, finding a Snowy Owl perched on a farmer’s fence or watching a Monarch drink nectar in our gardens. Each frame stands on its own to reflect the experience I was having at that exact moment in time.
This heightens my senses and allows me to resonate with the cycles and patterns of the Earth, as well as witness the balance of all things that this dynamic planet holds. It also allows me to view the world with a clearer sense of purpose, appreciation and humility of what has been created for us, to be conscious of and to enjoy. And one of the greatest joys in being a nature photographer is to have an excuse to go outside and be a kid again.
Mark DeWalt
Woodworking has provided both economic stability and artistic opportunity for 4 generations of Mark’s family. He grew up handling and manipulating wood; learned to see it’s beauty revealed through works of fine craftsmanship, and learned to love it’s textures, colors, character and potential.
Artist Statement
“Always living in a rural setting, I have found great inspiration in the natural and historic forms that surround me. I enjoy blending materials from diverse origins to create something new while incorporating time-tested techniques. Recent works have been fashioned using figured lumber, burls, fence posts, vines and my old upright grand piano.”
Mel Dunlap
In 2018, I accepted an invitation to attend a hands-on woodturning retreat at a well-known artist’s studio. By my return home I had a new lathe ordered and began a new path into arts & crafts.
I have since dedicated my efforts to exploring an artistic approach to woodturning, through the beauty of wood grain and a combination of form, texture, color, and a variety of finishes.
I have had the blessing of being mentored by many great artists from the USA and Canada. My training also includes attending the Ron Campbell Hands-On Retreat for five years as well as attending the Southwest Turners Association symposium in Waco Texas, and the Virginia state symposium.
As a member of the Butler Area Wood Turners club and in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, I have had a fantastic experience teaching veterans to turn wood for the past two years.
I hope the results of my efforts fascinate you and draw you into my world.
world.
Artist Statement
I was asked once why I liked wood turning and it didn’t take long for me to answer them.
I had done woodworking most of my life, tables, chairs and cabinets. All precise measurements and cuts for exacting fits. Wood turning was for making legs and spindles for furniture pieces.
As of 2018 I found an artistic adventure hidden in my lathe. By expressing my artistic nature on what were basically pieces of firewood, I discovered the beauty of wood grain that now included flaws that were thrown away before. Turning in this manner didn’t require exacting precision and sizing. I tell people the wood tells me what it wants to be.
Turning is not wood working to me now, it’s more like therapy. When I’m at the lathe the rest of the world is on the sidelines, and I’m captivated by what I am finding. I like to press the limits of the wood at times seeing how far I can go with it. This does though produce some results that end up in a campfire, but as my experience has grown the number of firewood turnings I make now are less.
I also have found that the wood turning community is a very open and sharing group of people who are very willing to share their knowledge and experience. I have also grown in that area and now enjoy teaching others about turning. This includes a class of Veterans in the Butler area who have grown into a competent group of turners and friends.
If you’ve ever thought about turning, feel free to reach out to me and we’ll grab a coffee, and I’ll talk your ear off!
Donna Edmonds
Donna Edmonds is a watercolor artist who concentrates on botanical and other nature subjects. She has a particular interest in the native plants of the region along with their pollinators. Donna has a certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration from Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens where she had the opportunity to study under a number of highly accomplished contemporary botanical artists. Donna also worked as an instructor on the Phipps faculty for several years teaching color theory for watercolor applications. She is a member of the Allegheny Highlands Botanical Art Society and The American Society of Botanical Artists.
Donna was the founder of the Red Brick Gallery and Allegheny RiverStone Artists’ Co-operative. She serves as its Artistic Director and is a member of the artists’ co-op. She resides in Parker, PA.
Ann Harting
Since childhood, fiber arts have been a passion, offering me the joy of transforming simple materials like fabric, yarn, and wool into something entirely new. When I ventured into clay work, it introduced a fresh dimension to my creative pursuits.
Nature serves as inspiration in my life, infusing my art with its boundless beauty. Whether captivated by the vivid hues of a cardinal’s feathers or the timeless grace of an aging tree stump, I pause to absorb the profound beauty that surrounds me.
In my pottery, I gravitate towards hand-building techniques rooted in both functionality and sculptural expression. I revel in crafting earthy, organic forms, often enriching pieces with pressed flora and intricate carvings. Through the application of glazes and stains, I strive to harmonize these textures, lines, and marks, imbuing each piece with a distinctive narrative.
Weaving, also holds a special place in my artistic repertoire, drawing me to the intricate beauty of flora and trees, both in their physical presence and their hues. The rhythmic process of weaving offers a delicate balance of structure & freedom, as the design gradually unfolds with each pass of the shuttle.
Whether at the loom or shaping clay, I cherish the moments of quiet contemplation, allowing my hands to translate the whispers of my thoughts into tangible expressions. While I may begin with a rough idea, I relinquish control to the medium, allowing it to guide me to completion.
In essence, my art is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between creativity and nature, a journey marked by exploration, discovery, and a deep reverence for the world around me. I invite viewers to appreciate the beauty of the natural world through my pieces.
