Linda Winegar
Linda is the owner of the Artbeat Gallery and co-owner of Winegar Pottery with her husband Jim Winegar. I am penning this feature as her husband and partner for the last 43 years. I am getting away with this because she is in a weakened state from a bout with the flu. Normally she would not be too keen on giving herself any recognition.
At Artbeat Gallery Linda takes pride in showcasing the wealth of talent within the region. Within less than a year she has built a gallery representing over 55 of the areas finest creative talents.
Linda is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and upon graduating we moved to New England and with partners established our first gallery in 1974. Winegar Pottery was also born at that time and we've been producing hand-thrown pottery for the last four decades. Much more can be learned about the pottery at: winegarpottery.com
Linda's clay work showcases her skills in wheel forming of delicate and beautifully proportioned vessels that are enhanced with carving, embossing and inlaying of semi-precious stones. All of the glazes used have been developed and tested to compliment the look and utility of the functional clay work.
Linda was born and raised in Greene County and takes great pleasure in spreading the word as to the creative talent within the region. The Artbeat Gallery has been very well received in the region as the place to find that very special piece of art.
Linda's fine clay work speaks for itself, but another facet of her life is dedicated to volunteering with a program called ,"Odyssey of the Mind" This is a creative problem solving experience for kids. For the past 9 years Linda has headed up the program as the State Director and has lead the organization to be recognized as one of the strongest and most successful programs of this type in the world. More info on Pennsylvania Odyssey of the Mind can be found at: paodyssey.coM
Linda is the owner of the Artbeat Gallery and co-owner of Winegar Pottery with her husband Jim Winegar. I am penning this feature as her husband and partner for the last 43 years. I am getting away with this because she is in a weakened state from a bout with the flu. Normally she would not be too keen on giving herself any recognition.
At Artbeat Gallery Linda takes pride in showcasing the wealth of talent within the region. Within less than a year she has built a gallery representing over 55 of the areas finest creative talents.
Linda is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and upon graduating we moved to New England and with partners established our first gallery in 1974. Winegar Pottery was also born at that time and we've been producing hand-thrown pottery for the last four decades. Much more can be learned about the pottery at: winegarpottery.com
Linda's clay work showcases her skills in wheel forming of delicate and beautifully proportioned vessels that are enhanced with carving, embossing and inlaying of semi-precious stones. All of the glazes used have been developed and tested to compliment the look and utility of the functional clay work.
Linda was born and raised in Greene County and takes great pleasure in spreading the word as to the creative talent within the region. The Artbeat Gallery has been very well received in the region as the place to find that very special piece of art.
Linda's fine clay work speaks for itself, but another facet of her life is dedicated to volunteering with a program called ,"Odyssey of the Mind" This is a creative problem solving experience for kids. For the past 9 years Linda has headed up the program as the State Director and has lead the organization to be recognized as one of the strongest and most successful programs of this type in the world. More info on Pennsylvania Odyssey of the Mind can be found at: paodyssey.coM
Alice M. Burroughs
The etchings, watercolor and oil paintings of Alice Burroughs illustrate and celebrate complex patterns in nature. These she finds in the wings of a cicada or the decaying blossoms of hibiscus. Her love for nature and for gardening is expressed in the fine detail of her work.
Alice grew up on a farm in Western Pennsylvania, graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and had a long career as a fashion illustrator and commercial artist. While many artists have embraced computer technology, Alice prefers to study the old, labor-intensive and, in some cases, nearly forgotten techniques. In addition to her artwork, Alice is the gardener for the historic David Bradford House in Washington, Pa., a state museum.
The etchings, watercolor and oil paintings of Alice Burroughs illustrate and celebrate complex patterns in nature. These she finds in the wings of a cicada or the decaying blossoms of hibiscus. Her love for nature and for gardening is expressed in the fine detail of her work.
Alice grew up on a farm in Western Pennsylvania, graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and had a long career as a fashion illustrator and commercial artist. While many artists have embraced computer technology, Alice prefers to study the old, labor-intensive and, in some cases, nearly forgotten techniques. In addition to her artwork, Alice is the gardener for the historic David Bradford House in Washington, Pa., a state museum.
