DoNBrewer light beings @ The Coffee Bar

8. May 2010 by admin.

DoN Brewer @ his artist reception.  All event photos by Peter Prusinowski.

The Center for Emerging Visual Artists hosted an artist reception for DoN Brewer and the Philadelphia Art-erati turned out in full force - friends & colleagues from the past, present & future converged on the Coffee Bar @ 17th & Locust to support DoN’s explorations into photography.  Amie Potsic of CFEVA (& fellow photographer) and Ann Koivunen worked with the Coffee Bar to have a POST (Philadelphia Open Studio Tours) artist show in their recently remodeled cafe - the buttery walls and excellent lighting is so satisfying and easy on the eyes the photos have never looked better - and out of 30 artists the team presented, they picked DoN.  What an incredible honor & pleasure to represent Philadelphia Artists in the venerable Warwick Hotel, a landmark & planetary crossroad; DoN overheard languages from all over the world, it is so gratifying to have the work stand on it’s own, this being the largest collection of DoN’s “light being” series to date.

Muralist David Guinn, his Dad & Plastic Club former President Mike Guinn, the back of Ted Warschal’s head, Cynthia Arkin (manager of The Plastic Club website), UArts’ Regina Barthmeier, DoN, Ona Kalstein and Rob Stauffer (Rob mounted, matted and framed most of the show, his outstanding presentation skills enhances the work immeasurably) @ the Artist Reception for “light beings“.

Enhabitues of the Philly art scene, Regina & Lisa lounge below light being (Thelma) @ the artist reception for DoN Brewer’s light beings show @ The Coffee Bar - these intrepid art crawlers have been extremely supportive of DoN’s career and have been present at almost every art event important to his reputation.  Having friends be there when you need them is so important to an artist’s ego - Merci!

Ann Koivunen of The Center for Emerging Visual Artists manages the Philadelphia Open Studio Tours submissions (going on now) and took DoN’s feeble attempt at image size accuracy and created the terrific transparent labels, a beautiful bio book and documentation - Thank you Ann for your patience!

light being (Leo Seeger), DoN Brewer @ The Coffee Bar, The Radisson Warwick Hotel through July 2010.  This image has appeared in several art shows from the Philadelphia Sketch Club’s Absolutely Abstract Show to The University of Princeton Medical Center’s ArtFirst show to The Beauty Shop Cafe @ 20th & Fitzwater - DoN LoVeS it when people start seeing “light beings” in the wild.

Thanks to Shoshana Aron, Alden Cole & Les Howard for helping hang the show, Rob Stauffer for framing and the Center for Emerging Visual Artists for their tireless support of artists in Philadelphia.  DoN will be announcing an artist talk date soon.

Special thanks to Peter Prusinowski for photographing the event and his support and friendship, it’s such a good feeling to be recognized as an artist by peers - Philadelphia XOXO.

Posted in Very Special Artists, Philadelphia Photographers, Philadelphia Disabled Artists, Center for Emerging Visual Artists, photography, Art Exhibits, Disabled Artists, Art Shows, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Art Ability @ Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital

24. November 2009 by admin.

The 14th Annual Art Ability Exhibition & Sale at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital’s Patron’s Preview Party on November 7th was a sensational event kicking off the extensive art show featuring more than 400 art works by 128 artists from 23 states and 10 countries.  The hospital on Paoli Pike is an excellent venue with high, long walls, a fine hanging system, great lighting providing a wonderful stroll or roll along a meandering path to wander and take in the wide array of fine art.

Photographer Linda Fry Goschke was honored with the catalog cove, a beatific portrait of a “Crested Caracara“, a raptor she spent time with in a bird sanctuary.  The photograph is poignant, strong and sensitive; at first glance it appears to be a painting with golden light brushing the elegant bird’s feathers, the dark head contrasting the ochre beak and the glint of disinterest in the eye, a perfect metaphor for the theme of the exhibit.

Goschke told DoN that in order to capture her images she had to wait for new technology to catch up with her vision - the lustrous flower photograph is actually created on a flat-bed scanner, then enhanced with Photoshop.

Linda Fry Goschke, Barred Owl, photograph @ Art Ability.

Sal Panasci was commissioned by Bryn Mawr Rehab to create the design for a mural leading to the admissions center, formally a long stark hallway to what could be an uncomfortable experience.

Now, the hallway is a colorful, exuberant scene welcomes people to what may be an extended stay to rehabilitate the body, mind and spirit.  Panasci’s painting was transformed into wallpaper creating a warm, sunny vista.

Sal Panasci, Late Autumn Palette, oil.

Ken Smith, Blue Flower, photograph pigment ink on paper on board, encaustic.  Smith’s serene composition won honorable mention, The Mary Armitage Green Memorial Award presented by Heather and Damien Lubeski, the wax finish means the print will survive for a very long time.

