"Living Dead" show opens Fri. Oct. 23

Come out to 516 Gallery at Art-N-Soul Studios (516 Hamilton St., Allentown) for the 8 p.m. opening of "Living Dead." Artists from the Chen Arts Group will have work in this show, as well as many other talented area artists.

Here are the details:

Opens 8 p.m.
DJs Lebanezer Scrooge and The Purple K'nif spinning all night.
Costumes optional.
No cover, 21+ to drink.
www.artnsoulstudios.com

Chris Neyen's work showing in NYC!

The Paintings, Drawings and Mixed Media work of artist Chris Neyen will be featured in a show at Jason Groupp Studio titled Inside View,

Here are the details...

Opening Sat. November 13 from 2-6 pm, 526 W. 26th St. Suite 305, New York, NY.

Unique New York Style Loft/Art Studios in Allentown

Info submitted via email:

Perfect for art studio or apartment living on Chew Street in Allentown, Pa. One floor walk up with wide entry way. Five minute walk to center city restaurants and cultural district. Landmark old printing factory renovated to New York Style loft apartments. Building converted to 5 units.

Two remaining units available. One 1000 square feet and the other 2000 square feet. Hardwood floors, high ceilings, bathrooms and kitchens with laundry hook ups. Each unique and feature original windows that allow in a lot of natural light. Private entrance, on street parking and on the LANTA bus route.

For more information call Beth Cannon (Century 21 Pinnacle/Associate Broker) 610-972-2651.

Look at what's happening here....

Have you heard about Art Prize? It's an enormous event in Grand Rapids, Michigan (going on right now) that turns the entire city into a public art gallery.

Nearly 200 venues are participating by hosting the works of more than 1,700 artists. Each venue is open to the public, from banks and gardens to restaurants and religious centers. The entire city is in on the act. It's inspiring to look at what they're doing in Grand Rapids, for the benefit of the artists, the public and the city. I think it would be amazing to one day borrow that idea and pull off something similar here!

Top prize for the "winning artist" is $250,000, with another $250,000 in prizes doled out to multiple other artists.

Check out http://www.artprize.org/ to see what's happening and to view bios of some of the artists and their pieces.

Pictured above: Salt & Earth by Young Kim

Call to Artists

Cindy would like to get the message out to as many people as possible. She is part of the Word Wednesday Ensemble and has an art studio called Underworld here in Allentown, Pa.

Information follows:

from Cynthia Rodriguez:

CALL TO VISUAL ARTISTS, PERFORMANCE ARTISTS, INTERPRETIVE DANCERS, POETS, PUBLIC SPEAKERS!!!
All mediums: paintings, photography, and mixed media as long as they are wall art, they either must be framed or easily hung on the wall. Because of limited space, it is limit 2 pieces per artist. --- cafe gets 25% of each and any piece sold so price your art accordingly, but don't go crazy on the price. Not to censor but try to go easy on getting too graphic because this is a family establishment, this request is per the owners. The exhibit will be up for a month, and artists will be responsible for picking up their own art after the show ends (and not before then). I will be giving the exact date when it ends to all participating artists.

Also call to performance artists, interpretive dancers, poets, speakers! Preferably leaders of or those involved in the gay community, and GLBTQ youth from local colleges and high schools, especially those who have been harassed and/or bullied in school and would like to share their story in a safe environment.

For more information call Cindy at 484-239-2513 or email: picasso691@hotmail.com.

ARTIST YARD SALE: A DAY OF ABUNDANCE /OCTOBER 2, 2010

From Yodi:

Are you an artist? Into photography, layout and design, painting, mosaics, silk screening, framing and more!
I am inviting all artists to the first Artist Yard Sale: A Day of Abundance. It will be held at 951 West Chew Street in Allentown, Pa. A Day of Abundance will be a yearly event, the first Saturday in October.

Come see. You will find many things once gently used by local artists. Items include the following many assorted frames some with glass and many sizes/styles, matt cutter, silk screen setup, small geometric risers, canvas stretcher bars, tile and ceramic plates (suitable for mosaic work), free packing material (bubble wrap and popcorn) and more! Saturday October 2, 2010 from 12pm to 4pm.

