La Dolce Vita
Il Chiostro`s 5th Annual Art Exhibit
at the Broome Street Gallery, Soho NY
Now that the physical exhibit has closed, click on the portal below to see the show onlline.
80 images were selected in a blind jury from more than 300 entries by alumni of Il Chiostro workshops since 1995. Images represent artists` impressions of Italy from Venice, Tuscany, Lake Garda and Rome. The media represented in the show were painting, photography and photo transfers, collage and sculpture. This year`s exhibit was juried by New York artist and teacher, Josette Urso. Her statement is below.
Artists Represented (scroll down for complete bios):
Rocco Battista, Judith Bell, Gina Bender, Carol Blann, Patricia Kathleen Bose, Jack Broderick, Annemarie Caola, Durinda Cheek, Ellen Crimmins, Lindsay Dancy, Christine Debrosky, Charlotte Beverly Derrick, Sal Fusaro, Robin Glasser Sacknoff, Mike Henes, George Hodges, Stacia Hollmann, Andy Holtzman, Maryann Hondo, Bonnie Huntley, Dee Kirkham, Veronica Kortz, Greg LaRock, Michael Liebman, Dan Lipow, Jeanne Mackenzie, Betty Magro, Amy Mangano, Linda Mironti, Cheri Mittermeier, Suzanne Morandi, Tina Moulder Halcomb, Brian Murphy, Tammy Oliver Cook, Judith Panagotopulos, Mary Ann Paul, Anne Pinkerton Davidson, Sally Reich, Gilbert Rios, Donna J. Rutlin, Jeanne Salucci, Sindi Schorr, Jane Schube, Carol Seefeldt, Alynne Sharp, Andrew Stillman, Judy Swerlick, Mika Takahashi, Anna Tomczak, Lynn Travis Stender, Pat Woolley, Patricia Young
View the La Dolce Vita Exhibit online (just click on the photo below):
Juror`s Statement:
I appreciate the invitation to serve as the juror for Il Chiostro`s 5th Annual Exhibition. What a wonderful theme -- “La Dolce Vita”. Ah, “The Sweet Life”. Having participated in many art travel programs myself and knowing first hand of the huge impact a program such as Il Chiostro can have on its participants, I knew immediately that as a juror I was in for a real treat.
Choosing 80 images from the 200 entries was, as you can imagine, a difficult task. Works were submitted in three categories: painting, photography and mixed media, which included collage, sculpture, photo emulsions and transfers. The majority of the artwork fell into the first two categories of photography and painting with the landscape and the city being dominant themes. Most of the artwork was representational and a number of pieces included figurative and narrative components. Many of the pieces examined life`s intimacies while focusing on the small often-overlooked details of everyday life. Nearly all of the work demonstrated a strong sense of composition, sophisticated use of color and overall technical skill.
My decisions were based on a number of factors. I considered the overall theme ”La Dolce Vita” looking for work that expressed the energy, vitality and essence of the Italian experience. I also looked for works that were fresh, honest and passionate while at the same time technically accomplished and conceptually provocative.
I thoroughly enjoyed the process of lingering with each and every piece in all of the categories and in the end I needed to make some difficult choices. My decisions reflect my appreciation for both traditional and innovative artwork. I was most drawn to works that I felt possessed an individuality or personal vision in combination with a strong technical command. I am honored to have had the chance to spend time with the fruits of your travel to Italy and wish you the very best in all of your future endeavors.
Josette Urso
2010 Juror
Artists` Bios:
Rocco Battista After the attacks on the WTC, in 2001, the Alumni of Il Chiostro, graciously offered to send several members of my firehouse, on Broome St., to Tuscany for a week. It was my first time in Europe, and the land of my ancestors. There, I found myself turned loose with a camera and a "license to shoot" anything on sight. This candid photo, taken in the Piazza, in Sienna,
shows that "Love & Marriage", do indeed...go together!
Contact: mott55eden@yahoo.com
Judith Bell has been a practicing artist for over 30 years. She first became interested in art in nursery school, when she noticed that she seemed to see things differently than the other children. Encouraged by her family, she pursued her art through high school, into college and beyond to the Claremont Graduate University, where she earned her MFA degree. Judith is proficient in a variety of mediums, including oils, pastels, pencil, charcoal and mixed media, but her current focus is on watercolors. "I love the freshness and spontaneity of watercolor. It is the best medium to convey my love of nature." Recent trips to Cancun, Tuscany and Maine have afforded Judith the opportunity to visually explore these beautiful places. Teaching is another passion for Judith. Currently, she is a full-time Art instructor at San José City College in California. "Teaching is the best way to learn - I always grow as a result of being in the classroom."
Gina Bender is lucky enough to live near the ocean in Delray Beach , Florida, with her husband, three teenagers, three dogs and a cat. Five years ago she made a "Dream Board" of adventures she`d like to take with loved ones, and she taped a brochure of Il Chiostro, a photo of Italy, and wrote "With Mama" on it. This fall, the dream of attending the Il Chiostro Autumn Arts Festival in Tuscany was manifested, and Gina and her 75 year-old mother took the trip of a lifetime. While her mother attended the watercolor painting class, Gina attended the the photography workshop. "A Room with a View" and "Volpaia" are a sample of the photography Gina took while exploring Tuscany. Gina has been a Tarot card reader and closet gypsy for over 35 years and happily spent her evenings at Il Chiostro reading Tarot cards for other attendees. She hopes to return to Il Chiostro for additional photography workshops, and continues to practice the art of photography.