Michael Jameson, Charlois Bull, oil painting on birch panel

Sheryl Yeager, pastels.  DoN talked with Sheryl about her inspiration for the delightful pig and zebra pastels, she explained that she portrays lots of different animals because they make her feel free, at one with God & nature and the art heals her past.  A self described high functioning autistic, her most popular drawings are of elephants and she’s more than willing to accommodate her customer base.  This is Sheryl Yeager’s 5th year with Art Ability, she has been accepted into the Pastel Society of Little Rock and has exhibited her work at the Andrews Art Museum in North Carolina.

The big fish are by Arnie Segal, the drawing is by Mari Newman, Dick Wexelblat created the menagerie and won honorable mention for Fine Crafts presented by Sal & Linda Panasci, the sculpture on right forfront is by blind artist, Tara Arlene Innmon.  This tableau is very popular with visitors with the vibrant animal forms delighting the eye and lifting the spirit.

Arnold Segal was a true art star at the Art Ability Patron Preview, selling most of his collection of sculptures and earning commissions - a mixed media artist, Segal uses plaster, paper mache and electronics to enliven his sculptures which often have hidden surprises.

Liam Kennedy, Dreams, bronze, winner of 2nd prize for sculpture, the Sarah Hair Shearer Memorial Award.

Kathy Harris, Double Self Portrait & Winter Bride.  Harris created the portraits from life masks - the double self portrait is from 30 years ago and the Winter Bride is a recent mask.  Kathy told DoN that the younger version is dreaming of the future and the elder shows aging through time, either way she’s beautiful with a wonderful spirit and wicked wit, we had the best time chatting about her career making paintings, ceramic tiles and pipes.

Michael Tavani, Winter in Chadds Ford, oil.

Jack Beverland, Happy Trails, acrylic & plastic.

Clif Anderson, The Last Rose, oil.  Clif told DoN this was literally the last rose in his garden last November.

Beverly Strohecker-Yablin, Favorite Teacup, oil.

David Gerbstadt is one of the famous Philadelphia Dumpster Divers, his mixed media paintings are super-pop, perfect for a hipster’s pad or austere modern interior.  DoN was recently in the Dumpster Diver gallery on South Street and a patron bought 27 of his $1.00 drawings as Christmas gifts.

Marilyn Lavins, 40th Anniversary 1969-2009, Moon Landing, collage.

Photography by Jim Knisley @ Art Ability.

Gregory Gans, Spirit Over Waters, photograph, winner 3rd Prize for photography, The Denise Fraunfelter Memorial Award.

Photography @ Art Ability Exhibit in Bryn Mawr Rehab.

Gregory Gans, Forest Cathedral, photograph.  DoN had the opportunity to chat with Greg’s biggest fan, his wife, who offers constant support and encouragement and agrees with DoN that if you don’t have something nice to say don’t say anything.  Gans’ has been a working photographer for 45 years, creating hundreds of images - now many of his photos have Biblical & spiritual references reflecting his faith and strength to battle the epileptic seizures he endures after having a benign brain tumor removed.

The Art Ability show has so much to see it’s impossible for DoN to share it all - Evan Gozali’s brilliant digital Asian style scroll is transcendental, Elizabeth Core’s imaginative large painting, Christine Severson’s jewelry…the point is that even though the art is all created by artists with disabilities there are no boundaries, no style, no medium that is exempt from an artist with the will to create from painting to drawing, photography to sculpture, fine art to crafts, an artist is an artist even if they have to hold the brush with their mouth, work from a wheelchair, try to hold steady until the tremor passes or struggle to articulate because the words won’t come.

DoN was so happy to see so many red dots indicating sales - 80% goes to the artist and the remainder is used to improve the facilities to aid people who need rehabilitation everything else is provided by volunteers including the wonderful sales team.  DoN had the pleasure of meeting Ellie Pfautz, a volunteer sales rep who absolutely loves Bryn Mawr Rehab since they helped her recover from a brain aneurysm; the two of us marveled at the new Lokomat suite - a robot which helps train muscles & nerves by reminding the body of motor pathways, building new neural networks and strengthening the body without manual manipulation by a technician.  To see a short video clip - click here.

Posted in Disabled Artists, Art Ability @ Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, ArtFirst, Art Exhibits, sculpture, fine art, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Arnie Segal @ Art Ability

11. September 2009 by admin.

The show doesn’t open until November 7th but Arnie Segal is prepared to exhibit several mixed media sculptures in the annual Art Ability @ Bryn Mawr Rehab Center.  Last year Segal took First Prize with his Foo Dog sculpture, the competition in the show is tough - even though the artists are categorized as disabled, you’d never know it from the excellent quality of the artists’ work.

Arnie Segal’s sculpture in clay.

This hip hippo has a removable belly for secret storage.

Arnie Segal, sculpture.

Segal created this fantastic fish out of cardboard!

A regal head, face twisted in angst or rage, is mocked up in plaster of paris for a future casting.

Posted in artist's studios, Art Shows, Disabled Artists, sculpture, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Arnie Segal’s “Fortune Teller”

5. June 2009 by admin.

NUVISIONS artist Arnie Segal’s studio is full of surprises.

Arnie Segal’s “Rhinoceros” features a removable back plate with secret storage inside - many of Segal’s pieces showcase his imagination and cunning wit.

