Both West Windsor and Plainsboro have unique art exhibits opening in July. West Windsor Arts Council presents “Faculty Work” with an opening reception Sunday, July 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. Plainsboro Public Library presents “It’s All Greek to Me,” an exhibit of works by members of the Plainsboro Artists’ Group, with a reception Sunday, July 13, from 2 to 4 p.m.
The summer exhibit at the arts council features a showcase of the work of its faculty. They present a selection of two-dimensional works in paint, pen and ink, and multi-media, fiber arts, and more. Participating artists include Judy Langille, Susan Mitrano, Meta Dunky Arnold, Paul Mordetsky, Sejal Krishnan, Alina Bliach, and Adrienne Proulx.
Susan Mitrano, a native of West Windsor, is a certified K-12 art teacher who has taught in Princeton, Bridgewater, and Montgomery schools as well as community art centers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She has a bachelor of fine arts degree from Syracuse University in graphic design with a minor in photography. After a 15-year career as a designer and art director, Mitrano earned a bachelor’s degree in art education at the College of New Jersey. A watercolorist, she has also studied ceramics and printmaking. She loves to share her knowledge of art history and artmaking with the children she teaches.
“Each year we’re so fortunate to add new and exciting teachers to our roster,” says Arin Black, executive director of WWAC. “Now we’d like to share with the community the work that they do outside the classroom.”
Members of the Plainsboro Library’s Artists’ Group present “It’s All Greek to Me,” with each entry a literal or figurative interpretation of the theme. The eclectic collection of drawing, pottery, sculpture, textile art, and painting runs through Wednesday, July 30. Donna Senopoulos leads a gallery tour Friday, July 18, at 4 p.m.
Andrew Marfitsin, a musician and senior at High School North, presents classic guitar music from 2 to 3 p.m. during the July 13 reception. He was a finalist in the 2013 Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society Competition. His electronic music composition “Vancouver” won an award of excellence from the state and a national honorable mention at the 2013 PTA Reflections contest.
West Windsor and Plainsboro artists include Liz Adams, Vimala Arunachalam, Leena Shekhar Bagawde, Susan Freeman, Timothy Helck, Lavinia Kumar, Kathleen Liao, Gabi Muenzel, Prathibha Raju, Praveen Raju, Donna Senopoulos, and Tatiana Sougakova. Other artists from the region include Thelma Fried, Bob Justin, Mohanan Jayamohan, Art Lee, Lonni Merrill, Ted Peck, Elaine Rosenberg, Donna Russo, Nancy Scott, Marcia Tavares, and Lyn Cheng Varga.
Several artists chose imagery from the Greek Isles including “Greek Church Entrance” by Vimala Arunachalam and “Santorini Sunshine” by Ted Peck. Abstract works include “Russian Script” by Tatiana Sougakova and “Acanthus,” a needlepoint by Liz Adams depicting the ornament that was used extensively in Greek architecture. The figurative connection to the theme is also evident in Susan Freeman’s lithography, “Incongruity.” References to Greek mythology include “Three Muses” by Kathleen Liao; “Gratitude to Goddess Gaia” by Donna Russo, and “Prometheus” by Mohanan Jayamohan.
Viewers will recognize elements of ancient Greek arts, whether in the sawdust fired stoneware “Lekythoi” by Gabi Muenzel; a more abstract reference to the amphora in “It’s All Greek to the Amphora” by Lavinia Kumar; or in the sculpture “Paper Altar” by Leena Shekhar Bagawde. Look for a bit of irony in Timothy Helck’s “Punk Icon.” With work from more than 20 different artists, the exhibit provides an opportunity to examine the different ways one can approach a concept using a variety of imagery and mediums.
The Plainsboro Library Artists’ Group is open to all area adult artists and provides an opportunity to critique artwork and network about resources and opportunities. The group meets on the first Monday of each month.
Faculty Work, West Windsor Arts Council, 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor. Sunday, July 13, 4 to 6 p.m. Opening reception. On view to September 6. 609-716-1931. www.westwindsorarts.org.
It’s All Greek to Me, Plainsboro Public Library, 9 Van Doren Street, Plainsboro. Sunday, July 13, 2 to 4 p.m. Reception. On view to July 30. 609-275-2897. www.lmxac.org/plainsboro.
