Saturday, December 6, 2008

Hello everybody!
It has taken me a while but I am back to blogging!
This is just a quick note to let you all know that the December edition of La Galleria is available on our website. Click on the following link or copy and paste it in your browser:
http://whitmoyerartstudio.com/newsletter.html

Until the next blog, have peace!

Chiara

Monday, November 10, 2008

The Fairy Castle

Hello everyone!
This is such a hectic week, but very exciting indeed! The figure drawing group is meeting Wednesday for the first time and Friday will be our "Meet the Artist" night with Larry Ney.
I do, however, have a request for help. I am attaching an e-mail received from a friend, describing a certain print believed to be a work by Paul Klee. The last time I talked to my friend he actually told me that it may not even be by Klee, making the search even more challenging.
I hope maybe some of you will be familiar with this print, or will have any suggestion on how to search...  Thank you so much for your time!

About 50 years ago I bought a print of a painting by Paul Klee. It was titles "The Fairy Castle". Later, I lost the print. About 8 years ago I started searching for a new print. Google found nothing by Klee under that title, and it did not find the image i remember. I have spent countless hours going through online print collections, looking for the image. The Paul Klee Institute has told me that Klee never made a painting under that title in any language. I have looked at every image in the Paul Klee Catalogue Raisonne... more than 9000 of them. I am now going through the Catalogue again, more carefully, making a list of castle works without pictures in the Catalogue.

Here is my description of the painting, after about 45 years: it is a Romanesque castle, possibly in a desert. The scene is dramatic, with a dark cloud overhead. At the same time it is fanciful, with flags blowing in opposite directions, and perhaps somewhat childlike in conception. It is not abstract, as are Klee's "Castle and Sun" and "Castle on the Reef". It is pictorial (not sure that is the right word), yet somewhat cartoonish.

Any information about the painting or a source for another print would be most welcome. Where is the original, and what is it called? Tips on searching would also be very helpful. What I am really hoping for is that somebody else bought the print when it was available and wants to sell it now. I would pay well. I do love this painting.

Thank you for your interest.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Second Friday

I am very excited about starting a new recurrent event at the Whitmoyer Art Studio and Gallery.

The second Friday of every month will be "Meet the Artist" night. Every month one of our artists will be at the Gallery from 6pm to 8pm, to meet you and promote his or her work. We will serve light refreshments and enjoy a social evening with friends and art.

Next Friday, November 14th, the event will kick-off with Larry Ney II. Larry has been showing in our gallery since this past summer. He paints mesmerizing landscapes in an impressionistic or abstract form, experiments with various techniques, and does all his painting in his home studio in the Bloomsburg area. He is a member of the North Mountain Art League and has participated in Bloomsburg's Art Fest as well as in the Bloomsburg Fair.

I hope you will join us for a lovely evening of art, and maybe make this a recurrent event in your family calendar.

Peace,

Chiara

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Figure drawing group is starting!




Hello everybody!

We finally are ready to start our figure drawing group here at the Whitmoyer Art Studio and Gallery. Our first session will be Wednesday, November 12th, at 6:30pm. The fee for each session is $10.00 and it includes a live model.

Space is limited, so please call me at 570 458 5267 or e-mail me at chiaraw@mac.com to reserve your spot, as soon as possible.

Peace,

Chiara




Thursday, October 30, 2008

Pumpkins painting





Halloween is coming!

Always an exciting holiday, and not only for the children! Yesterday we painted some pumpkins here at the Studio to decorate our stoop. We had lots of fun! I love to see how creative the children can get with a few tubes of paint and some craft material. They work on their projects for hours, without missing telly or videogames at all! They compliment each other along the way and share ideas and stories. Art brings our the best in children of all ages!

Maybe these photos can give you an idea of what we shared in those moments.

I hope to see you all tomorrow for our trick-or-treating! And remember: no costume, no treat!
(And for those of you who would ask.... NO! Your everyday face does not constitute a costume!)

Happy Halloween!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Octoberfest Photos






Here are some photos of the Susquehanna Valley International Folk Dancers at the Millville Legion's Octoberfest.

We were offered free beer and food, and we had a wonderful time!