The names of my two photos (that you should receive no later than Thursday via UPS) are "A Room with a View" and "Volpaia". Here`s a description of them:
"A Room with a View" is a photograph of the view from the window of our room every morning at Dievole vineyard while attending the Il Chiostro program. The spectacular colors, the sounds of the early morning birds, and the smell of breakfast made waking up at Dievole wonderful!
"Volpaia" is a photograph of a beautiful old Tuscan home nestled in the countryside taken while the photography workshop class was on a day-trip scouting for great shots. The colors of autumn in Tuscany surrounded the home and the shape and texture of the structure itself was intriguing.
Contact: ginabender@hotmail.com
Carol Blann is a photographer and a psychotherapist. She feels that the work in both fields is complementary, each exploring the interaction of one’s internal and external worlds. Carol has studied photography at the International Center of Photography and the School of Visual Arts. She has exhibited her work in group shows in galleries in New York City and Connecticut, and in a solo show in Scarsdale, NY. She has sold many images to private collectors as well as to corporations for permanent display.
My photographs are matted to the edge of the image, and they`re signed and numbered on the back of each image.
CarolBlannPhotography.com; cwblann@gmail.com
Patricia Kathleen Bose began her career commercially, but soon began experimenting artistically with large format Polaroid cameras and film, receiving numerous awards and a permanent place in the Polaroid Archives for her interpretation of Hispanic Couture Design. Her manipulation in the Polaroid transfer process brought national recognition for pioneering work in this medium.
Bose has produced three shows that exhibited her art and dancing photographs, `Emotion in Motion,` for the Southern Ballet Theatre; `Millennia,` for the Osceola Center for the Arts, featuring an eclectic mix of ballet, horses and dancers; and `Rodeo de Santa Fe,` for the Equus Show at the Deland Museum of Art. She is currently showing in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the Scripps Fine Art Gallery.
Polaroid showcased her work in their Image Transfer Guides and she is published in “Polaroid Manipulations” by Kathleen Carr.
She continues to be intrigued by movement and furthers her exploration of alternative print methods, mediums and other movement oriented artistic interpretations of modern life.., exploring motion and it comes and goes.
Contact Information: patti@pattibosestudios.com; www.pattibosestudios.com
Jack Broderick uses both image and feeling in developing his paintings. To him, painting is a collaboration of artist and subject whether the subject is a model, a landscape or a still life. - Art is a conversation.
He has traveled and painted extensively in Ireland, Argentina, Spain, Cuba and Italy. He has exhibited internationally in Paris, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, Palermo and Tilcara. Eastern Connecticut is his home and the land and the people are subjects of many of his paintings. – www.jackbroderick.com
Annemarie Caola started decorative painting in 1997. Since then, she has completed scores of projects and taken many courses from prominent teachers. She is a member of the Society of Decorative painters and also of the local chapter called Capitolers. Annemarie served as Vice President and President of Capitolers as well as on many other committees. She won several ribbons for her art at the New England Traditions convention. In 2007 Annemarie created 2 grisaille paintings which she taught to the members of her chapter. Recently, she began painting in oils and creating other original work. Annemarie lives in Troy, NY with her husband and son.
Contact information: email at acaola@nycap.rr.com
Durinda Cheek’s life has centered around art since she was a young girl growing up in north Georgia near Chattanooga. Her passion led to a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Masters of Education in art education. While teaching, she continued her own personal study of painting with master watercolor artists Wayne Wu, AWS, Tim Clark, and Sondra Freckleton. She quickly gained Signature status in Tennessee, Georgia, and Louisiana Watercolor Societies and became known for her southern coastal paintings. Her paintings are represented in many corporate and private collections. As a popular instructor, Durinda offers workshops and classes on locations in the southeast and abroad in France and Italy. After leading a watercolor workshop in Tuscany with Il Chiostro in the fall of 2009, she will again be teaching “Beginning Plein Air Watercolor in Tuscany” October 9 – 16, 2010. You can see her paintings and get information on her upcoming workshops on her website: www.Durinda.com.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Durinda@Durinda.com
www.Durinda.com; www.artisttravels.blogspot.com
Ellen Crimmins After having been a Special Education Teacher in the Pine Plains Central School District for over thirty years, Ellen is enjoying retirement by finally having enough time to devote to her first love…..painting. She has a B.S. Degree in Art from Thiel College in Greenville, Pa. and a M.S. Degree in Special Education from SUNY, New Paltz. Ellen paints with both water and oil, and also enjoys working in mixed media for special effects. She has exhibited her paintings at the The Hudson River Valley Fine Arts Gallery, The Art Society of Kingston, The Duck Pond Gallery in Esopus, Ulster Savings Bank, The Kingston and Rhinecliff Libraries, and Betsy Jacaruso’s Studio in Red Hook. She is a member of the Cross River Fine Art Group of the Hudson Valley, and ASK.
She can be reached at crimminse@yahoo.com
Lindsay Dancy I am a graduate of Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island with a bachelor`s degree in Graphic Design and Photography. Boston is my home and muse. It has been a driving passion since early childhood to create art through a variety of mediums. Passion plays an enormous role in my work. Each piece I create has a story that I would like to share with you through color, texture and composition. In my travels to Venice, Italy with Il Chiostro I captured some of my most memorable work to date and am grateful for the experience.Additional art mediums through which I enjoy creating are: acrylic and oil painting, black and white traditional photography, sculpture, and charcoal figure drawings all of which I pursue in my off time as well as being a volunteer dog walker and petfinder.com photographer at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Boston.When I`m not indulging my senses in creating photography, I manage the Graphic Design Services Department full-time at Brigham and Women`s Hospital in Boston.
www.lindsaydancy.com; email: lins_12@hotmail.com
Christine Debrosky is an impressionist painter inspired by “quietly colorful places, and moments drenched in light.”
