AOY Art Center Showcasing Students, Faculty

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —AOY Art Center is showcasing its students.

The center at Patterson Farm will hold its Student Invitational and Faculty Show starting Friday.

"This exhibition is a testament to the artistic growth that our students have experienced through our art education programming. Our students' narratives are tales of fresh beginnings, stories of individuals who have unearthed their artistic identities, and accounts of those who have found a deep-seated passion after concluding their previous careers," said Bette Sovinee, the center's director.

The exhibition features work from adult and youth classes from September 2022 through Spring 2023.

Artists, instructors, and supporters are invited to the opening reception on Friday from 6-8 p.m.

The gallery will be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Noon to 5 p.m., starting Saturday, Oct. 7, until Sunday, Oct. 22.

There will also be a free demonstration of leather jewelry making with Nelly Kouzmina at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

"We take immense pride in featuring several remarkable works by students who have continued
their artistic journeys through taking our classes," Sovinee said.

One such inspiring student is David Meadow, a dedicated painter who excels at telling
compelling stories through his art.

Over the past three years at AOY, Meadow has meticulously honed his acrylic painting techniques, resulting in mesmerizing narratives that often evoke romance and mood.

His recent exploration of palette knife painting showcases his evolving expertise in color mixing and paint application. David thrives on the constructive feedback he receives from fellow students and his instructor, James Bongartz.

His active participation in the "Studio with Instruction/Intermediate-Advanced" class not only benefits his own growth but also serves as a wellspring of inspiration for fellow students seeking to learn from his consistent dedication and openness to critique.

The exhibition will also feature exquisite felted jewelry and wearable art crafted by several students of Nelly Kouzmina. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to admire and purchase stained glass creations by our new instructor, Devon John Chebra working in chlorophyll printing.

"At AOY, our faculty members are not just educators but also accomplished artists in their own
right. They generously share their talents and expertise with aspiring artists, nurturing the next
generation of creative minds," Sovinee said.

Bongartz began his passion for art during formal childhood lessons at the Carnegie
Institute and continued to pursue a BSEd from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in art
education. He has painted for more than 30 years, exhibiting in galleries and juried shows
throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

His paintings are responses and interpretations from his own photography. Teaching his students to master the use of color and brushwork as a form of processing imagery and evoking experiences are his current inspirations.

“Students genuinely want to get better. They all have their own goals in what they want to achieve,” James said. “We are delighted that AOY provides an environment where students can grow.”

He currently teaches “I’ve Never Painted Before in My Life” and “Studio with Instruction” and is
also AOY's education director.

AOY offers a wide variety of art classes and workshops for adults and youth throughout the
program year, including online options. Class sessions run for six weeks. New classes are now
forming for Fall 2 which will start the week of October 30. Go to aoyarts.org for more information
and to register.