Category Archives: Exhibits

Member exhibits

A Family Affair in Capitol Rotunda

This article was written by Elaine Brady Smith

A unique group of artists will be showing their work at the East Wing Rotunda of the Pennsylvania Capitol Building beginning Saturday, October 4 through Friday, October 31, 2014. The husband and wife team of Robert McCloskey and Linda Benton McCloskey and Linda’s daughter, Ann Yeager Lawson, will join forces with their mixed media art in this family exhibit.

Robert McCloskey, a true patriot and retired social studies teacher, started painting for an evening out with his wife. He has since turned into a dedicated to painter of the symbols of America and its many heroes. Robert’s paintings are mainly done in acrylic on parchment reproductions. He matches the subjects to the document and his goal is to convey his love of history and the proud heritage we share in this great country.

Freedom by Bob McCloskey 30 x 22 acrylic on paper

Lincoln by Bob McCloskey 30 x 22 acrylic on paper

Linda Benton McCloskey discovered that she was related to Thomas Hart Benton (an American Regionalist painter) which further sparked her interest in painting. She has studied with many national and international artists. Linda is also an expert teacher of water media, collage, abstract design, cold wax & oil, and encaustic art. She is a Signature Member of the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, Baltimore Watercolor Society, and Philadelphia Watercolor Society; and a Nautilus Member of the International Society of Experimental Artists. She has exhibited in numerous national and international juried shows, universities, cultural centers, galleries, and museums. Her works are in numerous private collections and universities.

Grass Roots by Linda Benton McCloskey 48 x 36 acrylic

Razzle Dazzle by Linda Benton McCloskey 40 x 30 acrylic

Ann Yeager Lawson discovered her passion for abstract art in 2009 and was was encouraged to take a painting class by a friend. She has taken many of her mother’s and other art classes to fuel her love for abstract painting. Ann paints primarily in acrylic and likes to include natural elements and mixed media to add interest. She has received awards for her work from the Art Association of Harrisburg and has been greatly influenced by her mother and other great contemporary abstract artists. Ann has shown her work in many group and solo shows in the South Central PA area.

Kaleidoscope by Ann Yeager Lawson, 27 x 34 mixed media on paper

Painted Lady by Ann Yeager Lawson, 27 X 37 mixed media on paper

To visit the Capitol Rotunda exhibit, enter the Capitol Complex from the Commonwealth Avenue Entrance, Harrisburg, PA 17120. Click here for more information on Capitol Tour schedules and hours.

You can view more of Robert, Linda and Ann’s work by visiting Mixed Media Art Group.

Linda Benton McCloskey at LaCigale

Linda Benton McCloskey will be the the October Featured Guest Artist at The Gallery at LaCigale, located at 451 Route 117, Mount Gretna, PA. There will be a guest artist reception on Friday, October 3, 5-8pm with live music performed by Matt Miskie. This will also be the first Oktoberfest in Mount Gretna.

“Kinship” by Linda Benton McCloskey, 12 x 9 encaustic on cradled panel

After changing careers and researching family history Benton McCloskey discovered that Thomas Hart Benton (an American Regionalist Painter 1889 to 1975) was her great uncle. She has achieved Signature status with the Baltimore Watercolor Society, Pennsylvania Watercolor Society and Nautilus status with ISEA (International Society of Experimental Artists). Linda has also won numerous national and international awards and has been published in several international publications.

“Traces” of Kinship by Linda Benton McCloskey, 24 x 24 Oil and Cold Wax on cradled panel

Linda is a member of the Mixed Media Art Group. View more of her work on the links below:

www.LindaBentonMcCloskey.com

www.MixMediaArtGroup.com

Meet Our Members – Susan Davitti Darling

Susan Davitti Darling

Susan Davitti Darling is the next artist in our Meet Our Members interview series. Susan lives in Maytown PA and is employed by Elizabethtown College. She is an avid watercolor, mixed media and collage artist. We always enjoy Susan’s fun, bright, whimsical and extraordinary art work!

Read on to find out more about Susan’s work and studio life:

What initially sparked your interest in ART?

My father was a professional photographer and he encouraged me to take
photographs. I had access to cameras and a makeshift darkroom. When I was in
High School, I attended a Saturday morning drawing classes at Rhode Island
School of Design. Art is so much fun and I liked all of it, from batik and block
printing, to collage and painting. I earned a college degree in art as an adult, at
Millersville University. I feel very fortunate that I had that opportunity.

Blue Strip Still Life by Susan Davitti Darling, 24″ x 36″ watercolor

Where does your creative nature come from?

My creative nature comes from curiosity. I like to try things and see how things
work and how they look.

