Restaurant patrons at Bistro Soleil in Hightstown may gaze at an “Artful Garden” created by the combined pastel works of Kathleen Liao and Carmen Williams, both of West Windsor, and Gwen Toma of Hightstown. The artists, who have been working together for more than a year, present an art chat on Sunday, September 13, from noon to 3 p.m. Original artwork and giclee prints are for sale.
Liao, born in New Jersey, graduated from Barnard College with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology. Her education included courses in art history, drawing, and oil painting. She has worked as an English as a Second Language teacher in Japan and New York City, where drawing illustrations to depict various words and situations proved to be very useful.
“The drawings in this exhibit evoke a mood as well as a description, with each flower having its own aura and mood,” says Liao. “I have met the tropical blossoms personally, during one of my annual pilgrimages to the inspirational islands of Hawaii.”
Liao, a West Windsor resident for close to 10 years, is a substitute teacher in the West Windsor-Plainsboro schools. She lives with her husband and two children, her “other sources of inspiration.”
Williams, born in the Netherlands, graduated from Hobart and William Smith with a bachelor of arts in psychology and art history, and received a master’s in art therapy from New York University.
An art therapy director at a residential facility for children with special needs in the Bronx, New York, for many years, she has provided individual art therapy to several children as a stay-at-home mom. “I enjoy creating art in my spare time,” she says.
Living in the Princeton area since she was 15, she lives in West Windsor with her husband, Steve, and their four children. Williams is an assistant teacher at an area preschool.
Art Exhibit, Bistro Soleil, 173 Mercer Street, Hightstown. “Hibiscus Hula,” an exhibit of works by Gwen Toma, and West Windsor residents Kathleen Liao and Carmen Williams. On view through September. Art chat Sunday, September 13, noon to 3 p.m. 609-443-9700.
