ARTisSpectrum Online

The 26th issue of ARTisSpectrum features an impressive collection of established and emerging artistic talents from around the world, as well as a number of informative and compelling articles.

The cover article takes a look at the way new technologies like Augmented Reality and QR codes are influencing art and the way we see the world. Read about one artist who works in a studio used by three generations of her family, discover how painting trips can contribute to an artist's work and learn about the similarities between ancient cave art and modern art today. Also in this issue, discover how designers incorporate artworks in their projects and the ways that different collectors choose the piece they buy, as well as much more.

You can read ARTisSpectrum online here http://www.artisspectrum.com/magazine/26/ .

To receive a copy of the print version straight to your door, subscribe here http://www.artisspectrum.com/subscribe.html

Saturday Sharing: an artist luncheon

Saturday Lunch Agora Gallery Some time ago, Agora Gallery’s Director, Angela Di Bello, had a vision of getting a group of visiting artists together in a relaxed, social setting to share ideas and thoughts about the artistic process, studio practice and all the aspects of life as an artist.

Last Saturday, this became a reality as artists who had come to NYC for their reception on Thursday November 3 gathered at Agora for pizza and lively discussion. The conversation touched on a number of fascinating topics and it was instructive and extremely interesting to hear the different perspectives and experiences of artists from different countries and backgrounds. A great time was had by all, and at Agora Gallery we’re eagerly looking forward to the next luncheon of laughter and learning!

The Humanitarians - Betsey Chesler

Each month our newsletter will shed light on an artist whose contribution to a humanitarian cause has brought welcome relief and assistance to "someone" or to a "multitude" of those in need. This month we introduce Betsey Chesler.

"There's no greater gift than to share your passion for art with an underprivileged child," says Betsey Chesler, Founder and CEO of Cameras For Kids Foundation (CFKF).

In 2009, Chesler created a program with purpose, launching the nonprofit organization in South Florida at SOS Children's Villages with 8 teens, 8 point and shoot cameras and Chesler's instruction on how to create art with a camera, as she does as a Fine Art Photographer.

The children CFKF works with are "at risk" and reside in residential foster facilities. They are victims of circumstances having been taken away from their family and the only home and security they know. They were placed in state care due to abuse and or abandonment by the adults they love and trust.

A photograph represents many things to many people. To a foster child, their camera becomes their voice. It allows them a productive means of self expression as well as a way to see beauty in a world that has been less than safe or fair to them.

Chesler feels there is a level of creativity in all of us, and CFKF will open these doors for the kids and allow them to see their own potentials where they may not have otherwise had such an opportunity. The program is a gift for life where they will forever "see" at a higher level; offering them the luxury to see all beauty in life regardless of their surroundings.

Humanitarian Through the CFKF program the teens are able to develop their personal artistic expression through the camera's lens. The program encompasses weekly workshops and assignments teaching basic concepts of art and photography. The purpose is to be fun, educational, challenging and engaging, and exposes their mind's eye to the fundamentals of art, while building the child's self esteem and self confidence. The skill set that is gained as a result will allow the teens to pursue potential career paths that utilize photography and design.

Chesler feels the most rewarding moments have been when the children are proud of their accomplishments, which is seen each time the teens' Fine Art Photography is exhibited and they speak about how the program has made a difference in their life and will perhaps in their future.

In its first two years, CFKF has expanded from Florida to Los Angeles, Chicago, NYC and Atlanta. Facilities from around the US have expressed an interest in bringing the CFKF program to their children, and presently there is a wait list to begin in each location. The foundation raises funds to purchase cameras and provide each enthusiastic and deserving child with this wonderful opportunity.

Chesler has also been touched and overwhelmed by the response of professional photographers reaching out to volunteer their time to teach the program in their cities and countries. Cameras For Kids Foundation is sure to become an international organization making a difference in the lives of foster children around the globe. Chesler also looks forward to having all of her children worldwide share their work with each other via webcasts in the future.

For further information go to: www.camerasforkidsfoundation.org.

