Bucks County Plein Air

By Alan Fetterman

Bucks County is a mecca for the arts, and has been for over a hundred years. It’s a painter’s paradise tried and true, and the action of painting outdoors is a large part of our artistic heritage.

The terms: “plein air,” “alla prima,” and “one go,” all apply to the swift action and first attack for painting out of doors in a swift, painterly manner. It’s a condensed form of artwork that relies on a strong sense of surroundings and artistic foundation. The radically changing conditions at hand include wind, temperature, sun-cast, clouds, bugs, and physical terrain, to name a few. And if you set up in winter, difficulties compound fourfold. For me, the late famed Pennsylvania Impressionists Edward Redfield and Fern Coppedge stand out as the masters of plein air painting in this region when creating such spontaneous beauty. 

I have painted hundreds of pieces outdoors, and have achieved my own fervent expression.  My largest work to date painted outdoors, “Doylestown at the Turn,” is held in the permanent collection of the Doylestown Hospital (main lobby). At 54 inches by 60 inches, the painting delivers a grand-scale vista view of the heart of Doylestown, P.A., in autumn. It was painted in 1999 from the roof of the courthouse in a more relaxed time, when standing on a courthouse rooftop for 10 hours was viewed as secure. I am pleased to say seeing artists outdoors is much more common and the art scene is ever growing.   

With a love for the arts and our wonderful county, the idea to form the Bucks County Plein Air Festival came to light. Now, in partnership with Bucks County Community College (BCCC) and the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, we proudly announce the first national-level event that will be held at Tyler Mansion at BCCC on June 6-11.

As a national juried event, four diverse and exemplary jurors selected 50 artists from a field of hundreds to paint in a five-day county wide painting extravaganza. The week begins as the artists paint vistas near the river, towns, and byways, all culminating in a presentation of over 100 finished paintings offered to the public to purchase and behold. With $15,000 in awards, the prize money and medals will be presented in conjunction with Tyler Tasting.

It is very clear that the fine arts are truly a primary pillar of a great society. When a society is healthiest, the arts are, too. Bottom line: We are blessed to have such a vibrant community, and that Bucks County is a mecca for the arts. Paintings are in many ways wonderful in-house rainbows. Be a part of the colorful scene June 6 to 11, and watch the B.C.P.A. Festival brightly unfold!

Check online for more information at: http://www.bucks.edu/about/foundation/events/pleinairfestival/

Alan Fetterman is a Kay scholar with a degree in philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania, and a degree in American studies from BCCC. As an American artist, he has traveled extensively in Europe and South America.

 

‘Continuum’ art show at New Hope Arts Center Feb. 1 – March 2

Bucks County Gallery of Fine Art in New Hope explores the art of booze

By Charlie Sahner

Oil painter Steve Messenger is best known for his realistic depictions of horses, but the works comprising his latest exhibit "represent a painted pub crawl through the bars, taverns, and dives I frequent in Philadelphia, Bucks County, and New Jersey," according to the artist.

"After long work hours at my Philadelphia studio and elsewhere, I spend many late nights in bars to unwind and catch up with my artist friends," explained Messenger. The painting style in this latest work is engaging and well executed, reflecting an expressiveness and use of light not seen in his earlier work.

Said gallery owner Howard Cooperman, "Steve's subject matter has changed drastically from equestrian portraiture to interior bar and tavern scenes sometimes referred to 'Ash Can Art'. The style emerged at the start of the last century, and is similar to that of Bob Beck."

Establishments depicted include the Logan Inn, Jack's Firehouse, and the Inn at Lambertville Station. There will be a cocktail-infused opening reception on Saturday June 2, from 2 to 5 p.m., and the exhibit runs through June.
Bucks County Gallery is located at 77 W. Bridge St. Phone 215-862-5272 with questions or for directions.

