During the month of November, the Shenandoah Valley Art Center is exhibiting paintings, “People and Places,” by Waynesboro artist, Joy E. Tartter.
Born in Poughkeepsie, NY, she worked at a Cantonese restaurant while studying for her Associates Degree from Dutchess Community College. She then transferred to Binghamton University to focus on fine arts, studied Mandarin and was a member of the Chinese Student Association. As a teenager, Tartter had read Nobel Prize winner, Pearl S. Buck’s novels about China.
In 2010 she traveled to China and immersed herself in the culture, photographing images that became an inspiration for a series of painting that are represented as part of her current exhibition. Tartter painted fishermen, grandmothers, and the market where the industriousness, independence, and energy of the people engaged in everyday life were her inspiration.
Her focus in the exhibit is to show people and places, celebrating who they are every day with respect for the value of each individual life. She is known as an accomplished painter, a member of the Paletteers since 1987 when she married Darrel Jones and moved to Waynesboro. She is an exhibiting member of Co-Arts gallery in Staunton and a member and studio artist at SVAC.
Her recent portraits in watercolors, oils, and acrylics again reflect her studies of the people she encounters. She portrays dancers, people on the shore, and subjects caught in a moment of time. She captures human nature, taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary through her vignettes.
An opening reception will be held Saturday, November 7, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. This “Evening of the Arts” will include piano selections presented by Louisa and Ezekiel Esteban, students of the Valley Music Academy (7:00 – 8:00p.m.). Please join in this opportunity to meet the artist and engage the arts!
In the Members’ Gallery, SVAC members will display their works of art as they interpret the theme “Orange.” Elizabeth Fitzhugh will be showing, in the Docent Room, her digital and mixed media collages. Join the fun and discussion as we view these creative works.
Come enjoy the gathering of folks seeking creative inspiration, camaraderie, and sharing of techniques through art activities and classes. Please join us for a free open studio opportunity on third Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. with the Art Trading Card Group. “Storytelling with the Camera,” a photography workshop taught by Stacey Evans, a world class photographer will be taught November 7 and 14, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.($150). Stacey first studied photography at Waynesboro High School.
The workshop allows participants to create a story using photographs. Any camera will do, including your cell phone. Sequencing, arrangement, presentation, computer software programs, and bookmaking will be discussed. Upcoming classes: Watercolor Christmas Cards, Nov.10, 1-4pm ($20), Watercolor & Wax Painting, Nov. 13-14,10am-4pm,( $130), Light Bulb Ornaments, Nov. 20, 1-4pm ($15), Wool and Silk Spiral Scarf, Nov. 17, 12 – 4pm ($90).
SVAC offers, the ever popular Saturday Art for Kids, presenting a creative art experience for young artists, ages 6-10, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., ($10). Contact the art center for specific information and pre-registration for each class. Open studio opportunities in the Virginia Ross Education Studio are available to printmakers and ceramic artists. Apply on line at www.SVACart.com.
The art center is a retail alliance partner with the Artisan Center of Virginia. In the SVAC Gift Shop you can find the perfect creative gift in fiber, jewelry, wood, glass, pottery, and more by juried artisans from Virginia and SVAC member artists.
The Shenandoah Valley Art Center is located in downtown Waynesboro at 122 S. Wayne Avenue. Galleries are open to the public 10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call (540) 949-7662 or visit www.svacart.com.
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Chris Graham