We recruited volounteers from the audience and Oli taught a new mixer dance.


Saturday, October 25, 2008

October 25th

Hello again!

Today is the Octoberfest at the Legion in Millville. Our folk dancing group will perform at it, so in about one hour I will be heading to the Milk Parlour to rehearse. Since it is raining I am assuming the fest will be indoor and I strongly hope it will be a smoke-free environment! Can you imagine dancing with your lungs full of smoke?

Before I forget, here is Giselle's blog, so you can follow directly her adventures in Italy.
lifeloveandpizza.blogspot.com
Of course I will keep you informed here as well, but if you want to hear it directly from her, log in an subscribe!

The November edition of our newsletter "La Galleria" has been sent out. If you did not receive it, please send me your e-mail and I will add it to our mailing list. It will soon be available on our website as well, but William has not been feeling well these days, and I have not learned how to post it on the site yet....

If you are out trick-or-treating on October 31, don't forget to stop at the Studio from 6 pm to 8 pm, we'll have treats and face painting, and as always lots of fun!

Mark your calendar for November 14th. The Whitmoyer Art Studio and Gallery will host a new monthly event: Meet the Artist. Our first featured guest will be Larry Ney II, a local artist who recently joined our gallery. Larry will be at the gallery from 6 pm to 8 pm to talk with you about his passion for art and his beautiful paintings. 
What was that? Of course there will be refreshments! It is aperitf time!

See you soon, and as always, Peace.

Chiara 

Friday, October 17, 2008

Vacanze italiane






Hello everybody!
I know it took me a while... but better late than never!
I was finally able to upload the photos I took during the summer in Italy, so I would love to share with all of you some of the highlights of our vacation.

Giselle, Dario, Clay and I left the US on the 21st of July. The plan was to spend a week in the mountains, in the Asiago plateau, a week at the beach on the Adriatic shore, and a week on Lake Garda.

When we arrived in Asiago it was so cold that we slept with four blankets! I started questioning the adequacy of the wardrobe I had packed... but luckily the weather changed after the first couple of days. We stopped at the visitors' center and picked up a bunch of brochures and started planning our activities, being careful to always have a plan B for rainy days! They do happen a lot and unexpectedly on the plateau.

First priority was an outing with Nonno Dario, Nonna Gabriella and little Carlotta. We took a long drive through the regions of Veneto and Trentino. We stopped at a Malga to buy cheese and butter (unbelievable stuff!). While we shopped the kids had fun visiting the animals. Particularly entertaining was the miniature horse scratching his back on the picnic bench! Although the donkey kissing the horse took quite some attention, as did the flower-smelling goose.

Well, I have to get working on some other tasks for now... more Italian adventures to follow...


Friday, October 10, 2008

Giselle's first protest


Hello everybody!

As many of you know, I recently returned from a trip to Italy. My daughter Giselle is attending art school in Treviso for this year and I went with her to help her get settled.
She is doing great, meeting a lot of new people and taking in all the vibrant atmosphere of the art school, as well as the local heritage.

I just received a call from her. Today she took part in her first ever student protest!
The government is restructuring public education and in doing so is trying to cut costs... by cutting instructional time. The hours of instruction will go from about 40 a week to about 32, of course cutting lab hours and art courses. And all this without consulting who is directly affected by the restructuring, the students. For them this is an affront, so they striked and organized a protest in the streets.

Giselle never participate in anything like it. She was surprised to see so many people her age caring, taking action and exercising the right to voice their opinions. She said something like this could have never been organized in her old school here, the students just do not want to take any action. They probably do not care.

Those of you who are my age and went to school in the 80's, probably remember what it was like to fight for the right to have a student organization representing our rights inside the school system. How do you feel to see that many of our children do not understand the importance of that? Do you feel that there is a tendency toward apathy in young people? Why do you think that is? Could it be our generation's fault?

I would love to hear everybody's opinion, especially those of the younger subscribers...

Peace,

Chiara

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Softball, swimming and dancing

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Hello everybody!
Here are some photos from last weeks' party at Oli's house.
First we had a friendly softball game. Here are the pitchers:



And the batters:






And while some players rested...

... others went cooling off in the creek!