Angela Taylor Hardwick
Born in London, England, Angela was exposed to all the arts at an early age and was particularly drawn to music and painting. Eventually, a career in the music business with HarrisonParrott artist management in London found her managing international conductors and much of her free time was taken up singing and touring with the LSO Chorus. Angela’s work as Assistant to the Pittsburgh Symphony’s Music Director, Andre Previn, brought her to Western Pennsylvania, where she met her husband, Charles, a violinist with the Pittsburgh Symphony.
Since retiring from running European Artists Direct for a group of European artists’ managements, Angela at last has had the time to indulge her love of painting (self-taught), along with her other passions, gardening and cooking. Angela has produced a watercolor series including the four seasons of the Frick Cafe and the Frick Greenhouse, which have been on sale in the Frick Museum Gift Shop. She enjoys commissions to do watercolor paintings of people’s houses and estates. Much of Angela’s artwork is inspired by regular trips to Europe with her husband. They live with their three amazing cats in Wexford.
Kathy Hogg
“I have always enjoyed the arts. Although I have tried many different disciplines, I connected to jewelry-making on a different level. I love the resilience of metal and the physicality of the process – all of the fire and heat and intricate work that results in something that is an expression of the individual who eventually wears it. I especially enjoy working with silver and copper, and the beautiful gemstones that I collect on my travels.
I have taken classes in many parts of our beautiful country in order to learn the methods that influence my style. Some recent experiences include classes in Arizona at the Tucson Gem Show, and with Bill Fretz at his studio in Maine.”
“While general metal-working processes are used in my creations – so are some unexpected ones, such as; sand-casting, Argentium silver-fusing, stamping, texturing, and enameling – just to name a few. Each new experience adds another dimension to what I create in my studio. I hope you enjoy my collection.”
Dennis Keyes
I am a self-taught photographer, videographer and painter. My work is in private collections, corporate boardrooms, hospitals, restaurants, publications, public landmarks, on line and, of course, in the Red Brick Gallery. I retired after 30 years of Dentistry and have added a framing business to my photography services.
My new work for this 2023 Member/Guest show features Contemporary Interpretations of Mythological creatures from various cultural folklores. Some familiar themes have been elaborated with original and collected photographs, rendered as digital paintings and painted on canvas.
I have photographed, videoed, edited and produced about 50 youtube videos including a number of the ARCA performances and events over the past 12 years. I have also documented, with youtube videos, many of my travel adventures. These can all be found on my youtube channel (drdk84).
“Affordable Frames” presents a complete package from the snap of the shutter to finished work hanging on your walls. I also offer complete color managed photography of 2-D and 3-D art for other artists interested in cataloging, or reproducing their work for prints or submission to juries or magazines.
You can find my work on my website: www.denniskeyesphotography.com
I am on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DennisKeyesPhotography/
You can reach Dennis by email at: drdk84@gmail.com
Dennis Keyes has incorporated numerous images into his epic work OMG. To receive a full explanation of the work, you may request the document describing its content and the inter-relationship of the images by contacting Dennis by email at drdk84@gmail.com or by telephone at (724) 679-1055.
Jason Floyd Lewis
Jason Lewis is from Clarion, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Clarion Area High School in 1998, he received a scholarship to go to the Columbus College of Art and Design where he studied fine art. Drawing and Painting landscape became his primary focus. From there he went to Bowling Green State University where he was a teaching assistant, instructing an Introduction to Painting course. He earned an MFA in Drawing from BGSU in 2004.
After college, Jason returned to Clarion and married his wife, Amanda, who is a clay artist. They converted an automotive garage into a studio and display area where they both can work. Jason is represented by galleries in Columbus and Erie and has exhibited in various locations throughout western PA and OH including Nemacolin Resort, Millcreek Metroparks in Youngstown, Schedel Gardens, Hiram College and the Winkler Gallery. He is also a member of the Red Brick Gallery Artists’ Cooperative in Foxburg where he exhibits his work and is the art curator.
Jason has previously been the judge for high school art shows and for the Clarion County Arts Council’s Autumn Leaf Festival Art Show and is the 2019 judge for the Saxonburg Art Show.
Artist Statement
My artwork represent the landscape as I have observed it. The paintings and drawings represent real places, many of them near my home in western PA. Most of the places I choose to represent are in some way memorable, such as rivers, roads, trails or other significant landmarks. I am interested in the way human activities coexist and intermingle with the natural landscape in rural areas. In my recent work, I have focused on forest interior spaces, exploring the more rugged terrain of wooded areas. I am also interested in depicting the various effects of light, air and humidity that can transform the mood of the landscape.
My goal is to represent the landscape in a naturalistic way. I use photographic reference in the studio to produce my finished works, however, I do not consider myself to be a photorealist. The photos are a tool used both for designing and for recording facts about my subject. As I work, I refer to the photographs, but also rely on my memories of observing the landscape and on my recollections of paintings done by other artists whom I admire. I work in thin layers of paint, building up detail and color contrasts gradually until I am satisfied with the visual impact of the representation.