Stolen sculpture returned to New Hope gallery

By Charlie Sahner

A valuable sculpture missing from the New Hope Sidetracks Art Gallery was returned anonymously on February 23, almost two years ago to the day it was apparently stolen. The steatite stone artwork embedded with semi-precious gems is named “Dream World”, and was created by outsider artist André Gomes of Hillside, New Jersey.

"It arrived back home appropriately wrapped in penitential purple," according to the gallery owners.

“It seems someone gave up theft for Lent,” added co-owner Ricky Godinez, noting that the sculpture was returned on the day after Ash Wednesday. "Being one of Andre Gomés' strongest and most significant stone carvings to date, we were very pleased and relieved this intricate artwork was returned intact and in perfect condition," he continued.

New Hope Sidetracks Art Gallery is located next to the New Hope Arts Center at 2A Stockton Avenue; (215) 862-4586.

New Hope PA Sidetracks Art Gallery Presents "Moby Dick on the Delaware" Starting this Weekend

By Charlie Sahner

New Hope Sidetracks Art Gallery, inspired by the lost white beluga whale that traveled up the Delaware a few years ago, is bringing “Moby Dick on the Delaware” to New Hope all summer long. Featured are the “Moby Dick Suite” of painter and print-maker Bert Yarborough of New Hampshire and Provincetown; the aluminum sculpture, paintings and ink drawings of Timothy Woodman of Provincetown; and one major color lithograph from “The Passion of Ahab” by Benton Spruance, the mid-20th-century American lithographer. Also featured are works by 18 Sidetracks Gallery artists, many local.

The show opens Saturday July 10, with a public reception from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Yarborough's work is particularly impressive and demonstrates the classic Sidetracks aesthetic.

New Hope Sidetracks Art Gallery neighbors the New Hope Arts Center at 2A Stockton Avenue, where Bridge Street meets the railroad tracks. 215-862-4586 for more info.

Sounds like a whale of a time! ;-)

New Painting Studio and Gallery in New Hope, PA

Le Kaloidis is an excellent abstract oil painter who recently opened a studio and gallery at 43 Bridge Street, in the back portion of the New Hope Arts Center building overlooking the Delaware Canal.

But what's particularly interesting and refreshing is that one can barely get the man to talk about himself; instead he'll shift the conversation to how great the Arts Center's sculpture show is and how much he loves watching the wildlife in the nearly-dry canal. He didn't even mention that his work on paper is on display in the PNC Branch on N. Main Street in New Hope through the end of June.

It also takes a certain amount of chutzpah to be try to make and sell abstract art in a town better known for mixed media paintings of barns and black and white photos of local canal bridges in the fog. But the art he creates has a certain coherence, vibrancy and movement, and when you visit Lee he's clearly more interested in sharing ideas, good company, and promoting art in New Hope rather than selling you a painting.

And if New Hope continues to add working artist studio spaces at reasonable rates around the Art Center nucleus and beyond, then the town will solidify its reputation as a regional art powerhouse. "Art towns" are gauged, after all, not only by the presence of galleries, but on the number of artists living and producing quality work within their boundaries.

One wonders if the owner of the abandoned Zadar's building occupying much of New Hope's prime waterfront would consider the tax advantages of providing low-cost studio spaces for artists there; it would also go a long way to generating goodwill among the town's residents and leadership.

Meanwhile, you might want to check out Lee's place at 43 Bridge. He's an interesting guy and he's got good art. :-)

Topeo Craft Gallery in New Hope PA a Winter Wonderland for Holiday Shopping

Topeo Gallery opened in 1980 and has a reputation as one of the best craft galleries in the country. In 2001, the owners opened a second gallery just down the block, Topeo South, featuring even more American artists.

If you've already familiar with New Hope PA, Topeo is located across the street from Mother's Restaurant, and its brilliantly lit windows are filled with spectacular art glass sculptures, lamps and bowls .

It's the kind of place that grabs your eye, and you see the swirling mix of light and color, and you realize that some of those big beautiful pieces are worth more than your weekly salary, and think, "maybe I'll look in the window for a sec, and move on."

