This is not a post

A good friend of mine, Peter Russo, and I have begun a little experiment to see if our words can contribute to the whole understanding of the internet at large.  That is to say, we have started a podcast.  The show is still in the beginning stages, has a loose format and two persons still collecting their bearings, but please have a listen and let us know what you think.  http://www.spudsandmeat.com/

The podcast is titled "Not a Podcast" (Magritte anyone?).  "What is it about" you say?  Well... art of course; I don't do anything else.  We attempt to discuss, in as entertaining a manner as possible, an artsy topic every week.  But like I said, we're still taking our baby steps, so help us make it better and leave your comments.

Talk at Bushnell Sage Library

The Housatonic Valley Art League, which I have been a member of for many years, is having an event called “Winter Break”.  It’s an Art Swap and Social taking place at Bushnell Sage Library in Sheffield, Ma; held in the Community Room downstairs.  So if you have any art supplies you have been looking at getting rid of, then come on down and you may find a home for them.

It is open to the public, so you don’t need to be a member to attend.

As part of the event I will be giving a short talk about my techniques; with a little demonstration of the development of my paintings.  For the first time, outside of my studio, I will be showing what my paintings look like before their completed as an example of the process.  So if you have ever been interested in the techniques of glazing, or my work in particular, stop by and enjoy the talk.

I am not the only one giving a talk; Iska Kenney will be giving a talk about her pastel work as well.  I’m sure there will be time to talk one on one after as well, so feel free to say “Hi” to both of us.

SPECIFICS

Place: Bushnell Sage Library (Community Room), Sheffield, MA

Date: Sunday, February 23, 2014

Time of Art Swap/Social: 2:30 -4:30

Time of my talk: around 3:00

Cost: Nothing but your time

HVAL Small Works Show

I have two paintings that will be on display at the Welles Gallery in Lenox Massachusetts as part of the Housatonic Valley Art League's Small Works show.  The opening reception is Saturday, 10/5/13 from 4-6.  Come on in and see me and my work as well as the other talented artists of the HVAL.

This is an annual show, which I have missed for the last couple of years, and has always been an excellent exhibit.  Just because the work is small does not mean they are any less intense.  In fact, I feel that the intimacy of small paintings can bring more to the experience because you have to be in such close proximity to it.  I hope you are able to see the show and feel free to comment here about what you think of it.

The show will be up from Thursday, October 4 to Saturday, October 26, 2013.  The gallery is open Thursday - Sunday 10-5 and will be open on Columbus Day, 10/13.  The Welles Gallery is located in the center of Lenox attached to the Lenox Library: 18 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.

I hope to see you there.

Treehouse Exhibit May 2013

Since you’re here I presume you are interested in my artwork.  If by chance you are also in the Pittsfield area in May 2013, you are certainly in luck as I have a show up at the Treehouse Children’s Boutique at 305 North Street in Pittsfield.  There you will find around 20 works on display including oil paintings and pastel drawings.  You say you want to purchase some of my art?  Well, someone has kissed the Blarney Stone, because as a special promotion for the show I am giving a $100 discount on any purchases made during the opening reception held during the First Fridays Artswalk on Friday May 3^rd, 2013, from 5-8PM.  Many of the works you can find on my website will be there and many more that have not yet graced the internet.  Following is the official press release with all the important details.  I hope to see you there!

 

Sean McCusker will be showing his colorful surreal landscape paintings at Treehouse Children’s Boutique, 305 North Street, Pittsfield, MA. The showing entitled “Landscape, Color and Me” will be on display from May 3 to May 31; with a reception held during the “First Fridays Artswalk” on May 3^rd from 5-8PM.

Treehouse Children’s Boutique will be showing the work of Sean McCusker for this May’s First Fridays Artswalk.  Sean McCusker has been creating surreal landscapes inspired by the hilly Berkshires for the past 10 years.  His work has been shown at galleries and storefronts across Berkshire County and he has been an active member of the arts community in Pittsfield offering his experience to the First Fridays Artswalk and other cultural organizations.  This show will highlight the development of the settings and characters he uses in his imaginative paintings.  From his dark and mysterious early work to newly completed paintings full of bright color and vibrancy, you can experience the development of the now iconic characters and scenarios that have become indicative of his work.