 Later we all relaxed to a delicious potluck dinner, enjoyed the beautiful settings, did some dancing and some canoeing. It was a lovely way to spend a summer day with friends!


Thank you Oli and Rosemarie! And thank you to all who made the day special!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

William's B-day Party






Hello everybody!
Here is the very overdue blog about William's party.
First I would like to thank all of you who braved the weather and came to the party. You are the ones who made the party successful. The food was amazing; I still cannot believe I had a potluck without a potato salad or a macaroni salad! I am afraid of listing everything because I do not want to forget anybody, but I do have to try... from beans to salads, from deviled eggs to sweeter than honey concoctions, from the very sought-after vegetarian specialties to the baklava, from the wines to the watermelon, to Rosemarie's unbelievable cakes! Thank you all so very much!

We knew there was a chance of rain, but William and I had worked so hard to get the outdoor area ready, and it looked so pretty that I did not feel it in me to change the location. Also, the forecasts had predicted rain for the previous three days and they were wrong... I decided to wish that they would be wrong again. As a precaution against the possibility of rain we decided to forego the portable dance floor we were going to install in the pick-nick area. The bonfire pile was complete, the tables and chairs set up and the lanterns ready. As the first guests started to arrive we fired the grill and the party begun! The sound equipment was connected, the musicians set up their instruments, the food and beverages started to find their way from the guests to the tables, to more guests, and everybody was enjoying the company and the atmosphere... when very dark clouds approached.

After securing the sound equipment and the instruments we all gathered under the food canopy and some umbrellas and tried to figure out what to do next. As the rain grew heavier and the winds more serious, we heard on the radio of a tornado watch. I believe that convinced even the braver of us to grab what food we could and move the party inside the house and onto the porch.

After the initial confusion of running, and carrying, and drying, and changing soaked clothes we were able to find a surface for all the food and a cramped space for all the guests. John and Dottie, our musicians, kept playing no matter where they stood, on the porch, in the kitchen on the sofa... real troopers! There were people sitting on the porch, standing by the kitchen sink, dancing in my cramped living room, and still eating and drinking and socializing and not letting the forces of Mother Nature break their spirit.

We had three different cakes for the two birthday boys: two baked by Rosemarie and one bought by my-lazy-self! William and Oli blew the candles and fed each other’s cake (don't ask me why), and the party rolled on.

When the rain finally stopped, we once again ventured outside and lit oil lanterns and candles. As some kept dancing on the wet grass, William tried to light the bonfire. The rain had been too heavy and everything was soaked beyond hope... so we resigned to the light of the candles, lanterns and torches and appreciated that the storm took care of the bugs!

We had a wonderful time and I thank all who made it possible.

Until the next party!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Italian blogging

Hello everybody!
I have received a very interesting suggestion about doing some italian heritage-related blogging.
I would love to do that, although I am not sure exactly where to start.
I am planning on going to Italy sometime this summer, and that "sometime" is now getting more and more vague.... so that should bring us some interesting topics.
In the meantime, any particular points of interest? Also, should the blogging be done in English or Italian? I don't think I have it in me to write the same post twice in two different languages... but I could do either one. (sorry guys I am lazy, and have no problem admitting it!)
Now I can start by sharing one of my present puzzles: where to go? What to do?
I love the beach, but after spending some time in Sardegna last summer, I got spoiled and do not really care for the Adriatic Sea anymore... in comparison it looks like a pond! My dad's summer house is on the Adriatic sea and would be available in July... should I take advantage of the opportunity and enjoy the beach town and the sun-bathing and beach socializing, without the thrill of diving into the crystal clear water? Or should I weigh the cost-time relationship and maybe settle for a shorter time at an expensive resort on the island? Or maybe take a wilder leap in the deep South that I have not yet visited?
Also, there is always the romantic Lake Garda that my husband loves dearly, with its wild landscapes, lovely medieval towns and amusement parks. And, of course, Asiago, cool, clean mountain air and awesome cheese and wine! Oh, and my dad will probably be there, so we definitely will spend at least a day or two there... but is it worth it to stay longer? BTW, some great art galleries there too.
Ok, enough for now. I think there is some food for thought here... now I await your comments!
Peace,
Chiara

Friday, June 20, 2008

I made a necklace today!