My advice: don't.

Not if you're looking for an affordable, yet classy holiday gift, a gorgeous ornament for your Christmas tree or table, or just want to see the beauty of hand crafted glass, much by local artists.

Prices started around $6-8 for small items, and many were in the $10-20 range, as well as $20-30, and up. The larger glass pieces are obviously to die for; the jewelry selection tasteful and extensive. Holiday decor was understated and fit well with the glimmering glass all about.


Walter Hazzard and Andre Marin run the place -- they're soft-spoken, friendly, wry and engaging. They've put together an award winning gallery that helps keep New Hope PA at the forefront of the American craft movement.

Topeo Gallery is located at 35 North Main Street in New Hope PA, 215-862-2750; open daily 10-6, Saturday 10-7.

Don't pass it by this Holiday season.

Here's Andre and Walter in my awful out of focus but spontaneous photo. Topeo -- a New Hope PA original.

A Spectacular Day in New Hope PA

New Hope PA Police Chief Mike Cummings out doing some good community relations work while chatting with Howard Cooperman, owner of Bucks County Gallery of Fine Art.

Restored Murals of Canal Life Add Color to Downtown New Hope PA

Above, some of the recently restored murals depicting life along the Delaware Canal by renowned New Hope PA artist William "Billy" Selesnick. They're located in a small pocket park near the stairway to the Locktender's House off South Main Street in New Hope PA.

His work can be seen here and there on building exteriors throughout New Hope, although Billy now calls Palm Beach, Florida his main home.

They're Back...... Just in Time for Halloween

Infamous New Hope PA artist Queen Morbid has created more Kreepy Kuties in a salute to the Halloween season.

Are there any creepier dolls than these? Doubt it!

Quality seems good too, with the underlying doll being often vintage and unique, and the costumes and accoutrements tres creative and meticulously designed and executed (as it were).

As Deiter would say, "repellent, and yet strangely I am drawn to them like a moth to the flame."

Available at Mechanic Street Mugs, 10 W. Mechanic St., New Hope PA.

Painting of Pear Resembling Tuchus Spotted In Lambertville NJ

This painting of a pear shockingly resembling a tuchus was spotted recently in Lambertville NJ in a gallery window on North Union Street.

Around the corner on Bridge Street, another gallery, another tushyesque pear. What's up with this?

Do the gallery owners over in Bungtown (the old name for Lambertville among locals) suddenly decide one crisp morning, "It's fall, move the pears, figs, pomegranates and any other lewd fruit to the front window, gaudy over sized flowers to the rear!"

Lambertville NJ was recently crowned victor by the Times Of Trenton in the age old rivalry between that town and New Hope PA for title of most prominent art burg, at least as measured by number of art galleries. New Hope is still recognized as one of the premier craft destinations in the country.

Is this Dragon Super Kind? Let's Hope So!

Creepy Cuties by Queen Morbid

Local gonzo artist and photographer Queen Morbid has her latest line of disturbing and twisted dolls currently on display at craft gallery Mechanic Street Mugs, 10 W. Mechanic St., New Hope PA.

They are well-made, original and decidedly creepy. Only in New Hope!

The Dead Live On In New Hope PA

Hippie Don recently parked his awesome Deadmobile (quite appropriately) in front of New Hope PA tie dye studio "type b". Pictures speak louder than words.

type b is located at 110A South Main Street in New Hope PA, 215-693-1446, or www.typebnewhope.com.

Another One Bites the Dust: Bye Bye, Bois

Today's Times of Trenton asserts that "Lambertville [is] overtaking New Hope as an art center."

Says the Times: "Today, while New Hope has branded itself an entertainment and restaurant center for tourists, it is Lambertville -- with more than 35 galleries and art dealers -- that has become a destination for art collectors and patrons while the number of galleries in New Hope has dwindled. Twelve years ago, New Hope had 13; today, there are seven with two scheduled to close by fall."