Sean's abstract compositions glow with an intense color and contrast that is built up from many thin layers of transparent oil paint. His compositions use striking color to intensify the thematic landscapes; color describes and animates the surreal world.  The compositions often center around an abstract figure, sometimes in a group but most often alone, set against a vast empty space. These figures brim over with warmth, along with a deep yearning for that which is just over the horizon in their richly colorful world. Examples of his work can be found at www.sean-mccusker.com.

May FFA At Steven Valenti's

I just finished installing the second exhibit at Steven Valenti’s Clothing for Men for the May First Fridays Artswalk (FFA)!  This is the second year I have been arranging the monthly exhibits for Valenti’s; thankfully we have only been participating from April to December instead of the full year schedule the FFA has evolved to.  I contact artists and help them arrange materials for and set up the show each month.  Although this is an entirely new thing for the store it has been an amazing success and has given me the opportunity to meet and collaborate, curatorially, with artist in the Berkshire area.  Last year we had:  Ali Herrmann, Franco Pellegrino, Morris Bennett, Allen Seppa, Barbara Schmick, and of course me.  Today concluded a great photography show by Charlie Jacobs and installed the next show by Joanie Ciolfi.  I have decided to include the releases for each exhibit going forward.  So here we go:

Joanie Ciolfi shows “Dance Card” at Steven Valenti’s Clothing for Men

[Pittsfield, MA] Steven Valenti’s Clothing for Men is excited to present “Dance Card”, a collection of contemporary oil paintings by Berkshire County artist Joanie Ciolfi as part of May’s First Fridays Artswalk.  Steven Valenti’s Clothing for Men is located at 157 North Street, Pittsfield, MA. The work will be on view from May 1 to May 27; with a reception held during “First Fridays Artswalk” on May 3^rd from 5-8PM.

Joanie Ciolfi finds inspiration and discreet beauty in the least suspecting of subjects.  Calling on emotional and tactile memories from vintage garments, she has created a body of dress portraits that she hopes each viewer will personally connect with.   

A painter for most of her life, Joanie was trained in graphics and worked as a textile and wall covering designer.  Her studio is currently at 311 North Street (at the corner of North and Union) with the newly reorganized group of artists called NUarts.   To see more of Joanie’s work visit her website at www.joanpalanociolfi.com or call (413) 441-2626 for studio hours. 

Founded in June of 1983, Steven and Carolyn Valenti had a vision to establish an up-beat, contemporary men’s clothing store. They wanted to surround handsome, hand-picked menswear with antiques, brick, and warm carpeting, while offering folks outrageous, one-on-one customer service. After 30 years, Steven Valenti’s has not wavered from its original mission statement one bit!

Steven Valenti’s stands for many things: its attention to detail, its always fun and entertaining windows, its colorful clothing (especially the variety of neckwear you’ll find), its talk of the town “true story” radio commercials, and its community involvement. Most importantly however, Steven Valenti’s stands for award-winning customer service. Many area businesses strive to reach the bar set by the Steven Valenti attitude toward customer service.

Steven Valenti’s Clothing for Men is located at 157 North Street, Pittsfield, MA. Open Monday through Wednesday, 9:30AM – 5:30PM; Thursday 9:30AM -8:00PM; and Saturday 9:30AM – 5:00PM. “Dance Card” will be on display from May 1^st to May 27^th, 2013.

10x10, Berkshire Museum, and Me

I have donated three black and white drawings to the Berkshire Art Association (BAA) for their 10x10 Real Art Party(RAP).  The show will be on display at the Berkshire Museum from February 14-20.  All proceeds from the event will help benefit Berkshire art students through BAA travel grants and scholarships.  The official party is going to take place on Feb. 20^th where all purchases of a $25 ticket will get you an original piece of art.  So if you’re in Pittsfield between February 14^th and 20^th you can see some of my work up at the Berkshire Museum and pick up some great art at a great price!  And I guess you could check out the other things happening as part of the 10x10 Festival.