Month: March 2018

Hastings Preview Exhibition for the 2018 Studio Tour

Every year I look forward to the events leading up to the RiverArts© Studio Tour and my own Open Studio.

On Sunday, Jay and I attended the first Preview Show Reception for the 2018 Annual RiverArts© Artists Studio Tour (aka RiverArts Studio Tour 18), which was held in the Hastings-on-Hudson Municipal Building (through April 28th). Every local artist participating in the Studio Tour can put a painting in the Hastings, Irvington or Tarrytown shows. This year I choose the largest Oreo I have ever painted, Cosmic Oreo, for the Hastings venue.

I come for the art, but stay for the chance to spend two blissful hours talking art with other artists. Here’s what Jay comes for….

Husband Jay Sloofman Digging In

Notice that he headed right for the sweets rather than the other options, which sparked ideas for other paintings.

This year I got a chuckle out of seeing Oreos on the buffet. Maybe Cosmic Oreo influenced that decision, combined with Oreo Mandala from last year, and my annual Oreo Cookie Contest…

The Hastings Preview Show is well attended every year, and the Municipal Building is a wonderful space for a artist reception.

The exhibit includes a variety of media – paintings, drawings, sculpture, etchings, photography and multimedia. 

Mosaic, charcoal and painting

Vicky Youngman and her ceramic sculpture, “Breaking Free”

“Trumped” by Neil Lahey

Mitch Goldberg with his etching, “Richard”

Brooklyn Bridge by photographer John Maggiotta

Mosaic by Kristin Javier

Towards the end of the reception, two of my friends asked me to demonstrate Oreo biting before they took their own bites… out of the painting!

Artist Deborah Offner-Freidkin and RiverArts Board Member Kara Kenkeit

For more information on the other two Preview Receptions in Tarrytown (tomorrow, March 29, show ends April 29)) and Irvington (April 17, show ends April 27th), go to the RiverArts Studio Tour page.

The RiverArts Studio Tour itself takes place the weekend of April 21st and 22nd from 11am-5pm. My studio will be open both days. I hope you eat first – but not too much – so you can enjoy the desserts, both real and painted.

2018 Open Studio: You Are Invited!

When I came home from visiting Mom in Michigan, a big Vistaprint box awaited me on the kitchen table. I knew what was inside – my 2018 Open Studio postcard invitations. The excitement of opening the box was mixed with a teeny bit of apprehension. Will I like the postcard? Did I choose the right paintings? Are there any typos? 

I am happy to report there that I like it, there no typos, and it’s ready for the big reveal. Drumroll please…

Choosing the paintings and deciding on placement for the postcard is more an art than a science, almost like hanging the Open Studio art show itself. I’ve had to reprint (and rehang!) on several occasions in the past.

How many images should be partially eaten sweets vs. whole ones, with and without wrappers and logos, in vending machines vs.on the kitchen? What geography should they come from? The Blueberry Crumble was baked right here in Ardsley by Riviera Bakehouse, while the macarons hail from the DelRey Shop in Antwerp, Belgium.

After selecting the visuals, it’s time to play with balance and placement on the card. For example, I was concerned about the darker vending background overwhelming the delicate tonalities of the macarons. This year there’s even a nod to two healthy snack options with Mr. Peanut and a stalk of broccoli.

What would you choose to satisfy your appetites – both artistic and gastronomic?

Come and decide for yourself the weekend of April 21st and 22nd, from 11am to 5pm. You’re all invited to 36 Sheldon Street, Ardsley, NY 10502. Please bring your friends and family, all ages – especially kids and grandkids who are willing to join in the fun of my Oreo Cookie Contest simply by eating Oreos. I name a painting after the best biter! 

Of course, we’ll have a dessert reception to celebrate this milestone year: 2018 is the 25th Anniversary of the RiverArts© Studio Tour.  RiverArts© Studio Tour 18 maps will be on hand so you can visit some of the other 80 artists who also will be participating. Or go to www.riverarts.org to print a tour map. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or need any additional information. If not, it’s time to mark your calendar. I look forward to seeing you!