Her work has consistently won awards in national juried exhibitions every year for the past twenty years, with such prestigious groups as the Pastel Society of America, American Women Artists, and most recently, the American Impressionist Society, to name a few. She has been featured in several national magazine articles; ( American Artist & The Pastel Journal, for example ) as well as four books on painting. She has been named to Marquis’ Who’s Who in American Art, and Who’s Who of American Women for the past several editions. Winn Devon has published a suite of her colorful garden images as posters, and is available world- wide. Her pastel and oil paintings have been exhibited extensively from coast to coast in the US, across Italy, in France, and Russia. Public collections that feature her work are those of Standard & Poor’s, McGraw- Hill, Pfizer Inc., as well as numerous hospitals, universities, and nursing facilities. One of her oils was selected for the set of Nights in Rodanthe , a recent Hollywood film. In recent years, she has travelled and painted extensively across America, including Alaska, as well as the Caribbean, Ireland, Italy, France and Brazil. As a teacher, she has led painting workshops to Tuscany and Venice, Italy, and Burgundy, France. Long inspired by the environs of the Hudson River painters, she has recently relocated to Northern Arizona. There, the brilliant sunshine and richly hued shadows are leading to a deeper understanding of her life long study of our beautifully illuminated world.
s-scape@swiftaz.net; www.christinedebrosky.com
Charlotte Beverly Derrick "Derrick`s masterful handling of the human figure creates a lyrical balance between realism and abstraction." Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine Vol 3 Issue 3
A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Beverly is at ease painting the restoration workers of her historic city as she is painting commissioned portrait of Senator Strom Thurmond, unveiled in the U.S. Capitol. Beverly Derrick`s studies over the last 30 years have included Stanford University, Corcoran School of Art, Atlanta College of Art, The Art Students League of New York among others. Her work has been exhibited widely across the U.S. , and has begun to span the globe. Twice accepted into the elite American Watercolor Society. She was inducted into the South Carolina Water color Society and was awarded Best in Show in 1987. Recent travels have taken her across Europe and into Africa, producing paintings that capture the "humanity that binds us."An original oil of Africa was chosen as the cover for a recently published book entitled: "The World and a Very Small Place in Africa: A History of Globalization Niumi, the Gambia", authored by: Dr. Donald R.Wright.
Contact: charlottebderrick@yahoo.com
Sal Fusaro has been working in mixed media for some time now. With the encouragement of Louise Freshman Brown & Harvey Stein, he sought to merge painting and photography. The work in this show represents his interest in this medium. He has also painted work from photographs that he has taken, and is currently working on large scale skyline series from his photographs You can see his work in photography at www.salfusaro.com.
Robin Glasser Sacknoff A native new Yorker, Robin Glasser Sacknoff, an award-winning photographer, has always been intoxicated with the visual world around her. Originally a painter, she discovered her medium to be photography and seriously began her career as a photographer in the 90’s. Robin received her undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College and her master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also holds a degree in photography from The Fashion Institute of Technology. Now permanently based in New York, Robin has lived in Texas, California, Michigan, Washington DC and London and her extensive travels have taken her through Europe and the Middle East. She has participated in the Maine Workshop in Cuba, and the Il Chiostro workshops in Italy which she has attended for the past 10+ years. Robin is a Teaching Assistant at the International Center of Photography and a member of Professional Women Photographers.
Contact info: robinglassersacknoff@mac.com; www.robinsacknoff.com
Mike Henes is a Veterinarian/ Photographer who works part time in a busy Veterinary practice while keeping an eye on the lens of his camera, watching for the perfect image. His photo interests span the gamut, but he currently tends to focus on travel and nature photography with a special attraction for dogs and cats in foreign places. To that end, he is, and has been, gathering a large archive of images for a proposed photo book on pets and their people throughout the world. In addition, while keeping his camera aimed at pets and people, he has achieved considerable recognition and acclaim, for his highly successful Pet Photography enterprise.
Mike has displayed his images in group, solo shows and exhibitions throughout Westchester county and New York City. Mike lives, practices and shoots in Croton on Hudson with his wife Karen and his dogs Reggie and Harry and his cats Lola and Jack. He is the father of two wonderful grown children Jon and Rachel, and the proud Grandfather of Sam and Ellie and Charlotte..
Mike can be reached by phone at 914 672 9340 or on the web at dvmmike@verizon.net. More info as well as examples of his work can be found on his website: www.mikehenesphotography.com.
George Hodges The purpose of these images is to capture an Instant of Light, a moment that actually existed that I enjoyed. No better place to do than Venice with the support of Il Chiostro
The images were caught on Kodak VC film and printed using Kodak Archival Endura paper. I enlarge and print my images myself.
ghodgesphoto@yahoo.com
Stacia Hollmann I have found a connection with any element that has lost its newness along the way and has either adopted a warm glow or even the ravaged effects of time. A faded letter from home, a frayed piece of fabric, a rusted piece of metal, an old postmark, a scribbled journal…all these things inspire and push me.