I have been meaning to resume my jewelry making for a while. I finally got started yesterday and today I finished my necklace.
It is a stone and glass beads torchon, it makes me thin of water, of a stony beach. It is a summery piece, in theme with the season.... not exactly with the weather... Please come in and see it, try it on and let me know what you think.

Jewelry making has been an interest of mine for a few years. I toyed with it here and there, sold a few pieces too, mostly made things for myself or as gifts. Managing an art gallery gives me a very creative environment to feed this passion, as well as a proper place to experiment and test my creations on the public. I hope to continue and learn new techniques along the way.

Happy summer everyone, and as always peace.

Chiara

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Bonfire aftermath

Hello everybody!
We have fully recuperated from the bonfire... well, i am still working out the marshmallows...
We all had a great time, too much food, water balloons and of course a few less branches in my yard. There are still plenty more though, so make sure you mark your calendar for June 29th!
We had a little more teenagers sleeping in the woods than we planned on... and I have not seen my camper yet! All in all I think Giselle had a good time and so did everybody else.
Now the our new party area is set up we are planning in doing a bit more outdoor entertaining, which is something I have been missing lately.
Oh, and we had the last t-ball game of the season Thursday and the last soccer game will be Monday, so there will be a lot more time to plan things.
Keep checking the blog and the website for updates for the fall.
Peace,
Chiara

Monday, June 2, 2008

Bon Fire

As many of you already know Giselle will soon be eaving for Italy. As few of you know, we just had to cut some trees in our yard. We figured to put the two things together and have a bonfire party to bid her farewell!
So, Wednesday the 11th of June, starting at about 5 pm, we will have a potluck party and bonfire at our house. If you want to see Giselle one more time before her Italian adventure, if you like good food and good outdoor fun.... come and join us! Oh, and if you play an instrument, bring it along! Sorry, no electricity though... and no alcohol... teenagers attending!
Hope to see lots of fun people there, e-mail or post a comment if you need directions or more info.
Peace,

Chiara

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

A need to vent

Hi Everybody!

I need to vent a little disappointment about our scholastic art show.
Understanding that this is the first time we attempt such a project, I expected some difficulties and did not plan on a huge response.
What I did not expect was that out of six school districts and five private schools that I contacted, only one school district even responded to my invitation to participate in the show.

I do have to say that the two art teachers that responded were wonderful. They worked with me on short notice, understood my lack of experience in the field and appreciated the spirit of the initiative. They offered great encouragement and suggestions for next year show. So, once again a great THANK YOU!!! goes to Mr Ritter and Mrs Lowry. A Thank you! is also due to Mr Fetterman who, with very short notice, approved a flyer advertising the show and allowed it to be sent home with each elementary student.

From the scarcity of response from the schools officials (except for the two schools that participated, nobody even bothered answering my e-mails!), I should have have deduced a lack of interest from the students and their families. And I did, a little. I just thought that the families of the students who had works in the show would come and enjoy the free refreshments at the opening reception! Or at least be interested in finding out how their children placed!

I think I did a decent job at advertising. Flyers were posted at several town businesses, and ad was placed in the local newspaper, it was advertised in our newsletter, website, and in our marquee. Flyers were sent home with all the elementary school students.... and yet, NOBODY showed up at the reception!

Well, now that I vented I will retrace my steps and see what I did wrong and how I can improve. I can promise you all that there will be a second scholastic art show next year, even if there is only one child interested in it! Of course I could not let down the people who helped put together this year's show, especially the students that participated!
One thing I know for sure I will do differently will be to advertise for the students to enter works individually, so if their schools chose not to participate, the students will be able to enter their works in the show anyway!

Peace,

Chiara

Friday, May 23, 2008

Scholastic show coming along...