Leslie Fehling
Lives and works in a Victorian farmhouse, atop a windy hill in Prosperity and creates gorgeous watercolor paintings, inspired by her surroundings. Many of her paintings depict scenes around Greene County. You may be familiar with her "Our Town" series, which features scenes in Waynesburg. Leslie loves sketching & capturing almost anything with her watercolor brush, from country landscapes, to her beautiful hydrangeas, to her napping cat. She finds beauty and interest in everyday things like a cup of tea or a vase of flowers and creates wonderful images of these little slices of life. To quote Leslie (from her blog, Everyday Artist: http://www.lesliefehling.com "It makes me happy to know that my sketches can bring a smile to someone's face and add a little bit of joy to their lives."
Watch an interview with Leslie, produced by "the Greene Room" with Haley Greene and film students of Waynesburg University in October of 2011 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO_VYRk2mrU
Leslie talks about how she got started, and shows her sketch books and her beautiful watercolor paintings. She also talks about her trip to Ireland which resulted a wonderful book with many sketches from the trip. The book, Sketchbook Journeys-Ireland is available at Artbeat.
Lives and works in a Victorian farmhouse, atop a windy hill in Prosperity and creates gorgeous watercolor paintings, inspired by her surroundings. Many of her paintings depict scenes around Greene County. You may be familiar with her "Our Town" series, which features scenes in Waynesburg. Leslie loves sketching & capturing almost anything with her watercolor brush, from country landscapes, to her beautiful hydrangeas, to her napping cat. She finds beauty and interest in everyday things like a cup of tea or a vase of flowers and creates wonderful images of these little slices of life. To quote Leslie (from her blog, Everyday Artist: http://www.lesliefehling.com "It makes me happy to know that my sketches can bring a smile to someone's face and add a little bit of joy to their lives."
Watch an interview with Leslie, produced by "the Greene Room" with Haley Greene and film students of Waynesburg University in October of 2011 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO_VYRk2mrU
Leslie talks about how she got started, and shows her sketch books and her beautiful watercolor paintings. She also talks about her trip to Ireland which resulted a wonderful book with many sketches from the trip. The book, Sketchbook Journeys-Ireland is available at Artbeat.
Melanie Miller
When I look at a piece of fabric I see endless possibilities. Unlike working on canvas, a piece of unbleached muslin can become a colorful, 3-d piece of art work that can be placed anywhere, that can be held, felt and enjoyed without fear of damage.
I am self taught in both sewing and painting.
Many of my art toys are cat themed. Cats are my one real love. Cats are fluid, graceful, in their movements. I have dedicated my time to caring for and rescuing cats from the streets, and I'm very involved in the TNR movement for feral cat colonies (trap, neuter, return). My creative 'buddies' are Nugget, a blind ginger tom who lives indoors, Dirteh, a cat with severe allergies who lives indoors, and Nelson, a Turkish Van tom rescued from the feral cat holocaust in Monessen a year ago.
My painting style is inspired by Dia de los Muertos art and by Hindu religious art. I love color and detail.
Currently I live in Rices Landing and I am involved with the mural project which will be starting in the next week, sponsored by The River Town organization and PCA. I am hoping that we can paint murals throughout my town for a few years to come.
When I look at a piece of fabric I see endless possibilities. Unlike working on canvas, a piece of unbleached muslin can become a colorful, 3-d piece of art work that can be placed anywhere, that can be held, felt and enjoyed without fear of damage.
I am self taught in both sewing and painting.
Many of my art toys are cat themed. Cats are my one real love. Cats are fluid, graceful, in their movements. I have dedicated my time to caring for and rescuing cats from the streets, and I'm very involved in the TNR movement for feral cat colonies (trap, neuter, return). My creative 'buddies' are Nugget, a blind ginger tom who lives indoors, Dirteh, a cat with severe allergies who lives indoors, and Nelson, a Turkish Van tom rescued from the feral cat holocaust in Monessen a year ago.
My painting style is inspired by Dia de los Muertos art and by Hindu religious art. I love color and detail.
Currently I live in Rices Landing and I am involved with the mural project which will be starting in the next week, sponsored by The River Town organization and PCA. I am hoping that we can paint murals throughout my town for a few years to come.
George Wazenegger
George is a friend of many years, who creates imaginative mixed media wood collages. His nostalgic creations are of fictitious architectural places, which may represent a small country town, a roadside diner, an old Victorian, a Pennsylvania farm property or a cottage by the beach. In his constructions, George uses a combination of recycled wood, acrylic paints and other found materials. Although his early interest was mainly in drawing and design (he worked for Joseph Horne Company & Lazarus in Pittsburgh as a “display” artist and later a store planner), in 1970 he began creating his wood collages and assemblages. His process is self-taught and his inspiration comes from his love of architecture and images from his travels across the country.
As a member of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh and the Craftsmens Guild of Pittsburgh, George’s work is well recognized throughout southwestern PA. He’s shown his work nationally and internationally. He’s been in festivals, exhibitions and galleries across the country and has received numerous awards.
George is a friend of many years, who creates imaginative mixed media wood collages. His nostalgic creations are of fictitious architectural places, which may represent a small country town, a roadside diner, an old Victorian, a Pennsylvania farm property or a cottage by the beach. In his constructions, George uses a combination of recycled wood, acrylic paints and other found materials. Although his early interest was mainly in drawing and design (he worked for Joseph Horne Company & Lazarus in Pittsburgh as a “display” artist and later a store planner), in 1970 he began creating his wood collages and assemblages. His process is self-taught and his inspiration comes from his love of architecture and images from his travels across the country.
As a member of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh and the Craftsmens Guild of Pittsburgh, George’s work is well recognized throughout southwestern PA. He’s shown his work nationally and internationally. He’s been in festivals, exhibitions and galleries across the country and has received numerous awards.
Russell Shaffer.
Russell is a school teacher who hails from Wellsburg, West Virginia. Russ is a truly unique artist in that he creates the paper that becomes his artwork! To create his beautiful embossed engravings, he starts by carving images into an acrylic template. Derived from dried flower petals and other organic materials, the paper pulp is created and then sized with an acrylic fixative & UV preventative to allow for workability and to ensure longevity of the finished product. The sized pulp is then pressed into the carved template, where it is left to dry for 4-5 days. Once the pulp is completely dry, it is run through an offset printing press. The intense pressure allows for the clarity of the three-dimensional images in Russell’s work. The pulp, now paper, is run through a series of 10-15 presses, with increasing pressure. The resulting artwork may be left as a “natural” piece, but Russ often enhances his natural images by hand-painting them with watercolors, to create one-of-a-kind embossed engravings.
The images in his artwork are inspired by his family life and travels. Many of the materials used in creating his paper are grown at this home, while others are collected while traveling with his family. Examples include homegrown ferns, lambs ear, hydrangea & magnolia; seaweed & plankton from the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans and the Caribbean and numerous wildflowers from throughout West Virginia, Pennsylvania and the East Coast. We hope you'll explore Russell's extraordinary artwork on your next visit to the gallery.
Russell is a school teacher who hails from Wellsburg, West Virginia. Russ is a truly unique artist in that he creates the paper that becomes his artwork! To create his beautiful embossed engravings, he starts by carving images into an acrylic template. Derived from dried flower petals and other organic materials, the paper pulp is created and then sized with an acrylic fixative & UV preventative to allow for workability and to ensure longevity of the finished product. The sized pulp is then pressed into the carved template, where it is left to dry for 4-5 days. Once the pulp is completely dry, it is run through an offset printing press. The intense pressure allows for the clarity of the three-dimensional images in Russell’s work. The pulp, now paper, is run through a series of 10-15 presses, with increasing pressure. The resulting artwork may be left as a “natural” piece, but Russ often enhances his natural images by hand-painting them with watercolors, to create one-of-a-kind embossed engravings.
The images in his artwork are inspired by his family life and travels. Many of the materials used in creating his paper are grown at this home, while others are collected while traveling with his family. Examples include homegrown ferns, lambs ear, hydrangea & magnolia; seaweed & plankton from the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans and the Caribbean and numerous wildflowers from throughout West Virginia, Pennsylvania and the East Coast. We hope you'll explore Russell's extraordinary artwork on your next visit to the gallery.
Christy Nicholas
Christy comes to Artbeat from across the border, in Morgantown West Virginia. While Christy’s professional work is as a CPA, her artistic roots run deep. Christy’s mother, grandmother and great-grandmother are/were all artists and her childhood was filled with drawing, painting, crafts and all sorts of creative endeavors. Her love of art and nature have turned into a passion to share with others the joy & wonder of the natural beauty that surrounds us. As Christy puts it, “when I see a serene sunset or a sweet blossom, I want to pass on the wonder and delight I feel, in both my photography and the creation of my jewelry. To allow other people a glimpse into my mind with my art is a wonderful feeling!”
Christy’s unique beaded jewelry is hand-sewn, bead by bead with needle and thread. Her exquisite necklaces are one-of-a-kind pieces. The intricate nature of her delicate beadworking process would drive any normal person to distraction. Many hours are dedicated to each individual piece. To complement her gorgeous neckware, she creates unique bracelets, earrings, rings and pins.
In her photographic endeavors, much of her focus is on capturing the beauty of what she refers to as her”spiritual homeland,” the British Isles. Browsing through her images of castles, abbeys, stone walls, celtic crosses, seaside cliffs, pastoral settings and charming cottages is a travelogue through the isles. Christy has also published 2 books: For Love of Celts and Kilts and Cock-A-Leekie (A Yank Wanders through Scotland). Both are photo journals of her travels in Ireland and Scotland, filled with vibrant images of her travels. The next time you’re in the gallery, peruse a copy of Kilts and Cock-A-Leekie and experience the magic of the Isles through Christy’s limited edition photographs or accent your favorite outfit with a striking piece of her beaded jewelry.
Christy comes to Artbeat from across the border, in Morgantown West Virginia. While Christy’s professional work is as a CPA, her artistic roots run deep. Christy’s mother, grandmother and great-grandmother are/were all artists and her childhood was filled with drawing, painting, crafts and all sorts of creative endeavors. Her love of art and nature have turned into a passion to share with others the joy & wonder of the natural beauty that surrounds us. As Christy puts it, “when I see a serene sunset or a sweet blossom, I want to pass on the wonder and delight I feel, in both my photography and the creation of my jewelry. To allow other people a glimpse into my mind with my art is a wonderful feeling!”
Christy’s unique beaded jewelry is hand-sewn, bead by bead with needle and thread. Her exquisite necklaces are one-of-a-kind pieces. The intricate nature of her delicate beadworking process would drive any normal person to distraction. Many hours are dedicated to each individual piece. To complement her gorgeous neckware, she creates unique bracelets, earrings, rings and pins.
In her photographic endeavors, much of her focus is on capturing the beauty of what she refers to as her”spiritual homeland,” the British Isles. Browsing through her images of castles, abbeys, stone walls, celtic crosses, seaside cliffs, pastoral settings and charming cottages is a travelogue through the isles. Christy has also published 2 books: For Love of Celts and Kilts and Cock-A-Leekie (A Yank Wanders through Scotland). Both are photo journals of her travels in Ireland and Scotland, filled with vibrant images of her travels. The next time you’re in the gallery, peruse a copy of Kilts and Cock-A-Leekie and experience the magic of the Isles through Christy’s limited edition photographs or accent your favorite outfit with a striking piece of her beaded jewelry.
Jeffrey Moyer
Jeffrey refers to himself as a "maker." "It is my mission, my job and my passion to make things. This is motivated by loving care for my fellow beings and by a strong desire to share. I strive to express this in the things that I make. To achieve it, I have explored and utilized many media: paint, ink, stone, wood, glass, living landscapes, and the written word. The medium is simply the vehicle; I trust my inner voice to find the road.”
After many years of concentration as a skilled watercolorist, Jeffrey's current medium of choice is "kiln-formed" or "fused" glass. The glass is initially worked “cold” and is then fired in a kiln specifically programmed to achieve the desired effects. At the highest (or “soak”) temperature, the work attains a molten or semi-molten state, and all the components are permanently fused and integrated. The work is then carefully annealed (in the kiln) at different temperatures and hold times to relieve stresses and stabilize the piece.