I have lost track of the times I have found myself viewing life as a series of images, a compilation of compositions and an opportunity for a unique angle.
I sometimes feel I am unable to truly appreciate a beautiful moment without capturing it through the lens of a camera; Il Chiolstro and Anna Tomczak allowed me to capture Italy!
Andy Holtzman developed his eye for photography in college where he attended the NYU Film Studies program. From there, he worked for Paramount Pictures Corporation in Los Angeles , ran his own marketing consulting firm and then managed in-house advertising, marketing and special events for Discovery Cable Networks. Currently Andy is Director, Global Head of Events for Citigroup, based in NY.
"Photography awakens in me a highly personal perspective on life. I see the world differently when behind the camera. Observing and capturing the smallest details, interplay of light on water and those gone-in-a-second moments is a rich and rewarding space in which to play!"
Contact information: andyholtzman@verizon.net
Maryann Hondo is an Il Chiostro alum and resides in Boston, Mass where she studies painting and glass blowing. Her plein air watercolors
reflect travel around the world and the US.
maryann.hondo@gmail.com; www.mhondo.com
Bonnie Huntley feels her art began to take on a journey of its own when she started working in oil at Scottsdale (Arizona) Art School. Renowned artists/instructors David Leffel, Greg Kreutz, and Ron Hicks, to name just a few, were incredible inspiration and provided valuable learning experiences. Plein air workshops in France and Italy added further excitement and value to her art journey. “I purpose to always be reaching and growing as an artist, and hope to find soul and what’s true to heart in my paintings.
Raised on an ‘old fashioned’ farm in South Dakota, I found the Tuscany landscape and lifestyle spoke to that same love and family connection.” Her other passion is working with Interfaith Outreach on behalf of the homeless and needy. Bonnie and her husband live in Wayzata (Minneapolis) MN and winter in Arizona.
Contact: b.huntley@mchsi.com
Dee Kirkham Art is my life journey, more beautiful shared than a journey alone
Dee Kirkham was raised in New Mexico under the auspices of her father, an artist, musician and published lyricist as well as Peter Hurd, Henriette Wyeth, Michael Wyeth and many of the artists in Taos, New Mexico. Her studies in fine arts continued throughout the years under the influence of many fine artists including David Leffel, Sherrie McGraw, Jackie Kamin, Kevin MacPherson, John Budicin, George Strickland,, John Cosby. Dee has also had the opportunity to study at the New York Students Art League and Scottsdale Fine Art Center. Over the last 30 years, Dee has exhibited in numerous local and national juried art shows in addition to gallery exhibitions, private exhibitions and association juried exhibitions. Her old masters type still lifes and plein air paintings are a part of private and corporate collections. Dee strives to capture “God’s greatest creations” I her paintings so her collectors can enjoy them in their collections as much as she enjoyed capturing that creation.
Contact www.deekirkham.com
Veronica Kortz 2010 marks 10 years of passionately pursuing painting light, beauty, and mystery and painting for sanity, serenity and sanctity. Veronica sees life as a painting she creates what she lives and lives to create, but often feels life takes over and only paints in between life. Life sometimes is difficult, painful filled with suffering in the destructive course of darkness and drama but the way out is through the arts. She knows creating is life-giving. She believes in a Divine Creator and is a co-creator inspired by nature, people and the colorful world. Beauty is found all around us in our environment and in our relationships and to capture this positive energy is most challenging and exciting, especially during a negative political and struggling economic climate. More power to the artist to present truth in pure form. This artist continues to grow with ongoing classes and workshops, plein air adventures and studio works almost non stop. Veronica enjoys the pursuit of returning back to Italy in reexaming plein air studies and from photographs of a 10 day retreat in Tuscany. She is there again reliving the sights, sounds, tastes, smells and feelings of Italy. Her heart remembers vividly and stirring this up once again is truly another trip to Italy. With so much gratitude for such a wonderful experience never to be forgotten!
vkortz@riohondo.edu; www.kortzart.com
Greg LaRock, a newly appointed signature member of LPAPA, won first place in both the 2009 paint San Clemente quick draw and the main competition. He was awarded the first place/grand prize at the 2008 Easton Plein Air event in Maryland. He also was awarded the first place, $5000 ¬purchase prize for the Newport Bay Naturalist 2008 Mural Competition in California. Greg has been juried into three of the Oil Painters of America national shows, awarded a “Jury’s Top 50” at the Greenhouse Gallery’s Salon International twice, was an invited artist to LPAPA’s 8th,10th and 11th Annual Plein Air Invitational, featured in Southwest Art’s “Artist to Watch” column in November, 2006 and was included in Jack Richeson Fine Art Series book “Plein Air New Mexico.” He lives in Newport Beach, California with his wife and their two basenjis.
www.greglarock.com
Michael Liebman I possess a love of art, a strong visual sense, and an abiding interest in nature. These influence my choices of lighting, setting, composition and subject matter in my
photography. I had long resisted abandoning film, but finally purchased a digital camera for use in a Il Chiastro summer program..In Tuscany, under instructor Dan Lipow’s superb guidance coupled with Il Chiastro’s unique ambience, I underwent a transformational experience. Now digitally “converted,” my aesthetic goals remain the same: to observe then create images which evoke emotions and/or tell stories that move me…and hopefully you, the viewer.