Posted in artist's studios, Disabled Artists, fine art, sculpture, Uncategorized | No Comments »

DoN Brewer @ Penn Medicine at Rittenhouse

5. June 2009 by admin.

The Photographic Society of Philadelphia’s on-going exhibit at Penn Medicine at Rittenhouse @ 19th & South Street, Philadelphia, now includes ten works by NUVISIONS artist DoN Brewer.  The PSoP show includes many outstanding works by Philadelphia area photographers; the photograph exhibit is on the 3rd floor.

“light being (Chink)“, digital photograph by DoN Brewer @ Penn Medicine at Rittenhouse.

Posted in Penn Medicine at Rittenhouse, Art Exhibits, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Work by Disabled Artists on Display & Sale at Moss Rehab

5. June 2009 by admin.

by KYW’s Karin Phillips
A show and sale of art by professional artists living with disabilities is on display for three more weeks at an Elkins Park rehabilitiation center.

The artwork goes on and on, up and down the hallways of Moss Rehab in Elkins Park, representing many media. Cliff Anderson (photo) - a local musician and artist who has lived with polio for decades - has submitted work for years - this year, a nude and a still-life of a fading flower:
“I’m emphasizing the color and the excitement in color, almost as in a note or chord in music.”
Lois Levy, director of the All About Art show, says there are 40 new artists this year:
“It’s a very competitive show, it continues to be, which means a lot of the artists who get in know that and they feel they’ve accomplished something if even just one piece is accepted into our show.”

(Photo by KYW’s Karin Phillips)

Posted in Art Shows, Moss Rehab, Disabled Artists, Art Exhibits, fine art, Uncategorized | No Comments »

ArtFirst @ University of Princeton Medical Center

5. June 2009 by admin.

“Tiffany Wallops the Drome” by Bridgette Riversmith won an honorable mention award; NUVISIONS appreciates the idea of whacking a monster with a frying pan, demonstrating the strength, fearlessness and determination of people living with disabilities.

ArtFirst is an artshow in it’s 7th year, developed with the intention of promoting artists living and working with disabilites; the show in the University of Princeton Medical Center was well attended by patrons resulting in sales and support for talented artists using art to express themselves whether they have to paint holding a brush with their mouth, reach out from a wheelchair or struggle with pain. The term disabled seems to be a misnomer when the quality of the art stands on it’s own - NUVISIONS artists are honored to be included in this outstanding cadre of talented artists.

Musician Adam Parker-Lavine entertained the crowd with beautiful, unobtrusive music -if you need a musician for an event, this artist has a wide repertoire sure to entertain your guests.

The ArtFirst team put together an outstanding party, drawing patrons to the medical center to enjoy an open bar, fabulous food and dedicated volunteers who helped to make sure that the art sells.

Philadelphia artist Clifton Anderson’s still life paintings are brilliantly colored, expertly painted and visually captivating. Clif is an art teacher in Philly, a member of the Philadelphia Sketch Club and a cello player with the Jefferson orchestra - this is one brilliant artist who doesn’t let a wheelchair keep him from doing anything. NUVISIONS was pleased to see friends at the show and to hear that he was explaining to patron’s that DoN Brewer’s photos are award-winners, surely helping to make some sales. Thanks, Clif!

Elayna Alexandra is a self taught artist working in digital media; her work incorporates drawings, photographs, digital manipulation and her own x-rays. Elayna won 2nd prize; NUVISIONS is inspired by her mixed media works and her willingness to expose the inner beauty of a disabling physical problem. The two of us kept high-fiving as sales, prizes and compliments came our way.

“Girl with a Mirror“, sculpture by Arnie Segal.  DoN Brewer & Arnie are developing a website for Philadelphia area artists with disabilities called NUVISIONS for Disabled Artists. Arnie encouraged DoN to participate in the show; it’s difficult to “out” oneself as a disabled person but this show is such high quality, so well managed and supported by kind and understanding leaders and patrons, it’s easier to deal with the stigma and continue to create art.

Etching, “Each to it’s Own Kind” by Michael Jameson.

NUVISIONS chatted with a patron about the symbiotic relationship between crows & wolves, how they are totem animals and work together to find food. DoN of NUVISIONS advised her to buy it; at first she said she couldn’t afford it but all of a sudden she decided she couldn’t leave without this fine, expressive etching. The first rule of sales? Ask for the sale!

DoN Brewer’s “light beings (Dora & Pablo), light being (Leo Seeger) & light being (Barbara Gittings)” @ ArtFirst, University of Princeton Medical Center.

Posted in Disabled Artists, Art Shows, ArtFirst, Art Exhibits, fine art, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Arnie Segal’s “Foo Dog”

25. March 2009 by admin.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

New blog for NUVISIONS for Disabled Artists

6. February 2009 by admin.

This blog will provide news, information, resources and stories about artists members of NUVISIONS for Disabled Artists including art shows, exhibition opportunities, special events and more.  This blog is managed for and by artists who live with physical challenges yet produce innovative, exciting and skillful works of art.

Posted in Art Exhibits, fine art, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Hello world!

6. February 2009 by admin.

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

Posted in Art Exhibits, fine art, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »