PRESS RELEASE: Real Places, Imagined Spaces Opening September 6

Exhibition: "Real Places, Imagined Spaces"
Featuring abstract paintings by Michael Berman, mixed media by Sandy Clift, photography by John Dowling, Finger Lakes photography by John Francis McCarthy and metal sculptures by Michael Moberg.

Dates: September 6 – October 6, 2007
Location: Delavan Art Gallery, 501 W. Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY 13204
Hours: Thursdays and Fridays 12-6 p.m., Saturdays 10-4 p.m. and also by appointment
Opening Reception: Thursday, September 6, 5-8 p.m.
Also open for Th3, The Third Thursday: Thursday, September 20, 2007, 5-8 p.m.

MEET THE ARTISTS!
Artists in Attendance:
Saturday September 8, noon - 3 p.m.- Sandy Clift
Saturday September 15, noon - 3 p.m.- John Francis McCarthy
Thursday September 20, 5-8 p.m.- Michael Berman (Th3)
Saturday September 22, noon - 3 p.m.- Michael Moberg
Saturday September 29, noon - 3 p.m.- John Dowling

Special Events:
Saturday September 8 at 1 p.m. and October 6 at 12:30 p.m.- Presentation and demonstration by artist Sandy Clift about the process of creating her series "While I Was Sleeping"
Thursday September 20 from 5 - 8 p.m.- Th3, The Third Thursday, Syracuse's citywide visual arts night. For more information please visit www.th3syracuse.com
Saturday October 6 at 2 p.m.- Stone Canoe Poetry Reading featuring performing poet and sound artist Duriel Harris, professor of English at St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY. For more information on Duriel Harris and the publication Stone Canoe, please visit www.stonecanoejournal.org


SYRACUSE, New York -- August 22, 2007 --  Delavan Art Gallery is pleased to present the exhibit "Real Places, Imagined Spaces" featuring abstract paintings by Michael Berman, mixed media by Sandy Clift, photography by John Dowling, Finger Lakes photography by John Francis McCarthy and metal sculptures by Michael Moberg. The exhibit opens on Thursday, September 6 and continues through Saturday, October 6, 2007.

Michael Berman paints large abstractions using geometric formations and bright contrasting colors on a variety of materials including burlap and corkboard. The Syracuse native studied under a three year scholarship at the Art Students League of New York where he received the "Best of Show" distinction for two years. For over twenty years since then, his work has been shown extensively in the metropolitan areas of New York and New Jersey, in Utah and throughout Central New York. Berman once said he finds working on a large scale, "the most challenging and the most satisfying in (his) working process."
Michael Berman - Untitled, oil and acrylic paint on burlap, 72" x 72"

After retiring from thirty-one years of teaching elementary school in Fulton, NY, Sandy Clift returned to the State University College at Oswego to pursue art and has been exhibiting nationally and regionally ever since. This exhibition features a series of art called "While I Was Sleeping." In these works, Clift combines technically detailed drawing with unique surfaces creating using tissue paper, packaging paper, matte medium, glue, pastels, Caran d'Ache, watercolors and acrylics. About the imaginative subject matter, Clift writes in her artist statement, "I had a collection of plastic animals when I was a child. I still have some of them, and it is still amusing to consider what they might be up to while I am busy."
Sandy Clift - Where Is Our Alto from the series While I Was Sleeping, mixed media, 23.87" x 19.75"

John Dowling has over twenty-five years of experience as a professional photographer in the corporate, advertising and editorial markets. A former staff photographer for the Syracuse Newspapers with a Masters degree in Photojournalism from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University, Dowling has an impressive list of clientele. Through photo assignments for the New York based photo agencies Black Star and Liaison, Dowling's list includes Subaru, DuPont, General Motors, Corning Glass, HBJ Publishing, Sports Illustrated and Newsweek. The stock photo collection at John Dowling Photography has been an essential source of images used to market the area for tourism and economic development. The exhibit features photographs from Dowling's travels around the world.
John Dowling - Maui Sunset, photography

John Francis McCarthy is a well established Finger Lakes photographer with five photography books in print. In the traditions of America's great landscape artists, McCarthy captures the majestic scenery around Watkins Glen, Ithaca, Skaneateles, Naples and Canandaigua. He records the rich landscape with all the brilliance that we recall places in memory and dreams: luminous- bathed in light, mist, color, reflection. His biography explains that his vision "is drawn from a rich vein of color and imagination once found in life on Tipperary Hill," an Irish neighborhood in Syracuse's west side where McCarthy grew up. Although he has photographed around the world, McCarthy has focused on the Finger Lakes as his home and the subject of his art.
John Francis McCarthy - Emerson Park, Owasco Lake, photography