jmlieb2@comcast.net
Dan Lipow is a New York/New Jersey-based photographer specializing in portrait, travel, and documentary shooting, as well as digital photo illustration. His clients for commercial, editorial, and stock imagery include advertising agencies, design firms, corporate art departments as well as book and magazine publishers. He has traveled across several continents shooting in such diverse locations as India, Japan, Thailand, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Guatemala, Italy, the Netherlands, and Nova Scotia. With a technical background from the renowned Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California, Dan has been working with digital technology since its infancy in the early ‘90s. In addition to his commercial photography business, Dan works as a digital imaging consultant and educator, providing instruction in the art and science of digital photography. He currently shoots with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
http://www.danlipow.com/; dan@danlipow.com
Jeanne Mackenzie is a Colorado resident living in the Fort Collins area where she is one of the founding members of the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters. Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Teaching Credential from San Diego State University she eventually fell in love with and devoted herself to oils. ‘I am continually learning new ways to make my paintings more expressive and spontaneous. The art of learning to ‘see’ is the foundation for a good painting and my constant lesson’. Her paintings are featured in several fine art galleries in Colorado, Arizona and California.
Her artwork has earned Merit Awards and shown at juried shows throughout the United States including the Oil Painters of America Show and Arts for the Parks-Top 100 (Award of Excellence) and Jurors Top Fifty at the Salon International. She has been often feature artist in magazines including Southwest Art Magazine’s Best of the West, International Artist Magazine-Master Artists , Cowboys and Indians Magazine and American Artist Workshop Magazine. She has had her worked published in Richeson Art Book Series and the plein air book Sun on My Back-Dust on My Shoes. Collectors have included Pioneer Japan, MD Anderson and Intel Corporation. Jeanne shares her love of art by teaching national and international painting workshops and she has been on staff at the Denver Art Museum teaching color theory, composition and painting.
Web site: www.jeannemackenzie.com; email: jeanne@jeannemackenzie.com
Betty Magro As a child, Betty received a Brownie camera for her birthday and quickly became intrigued by photography. She always chronicled her vacations with friends and family by taking photographs, especially of sunrises or sunsets. It has developed into one of her favorite pastimes.
Over the past decade, Betty has spent much of her time taking photos to use for the subjects of her paintings. She has devoted much of her free time to watercolors and most recently, acrylics. Her paintings as well as her photography, were displayed at the Broome Street Gallery, in the 2006, “Shoot The Boot” exhibit.
She has studied art under Lynn Travis Stender in Boca Raton, Florida and Chuck Passarelli in Delray Beach, Florida. She has also studied art at Dievole, in the Tuscany Region of Italy, where she also studied photography under Harvey Stein in 2002 and Nina Prantis in 2005.
Betty’s paintings have also been displayed at the Boca Raton Resort & Club in Boca Raton, Florida, Old School Square in Delray Beach, Florida and at Dievole in Tuscany, Italy.
Although over the past decade, her photography has mainly been a tool to create her paintings, she has more recently rediscovered the passion she developed as a child. Betty has shared her passion for art with her granddaughter, who is currently attending SVA studying photography.
Her Brownie camera has long since been retired, but over the past few decades, Betty’s photographic equipment has evolved up to her current Cannon digital rebel,
with which she has taken several thousand photos, during her travels throughout, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Malta, Sicily, Portugal, France, Switzerland, Greece,
Corsica, Monaco, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Tahiti, America Samoa, Fiji and Bora Bora, as well as throughout the United States, Canada, the Bahamas and both the American & British Virgin Islands.
When asked what her most joyful thing in life is, she replied, "spending time with my family, painting and photography, and visiting my extended family in Italy."
betty.magro@gmail.com
Amy Mangano has had a long-time interest in photography. She focuses mainly on landscapes and cityscapes, capturing a moment or a beautiful place. She has studied at the International Center of Photography in NY and at Il Chiostro in Tuscany . Her photographs have been exhibited in several local shows. She is currently a member of Professional Women Photographers. Amy works as a consultant and resides in New York City.
E-mail: ajmangano@gmail.com
Linda Mironti Born and raised in Cortland New York Linda’s first voice teacher was her Grandmother Angelina, who taught her Italian folk songs at the same time showing her how to make homemade gnocchi and pasta.
Her public singing career began in the 3rd grade with her solo debut in a music class concert and in high school she sang the national anthem every Friday night at the high school football games. She followed her passion for music through college and to New York City .
In the 80’s she was invited to Italy for a month to sing, and she stayed for 10 years. She starred in TV shows, recordings and concert tours from Milan to Sicily .
Following the recipe from her grandmother’s kitchen, food was love, and making good food was her passion. In 1991 she returned to the US and attended The Art Institute of New York formerly The New York Restaurant School where she became a chef and cooking became another form of artistic expression for her.
In 1995 Linda, and her business partner, Michael Mele, started Il Chiostro. Here she was able to combine both of her passions, and for the last 14 years has been organizing creative workshops in the arts in various places in Italy .
Now Linda enjoys the best of both her worlds, sharing her love for Italy (the food, the wine, and the people), and in her spare time she performs a solo cabaret act in New York City . Recently added photography everywhere she goes!
E-mail: linda@ilchiostro.com
Cheri Mittermeier Currently reside in West Palm Beach, Florida, Native of Fort Wayne, Indiana
Purdue University- Bachelor degree in Psychology with a concentration in Fine Art and Humanities. Studied under twenty-four different artist including, Peter Rubino, Patti Worishina, Ron Korizinski, Rimas Visgranda,, Eugene Daub, Brent Cole, and Lisa Clague.