If you are contributing time and effort to providing or improving basic needs and services like food, housing, medicine, education, clothing and, last but not least, inspiration and hope to those in need, we would like to hear from you. Please note that the work should be through an established foundation of your own. Please submit a summary with photos to karin@agora-gallery.com for consideration. Your contribution should be 250-300 words long, describing your cause and how your work as an artist is directly linked to the charitable cause you are involved with and/or how the cause has influenced your art.

Opening Reception Experience

You may have heard about the surprise snowstorm that hit the New York area a couple of weeks ago. No one was expecting it, but fortunately it had cleared up in time for our reception on November 3. It was a wonderful evening, the warmth and laughter inside a sharp contrast to the cold weather outside. Altered States of Reality was a photography lover’s dream, full of captivating and intriguing images, and visitors were eager in their appreciation. The mesmerizing images of H. Scott Cushing came in for a lot of interest, as did Debra Kayata’s delicate creations and Denis Palbiani’s dramatic photos. These artists were back for their second exhibition and it was a pleasure to see their work getting the attention it deserves.

Pathway to Abstraction and The Persistence of Form were equally popular with enthusiastic viewers. The works of Jeanette Marie Kjeldsen were striking and memorable, as were the delightful sculptures of Brady Steward. The artworks of Walter B. Probst and Kenji Inoue were also the subject of much discussion, as was the inspirational work of Steven R. Hill.

There was also a great, lively atmosphere in the air at the opening reception that took place on October 13, 2011. The room was full of delighted artists, eager art enthusiasts and interested visitors. Angela got the festive mood going when she produced a pumpkin for artists to sign, write on or draw on. Everyone had great fun deciding what to contribute to the design! There were a number of particularly special aspects to the reception. The presence of Infinite Color: L. Byrne / a Solo Exhibition definitely contributed to the excitement, the beautiful and inspiring artworks reaching out to visitors and leaving them with deeply felt, evocative memories. In his second exhibition at Agora Gallery, David Segeta’s thought-provoking yet peaceful paintings encouraged the audience to consider both the human spirit and the body and the metaphysical connections between them. Pat Fairhead’s creations were bursting with color and gave the impression of a world full of light and energy contained within the painted scene. Also popular were the works of Klaus Boesch (The Sandman) – 3D sculptures using sand, which are unforgettable as soon as you’ve seen them in person. They rotate and were the subject of much interest during the evening – one viewer was so enthralled that they purchased a work then and there!

We were all thrilled to meet one of Nicole Alger’s guests at the reception – charismatic actor Christopher Meloni. Nellie and Sabrina even managed to get a photo with him! That wasn’t the only surprise of the evening: artist Barry Melsom, whose enchanting artworks were on exhibit, was surprised and delighted by the unexpected visit of a childhood friend from Italy. It was a very touching moment, and one we’ll all remember fondly.

Kudos and Accolades

Agora artist Alison Jane Rice is the winner of the 2011 Blue Mountains Business Awards for Excellence in the Entertainment & Arts category. The award is presented to the artist judged to be the best in promoting, selling or creating arts, entertainment and culture in the region.

María Susana Dos Santos' paintings are on display at the Argentinean Consulate in New York from November 3 through November 23.

On Thursday, October 27, 2011, Pat Fairhead was awarded the prestigious A.J. Casson medal by the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour at the 86th Annual Open Water Exhibit at the the Aird Gallery, Toronto for her painting “Water Circus”(pictured left). “The Medal is presented to the creator of the best painting in the juried exhibition and is to be considered the highest accolade bestowed by the Society for artistic creativity.”

NYC Impressions - L. Byrne

On her recent visit to New York for her solo exhibition L. Byrne shared the following thoughts with us. "We were able to do some of the traditional sight seeing including Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty with my family. The 911 memorial was amazing and gave us all great pause as we looked at the vastness of this tribute to the individuals who lost their lives that day." (left: L. Byrne at the 911 memorial. Right: L. Byrne at her solo exhbition, Infinite Color.) opening reception