Press Release: Art for the Holidays opens Nov. 6

Ceramics, Illustrations, Mixed Media and Monotypes in "Art for the Holidays"

SYRACUSE, New York -- October 24, 2008 -- Delavan Art Gallery is proud to present ceramics, illustrations, mixed media and monotypes in, "Art for the Holidays." The exhibition opens November 6, 2008 and runs through December 23, 2008, featuring mixed media illustrations by Katya Krenina, mixed media and monotype works by Thea Reidy as well as ceramics by Clayscapes Pottery (Donald Seymour, Shawn McGuire, Jolee M. Romano, Tim See and Sallie Thompson). In addition, the gallery is pleased to present art by Elena Rall in the Wild Card area.

Katya Krenina is an award winning artist with a passion for book illustration. Her mixed media works can be found illustrating over 15 books such as "The Cloak for The Moon," "Who took my Hairy Toe," "Tooth Tales from Around the World" and three new stories on the way. These books, published by major U.S. publishers, have received numerous awards, including the opportunity for "The Bird's Gift" to be displayed at the White House as one of the best books of 2001. It is her original mixed media illustrations for these books, many of which have received excellent reviews from publications such as the New York Times and Publishers Weekly, that will be exhibited. She explains, "To me, the beauty of being an illustrator is the ability to see relevance to my art in everyday happenings." Krenina earned a Masters Degree in Illustration through Syracuse University's Independent Study Degree Program. Prior to that, she obtained a B.F.A. in Illustration from SU and a B.F.A. equivalent with highest honors from The National Art Academy in Lvov, Ukraine. She currently teaches at LeMoyne. Her style is influenced by different cultures and masters of Eastern Europe, Russia, France and the United States along with folk art and storytelling traditions. She reflects, "The journey can get difficult sometimes, but in the amazing world of talking cats, winged creatures, magical spells and ladders that lead to the Moon there is always hope for a happy ending."

Above: Katya Krenina, Untitled, Mixed Media Illustration

Thea Reidy creates mixed media works developed both on and off of the printing press. Her monotypes combine embossed plant material, pure pigments, precious metals in powder form and specialty papers. The monotype printmaking process is often called "the painterly print," which Reidy then takes to the next level by applying drawing mediums and paint. In her artist statement she describes several themes central to her art practice, including "the interdependence of intuition with logic and an interest in things submerged, hovering below the surface." Reidy is an artist, designer and educator with teaching experience at Cazenovia College, OCC, The Art Institue of Boston, Syracuse University and the University of Massachusetts. She earned art degrees from Vassar College and S.U., studied art with David Passalacqua and attended the Instituto Allende in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. She has exhibited locally and nationally in places such as the Earlville Opera House, The Redhouse, Space 200 and the Art Institute in Boston and Galeria Pavo Real in California. She is currently on the staff of the Baltimore Woods Nature Center.

Above: Thea Reidy, "Seduction" monotype and mixed media

Clayscapes Pottery, a major distributor of clay products and equipment in CNY and the Northeast, just so happens to be located right down the street from Delavan Art Gallery. The two Warehouse District arts venues are teaming up to present an exhibit of works by the staff of Clayscapes Pottery, including ceramics by Donald Seymour, Shawn McGuire, Jolee M. Romano, Tim See and Sallie Thompson. On November 22 at 1 p.m. will be a special Wood Kiln Opening Reception and Presentation when the most recent Wood Kiln fired ceramic pieces will be revealed and the public can learn about the process. This event will be held in conjunction with the Clayscapes Pottery 3rd Annual Raku Open House.

Donald Seymour started out by studying clay and sculpture at SUNY Fredonia. He went on to do research and development on clay bodies and glazes at an architectural restoration company and sell furniture before making the jump to enter the upstate New York craft fair circuit. Five years ago, Seymour's company, Clayscapes Pottery, bought the local clay distribution business and has been growing ever since. Today, Clayscapes Pottery sells over 2 million pounds of clay materials each year and offers classes to a variety of students, from beginners to advanced at its 1600 sq. ft. studio location at 1003 W. Fayette St.

The staff are accomplished ceramists and instructors in their own right. Shawn McGuire originally studied painting but has spent the past five years working and teaching at Clayscapes Pottery. Jolee M. Romano received her B.F.A. from Alfred University and now creates hand-built functional pottery that seeks to balance the elements of form and surface. Tim See earned his B.F.A. with honors in Ceramics from Syracuse University and has taught ceramics at Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, the East Area Family YMCA and as a visiting artist in several school districts in CNY. His current work applies a mechanical "steampunk" style to ceramics. Sallie Thompson studied at the Oregon School of Arts and Crafts in Portland and then earned her B.F.A. from Alfred University. She completed an independent study at Carbondale Clay Center in Colorodo in the soda firing process and was an artist-in-residence at Byrdcliffe Arts Colony in Woodstock, NY. Thompson creates vessel-based works influenced by figure and landscape. She is also a member of Skaneateles Artisans.

Above: Tim See representing Clayscapes Pottery, "Steampunk Cream & Sugar" porcelain with soldered glass, clock and watch parts

Delavan Art Gallery is excited to present works in pastel, watercolor and colored pencil by Elena Rall in the Wild Card area from November 6- November 22, 2008. Rall has been gaining attention as an emerging artist since high school, earning awards in numerous state competitions including the New York State Fair Fine Arts and Scholastic Arts competitions. With two artists in her family, her mother and grandfather, her interest in the arts has always been supported. Since an early age Rall has been exposed to various art events and has continuously been supplied with tools and given opportunities to study with local artists, including Nicora Gangi. In 2007, she embarked on a trip to China which still inspires much of her work. Recently she studied fine art at Onondaga Community College, graduating with honors in the spring of 2008. Her first love is working with portraits. She explains, "I love the challenge of capturing the individual's personality in my painting."

Above: Elena Rall, Untitled, Mixed Media

Delavan Art Gallery is a 3,800 square foot showcase and sales venue for fine art created by area artists. Located in a convenient, downtown location at 501 West Fayette Street, Syracuse, the gallery is free and open to the public. Off-street parking is available and the gallery is handicapped accessible. Regular gallery hours are Thursday and Friday afternoons from 12-6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and at other times by appointment.


Artist Events:
Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 1 PM- Presentation by Katya Krenina on the process of illustrating a children's book
Th3, The Third Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 5-8 PM- Elena Rall in Attendance
Saturday, November 22, 2008 at 1 PM- Wood Kiln Opening Reception with Presentation: View pieces from the most recent wood kiln firing and learn about the process; In conjunction with Clayscapes Pottery 3rd Annual Raku Open House
Saturday, December 6, 2008 from Noon-3 PM- Thea Reidy in Attendance