2013 Artists 

December

Ron Moran          
   Way back in my twenties (I will not say how long ago that was). I wanted to learn photography so bad, it was all I could think about, so I bought myself a Minolta SRT-101, and read everything I could get my hands on about taking pictures. (Remember the day s of film?) After a few months, I got a job taking Baby Pictures in clients’ homes…really! I I was fortunate enough to work with a great mentor who taught me a great deal about technical aspects of taking pictures, but naturally being twenty-something, I wanted more
            I was lucky enough to get a job at a large commercial photography and art studio in the Philadelphia area, where I learned things such as studio product photography, on-location industrial photography, multi-media slide presentations, film processing and color printing. After son number one came along, (1st of three sons and one daughter) I had to get a “real job” and serious photography was put on the back burner for a few decades. (Again, I will not say how many!) The art bug started biting me about 2 years ago.
            I believe that the beauty is everywhere, if we only take the time to look for it. Having a camera over my shoulder forces me to see it. It may be a gorgeous sunrise, a drop of water on the petal of a flower, water flowing in a stream, or the action of horses racing down the track. When I’m shooting, I find myself in the “zone”…that place where you lose all sense of time, that place some people call the “flow”, where you’re so immersed in what you’re doing at that very moment that nothing else matters. A photograph really is a moment in time.
            That is what photography is to me, and if I can capture and share that “moment in time”, and that moment brings as much happiness to people looking at my images as it did when I captured them, I have done what I set out to do. Enjoy!


November

Brenda Brolly

I have been passionate about creating works of art since I was a young child and sharing glimpses of my soul through them. My journey through life has had many challenges and my work is my therapy, my hope, my prayers. It is my wish to inspire people when they see my pieces, to know that life is a journey of transformation. Beyond the beauty of the colours and textures I’d like people to look into their souls and evoke emotions and inspiration. I know a piece is complete when I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment because the finished product surpasses my vision.

I use magazines and newspapers and prefer tearing rather than cutting. It softens the lines, gives better texture and more depth. When I work with these ‘scraps’ I am reminded that something completely beautiful and priceless can be made from something otherwise viewed as ordinary and disposable. I begin a piece by translating an idea or feeling into a rough sketch and embellish as I go on further. I lean towards bold colours to make the picture pop and embody emotion. I try to incorporate words of emotion that relate to the piece.

My current work began as an experiment. I had so much fun with it that I decided to try another and the ideas grew from there. My first five pieces all have a type of bird, all with symbolism of spirituality, healing and rebirth. Although my sixth and seventh pieces veer away from the theme of the birds they still encompass the theme of the soul. My inspiration is drawn from my life experiences. The most challenging aspects are finding the right colour blends and shades as well as assembling some of the more intricate details of the pieces. It is a learning process, which requires patience, much like life, making the finished piece all the more rewarding.

brendabrolly@gmail.com


Click Here to Purchase Merchandise Featuring Prints, Totes, Cell Phone Covers, Etc. 



OCTOBER 


Tim Brace, Photographer

A local resident, Tim's photographs are a culmination of years of self-exploration and a pursuit of photography as art and passion.  Working on and off for seven years in New York City as a photographer’s assistant and studio manager, Tim was able to perfect his technique through hands on experience. This experience has afforded him the skills to start and operate his own photography business, Tim Brace Photography, in Philadelphia and it’s surroundings for the past ten years. Thankfully, due to Tim's love of nature and travel, he is always excited to have the opportunity to document his travels.


September

Jillian Kesselman, Illustrator

My intention is to make images that delight.  Much of my inspiration is drawn from loved ones, nature, creatures, trips, music and other artists. I have been enjoying freelance illustration for a variety of individuals and small businesses. Recently, I illustrated my first children's book, DESPINA for readers 8-12, written by Diana Burgwyn.

I am currently teaching art to children at Fleisher Art Memorial and Abington Friends School and have also taught at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Mural Arts Program, Greene Street Friends School, and several local Community and Senior Centers among others.

I am a Philadelphia native, and received my BFA in Illustration at the University of the Arts in 2007. My full name is Jillian Barabara Kesselman-Ratinoff. I am married to Scott Ratinoff, a fantastic graphic designer, artist and songwriter.