For more information http://thevergeof.blogspot.com/

Show Opening at Art-N-Soul

Saturday, Sept 25 at 8pm

Opening reception for: "The Pin up Art of Ed Mironiuk"

New Jersey artist Ed Mironiuk displaying pin up art from naughty to nice on canvas
giclee, and limited edition prints and art books. Show runs through Oct. 18. Refreshments served.

516 Gallery at Art N Soul Studios
516 W. Hamilton St.
Allentown, PA
610-433-4850
artnsoulstudios.com

Opportunity for Artists

This information was sent courtesy Joe Skrapits:

I wanted to let you know the next Party on the Deck is on Thursday, Oct. 7 from 5- 8 p.m. It again will be held at the Parking Deck behind the Farr lot on Linden St.

At the last event we had 3 artists who were selling jewelry, art, etc. This is something the committee would like to see expanded for this event.

Would you be able to help us get artists (of any type)?

It is free to exhibit/sell, but if a table is needed it will be $25.

They will need to set up by 4 o’clock the day of the event.

Let me know what other questions you may have.

Thanks,

Leslie L. Suhr
Main Street Manager, Hamilton District
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce

Please contact Leslie directly to get involved.

E-mail: leslies@lehighvalleychamber.org

Video of current Coates exhibit

Video of Gregory Coates' current exhibit at Cedar Crest College, courtesy Valley View on Service Electric TV2. Honne/Tatemae is on display through Sept. 24.

Meeting Notes from 9/18

There were only a dozen of us in attendance on Saturday, but we ended up having a very productive conversation about the group's mission, future and possible next show.

Ed Nowak said he likes the group the way it is and asked where we all picture it being in 10 years. None of us really had an answer but said we'd like to increase recognizability and notoriety for the group. We also agreed that we like having an open format to the group that allows anyone to participate at any dinner meeting or in any show.

Adam from Gallery 516 at Art-N-Soul Studios was present and mentioned that he would be interested in partnering with the group sometime. He is also planning some open shows that Chensters may want to submit work to.

Georgine Miller asked if we thought we could pull off another show in time for the holidays. Michelle Bodamer (who works in marketing) suggested that if we do something at Christmas that we should consider partnering to raise money for a charity. This would be a good cause and also gain positive attention for the group.

Sarah Fulton mentioned that Diane Teti is interested in coordinating another Art Mart for the holiday season. A new location must be found. Diane is looking into a space now.

Heather Haas and Ted Odoseey talked about making materials to promote the Chen Arts Group and create better name recognition. Heather suggested making t-shirts. Ted suggested buttons.

Heather will be working on an Artist Database cataloging personal info on local artists, their interests and skills.

Sarah will send out some emails and look into possible locations for our next one or two group shows.

Announcements:
Word Wednesday comes out of hiatus Oct. 13. Go to the Silk Lounge for a live poetry jam. Coordinator Yodi is looking for MC's and participants. See link on sidebar to get in touch with him.

"The Living Dead" themed group show opens Oct. 23 at Gallery 516 at Art N Soul at 516 Hamilton Street. Opening at 8 p.m. Costumes optional. Runs through Nov. 20.

Day of the Dead Fest is coming to the 500 block of Seventh Street from 5-9 pm October 30. The event will feature music, an authentic cemetery for remembrances, haunted house, fire performance, Salsa Taste-Off and more. Local ethnic restaurants will be open.

Lehigh Art Alliance show opens Sept. 16 from 1:30 to 4pm at Allentown Art Museum.

Please add any additions to the minutes from 9/18 in the Comments Section. Thanks.

Opportunities for Performing Artists

From Yodi at Word Wednesday:

Word Wednesdays Productions is creating a list of potential featured poets/spoken word artists and masters of ceremonies (MC’s) for our monthly signature production at the Allentown Brew Works. Our signature show is an open mic poetry reading in a black box stage production performed in the round. It includes a disc jockey (tech and sound), a master of ceremony facilitating and open mic, a featured artists and other guests, community poets and other inspired people. Each month there will be a different MC (unless other arrangements are made).
Featured artist must have a strong word based performance, and MC’s should be personable.

Word Wednesdays are the second Wednesday of the month at the Silk Lounge @ the Allentown Brew Works.

For more information visit us at
Word Wednesday’s Facebook Group or http://wordwednesdays.blogspot.com/ or email wordwednesdays@yahoo.com
Yodi

Poetry from the Emergence show

This exercise was directed by Marilyn Hazelton at the Emergence group show. Artists and guests wrote poetry in response to the art on display. They were read aloud at the closing party. Poems are also compiled by Marilyn.

Velocity

Were you there?
did you see, feel, hear
the exuberance:
was not the energy palpable?

Much to drink in
this visual breaking of bread
with paintings all around
two even went round and round
one stretched from New York City
to Santa Fe

In various dimensions
I was taken apart
swept out to sea
carried back by a familiar melody
put together
in the cave of my ancestors
taken on a tour of American Pop Culture aboard
a Mexico City bus
and tempted to believe
I had found the Holy Grail


Edward Nowak




Time and Beauty
for “Modern Art”
by Georgine Miller

Grey eyes observing, pensive
Hair flowing freely
Questioning, wondering, alert
Unaware of time passing
And beauty expressed
in the freedom of youth.

Louise Muzio


Portrait of a Poet, Armando Passy (1945-2001)
After a painting by Joseph Skrapits

Like rifles
leaned against a bamboo hooch
your brows knit, Armando,
as if remembering Nam, 1968.
Again you finger those
save your ass rosary beads
as Phantom jets rain napalm
over water buffalo
rice paddies
Vietnamese flesh ...
and your own swart skin doubles the danger
of not-so-friendly fire from your platoon.

You watch through
eyes like charred shadows, Armando,
as if you see young Carmen's
lapsed wings and dark, outstretched eyes,
craving a hug from a street poet
at the Homework Club
the morning after
gunshots splattered a man's brains
on her kitchen floor.

You, bony shoulders in a white undershirt,
a frame unchanged perhaps
from “Count Spider” at fifteen,
toughened by St. Vincent's Home for Boys
and Brooklyn streets
one of The Seven Hustlers,
scrounging,
doping,
warring
against the Apaches and Black Diamonds,
altar boy no more.

Setting aside your pen to sit for a portrait,
did you conjure
people and things lost?
the work remaining in a life
of poetry and purpose
urban repair and second chances?
or a benedicion for those departed
and those
you do not know how soon
you'll leave behind?

Susan Weaver

Italicized lines are from Passy's “More than One War” and “Hug Over Bullets.”




Memorias!
for “Aqua”
by Marco Calderon

The rain is the first I see,
But then — the tree!
Memories of when I was three . . .
Grandma, dark chocolate and me!


Rafaelapezjr




untitled

for “Interruption of Continuity”
by Michelle Bodamer

Spring
falling, twisting, rising . . . breathe
then I do it all again.
The madness draws me in a kiss of death then
salvation promised by a surge of hope.
Will it ever end? Will I find peace?


Sharisse Bruto




for Metal Paper
by Marco Calderon

A nameless shape
Something stagnant, moving.
A metal note, with writing inside.
If only I could unfold the paper. I’m
sure that its message would be profound.


Heather Haas




for Untitled
by Lee Lecky

It looks weather & wise
full of hope
joy rising, an adventure
behind each door
Never too old to start


Eileen Cressman Reeder





The Ocean
for “Interruption of Continuity”
by Michelle Bodamer

with its constant cycle,
never ending continuity, its same
routine stopped.
Orange and red, black and white
that don’t belong in the sea’s blue
interrupt and stop . . .
the constant flow.


G.P. & O.T. (Mrs. Chen’s nieces visiting from CA)



Intoxicated
for Becoming the Butterfly
a photograph by Pete Hughes

I’m somebody, who are you? And
I can find something new
Standing here, behind this eye
I know everybody knows how to hide
But . . . I like to wait & look for another angle
Pull a loose thread & unwind its tangle
Pare down the bizarre, simplify the maze
Find a moment that’s special in an ordinary day.
Sometimes show a prism of colors, of
shapes & shadows
unseen by others


Noelle Gabovitz




A part
for “Martha Bloomgren Salemme”
by Antonio Salemme

Eyes serene or critical,
She sits and watches.
A wife apart.

Still, it’s her space,
No need to be buzzed in.
A part of this show.

Georgine Miller




My brother
for “Emperors of African Royalty”

My brother, so strong and tall
strong yet flexible like a bamboo
ready to bend but not break
as the winds of life blow.
Eager and willing to stand again
when the wind ceases.

Flexible enough to let the little breaks
mend and to grow as the sun shines again.
Just like an African Royalty, my brother is.

You make me proud TJ and I
love you very much!

Adetola Louis-Jacques





A Fractured Union
for “A Crack on Time”
by Ramon Peralta

One side left
One side right
The train passing it in the night

Between the “NO” there’s an “I”
engulfed in blackness to the sky

Colors of old fight back time
fight back scars, fight back blight


Zehra Follweiler




The Pod
for “Extraterrestrial”
by David Molloy

The extraterrestrial pod is Rad.
What lives inside?
Is it a pod that will open and
a strange creature comes out?
Is it a pod that has plant seeds
in it?
What’s it all about?

Jones




The Traveler
for “Viola, Traveler”

My tapestry bag full of stories
age old tales with love and glory
A simple life and well-traveled paths,
I worked hard to serve
but then I observed
my ultimate goal all along . . .
was to go back home to where my heart longs

Tracey Lopez




DeRaymond
for “Tomatoes and Yellow Vase”
by William DeRaymond

Bright tomatoes, yellow vase
Dancing boys swirl and turn
Strokes shoot skyward from behind
Cezanne still come to life.

Michelle Neifert





Coy Allentown Girl
for “Linden St. & 9th St., 1902”
by Rosemary Geseck

She poses coyly in the snow covered street
Right in the middle of the street!
In downtown Allentown
(Try that now! Wow!)
9th and Linden – 1902
An unknown photographer, an unseen face
Father, Mother, Uncle?
says “Stand still, pose for the camera,”
and she smiles coyly in the
huge ice storm aftermath –
and digs her toe playfully in the snow –
The horses wait patiently
for their oats and cozy barn time
in the traces, their owner selling Fancy Cakes –
The tonsorial parlor on the
corner – maybe even had some
peppermint candy to match the
barber pole out front for the camera poser –
I wonder if she bought her
cape at Hess Brothers one block away? (opened 1897)
What was your name
coy, fun loving girl
digging your toe in the new fallen snow?


Rosemary Geseck




The Universal Truth
for “Elevation”
by Ramon Peralta

The color of blue, spirit true
As a third eye during Kundalini yoga
A chant, a trance
Floating of love, romance
One self is true, full of heat
The spine of Kundalini you cannot see
but you feel its energy
red for the heart. . .

So much energy, strong, high above
Wall and spirit, body become one
elevated away from our flesh and humanity
to connect and become one with higher power
of self and universe.


Amber Sorrentino



after Untitled
Encaustic mixed media on board
by Lee Lecky


Within this ancient art
of pigment held by wax,
I see all that circles are:
buttons, raindrops,
ancient coins, and
the blood-red ground
of being born.
I hear my mother’s cry of pain.
Floating inside the dream
of childhood, I feel those nails
pierce the hands and feet
of Jesus.

But hope rises, falls,
eases sideways, fades,
returning again,
like stages of love
through these slabs of rust,
red, turquoise,
chalk blue, hard beige,
stone grey, forest shadow,
green veined with gold:
history layered
in its small doorway —
inviting me
to enter . . .

Marilyn Hazelton

Garden Party for Allentown Public Theatre

From the APT e-newsletter:

We are selling just 100 tickets to our garden party on Sunday, September 19 from 3-7 pm at 1536 West Walnut Street, the gracious Queen Anne home and garden of Jason Custer, Tim Lewis and Matt Stitzer in West Allentown.

At the party you can count on live cabaret music and a sneak peak at our upcoming main-stage production of Hamlet, A Rock Experience. We'll have lots of food from local caterers and restaurants, wine and refreshments, door prizes galore, and the perfect setting for meeting and greeting. Josh Neth will close the evening with his one-man performance of The Tell-Tale Heart.
So get your tickets while they last! Advance discount tickets ($22) are available by calling 1-888-895-5645, by emailing info@allentownpublictheatre.com, or at one of these locations:


KNBT Branches
835 Hamilton St., Allentown
1660 N. Cedar Crest Blvd, Allentown (in front of Target)
4200 W. Tilghman St., Allentown
235 Main St., Emmaus

Lawrence Roth Salon & Day Spa
1741 W. Liberty St., Allentown

Blown Color Studio
597 Main St., Bethlehem

Upward Bound III comes to downtown Allentown on Saturday

Upward Bound III - Unity on Hamilton will be held Sat. August 28 from 10 am to 6 pm along Hamilton Street, between 6th and 7th streets.

This event features music, food and entertainment for all ages. The event is billed as a multi-cultural celebration. There will be live blues, reggaeton, R&B, hip hop and more. Entertainment is free. All are welcome.

For more info, contact 484-619-6541 or 610-241-8285.

Gregory Coates exhibit at Cedar Crest College

The paintings, drawings and sculpture of world-traveled artist Gregory Coates (who makes his home in Allentown) will be featured in a show at Cedar Crest College titled Honne Tatemae.

Here are the details...

When: August 23 through September 24

Where: Miller Family Building Lachaise Gallery at Cedar Crest, Allentown

Closing Reception/Artist Talk is scheduled for 4:30 to 6:30 pm on September 22.

Event by 516 Gallery at Art-N-Soul Studios

Sat. Aug. 14 @ 2pm. In studio demonstration of vinyl toy customizing. Painting and sculpting techniques by Reading based artist, Rsin.

www.artnsoulstudios.com
516 W. Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA.

One Year Anniversary of Word Wednesday

From the organizers:

We are excited to announce the one year anniversary of Word Wednesday's. Local artist, Yodi Duane Vaden, and co-hostess, accomplished singer, Kari Holmes along with other valley poets will converge on the Silk Lounge of the Allentown Brew Works.

On August 11, 7:30pm, the Word Wednesday’s ensemble has an exciting evening planned. Many poets from the Wednesday Family will share some of their old and new works, debut new chapbooks, and a few special announces. Everyone’s invited to this open mic. Come join us!

Word Wednesday’s are the second Wednesday of every month. Next Word Wednesday’s is August 11, 7:30pm. The Allentown Brew Works is located at 812 Hamilton Street.

Images from Emergence

The Emergence opening on Saturday was a great success. The Antonio Salemme Foundation was packed with people excited to see the works of 25 artists who participated in the show. The above images were taken by Heather Haas, one of the show coordinators.

Emergence continues through Aug. 20. Stop by Salemme - at 542 Hamilton Street, 2nd floor - from 11 am to 2 pm Mon-Fri to view the artwork yourself. Some items are for sale and volunteers sitting at the gallery will gladly help you with any questions.

If you have some photos from the show that you'd like to share, please email them to me and I can get them on the blog: chenarts.info@gmail.com

Thanks,

Sarah

Closing is scheduled for 7 pm Saturday, August 21 at Salemme. We hope you can join us!

Emergence Opens Saturday 8/7/10

Allentown Chen Arts Group presents "Emergence" - the fourth group show coordinated by volunteers.

Join us Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 7 pm at Antonio Salemme Foundation at 542 Hamilton Street, 2nd Floor, for the opening reception.

View a variety of work by 25 artists. A poetry response exercise will be conducted by writers Marilyn Hazelton and Susan Weaver.

This show is coordinated by E.A. Kafkalas, Heather Haas and Chris Neyen. Works were hung by a volunteer hanging committee.

The show runs Monday-Friday from 11 am to 2 pm through August 20. Closing reception scheduled for 7 pm Saturday, August 21.

Please come out and enjoy!

Above painting by Michelle Neifert.

Live Music at Allentown Brew Works on Friday

Details from organizer Joe Trinkle:

July 30 - Silk Lounge at the Allentown Brew Works

$5 cover

Doors @ 8

Ryan James Bradley @ 9:30

The Beings @ 10:30

Drink specials!

Come support live, local music and a rapidly-growing alternative music venue in Allentown! Ahghhh!