Story and Photography by Paula Antolini
See more photos here: picturesbypaula.com
There was standing room only at the opening PUAB Fine Art & Design Show that took place at 2:00 p.m. on September 14-15, 2013, in the art gallery located at 262 Greenwood Avenue in Bethel, CT.
The show is hosted by Michael Seri and Stephi Kix and attendees were a mix of local and out-of-town Connecticut residents, and a New York City crowd and beyond. Conversations were lively and animated at a show well worth attending.
The exhibit included 64 works of art ranging from paintings, illustrations, three-dimensional wall art, hanging pieces, woodcuts, ceramics, glass, plexiglass, textiles, photography, and beautiful furniture designs, and much more, all from numerous artists.
The detail and creativity of the art was spectacular, starting with an extra-large-triple-wheels sculpture "Menage aTrois" on the front exterior of the building by Michael Seri, or his "Composition III" watercolor, mixed media on copper, and "Paris" figural head lamp, in the first gallery room.
As you entered the gallery there was such a diversity in materials, styles and colors, it was candy for the eyes.
Two wall relief pieces of painted soldiers on wood by Margaret Roleke, "White Men" and "Blue Men" were wonderfully whimsical. Creativity continued with "Aggregate" by Jaynie Crimmins, made from shredded household papers and thread on paper, mounted on cradle board.
Wall art from Stephi Kix, "Hello Someone" and "Rainboy" made from toys, acrylic, cardboard and neon tubing, was mesmerizing.
Miniatures in glass and lead by Caroline Wirth Ullman were unique, such as "Assemblage," "Strat I," and "Later."
There were fabulous ceramic pieces by Frank Kara, such as the melodious "Assorted Temple Bells" you could not miss when entering the gallery, or a "Japanese Tea Set," "Raku bowl," "Red Vase" and much more, displayed on a long table filled with tiny stones, also by Frank Kara, mostly in the second gallery room.
Yui Terai displayed a beautiful leather one-of-a-kind hand-stitched purses. "Cloudbag," "Coil Handbag" and "Wave Handbag" were a few of the many on display, and she also showed some of her small illustrations too. Liz Alpert Fay had colorful wall textile designs, such as "Ripple: Lake Water."
Some of the furniture included Gregory Clark's "Signature Chair" made from horse hair, Bolivian rosewood and cowhide, and another called "G Spot Rocker," from cowhide, with pony pattern, and steel. Doug Meyer had a creative "Club Chair" and a full size "Chess Set," both made from recycled sheet and steel tube.
Snacks and refreshments were served, and attendees lingered long. There is much, much more to see, and many more pieces by each artist, than mentioned here.
A stunning show you won't want to miss. Check the gallery hours and dates below.
Show Dates: September 14, 2013 to October 13, 2013.
Gallery Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., & Sunday noon to 7:00 p.m.. Contact: Michael Seri at 203-512-9129 or tolstoy154@yahoo.com