Exhibited Eve in Boca Museum of Fine Art, All Florida Artist Exhibition, Summer 2009
Studied Architecture in Rome Italy, Sculpture in Florence and France, Studied Art in Santa Fee New Mexico, Traveled to England, France, Italy, Mexico, Costa Rico, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. I like to leave the viewer guessing what my piece is about. We all have our own subconscious thoughts and we all bring something different to a piece of art. My work is about the dream world and the strange things that submerge from dreams. Many of my pieces have actually come from my dreams.
The Hands were inspired by a Church being restored in Santa Fee New Mexico. The building was an adobe and could only be fixed by literally rubbing straw and mud on it all over. I was struck by the fact the whole church had touched the church everywhere. I wanted to depict that somehow. I came home and saw Rodin`s sculpture of hands and simple moved one higher than the other in my piece. The robustness of the hands were influenced by Peter Rubino`s work and the sculptures I saw in Italy.
Cmittermaier@comcast.net
Suzanne Morandi For Suzanne, painting is a challenge and a continuous source of inspiration. Various techniques of Plein Air and early 1940’s Abstract Expressionist painters influence her artwork. Traveling and having lived in several diverse locations, including Europe, Asia, Northern Africa, and various regions of the United States, shapes her perspective. Suzanne presently lives in the Tidewater area of Virginia where she has been painting and teaching art for over twenty years. Her formal education includes a Fine Arts Degree from the University of West Florida and numerous classes from Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia. She currently participates in art exhibits at various locations throughout Virginia.
Contact: smorandi@cox.net; suzanne morandi.com
Tina Moulder Halcomb Tina took time off from teaching elementary school in Ormond Beach, Florida to pursue her passion for photography. She received a degree in photography and studied art history. Tina was dedicated to her work with the Southeast Museum of Photography where she taught literacy through photography in "at risk" schools throughout Volusia County. Tina now resides in Athens, Georgia. She teaches first grade and continues her passion for photography. "I believe that life is not defined by years, months, or even days, but in moments that slip away from us too quickly. Photography is a window into capturing these moments and preserving them."
Contact info: jeweltina@yahoo.com
Brian Murphy My introduction to oil painting took place in California during the revitalization of the Plein Air movement. My inspiration came from the California Impressionists and I painted the same majestic views that early California artist such as William Wendt and Edgar Payne immortalized.
I try to capture the natural light and temperature of a landscape in my paintings. I use a limited palette when painting which helps my work retain a cohesive feel and color balance. I stay true to details of a particular location while maintaining loose, bold strokes.
Teaching painting classes and workshops has helped me develop my technique and share my knowledge with others while presenting wonderful travel opportunities and painting experiences. Committing to canvas landscapes close to home and far afield is a life long passion. Contact: www.bmurphy.net
Tammy Oliver Cook discovered her love of Photography under the guidance of Nina Prantis at Il Dievole. Through Il Chiostro, she has since taken photography workshops with Harvey Stein and Dan Lipow. Tammy’s first artistic medium is oil painting, and as in her paintings, her photographs attempt to capture contrasts-- light and shadow, contrasting texture and pure color. Tammy and her husband, John live in Jackson MS and have participated in five Il Chiostro adventures thus far.
Contact Info: t.o.cookphotography@mac.com
Judith Panagotopulos People, their faces and their motivations have become one of my passions. As a nurse I am involved with people and many times I walk into a strangers worse nightmare and attempt to bring them peace. I know all is not well with the world. I know people in a very intimate and personal way. It is for that same reasons I love doing street photography. I find in the streets I am able to quickly develop relationships with people and create images. My eye is drawn to things that appear different and not just the ordinary. I love the way an image can capture a moment that is so raw with emotion. I feel photography is a medium that everyone has had some experience with, and as a result people will feel very comfortable engaging with you to become part of the creation.
Contact Information: Judithphoto@gmail.com; www.creativemomentz.com
Mary Ann Paul Exploring the world through a camera is as amazing and adventuresome as navigating through Italy with Anna Tomczak and Il Chiostro! I have attended other workshops with Anna, including Tuscany. As I journeyed through Italy I found a piece of myself, not to mention helping Chip find his way back from Sienna~twice!
Anne Pinkerton Davidson, Coldwater, Michigan, has been taking photographs for more than fifty years, making the switch to digital photography about ten years ago. She majored in art at the college level, and has delved into sculpture, carpentry, hand-thrown pottery, weaving and many other fiber arts, as well as iconography. Originally from Wisconsin, Anne has a love of remote places and beautiful vistas. Lake Garda is a perfect place in which to explore digital photography.
Anne Pinkerton Davidson
outwardsigns@gmail.com; http://www.outwardsigns.com
Sally Reich, a Washington State native, now resides in Fort Lauderdale Florida via 30 years in New York . She is a mother of 2 grown children and 4 grandchildren. Sally has worked with oils and watercolors, but now has found a true “passion” for collages. Most of Sally’s collection involves works with wine labels, integrated with coordinating accents. Sally studied with Il Chiostro in Tuscany in 2007 and was featured in a local Fort Lauderdale area Art Fair. Sally’s passion for art is revealed not only in her work, but also in her personality.
sally_reich@hotmail.com
Gilbert Rios Like most, I love taking photographs because it captures a special moment in time. For me, it also captures a bit more. How warm was the sun on my skin? How fragrant the rosemary bushes? How exquisite that cappuccino? How beautiful that man? Each image offers me the chance to recall the state of my senses back then, rendering a more complete ... picture. Thanks to Il Chiostro, I have enjoyed La Dolce Vita six times! My body may reside in New York, and my ancestors may have lived on the island of Puerto Rico. But deep down inside, my soul lives in Italy.
