Three West Windsor-Plainsboro art teachers will have their work on view at Small World Coffee’s third annual “Love Show” beginning Tuesday, February 7. Amy Picco, an art teacher at Grover Middle School since 1999 and a West Windsor resident, created a life-size sculpture with Sandy Bonasera, who has been teaching art in the district for 16 years. Diane Lufrano, who has been teaching in the district for nine years, is a resident of West Amwell. Her painting, “Graffiti Coffee Cup,” is also in the exhibit.
“This is the first time any of us have been in a Small World art show, and it’s really exciting,” says Picco. “Creating art for the public is always so inspiring to me.” Artists were asked to create a piece that reflects on their relationship with the word love with the goal of speaking of love within the community.
“Every now and then, when I stroll through Princeton I stop off at Small World because I love their coffee,” she says. “It’s also a great atmosphere. There’s always so much great art around the store, it’s like eye candy, and now I am happy to be a part of that.”
“My painting is very symbolic of the spirit of community that Small World offers its patrons,” says Lufrano. “The coffee cup is the focus of the painting and surrounding it are words that describe the atmosphere of happiness and love that a visit to Small World provides for the town of Princeton. The bright colors and graffiti style lettering conjure up images of enjoying the moment of indulging in coffee and special treats.”
“Java Jolt,” the sculpture by Picco and Bonasera, is a life-sized figure cast in saran wrap and clear packing tape. “It will be suspended in air creating the illusion of flying through the coffee shop,” says Picco. “Our concept was based upon diving into the store to grab the coveted first cup of coffee for the day.”
The month-long show supports the Northeast Organic Farmers Association of New Jersey, an organization dedicated to supporting sustainable food and agriculture in New Jersey. The opening night on Friday, February 10 celebrates art in visual, musical, and culinary forms.
Art Show, Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. Tuesday, February 7, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. First day for “Love Show,” an exhibition of works relating to the word “love.” Opening reception is Friday, February 10, 8 to 11 p.m. Proceeds from the sale benefit Northeast Organic Farmers Association of New Jersey. On view to March 6. 609-924-4377. www.smallworldcoffee.com.