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from all over the place. If I don’t feel inspired on a
particular day, I still work. To Quote Hank Aaron, “Always keep swinging.
Whether you are in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the
only thing to do is keep swinging.” Art keeps me going. It makes me happy.

As an artist we have many roles; which do you find to be the most rewarding and which the most challenging for you?

The hardest part of being an artist is the business part. Excel spreadsheets can
put me into a trance. What I love the MOST about being an artist is the actual
work/play of creation.

Cortona’s Secret Moon by Susan Davitti Darling, 24″ x 24″ mixed media

What are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about sharing what I know with other people. I love to encourage
others to follow their heart into art. Art is good for you! I don’t care if you ever
went to art class or college, art is a birthright. As human beings we have a
creative nature and it is good to access that.

How do you begin a piece?

Beginning a painting is a very random act for me. I work intuitively and I start out
with getting rid of the blank canvas in a big way. Sometimes I will draw on the
white canvas and paint over the drawn lines, creating what I call a history to my
background. My work is abstract in nature, so I let the shifting color harmony and
line work speak for me.

mixed media collage by Susan Davitti Darling

What is your favorite color? And do you use it often in your work?

My favorite color right now is purple. That can change. I have been known to be
enamored with orange, periwinkle and blue gray. Color is very important in my
work, whether it is subdued or vibrant. It speaks volumes.

What dream supply would you purchase if money were no issue?

My dream supply would be a flat file. I have NO room for such an item. I would
like a place to store large paper and finished unframed artwork.

What message do you want to convey to the viewer through your work?

Most of the time people see things in my art that have nothing to do with
why or how it was made and I am fine with that. I think we all do that on some
level. I find myself attracted by bright color and childlike shapes. I like art to pop
right off the wall. Other times I am drawn by the exact opposite. My hope is that
people can feel the joy that is inherent in the creation.

Circle Series IV by Susan Davitti Darling, 15″ x 15″ mixed media

Who are your favorite famous artists?

Louise Nevelson
Alexander Calder
Paul Klee
Mark Chagall
Marisol Escobar
Mary Cassatt

Where do you create your art?

I have studio in the attic of my house. It is finished off with skylights, and the
light is GREAT!

What can always be found in your work space?

You can always find a big mess in my studio along with works in progress!
There is always MUSIC playing. My cat hangs out there with me.

Your Perfect Touch by Susan Davitti Darling, 5″ x 7″ mixed media painting

How has your work evolved over the years?

My work has evolved in that I studied Commercial Art at Millersville University,
and my fine art is almost exclusively abstract. I have worked commercially and
still enjoy the challenge of doing so. Nissley Vineyards has my artwork on six
labels. My favorite piece of artwork is a collage titled “Spirit Wagon”. I created it for a
dear friend when she when she was diagnosed with cancer. It is full of color and
happiness that defined our relationship. Cancer could not diminish Sheri’s spirit
and this art is testimony to that.

Susan Davitti Darling will be participating in a 2 person exhibit at Lynden Gallery, 117 South Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA 717-367-9236. The exhibit opens in July and runs thru September, 2014. There will be an opening reception at the gallery on July 11th from 6pm – 9:00pm.

You can view more of Susan’s work on the Mixed Media Art Group website.

Art in Martin Library

The Martin Library of the York County Library system is hosting it’s first art event tonight. The event will feature the art of 5 members of Mixed Media Art Group. An opening reception will be held tonight, May 2 from 6-8pm at 159 East Market Street, York, PA

Featured artist will be Tina Berrier, JoAnne Finkle, Tami Bitner, Judy Kelly, and Lynn Kennedy. Each of these talented artists work their mixed media art in a variety of styles and techniques to delight the visual senses.

We invite you to come on out to view the art of these 5 talented women. There will be light refreshments and event is free.

For more information about the artists. Visit Mixed Media Art Group.

Happy Holidays from the M & M’s

Members of Mixed Media Art Group (from left): Lynn Kennedy Putt, Ann Yeager Lawson, Susan Davitti Darling, Mary Kandray Gelenser, Christine Goldbeck, Judy Kelly, Tina Berrier, Rick Snizik, Joan Maguire, Doug Tomlinson, Elaine Brady Smith, Joanne Finkle, Sue Blosser

The members of Mixed Media Art Group would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

And we want to thank you for a great year!!!

Thanks for taking the time to view our work on this blog, on our website and on our Facebook page throughout 2013. You, our followers, have shown so much enthusiasm for what we have been working on and we appreciate your interest! We look forward to bringing you lots of new and fabulous art in 2014!!!

Here are some candid photos taken during our recent reception at Arts on Union. The photos really show the fun nature of this group!!! There are 18 of us, and although some are missing from the photos, we are all united in the spirit of creativity within this group.

