Local Artist Barbara Rosenzweig Exhibits at Congregation Beth Or

Stargazer lilies with their delicate pink hues, roses and peonies with their alluring vibrancy, apple blossoms with their future fruit cradled by soft white petals. It sounds like a springtime stroll through a lush, bountiful garden. But this floral paradise exists inside, adorning the walls of the Olitsky Art Gallery at Congregation Beth Or in Maple Glen. 

These scenes of natural splendor are the watercolor creations of artist Barbara Rosenzweig, whose work has been described as “a breath of spring” by longtime congregant and gallery organizer Norma Jarrett.

Rosenzweig is currently the featured artist at the Beth Or gallery in a month-long show that began Friday, May 13.

In addition to Rosenzweig’s signature floral paintings, the exhibit displays her watercolor renderings of winter landscapes, lake and beach scenes, quaint country cottages and even the bustling South Philly Italian Market.

The collection of 42 paintings in the Beth Or exhibit also includes some of Rosenzweig’s vivid tablescapes of realistically luscious-looking fruit.

On May 13, congregants and visitors to the gallery had the opportunity to meet Rosenzweig as she buzzed about greeting people and explaining her various artistic techniques.

The artist, who is aptly described by her husband, Aaron, as “non-stop energy,” began her work in watercolors three years ago after capping off a long career as a middle school science teacher in Upper Moreland.

“It’s funny how things turn out,” Rosenzweig said on her website. “After a rewarding career of 36 years of teaching biology to middle school students, I finally picked up the brush again.”

Rosenzweig had nurtured her longtime passion for art during her youth through classes at the Philadelphia School Art League and at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art.

Before picking up the paintbrush again, Rosenzweig also picked up the garden gloves and the camera.

“As a gardener for over 40 years,” she explained, “I continue to use my plants to generate ever-changing palettes of color. Gardening nourishes my soul.”

As a photographer, she also captures nature’s beauty through photographs and has four on display in the Beth Or exhibit. She even uses the camera as a tool for her watercolors: By preserving her subjects in photographs, she can later take the time to paint with the precision that her attention to detail demands.

Rosenzweig’s passion for watercolors seems like a logical evolution of her deep respect and appreciation for nature. 

“I am inspired by the brilliance of flowers, fruit in the market, seemingly insignificant objects, and the tiniest blossoms falling from trees,” she said.  “For me, my watercolors express joy in all nature’s creations.” 

Rosenzweig has recently exhibited her work  in various local shows and galleries, as well as in Saratoga Springs, NY; Lenox, MA; Holmes Beach, FL; New Lebanon, NY; and Stockbridge, MA.

Her current exhibit at Beth Or’s Olitsky Gallery is open to the public until June 8, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon. 

Beth Or has been exhibiting the work of artists like Rosenzweig from around the world for 30 years. Each month, a different artist is featured with his or her own unique style.  Admission to the gallery is free, and all of the works displayed are available for sale to the public.

To view Barbara Rosenzweig’s work, visit the exhibit at Beth Or, located at 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen (215-646-5806). In addition to the original paintings on display there, Rosenzweig has reproductions for sale on her website at www.watercolorsbybarbara.com and at barbararosenzweig.etsy.com. 

To contact the artist, email her at rosetwig1@comcast.net, or call her at 215-355-7621. For more information about the exhibit at Beth Or or about the Olitsky Gallery in general, contact Norma Jarrett at 215-885-3437.