Contact me at http://www.serrios.net.
Donna Rutlin is a resident of Millbrook, New York. After her retirement in 2006, she has been traveling extensively and pursuing her lifelong interest in painting. The inspiration for her work comes from her travels and from nature. She currently studies watercolors at the Betsy Jacaruso Studio and Gallery in Red Hook, NY. She has also studied at the Louvre and Musee Carnavalet in Paris, the Barrett Art Center in Poughkeepsie, NY and at the New York Botanical Garden, where she received a certificate in nature illustration. Her paintings have been exhibited at the Barrett Art Center in Poughkeepsie, NY, the Mid Hudson Valley Credit Union in Kingston, NY and at the Betsy Jacaruso Studio and Gallery in Red Hook, NY. She is a member of Cross River Fine Art Group in Red Hook, NY.
Contact drutlin@verizon.net
Jeanne Salucci is a New York artist that gets much of her inspiration from her artistic family. Her love of watercolor and oil painting has taken her on a wonderful journey which includes Plein Air painting in scenic Long Island, as well as Ireland, France and Italy. Jeanne is a member of South Bay Art Association and The Wet Paints Group.
Her paintings have been exhibited in many art shows,The Fiedler Gallery,and many private collections.Her art has also been featured on the cover of "Dans Papers."
Jeanne is currently welcoming commissions.
contact information: (giclee` prints are also available on request) JSalucciPortraits@yahoo.com; www.JeanneSalucciArt.com
Sindi Schorr is an award winning freelance photographer. Her work has been exhibited in the Broome Street Gallery, the West Chelsea Art Gallery and the Manhattan Borough President’s Gallery in NYC; the State of the Art Gallery in Ithaca, NY, and at UpstreamPeopleGallery.com. Schorr’s work has also appeared in various newspapers and magazines. She creates moments in time reflected in her stunning portraits, travel and exquisite mannequin photography. She travels the world in search of visions that she can capture, and with her innate creativity, brings to life. Sindi is a current member of Professional Women Photographers (PWP) and has served on their board. For more information on Sindi’s work visit her website, www.sindischorr.com or email her directly to sindischorr@gmail.com
Contact: 917-293-0123
Jane Schube The experience of painting and photography adds joy to my life`s journey. During the past 15 years curiosity has led me to study drawing, watercolor, oils, etching, framing and matting. I love the processes and occasionally, the result.
Museum visits and travel are among my favorite activities. These experiences have been enhanced through classes and workshops around the world and by special friends and teachers I have met along the way. My perfect day would be setting up an easel with a friend in Central Park, on a beach or at the souk in Marrakesh, both observing and capturing the moment. It is permanent on paper and my memory.
Schube@msn.com
Carol Seefeldt Growing up in a family of photographers, I got hooked on the “magic” of seeing images appear out of nowhere in my mother’s darkroom. I began taking photographs as a hobby in 1979. After winning several contests, I had my first home show in 1989. When I retired from Social Work in June 1999, I created my own business and started branching into the portrait and nature artistry of photography. My training includes coursework completed at the New York Institute of Photography, the Rocky Mountain School of Photography and the Santa Fe Center for Photography. I have attended numerous workshops over the years and have blended this formal training with personal inspiration into Seefeldt Photography.
My work has been published in The Minnesota Monthly, the Wausau Daily Herald, five Blue Fin Bay Calendars and in numerous annual reports. I have produced six calendars and have artwork on display in several local businesses and at the Stillwater Art Guild Gallery in Stillwater , MN .
This past year I completed a project called: "The Beauty of Aging--with Dignity" which features black and white canvas prints with one color added of 18 residents (ages 80 to 104) of a local care facility. This show has been on display at the state capitol and several hotels in Minneapolis as well as local churches. It is currently on permanent display at Parmly Life Points
contact info: deccarol@frontiernet.net; www.seefeldtphotography.com
Alynne Sharp was born in NYC and is an award winning artist with two degrees, a BS and a BFA in Fine Art. She has studied in the US and abroad, worked in studio art and plein aire, on landscapes and portraits, still lifes and abstracts, as a painter, a photographer, a sculptor, and always an artist. She is primarily a colorist who views light as a creative tool that in nature, never steadies itself. She is always manipulating light or allowing it to manipulate her. Its effect on color, its presence or absence is the continuing theme in all of her work.. It is interesting to judge which one is the manipulator, the artist or the light. Her extensive international traveling is the other major contributing factor to the scope of her work. She resides in Jacksonville,FL but says "I must take at least one week in Italy each year with Il Chiostro to keep me centered on what is true beauty, classic light and great gelato!"
Andrew Stillman When I started sculpting four years ago my interests varied from alabastar to clay, both water based and oil based. I was fascinated by the human form and persued the natural representation of the human figure. Since that time, I`ve expanded my interests to experimenting with abstract forms and stylizing. I find it easy to express myself visually as I have made my living constructing developments and emersing myself in the architecture and form of the properties I worked on. Sculpture has clearly defined for me the meaning of agony and ecestacy . I am constantly searching for ways to express in clay, or stone, the shapes and forms I see both in my mind and my view. I spent the last few summers in Tuscany which inspired the two figures I have provided for this exibition. Both attempt to show my sculptural interest, as one is realisticaly figurative and the other is somewhat abstract. One is of any age, the other provides a feeling of history.