There is still time to see our current exhibit at Arts on Union, 203 N Union St, Middletown, PA. Visit us Saturdays and Sundays NOW through January 2014. Small paintings, cards, prints, wine glasses and other art objects from our artists will be available for purchase. The gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays through the end of January. Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, Sundays,noon to 4 p.m. Contact us if you need a special time or private showing.

We are proud of all our Mixed Media Art Group members:

Linda Benton McCloskey

Susan Davitti Darling

Joanne Finkle

Christine Goldbeck

Mary Kandray Gelenser

Arts on Union in December

Arts on Union will exhibit work by the Mixed Media Art Group, Saturday, Dec. 7 through Jan. 26 at the gallery and studio, 203 North Union St, Middletown, PA. The public is invited to a free reception with the artists on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. Gallery hours are Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm and Sundays from noon to 4 pm.

Painters, photographers and assemblage artists from Central Pennsylvania comprise the MMAG. The group exhibits and sells its art locally, nationally and internationally. Media include encaustic, collage, mixed media, acrylic, watercolor, oil, cold wax, photography, assemblage, and digital. Styles range from traditional to contemporary and exploratory. Large and small works at affordable price points will be available throughout the exhibition.

For more information about the gallery and the artists, please visit Arts on Union and Mixed Media Art Group.

Judy Kelly at AAH Invitational

Mixed Media Art Group member, Judy Kelly, aka robot Girl, will be showing her amazing robot assemblages at the upcoming 5 Artist Invitational Exhibit at the Art Association of Harrisburg. The exhibit opens Friday, December 6th, with an artist reception from 5 pm – 8 pm. Judy’s robots will be on display along with 4 other artists until January 2, 2014.

Judy is a mixed media, collage, and assemblage artist from Harrisburg. She began making her robots just a few years ago, out of a passion for her love of small and interesting objects. She scours local flea markets for materials and it is there that one of the dealers dubbed her “Robot Girl”.

You can see more of Judy’s work on the Mixed Media Art Group website.

Ann Lawson at Franz Fox Studios

“Cotton Candy” by Ann Lawson. 24″ x 28″ mixed media

Franz Fox Studios and Gallery, 136 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 will be featuring guest artist, Ann Lawson for the month of November. There will be an artist reception on Friday, November 1 from 5 pm until 9 pm Ann is a fine arts painter who works predominantly in mixed media abstract art.

Ann speaks about her art: “I discovered my passion for abstract art when I was encouraged to take a class after a friend of mine saw a rock, yes, a rock, I had painted for a garden in 2009. I took my Mother’s art class and fell in love with abstract art. I paint primarily with acrylic and mixed media elements, including charcoal, pastels, modeling paste, tar gels; anything that can add texture to my canvas. I will also incorporate items from nature like bark, leaves, and even salt to add interest.”

Ann lives in Harrisburg with her three children and works full-time as an executive assistant. She is also an active member of the Mixed Media Art Group.

Susan Davitti Darling in Naked Truth

Susan Davitti Darling will be showing her art in a group exhibit at York Arts@City Arts, 118 West Philadelphia Street, York, PA 17401. The exhibit opens with an artist reception on Nov 1, 5pm-9pm, and runs through Nov 30th. Gallery hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 10am-4pm.

Susan’s work is lovely, colorful and lighthearted Here is how she describes her art: “I am passionate about collage. I find every aspect of it appealing. There is rummaging and collecting. Just looking for and finding things to use in the process is like a wonderful scavenger hunt. There is a feel to collage: papers of different weights, surface qualities and textures. Feathers, bottle caps, and stones offer their own delights. Collage is full of play for me.”

Susan is an active member of Mixed Media Art Group and you can view more of her work here and on her website: http://www.davittidarling.com/

Mixed Media Art Group at CALC

Mixed Media Art Group will be exhibiting “Into the Mix” at Carlisle Arts Learning Center September 13-October 5. Visit with the artists at the opening reception this Friday, September 13, 6:30-8pm at CALC, 38 W Pomfret Street, Carlisle, PA. Come see a wide variety of mixed media, photography, cold wax, encaustic and digital art.

CALC serves and enriches the community by encouraging creativity and self-esteem through exploration and appreciation of the visual arts. It does this via classes and workshops, exhibits, and participation in community events. Since its founding in January 1992, CALC has offered a variety of courses for children and adults in a number of settings, including the Carlisle YWCA, Carlisle Community Center, One West Penn, Cumberland Crossings, and Memorial Park Train Station.

You can learn more view the art of Mixed Media Art Group by visiting their website at www.mixedmediaartgroup.com.