In my work, I try to balance my strict attention to realistic detail with a freedom to manipulate the overall structure and effect of my images. I try to use gradations, lines and rhythms to create a sense of space and time in a dynamic way. My goal is to orchestrate works of art that not only emulate the beauty of the landscape but also operate as an expression of my personal response to it.
Karen Mortland
Karen comes from a family of artists. She studied art in college, as elective classes, while majoring in Biology, Chemistry and Architecture. She became an architect and has had a career in the field for many years. She owns her own architectural firm but as she winds down into retirement she has renewed her passion for art.
Utilizing acrylics she paints cars, flowers, animals, and interesting scenes. Lighting, perspective and colors are what attracts her to a subject. In the artist’s words;“I love the process of the painting, seeing it develop from a rough sketch to a finished product. Though, my favorite part is when someone else sees the painting and loves it.”
Charlie Platt
I grew up in the small town of West View, just north of Pittsburgh. My father was a great influence in my appreciation for the Arts when I was very young. He was a mechanical engineer. He was also a Renaissance Man, a patron of the Arts, a collector, an amateur photographer, and a stained-glass craftsman. I was first introduced to clay at North Hills High School by Keith Herchenroether, an extraordinary Art Teacher.
I attended Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and studied ceramics under Ken Ferguson, Steve Kemenyffy, Donna Nicholas, and Robert Milnes, graduating in 1986 with a BFA (concentration ceramics) and a Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate. A job, straight out of college, as a Childcare Specialist at a children’s home, turned into a full-time career.
The job, and later the birth of my son, made it difficult to find time to work in my studio. In the early days of 2020, with my son grown and an early retirement brought on by the pandemic, I was able to return to my studio and creating with clay.
Artist Statement
I love the “mud”! A more versatile medium would be hard to find. A lump of clay can be transformed in so many different ways. I have always found it interesting that a wet, malleable, piece of earth can be manipulated by hand and transformed with heat into a rock-hard permanent work of art.
I enjoy being outdoors, and during the warmer months I take pleasure in time spent on and around the Allegheny River, mostly between Franklin and Parker, cycling the trails and paddling my kayak on day trips and overnight camping on the river’s islands.
During the colder months I retreat to the studio. My artwork is influenced, as of late, by my time around and on the river and what I see there.
Nissa Rappoport
Nissa has a dual degree in apparel design with a specialized study in evenwear design, after studying at FIT in New York City. She has worked in costuming at Disney and designed for the largest collegiate sportswear company in the country. Now Nissa is the owner/designer/seamstress of a small women’s apparel company called The Gilded Troll at www.thegildedtroll.com.
The Gilded Troll sells products which include DTG (direct to garment) printed items, handmade designer apparel, handmade accessories and jewelry. They even carry a limited collection of home goods. Every season they create a new DTG collection with new fabrics and graphics. They currently have 2 signature collections. ‘The Driven Woman’ is a collection of vintage car fabrics and graphics for women. ‘Birdies & Bubble’ is a collection of ladies’ golf wear.
Linda Thompson
Though I was an English major in college and a coordinator of gifted programs in my professional life, I have always been a firm believer that the arts are what keep us centered and in touch with nature and the beauty of the world.
About 15 years ago my husband and I spent an adventuresome five years living in Brazil. While there, with few friends and limited fluency in Portuguese, I discovered a weaving teacher who spoke English. I have always said that the language I mastered during that time was that of warp and weft, not Portuguese. It gave me a calm pursuit in the turmoil that surrounds one when one is far away from family and trying to fit into a new culture.
Upon my return to the US, though I continued to weave, I felt I was searching for another artistic outlet. Fortunately, a quilter friend introduced me to fabric-coiled baskets and I have found great satisfaction watching the baskets, each unique, and often not exactly as planned, emerge from the sewing machine. The challenges met and the personal flair I am able to insert have brought great satisfaction and relaxation.
In addition to baskets, I am learning Zentangle, a contemplative art form that provides me with a graphic art pursuit to round out my creative repertoire.
Finally, I leave you with a quote that rings true for me and may resonate with you as well.
“The secret is not the mechanics or technical skill that create art–but the process of introspection and different levels of contemplation that generate it.” Erik Wahl
Jack and Catherine Trzeciak
Jack’s background as a machinist allowed him the opportunity to work with many different metals. He was often involved with the design and production of prototype projects. In 2005, in anticipation of retirement, he decided to add silver to his repertoire concentrating on the design and crafting of silver jewelry. Since then he has been studying under well-known Pittsburgh silversmith Patricia Falbo at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.
Jack’s enthusiasm for his art inspired his wife Catherine to join him in 2007. Influenced by an admiration of Native American silversmiths they create jewelry that varies between a clean modern look and an older artisan appearance. As well as doing individually designed custom pieces, their jewelry is also shown and sold at “So Me”, a Pittsburgh shop concentrating on the work of western Pennsylvania artists.