Hello everybody!
I am very excited about the scholastic show opening tomorrow!
I just pick up some awesome work from Mr. Ritter, the High School Art Teacher, and I can't wait to get the Elementary artwork this afternoon!
I bought some homemade Amish sweets for the reception tomorrow, and strawberries. Yummy!
I have been a little apprehensive about this show the last few days, but it is falling into place at the last minute.
Mostly thanks to Mrs. Lowry and Mr. Ritter, and of course to the kids who entered their work!
I can't wait to see it all up!
Peace,
Chiara

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Scholastic Art Show

Our First Ever Scholastic Art Show is coming!
Saturady May 24th at 4 pm will be the opening reception. Everybody is welcome to come and see artwork from Millville Elementary school students, alongside our regular exhibits. Light refreshments will be served.
This is our way to invite children and families to the world of art. We started a little late this year, but learned a few important lessons along the way. My heartfelt thanks go to Millville Elementary School Art Teacher, Bessy Lowry, for her imput, suggestions, encouragement and overall support.
We are looking forward to seeing you all at the reception!
Peace,
Chiara

Thursday, May 1, 2008

I am back!

Finally! And finally the May edition of "La Galleria" has been sent. If you did not receive it or if you would like to be added to my mailing list, just let me know, by sending me an e-mail or posting on this blog.

My immediate project is the Scholastic Art Show, which will open May 24th. The show is open to local public and private schools as well as homeschoolers. If your school does not participate and you would like to participate individually, or if you are homeschooling, just contact me at the gallery.

William has been busy with different shows, he has work in the State Representative office, in the Capitol in Harrisburg, and from tomorrow in the Abstract Company in Bloomsburg.

Giselle's work is still in the Scholastic Art Show in Lewisburg.

I met yesterday with Tia, a new artist that will soon be showing at our gallery.

We are now in the process of rehanging several of William's pieces that were showing at the Milk Parlour's Sedeljka last saturday. Photos of that will soon be available.

Peace,

Chiara

Friday, March 14, 2008

Ciao a tutti!
We had our second meeting of the Italian play-group on Wednesday.
Olivia could not be here and we missed her, we are looking forward to see her next week.
The weather was nice so the kids played outside for a little, while mothers and a grandmother had coffee.
The children were really urging to spend time outside, after beeing cooped in most of the winter.
Once they came in and had snack, we started learning some new songs: the ABC in italian, the numbers and "I due liocorni" a very funny songs with movements, that tells the story of Noah's Ark and the animals on it.
The children were a bit shy at first, mostly worried that they could not understand and repeat the songs, but once we practice the words slowly a few times, they realized how easy and fun it can be. Then they really got into it.
Giuseppe asked to work on the banner we started at the last meeting, we did not have time, but I will plan on doing it next week. Also I will have the lyrics of the songs written for the kids to read along and take home with them.

Don't forget I host a Mary Kay party at the gallery tomorrow at 10:00. I believe I called or e-mailed everybody, but if I missed someone... just show up, it will be fun!

Until next time,

Chiara

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Welcome!






Hi, and welcome to my weblog.
Here I will be able to share with you any news that come up between issues of "La Galleria" newsletter, also I will be able to report and comment on our events as soon as they happen, and I can get YOUR imput on them!
Last Saturday was International Women's Day and we celebrated at the Gallery with a Ladies' Tea.
The event is benefiting the Women's Center of Bloomsburg. Donation will be accepted and a percentage of sale will be forwarded to the charity through the end of this week.
A representative of the Women's Center was supposed to do a presentation on self-esteem but called in sick and could not find a repacement. Sensei Bob Tomaiano of Cross Wind Karate was also expected to do a self-defense demonstration, but was unable to make the event. His student Brittany Reese, kindly stepped in at the last moment and we enjoyed a live demonstration of her skills.
Tara Holdren and Susan Brook of the River Poets attended the event and graced us with a reading of a few poems especially selected for the occasion. Artist Jo Thompson Pennypacker also read for us "I Am Woman", a poem with graphics currently for sale at our Gallery.
Nancy Schott came to talk to us about the Columbia-Montour Women's Conference and answered our questions about her candidacy for State Representative.
Artists Brash, Lori Reese, Giselle Whitmoyer and Tanya Gailan also attended the celebration.
We all had a great time,and learned a bit more about the meaning of this day and how it is celebrated around the world.
I hope that this will be the start of a new tradition for the Whitmoyer Art Studio & Gallery.
Ciao.
Chiara