I love collaborating and have had the pleasure of working with other artists, writers and musicians. If you are interested in working together, please feel free to contact me.

t: 267.338.5216

e: hello@jilliankesselman.com

w: www.jilliankesselman.com

August

Sara Doyle

I find that art takes much precedence in my life. Whether it be through my career or through leisure, my artistic and creative side is incorporated into many different aspects of my life. I am currently a part-time student studying Art therapy, working full time with students who have special needs and teaching painting classes as well. Each of these aspects involve using art in some form. My ultimate goal is to continue to not only express myself through my own art but also influence and guide my students with theirs. Working with students has truly changed the way I initially viewed art. Art now means more than just an outlet, a way to express myself. It has influenced the way others can use art as a therapeutic way to express and convey themselves. Because of that, art has never been a more gratifying and large part of who I am and why I continue to create. When I began pursuing art at the very young and impressionable age of nine little did I know how much that love and passion would grow. I've used and studied many different medias including, painting, printmaking, ceramics, wood, stained glass, even the simplicity of just graphite pencils on paper. This exhibit of pieces are just a glimpse into some experiences that have inspired me to create. Enjoy!

July

There will be no Artist on the Avenue for the month of July due to the 4th of July Holiday.

June and July

Visual Art- HeArts for Autism

HeARTs for Autism® is a grass-roots, volunteer, charitable, non-profit organization of parents, kids, professionals and artists committed and inspired to use art therapeutically with ASD persons and their families, while educating the public about ASD and advocating for integrated, improved services.

Given the “spectrum” nature of the ASD condition, HeARTs for Autism uses a variety of methods to address the needs of ASD persons and their families. A unique component of HeARTs for Autism is we incorporate the parents, siblings and autistic children during one program. The children learn to express themselves through Art, while the parents network, learn useful information and most importantly, receive much needed nurturing through various holistic stress reduction techniques. Teaching awareness and relaxation, we encourage caregivers to practice self care. Doing so, they become more centered and better able to genuinely connect and support their ASD person.

Art created in our programs is then used for advocacy and to educate the larger community about neurodiversity and the specific needs in the Autism Spectrum population. Our public outreaches support numerous regional and national Autism organizations as we work together to spread the message about the need for more education and research to solve the puzzling mystery of these disorders.

Ultimately, ours is a message of acceptance and support. People with diagnoses often feel like outcasts and the families can be marginalized. Art becomes a way to transcend limits and express the beauty and value of each person. Art connects our hearts and souls. Sharing creativity becomes a way to encourage all people to see the gifts we each possess... A way to invite the community to be open, embracing and supportive.

Supporting the Autism Spectrum

Community through the ARTS

We grew from 19 families to over 500 families associated with our program and over 1000 people involved in various ways. HeARTs for Autism is situated in Philadelphia and serves families throughout the region. Our family-based, free monthly art program is very popular and addresses various themes and topics. We also co-host events for ASD families at local cultural and entertainment venues.

We use the arts therapeutically with parents, grandparents, siblings and ASD persons in varying ways to allow them to de-stress and embrace “Life on the Spectrum.” For the ASD person, we offer tools to enhance social and communicative expression through creativity.

We offer special workshops and presentations for parent groups, schools and agencies. Topics - Coloring Outside the Lines; Special Moms...Special Moments & Spectrum Kidz Yoga®

http://www.heartsforautism.org/

The Langhorne Coffee House would like to thank Robin Schwoyer, founder of HeARTs for Autism, for working so hard to coordinate the movement of the children’s art show into the Langhorne Coffee House. Proceeds from our June Artist on the Avenue go to the foundation to continue the fantastic programs for our local children and families. Please join us for our opening reception Friday night June 7th from 6-10pm, and the rest of the month artwork and autism awareness items will be for sale! Let’s help continue Robin’s cause! 

May

Ashara Shapiro - Fine Artist

BEAUTIFYING THE FORGOTTEN

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. We see beauty in the forgotten pieces that lie in wayside of homes, flea markets, antique stores, etc. and repurpose, with love, a part of history to reclaim its honor in a new fashion as a conversation piece in one’s home.  

It was a perfect moment when we met. Serendipity some would say. Jen drilling at eight months pregnant was all Ashara had to see to know they were kindred spirits. Since that moms craft night we have been creating ever since, often finishing ideas when the other pauses. Two women with the same aesthetic is hard to find especially two that come from different backgrounds. Hence, Reclaimed was born.

