Newtown Represents at Artists of Yardley's Annual Members Show

Don't let the name deceive you: Artists of Yardley attracts painters and photographers from throughout the area, including many from Newtown.

And this month, they have a chance to put their creative works on display at the organization's Sixth Annual Members Show.

The show, which features more than 100 original works of art, is housed in a farmhouse on the Patterson Farm in Lower Makefield. The historic home, which serves as the organization's art center, is now filled with two stories of art, including watercolors, oils, pastels, photography, glass and textiles.

More than 250 people attended the show's opening reception, which was held Friday.

Newtown resident and photographer Kristina Tregnan is displaying a striking digital photograph called "Amanita muscaria var. formosa" -- a type of mushroom known for its poisonous and hallucinogenic capabilities.  Tregnan said she photographed the mushrooms on the campus of Bucks County Community College, where she completed a degree in graphic design.

Tregnan said she especially enjoys photographing nature and animals.

"There is a sense of freedom when you are out in nature—no cars, no cell phones, no computers—only the chirping of birds and crickets," she said. Tregnan photographed a series of foxes at Tyler State Park and exhibited some of them at the AOY Photography and 3D Art Exhibit last month. She shoots most of her wildflower, sunset, wildlife and landscape photographs at the local state park, she said.

But she's not always among nature -- she can be seen out and about in Newtown. Together with some fellow photography students from BCCC, she is working on a window display for the Newtown Hardware House. Tregnan said she and the group will donate a percentage of the profits from the sales of area photographs to the store, which owners have said is at risk of closing because of the sluggish economy.

Painter Melinda Wright, also of Newtown, showed one her pieces titled "Snow on the Neighbor's Roof."  She painted the piece this past winter as she watched the snow pile up in her neighborhood, she said.

"I can see the neighbor's roof from my studio," Wright said. "It catches the sun just right and the white house and white snow plus the blue sky made a perfect subject. I painted various snow scenes four or five times this past winter."

Wright said she especially enjoys figure drawing as well as plein air ("in the open air") painting. "I work mostly in oils and charcoal because of the way those media work so well to capture the figure," she said. She describes the act of painting as "the closest thing to magic that I have found."

Newtown artist Claudia Fouse Fountaine also spent time painting snow scenes this past winter. Her acrylic image, "Winter Trees," won a second place ribbon in the oil and acrylics category.

"Every winter I am enthralled by the shapes and intricacies of the bare branches of all the different types of trees," said Fountaine. "That and the ever-changing light and weather are my subject in these three paintings."

Newtown artist Jeanne Chesterton also particiated in the Artists of Yardley Members Show. Chesterton said she enjoys making everyday objects come to life. "I love to paint extraordinary paintings of ordinary objects. Tarnished metals, crumpled bags, dried leaves and broken edges are often more appealing to me than things shiny, bright and new," she said.

Chesterton currently has a piece exhibited at the 29th Ellarslie Open at the Trenton City Museum. In June, her oil paintings will be featured in a solo show at the Stover Mill Gallery in Erwinna.

In 2005, Barbara Churilla retired after teaching art at Hightstown High School for 25 years. This artist and Newtown resident of 26 years now serves as education director for the AOY Art Center.  She submitted a photograph to the Members Show. The piece, titled "Inside the Hen House," was taken on a visit to the Howell Living History Farm in Titusville, N.J. and portrays chickens laying eggs in their nests.

Nancy Allen, event chairperson, said the enthusiasm and energy from the local artists has made the show a huge success. “Our membership has doubled since last year," said Allen. "We've had to limit the size of work the artists can submit because so many talented artists in the area have found their way to the AOY Art Center."

The show is free and runs until June 11. It is open to the public Wednesday through Friday from 1 to 6 p.m. and on weekends from noon until 5 p.m. The AOY Art Center is located at 949 Mirror Lake Rd, Yardley. All art is original and for sale.

For more information, visit www.artistsofyardley.org.