Michael Moberg has twenty years experience working as an ironworker and is currently employed at Raulli Ironworks in Syracuse. He first started working creatively about around nine years ago when he made a large-scale "Bride of Death" out of steel as a wedding present for a friend. The work proved very popular and became a local landmark for several years at John's Bayside Restaurant in Constantia, where the owner dressed the Bride for holidays like Valentine's Day. She later went on tour with bands including One Hard Crank and The Naturals. Like the Bride, Moberg's creative career has had a life of its own. Since his friends' wedding, he has made hundreds of metal sculptures and in 2006 was the premiere artist at the Swap Meet, the biggest motorcycle show in New York City.
Michael Moberg - Deep Red, metal sculpture, 67" H

Delavan Art Gallery is a 3,800 square foot showcase and sales venue for fine art created by area artists. Conveniently located downtown at 501 West Fayette Street in Syracuse, the gallery is free and open to the public. Off-street parking is available and the gallery is handicapped accessible. Delavan Art Gallery opens “Real Places, Imagined Spaces” from 5 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 6. The show is on exhibit through Saturday, October 6 on Thursday and Friday afternoons from 12-6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. -  4 p.m. and at other times by appointment. For more information visit www.DelavanArtGallery.com.

Collector's Showcase in August

Collector's Showcase:
While the boss is away, the mice will play!

Our special Collector's Showcase will feature
STAFF PICKS from "Holdover"- a selection of works from many of the 140 artists who have previously been shown in Delavan Art Gallery.

1. SPECIAL DEAL: For the FIRST TIME EVER Delavan Art Gallery is running a special deal for art collectors: Purchase $500 of art during the Collector's Showcase and receive a $50 collector's certificate for use in our upcoming exhibits. Good for one year.

2. The boss is going on vacation so the staff is throwing a shindig!

OPENING DETAILS: Thursday, August 2: 5 - 8 p.m.

We are breaking the rules!
1. Enjoy music by classical guitarist Aaron Bobis
2. Sample some of our fun and funky treats as well as Caroline's bubbly punch and cakes by Ros
3. Did someone say "Cheese Please!" ?
Join us for a delicious tasting of hand- selected
artisan cheeses from the new dining menu at
Al's Wine & Whiskey Lounge

SHOWCASE DATES & GALLERY HOURS:
Thursday, August 2 through
Saturday, August 11, 2007.

Th Aug 2: 5 - 8 p.m.
F Aug 3: Noon - 6 p.m.
Sat Aug 4: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Th Aug 9: Noon - 6 p.m.
F Aug 10: Noon - 6 p.m.
Sat Aug 11: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Only two weeks so don't wait!

City passes Public Art Ordinance

Syracuse now has a public art ordinance. It was passed July 12, 2007 (date the mayor signed it). What does this mean?

The ordinance specifies that it's purpose is to facilitate and encourage Public Art in the City of Syracuse by creating a stream lined application and review process.

For more info, read an article by the post standard HERE Note: If the link doesn't work, the Post-Standard has taken the article down. You can visit the 40 Below Public Arts group HERE

This could be a really good thing!

Marcia Rutledge and Dave Solazzo to perform on Th3

Tomorrow evening on Thursday June 21 Jazz musicians Marcia Rutledge (voice) and Dave Solazzo (piano) will be performing at Delavan Art Gallery from 5-7 p.m. as part of Th3, The Third Thursday, Syracuse's visual arts open. Artists from the current exhibition "Glass and Abstracts" will also be in attendance from 5-8 p.m.

On her album No One Home (2005) Marcia Rutledge plays smooth jazz infused with a groove based in Soul, Funk and Blues traditions. To read more or hear soundbytes visit http://cdbaby.com/cd/marciarutledge.

For details on Th3, The Third Thursday, please visit http://www.th3syracuse.com or the Th3 Blog at http://th3syracuse.blogspot.com.

Opening Night June 14

Photos from the opening reception for "Glass and Abstracts" on June 14, 2007 from 5 - 8 PM.

Celebrating Delavan Art Gallery's 40th Show! ...and the birthdays of Caroline Szozda (Gallery Manager) and Cheryl (long-time gallery reception bartender from Pascale's)!!

Gallery Director Bill Delavan makes the announcement


Let Us Eat Cake! Deb Durr with the champagne and Delavan Art Gallery's newest intern John Kosecki serving cake


Glass Artist Jerome R. Durr pleased to be here


Glass Artist R. Jason Howard with his friends, family and chandellier


Artists Jeff Schuessler (L) and Linda Bigness (R) enjoying the show


Glass Artist R. Jason Howard with his lovely family


Painter Thomas Barnes standing proudly with his wife


Photos courtesy of Courtney Rile.

Sneak Preview- Opening Tomorrow Night

I took a few sneak preview photos of the amazing show to come... opening tomorrow (Thursday) night from 5-8 PM. Please join us!

