Neighbor News
Studio Montclair Presents "Back Story," an Exhibition
"Back Story" runs May 4 - August 20, 2016, at the SMI Galleries at Academy Square, 33 Plymouth Street, Montclair, NJ. opening: 5/20/16,7-9pm
Studio Montclair presents a group exhibition “Back Story,” showcasing art’s storytelling impact through visual media and the artists’ own language.
“Back Story” runs from May 4 through August 20, 2016, at the Studio Montclair Galleries, Academy Square, 33 Plymouth Street, Montclair, NJ. An opening reception will be held on Friday, May 20, from 7 to 9pm. The galleries are open to the public 7am to 7pm Monday through Friday.
The exhibit includes creations from 24 artists. By exploring their art and words, the viewer will discover the inspirational backstories and artistic evolution that led to each completed piece.
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“Many of the works reflect creating beauty from pain by victims of such moving topics as 9/11, Hurricane Sandy, abuse, cancer, and displacement,” noted exhibit co-curator Gina Murray. “Others express their love of nature, relationships, and the creative act through the artists’ chosen mediums."
Studio Montclair gallery director and “Back Story” co-curator Lynne Toye is excited to present this collection of work. “Their stories and selected works represent the full range of the human condition and create a compelling show," Toye said.
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Featured artists: Kate Albright, Catherine Asher, Francesca Azzara, Santiago Cohen, Shari Epstein, William Gallo, Joan Gantz, Stanley Gavidia, Donna Grande, Evelyn Graves, Shakira Howard, Carole Lane, Eric Levin, Julie Levine, Maria Mijares, Nell Painter, Laura Petrovich-Cheney, John Piccoli, Kim Schmitt Thomas, Leona Seufert, Heidi Sussman, Kiyomi Taylor, Athanasia Ward, Edward Ward, Florence Weisz
Listing information about the exhibit:
Curators: Gina Casolaro Murray and Lynne Toye
Exhibition Dates: May 4 through August 20, 2016
Gallery: Studio Montclair Inc. Galleries, Academy Square, 33 Plymouth Street, Montclair, NJ.
Gallery Hours: Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm
Reception: May 20, 7 to 9pm
Studio Montclair Contact Info: info@studiomontclair.org, www.studiomontclair.org, 862-500-1447, Instagram: @studiomontclair, #smibackstory
Images for press:
Francesca Azzara: Did You Say Hello, encaustic and mixed media on panel, 12” x 12”
Shari Epstein : Ease, work on paper, 24” x 18”
Joan Gantz: Beat, oils on canvas, 30” x 30”
Evelyn Graves: Guitar Jazz Men, paper collage, 24.5” x 32”
Julie Levine: Jailed, mixed media, 36” x 24”
About Studio Montclair:
Studio Montclair Inc. is a nonprofit organization of exhibiting professional artists and others interested in the visual arts. Its mission is to promote culture and education in the visual arts and encourage emerging artists. Founded in 1997, the organization includes over 400 members, including artists from around the United States. www.studiomontclair.org
This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and administered by the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs.
About Gina Casolaro Murray: A professional artist for over thirty years, with a Master’s Degree in Studio Art and a Ph.D. in Adult Education, sculptor Gina Casolaro Murray has shown her work nationally in galleries, the Montgomery Art Museum, the Washington State Museum of Art and in juried shows throughout her career. She has curated and juried numerous exhibitions as a gallery manager for over five years as well as two years in her role as president of the Women’s Art Caucus Palouse Chapter. Ms. Murray continues to explore new themes using kiln formed glass in the strong sensuous style present in her creations.
About Lynne Toye: Lynne Toye is an artist and curator with a passion for all forms of the arts who believes in sharing her love of visual arts through mentoring and finding opportunities for artists to show their work. Having earned a B.S. in Systems Engineering from the University of Virginia and an MBA from The Wharton School of Business, she studied art at Moore College of Art and Design, The Art Students League in New York City, and the Featherstone Arts Center on Martha’s Vineyard. Her contemporary landscape images, evoking a strong sense of place, have been shown in juried shows across the tri-state area. Ms. Toye currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Jazz House Kids, a non-profit arts education organization in Montclair. She has been a member of Studio Montclair for six years.