Ashara brings to Reclaimed an arts background. With her beginnings in the San Francisco area and ending in NYC, a student and teacher of the arts, Ashara loves color and harmony in the visual structure. She sees the unexpected in everything and never thinks or creates inside the box. Loving to get her hands dirty Ashara loves the challenge of the build and does not shy away from the difficulty ideas present but rather embraces the challenge of problem solving to make these dream pieces a reality. Ashara looks to many things for inspiration; the subtlety in nature, lines of abandoned buildings and sees potential in all things. A painter, jewelry maker, crafter, builder, designer, actor, director and overall artisan, Ashara has worn many hats but the one worn at Reclaimed fits her best.

Jen is a country girl at heart whose roots derive from the infamous Jack, “Jack of all trades” that is. She comes from a long line of various craftsman and engineers. With these embedded in her soul she thrives on a challenge of design and embraces every obstacle with an inner smile and determination to make each piece its absolute best. Beginning with her NY State farm roots and cultivating her love of design by traveling abroad for 3 years, Jen finds beauty in everything from the vibrant colors created in African pieces, a sophistication in French design, a majestical aura to the architecture in Prague and a love for the delicate wood carving in Thai furniture, to name a few. She takes these images with her while creating the perfect piece for Reclaimed clients. She is an abstract thinker, creating the unimaginable in design.

April

Svetlana Gradess

Svetlana Gradess is a creative and playful spirit, who is dedicated to healing the world, one person at a time. She is an artist, a healer, a Mom, an Entrepreneur, a Wellness Consultant, and Art Coordinator for HeARTs for Autism™. She guides women and men through the healing process using simple, yet effective heart centered exercises. Through these techniques, her clients experience a profound shift in their lives and move past the unseen obstacles holding them back. Svetlana earned a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from USP. Since then she's received certifications in several alternative approaches to healing. Her training as a pharmacist and an energy worker gives her a special insight into the power of the mind and body connection. She is dedicated to “making a difference” using healing art, energy work, and natural products.

If you would like to experience the beautiful and powerful healing energy of creating Intuitive Art, please contact me to find out about upcoming classes near you.  I can be reached at 215-292-6794 or via FB at Svetlana's Art of Healing http://on.fb.me/X5HvrO.

MARCH

This month's Opening Night Reception features a peek inside the portfolio of illustrator Ian Acker.  This local freelance artist, a friend of Langhorne Council for the Arts, has a widely varied career, ranging from designing commercial logos to illustrating a recently released children's book, "How Katie Got a Voice (and a cool new nickname)."  A number of the charming pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations from the book will be displayed on Friday, as well as other artwork by Ian, which will be on display at the Coffeehouse all month.
                  
Ian Acker was raised in Bucks County. After graduating from Pennsbury High School, he then graduated from Bucks County Community College and Hussian School of Art in Philadelphia. He has illustrated two children’s books and many spot illustrations for magazine and chapter books. As an art student, he was drawn to the many works of Edward Gorey and Maurice Sendak. He currently resides in Langhorne Borough with his wife and three children. He can be reached at ianackerart@comcast.net.


FEBRUARY

Art: Alex Sabo - Painter
My work has always been an extension of myself. I make what I feel for the most part. I don't really like to give meanings or stories to my work like a lot of artists do. I feel like having one dimension to an artwork's reason for existing is foolish. I like letting the viewer make his or her own idea of what it is exactly. Hopefully through this process they can realize how they go about thinking on a day to day basis. I like to mix psychology into my art for just this reason. Making people contemplate is the greatest justice an artist can achieve (in my own opinion that is). Its truly a therapeutic thing to look at a work of art and decide how it makes you feel. Its kind of an inkblot test to see what you want to see and then you analyze why it made you feel a certain way. This whole concept of a sort of art therapy is mainly my sole purpose for doing art. I just want to bring people together and have them realize their inner- selves with each other.

http://www.alexsaboart.com/

JANUARY

Art: Sue Tesin - Painter

Sue Tesin has a 20-year reputation exhibiting in galleries throughout the United States and abroad. Since 1987, Tesin has sold over 1000 original artworks, which include sculptures, paintings and drawings. Some of her work permanently hangs in prestigious institutions such as Cornell University, where she graduated in 1993. Tesin has been a Signature Member of the International Acrylic Painters Association since 2003 and is rated as one of the top artists in the medium. Although Tesin’s strongest work lies in contemporary realism, she has an appreciation for all aspects of art and enjoys creating images in various styles including impressionistic and abstract. A native of Philadelphia, Tesin is active in her community, well liked by her peers and respected by local businesses for her collaborative work with animal shelters, homeless shelters and children’s services.
http://sue-tesin.artistwebsites.com/art/all/impressionistic/all