Go behind the scenes with 16 artists on Saturday, April 16, at the Art Station Studios in Hightstown. The building houses the studios of painters, sculptors, potters, a jewelry designer, a muralist, and a wood carver. The artists will be present not only to discuss their work, but to present art instruction.
Robert Hummel of Plainsboro is displaying his new creations at the event. A New Jersey native, he grew up in Sayreville where he performed and created his own magic show and continued to perform during his teen years. After many years working and living outside of New Jersey he settled in Plainsboro to be near family members.
Hummel studied commercial art and advertising design at the Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. While there he worked for the WinterFest Boat Parade and later performed on cruise ships. An artist craftsman for six years with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, he has created murals in public places, presented “Cranbury in Cartoon” at the Cranbury Inn last year, and gives art lessons. His mural at the Residence at Forsgate features seven dogs playing poker and pool. Freddie, a Pomerian and a frequent visitor to the facility, was included in the 8’ by 16’ latex and acrylic painting.
“Comedy always came naturally to me — I have a crazy sense of humor,” he says. “Now that I am older (close to 40), I much prefer expressing this in my cartoon creations and not in public.”
Recent works include cartoons of “War of the Worlds” and an Einstein-themed cartoon series will be published in Princeton Town Topics to help celebrate the Einstein Miracle Year.”
Hummel has one piece of art on display at Princeton High School’s art gallery in the Einstein-themed art show in cooperation with the Arts Council of Princeton. “It is a silhouette of Einstein’s face painted on glass in a shadow box form,” he says. “As you look through it to the back it lists several of his amazing quotes including my favorite, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge — knowledge is limited and imagination encircles the world.’”
In May Princeton Sacred Heart Academy will auction off one of his colorful paintings at its annual gala. Done on location, the 5’x5’ acrylic painting features the manor house and fountain at the school. “I thought that this painting with bright colors and storybook style art would be appropriate for a student’s room.” The painting will be on display at the open house.
At the event, Hummel will be glad to offer tips to anyone wanting to create a mural or consider having one done. “It is a good day to see samples without any pressure,” he says. Visit www.muralmagik.
com to view his images of murals, paintings, and illustrations.
“I am a big fan of children’s books and their illustrators and I have been writing several of my own,” he says. “If only there was more time in a day.”
— Lynn Miller
Art Station Studios, 148 Monmouth Street, Hightstown, 609-443-1386. Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