Contact: NOTSUZAN@aol.com
Judy Swerlick My watercolor and acrylic paintings reflect the diverse cultures and environments within which I have lived or traveled (such as Japan, Mexico, Italy, Florida, Upstate New York and North Carolina), as well as my love for detail and realism. Having received my Bachelors degree in art education from Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia and my Masters from Syracuse University, I have taught young adults for twenty-eight years, motivated by my love for creating art and the desire to share the joy. I have loved art since childhood having been inspired by my father’s talent and passion for it, but for the past ten years, I have been most productive. During this time I have been a member of South Florida’s Coral Springs Artist Guild, Gold Coast Water Color Society, and Boca Raton Museum of Art--Artist Guild, and have shown my work in over 40 exhibits, earning awards for some. Most of my paintings can be seen on the Fine Art America website, are available in giclee prints or original, and I welcome doing commissioned paintings.
Ladyart1111@aol.com; http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/judy-swerlick.html
Mika Takahashi Born and grown up in Tokyo. First footstep onto the U.S. at 13.
Has lived in the U.S. since 17. Moved to New York at 18 (Manhattan at 22).
Loves to travel, especially to Italy. Adores freedom! While devoting herself to immigration law, she continues to be inspired by the creative energy dwelling within.
She is a street photographer who never photographs people as her main subject.
"I like the indirect contact with people by capturing the images of `the place or the object` which contains the pulse of people living within." Her vision is highly appreciated by many, including Harvey Stein, a celebrated photographer.
Photography, to her, is the art of life which reflects herself like a mirror
that reveals some of the deepest, and mysterious emotions.
"My images are my footprints made in an infinite journey called `me`."
email - mikasasori@hotmail.com
Anna Tomczak`s work has been featured in exhibitions at and collections of the Brooklyn Museum of Art, Florida Gulf Coast Museum of Art, Harn Museum of Art, McGraw-Hill, Museum of Florida Art, Norton Museum of Art, Polaroid Collections, Polk Museum of Art, Sony Latin-America and Tampa Museum of Art. She has received several artist awards including the Florida Individual Artist Fellowship and Career Enhancement Grant; Polaroid Artist Support Program Grant; Loft Nota Bene Artist Residency, Spain; Escape to Create Artist Fellowship, FL; Several visiting artist residencies, including an ACA Cultural Exchange Fellowship, La Napoule Arts Foundation, France. Her work has been featured in publications such as: Sanctuary, Anna Tomczak, Photography, curated with essay by Barbara Hitchcock, Polaroid Collections. 74 page Monograph, Fresco Fine Art Publications. Also The Georgia Review, View Camera Magazine, Camera Arts, Studio Photography and Design, Florida History Magazine, Polaroid Manipulations by Kathleen Carr, Photo Portfolio Success by John Kaplan and Digital Photo Art by Theresa Airey. Several book covers have also featured the artist’s photographs: Superior Women, Medicine Men, and Almost Perfect, novels by Alice Adams; The Metamorphosis of Ovid, translation by Alan Mandelbaum and Cross-Pollination by Gary Nabhan.
These photographs are influenced by the feeling afforded to me while I travel during or after an Il Chiostro experience. They are about people I see and think about - what they do with those special moments that they allow me to experience while in Italy.
www.annatomczak.com
Lynn Travis Stender, originally from the Northeast, received a degree in Fine Arts, from Marymount University.
Lynn has resided in Florida for the past 19 years. She is the Resident-Artist of the Boca Raton Resort and Club, and has been teaching workshops and painting classes for over 18 years. This is Lynns 10th year, teaching "Plein Air" painting Workshops in Italy with Il Chiostro. She is deeply committed to encouraging her students to fully explore their Creative self expression, in their painting process. Lynn was honored by a student, who in 2003 founded the Lynn Travis Stender Scholarship Fund, facilitated by Women in the Visual Arts, WITVA, non-for-profit organization. Annual Fund Raisers are conducted by Lynn and a dedicated committee to raise funds for Art Student scholarships. For more information about Lynn`s workshop schedule and to view paintings please visit Lynn`s website: www.Watercolorgreetings.com
Pat Woolley was born in France , attended the Academie Julian in Paris and Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles ,CA. She taught art and decorative crafts to senior citizens for 26 years through the South Bay Adult School . She is currently curator and gallery manager of the San Pedro Art association.She illustrated two award winning children’s books : The Thrift Store Bears . Pat is an avid traveler, sketch book always at hand. Half the year she lives in Vence , France, near her daughter and 4 grandsons. Her studio is 345 W. 7th. street in San Pedro , CA. 90731 Tel: 310-374-8055 email : woolleybear@verizon.net, thethriftstorebears.com
Patricia Mae Young lived in Singapore, Spain and North Carolina before returning to Pittsburgh PA in 2003 where she now lives. Attending Saturday morning art classes at Carnegie Mellon University during high school put her on track to love art and enjoy painting. After high school Patricia attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Traveling with her husband she would paint the many places they lived and painting became her journal. Patricia taught watercolor and pastel painting for Duke Continuing Education in Durham NC. Plein-air painting is her favorite method of painting.
Contact info: patricia.young@mac.com