Grundy Library Celebrates Art
by Cate Murway
March is Youth Art Month.
There has been a current obsession with science, math, technology and engineering [STEM], but there are a host of skills, skills that may not be possible in other subjects, that young people learn from studying the arts.
Artists diligently practice thinking creatively with confidence; divergent and critical thinking, improving non-verbal communication. Their creations are born as they become skilled at solving problems to accurately portray emotions through their work. Learning the skills and techniques requires perseverance, improving abilities to concentrate and focus. This can affect other aspects of their lives as well.
Oftentimes, working together, sharing responsibility, and compromising with others, accomplishes a common goal. The artists accept responsibility while working in collaboration. Their completed works associate dedication with a feeling of accomplishment. Lessons artfully learned shape the world.
So, it just makes sense to change the current national emphasis on STEM to STEAM!
Historic Bristol on the Delaware is so fortunate that The Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library is not just books and tapes and magazines and bricks. Art exhibits, workshops, and other creative venues increase community understanding and interest in art and art education. The library proudly serves as the most enduring source for all encompassing community growth, including the enrichment and promotion of the arts.
Students, parents, teachers, and [bring everyone!] are encouraged to view this very impressive and most expressive exhibit when visiting the library until April 3rd during the regular hours of operation: Monday thru Wednesday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm and Thursday through Saturday 11:00am - 4:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public.
Be ready to be enchanted and inspired, while you bond over creative experiences and form colorful and meaningful memories.
The Artists of Bristol and young artists of all ages are proudly displaying their finished works to countless spectators.
Diane Montgomery and her artist mother, Joyce Russock, are friends of artist/ AOB membership committee chair, Marty Shively, and relatives of artist/ AOB treasurer, Janice Rhodes.
“We were hoping that Marty’s and Janice’s work would be up.”
Joyce, at one time, crafted jewelry and carved wood. She created a puppet of Frank Sinatra of which she is quite proud. “It got me in to meet him”.
They both truly enjoyed and admired the exhibits.
Marty Shively’s displayed creations included an encaustic ‘hot wax’ piece, a wooden sculpture of a musician and an oil painting.
Janice Rhodes developed photographs and printed them on an ink jet printer. “I happen to really specialize in small, close-up type things.”
The entire gallery of pictures attracted much attention.
David Eckstein, an advanced amateur photographer, is also involved in jet printer and digital mediums. He prefers nature, landscapes, seascapes, cities, and some portraiture. “Now I’m taking it seriously.”
Caromay “Robin” Robinson previously worked as a photographer at Deborah Hospital. “I have a Canon Rebel.” And she knows how to use it. Her “Reflections” and “Silver Stream” are currently on display.
Gail Bracegirdle, officially the VP of AOB, showcased her creative watercolor images. “I have two watercolors; one of the Jeanie Johnston ship and one of the canal.”
She creates her infinite variations using the “simple elements of pigment and paper and the clean, environmentally sensitive nature of the medium”.
Gail ensures that the AOB provides a speaker at each of their meetings. “Our members usually spoke but I thought I’d start reaching out to others.” Ronald Vincent McGuckin, Esq., proprietor of Spice & Co., recently presented information about copyright issues and regulations.
Rose Marie Strippoli, event coordinator/ Past President of the AOB, promotes the legacy of arts and culture in the local community. She has expressed, “I feel that my art has been a metamorphosis, a reflection of my life’s experience. As for choices, I love variety.” She generously shared her times and talent with the students preparing for this event.
Rose Marie also creates unique, one-of-a-kind items for proprietor, Joanne Ryn for her Jo Marie’s Boutique on Mill Street.
There were opportunities for individuals of all ages to participate.
The gallery of young budding artists included McKenzy Grace Garcia’s work.
The 5th grade St. Mark School student’s painting is the “Monster High” horse, named “Nightmare”. McKenzy presented a blue horse with a purple mane with the ability to breathe fire.
“My mom is an artist and so is my Uncle Dan and I like to draw pictures.”
Franky Albert Swain is also in the 5th grade.
He started his work sketching in pencils and then completed it using watercolors. “I like them the best.”
Franky’s one painting is of a shark. “I started with a fish.”
Zoe Brown, a 3rd grader at Samuel Everitt Elementary, was accompanied by her mother to check out the art show.
“Art is really fun to do. My mom sketches stuff. She drew a face.”
Crayola Experience had offered creative kids a rare and exciting opportunity to have their artwork exhibited at the recent 185th PHS Philadelphia Flower Show in ARTiculture, “where Art meets Horticulture”, at the Convention Center. Zoe was given the chance to paint her very own panel for the second “U” in ‘culture’ and her main color choice was “orange”.
Come to the Grundy Library to view the beautiful pieces created by the talented artists of the Artists of Bristol and the local youth. AOB seeks to promote, grow, and nurture resident artists and the local artists’ works are simply entrancing.
Through the work of artistic creative processes, through the work of someone's Art, we may come to understand each other, even if only just a tad more.
We are a community bound together by the sharing of our Art.
Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library
680 Radcliffe Street
Bristol, Pa 19007
215.788-7891
Recommend a "Spotlight". E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com