"Glass and Abstracts" Opening June 14, 2007

SYRACUSE, New York -- May 31, 2007 --  Delavan Art Gallery is pleased to present the exhibit "Glass and Abstracts" featuring acrylic paintings by Thomas Barnes, works on paper and canvas by Linda Bigness, glass pieces by Jerome R. Durr, glass sculpture by R Jason Howard, and charcoal drawings by Jeff Schuessler. The exhibit opens on Thursday, June 14 and continues through Saturday, July 28, 2007.

With a geometric vision, Thomas Barnes began his career as a student of math and sciences during the Cold War. He was always interested in studying art, but it was not until he met Professor Frank Goodnow at Syracuse University in a night class that he finally found a direction for his art studies. Thirty-five years later Barnes has developed into a prolific artist with a solid style of hard-edged geometric shapes and colors used to create acrylic paintings of abstracts and landscapes. "The long awaited chance to study art on my own terms is becoming more rewarding and enjoyable as time goes on," he writes in his artist statement. Barnes has returned as an artist to "those geometric shapes that the childhood battery of tests said were one of my strengths."

Thomas Barnes - "Untitled" acrylic painting

Linda Bigness creates art on paper and canvas. Her largely abstract works have been exhibited internationally, won numerous awards and can be found in both public and private collections. She has exhibited at the Everson Museum of Art, the Cultural Center: The Netherlands, Westmoreland, Cooperstown and in Korea. Public commissions include the Temple B'Rith Kodesh in Rochester, NY and the Governor's Mansion in Florida. Bigness was head of the Visual Arts Department and Director of Gallery 320 at the Metropolitan School for the Arts in Syracuse, NY before it closed and has continued to curate, teach and write on a regular basis.

Linda Bigness - "City Walk I" oil painting, 60" W x 36" H

Jerome R. Durr began designing and fabricating glass artwork in 1973 for private residential collectors, commercial projects, ecclesiastical commissions and public surroundings. Today Jerome R. Durr Studio specializes in architectural art glass for an impressive list of international clientele. His work can be found throughout the United States, in France, Italy, Germany, Kuwait and Sri Lanka. Durr is on the board of directors of the Stained Glass Association of America and is Director of the Stained Glass School. His expertise includes casting, carving, etching and slumping glass. Durr looks forward to the innovative large or small architectural setting project where he can meld human problem solving with quality of design and fabrication.

Jerome R. Durr - Glass from "Dichroic Series"

R Jason Howard calls his glass sculpture "an exploration of change, time, and process." In his artist statement he explains, "I've always thought of glass as a matrix of the space-time-heat continuum." Howard first became enthralled with glass as a senior studying ceramics at Hamilton College. After graduating he received a scholarship to the Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass and began studying with several renowned glass artists. Howard acted as a consultant for North Star Glassworks developing colored borosilicate glasses including one of their more popular colors, "Onyx." His current work through his studio, Cicada Glassworks, can be seen in galleries around the country. Inspired by nature, he draws on the unique combination of traditional Italian techniques and self-invented processes to create large organic colorful forms that push the boundaries of what flameworked glass can do.

R Jason Howard - "Orchid" glass

Through various drawings and paintings of circles, seemingly both in motion and dynamically frozen, Jeff Schuessler presents ideas concerning space and time. In Schuessler's Inertia Series I, circles dominate as the subject. Through various sized charcoal drawings, he explores both the potential for and the continuation of movement across space and time. "Inherently kinetic, the circle provides a sense of motion yet can also offer a quiet stillness," he writes in his artist statement. He creates tension by providing both, often simultaneously. Schuessler holds a B.S. in Advertising and an M.S. in Art Education from Syracuse University. Currently, he is an art teacher at Fayetteville-Manlius High School.

Jeff Schuessler - Study for "Pinnacle" charcoal, 22" W x 30" H

Delavan Art Gallery is a 3,800 square foot showcase and sales venue for fine art created by area artists. Conveniently located downtown at 501 West Fayette Street in Syracuse, the gallery is free and open to the public. Off-street parking is available and the gallery is handicapped accessible. Delavan Art Gallery opens “Glass and Abstracts” from 5 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 14. The show is on exhibit through Saturday, July 28 on Thursday and Friday afternoons from 12-6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. -  4 p.m. and at other times by appointment. For more information visit www.DelavanArtGallery.com.

Artists in Attendance: Saturdays from noon – 3 p.m.
Saturday June 16- R Jason Howard
Saturday June 23- Thomas Barnes
Saturday June 30- Jeff Schuessler
Saturday July 7- Jerome R. Durr
Saturday July 14- Thomas Barnes
Saturday July 21- Jerome R. Durr
Saturday July 28- Linda Bigness
Artists also in Attendance for Th3, The Third Thursday, on Thursday, June 21 from 5 - 8 PM (more information available at www.th3syracuse.com)

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