Full story: http://bit.ly/yk3Wd

In reality, if one is only looking at the total number of galleries, Lambertville might "win" the contest. But usually "art center" implies more than that; it is a place where artists live and produce work.

So, the true art center will be the first town that builds affordable artists' studio spaces, encourages artists to live and work there, and offers classes and education in the arts.

Not just tired oil paintings of covered red bridges and barns, and winter impressionist landscapes in hues of lavender and mango. Fact is, New Hope has the edge when it comes to crafts, live music, tattoo art, and sculpture.

Bottom line, New Hope PA and Lambertville NJ don't need to compete, they need to cooperate.

New Hope and Lambertville: A River Runs Through It.

Think Ill trademark that.

Shopping: Only in New Hope

A typical display at Love Saves the Day on the corner of Main and Bridge streets in New Hope PA.

The store, one of two founded by now deceased retail genius Leslie Herson, still survives and flourishes with help from her husband and staff.

The shop continues Leslie's focus on ironic vintage clothing, games, toys and lunchboxes primarily from the 70s and some 80s and 60s. She was one of the first to see the marketing potential of diverse kitschy items like the Kojak board game, Pez dispensers, Elvis lamps, GI Joe, and Partridge Family lunchboxes.

Leslie also had an eye for vintage clothing, and later adopted much of the humorous Accoutrements novelty line, including the Albert Einstein action figure and the incredible Boxing Rabbi.

She was also influential in the evolution of the East Village/New York City retro idiom, and was an original, trippy, eccentric woman, probably 4'8" in heels, and kind to her workers, many of whom she helped to form their own spin-offs, like the popular "13" 80s-inspired fashion store on W. Mechanic Street, and new-comer God Save the Queens and its passion for punk. She was generous in sharing store fixtures, merchandise and connections, even with competitors, whom she also wouldn't hesitate to imitate.

A lot of us here in town and in the Village miss her.

Leslie Herson and Love Saves the Day. New Hope PA originals.

Rodney Miller Headlines Group Show at J&W Gallery

One of my favorite photographers, Rodney Miller, is part of a group show currently on display at New Hope PA art institution J&W Gallery. His work is quite unique, using vibrant, psychedelic colors and almost kaleidoscopic shapes to describe a rich, somewhat trippy worldview.

Original stuff, reasonably priced. Show runs through the end of the month.

J&W Gallery is located at 20 W. Bridge Street in the heart of downtown New Hope PA.

A Gorgeous Weekend in New Hope PA

Wow, as if the great weather wasn't enough, this weekend is packed with special events and fun, lead by the Fuzzstock Music and Arts Festival today at Union Square in New Hope PA, and the renowned and long running New Hope Automobile Show at the New Hope-Solebury High School all weekend long.

Add in the terrific dining, wining, shopping and gallery hopping, and it's not a bad weekend to visit before the summer begins to wind down!

Gratz Gallery says Goodbye

Gratz Gallery at 30 W. Bridge St., New Hope PA is moving to Doylestown. The gallery had an impressive array of Bucks County impressionist paintings from the early 20th Century, and an active restoration business. It's disappointing to see them go now after surviving the canal bridge repair fiasco, but Union Square area businesses appear to be under some pressure of late with the departure of a several key players.

Fuzzstock Music and Art Festival Coming August 8

"Fuzzstock is a free, live music and art experience, designed to bring the dynamic of an all-day festival to smaller neighborhoods and communities. The event is focused on the intersection of music, art and commerce, and is intended to expose family friendly audiences to local musicians, artists and businesses.

Fuzzstock 2009 will include live music performances, an art gallery exhibition, space for local businesses to promote and display their products and services, and a silent auction featuring music and art-related items, with partial proceeds benefiting Make A Wish Foundation (15% of proceeds) and the town of New Hope Pennsylvania on August 8th, 2009."

Free admission, 10-8:00, Union Square, New Hope PA.