To create his gorgeous glass images, he layers glass frits (granular glass particles) and powders onto a solid glass sheet. The materials must be applied and controlled with considerable care & precision and he often blends and layers the frits & powders, as with “washes” in watercolor painting. This process is painstaking and time-consuming and a single panel of complex design can require in excess of 100 hours to complete. While most of his work is in the form of flat panels which are mounted on steel stands for display, we also have some of Jeffrey's smaller creations (suncatchers and ornaments) in the gallery.
As a primarily self-taught artist, through the years Jeffrey's path has taken many turns and twists. Included is his journey are: a BA degree from Dickinson College, majoring in History & English; duties as an Intelligence Officer for the US Navy, with service in Iceland, Norway & the U.K.; time in Wales as a part-time antique dealer and watercolorist; and his many travels to Southeast Asia, India, Egypt, Mexico & Central America. In 1998, he landed in western Greene County where he has chosen to live in a remote setting in order to more fully focus on his life's work as a maker. I hope some of you had an opportunity to speak with Jeffrey at our recent Grand Opening Celebration. If you didn't, please stop in and enjoy his many uniquely beautiful creations at Artbeat.
Jeffrey refers to himself as a "maker." "It is my mission, my job and my passion to make things. This is motivated by loving care for my fellow beings and by a strong desire to share. I strive to express this in the things that I make. To achieve it, I have explored and utilized many media: paint, ink, stone, wood, glass, living landscapes, and the written word. The medium is simply the vehicle; I trust my inner voice to find the road.”
After many years of concentration as a skilled watercolorist, Jeffrey's current medium of choice is "kiln-formed" or "fused" glass. The glass is initially worked “cold” and is then fired in a kiln specifically programmed to achieve the desired effects. At the highest (or “soak”) temperature, the work attains a molten or semi-molten state, and all the components are permanently fused and integrated. The work is then carefully annealed (in the kiln) at different temperatures and hold times to relieve stresses and stabilize the piece.
To create his gorgeous glass images, he layers glass frits (granular glass particles) and powders onto a solid glass sheet. The materials must be applied and controlled with considerable care & precision and he often blends and layers the frits & powders, as with “washes” in watercolor painting. This process is painstaking and time-consuming and a single panel of complex design can require in excess of 100 hours to complete. While most of his work is in the form of flat panels which are mounted on steel stands for display, we also have some of Jeffrey's smaller creations (suncatchers and ornaments) in the gallery.
As a primarily self-taught artist, through the years Jeffrey's path has taken many turns and twists. Included is his journey are: a BA degree from Dickinson College, majoring in History & English; duties as an Intelligence Officer for the US Navy, with service in Iceland, Norway & the U.K.; time in Wales as a part-time antique dealer and watercolorist; and his many travels to Southeast Asia, India, Egypt, Mexico & Central America. In 1998, he landed in western Greene County where he has chosen to live in a remote setting in order to more fully focus on his life's work as a maker. I hope some of you had an opportunity to speak with Jeffrey at our recent Grand Opening Celebration. If you didn't, please stop in and enjoy his many uniquely beautiful creations at Artbeat.
David Lesako.
Dave has been teaching art for more than 30 years. His students have ranged from kindergarteners through college age. After retiring as a public school teacher in the Central Greene School District, he is currently working as an adjunct art instructor at Waynesburg University, teaching drawing, watercolors and printmaking. His luscious pastel landscapes are often created en plein air (a French expression which means "in the open air" and refers to drawing and painting outdoors). Dave lives in a log home in New Freeport with his wife Miriam, a chef who writes a weekly column for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, "Miriam's Garden." Dave's painting studio is in another log building which he purchased, disassembled, moved and re-assembled on his property, with some customized additions.
Dave works mostly in pastels and oils, with some occasional printmaking. Many of his gorgeous landscapes were influenced by the wild beauty that surrounds him and many of his subjects are within walking or hiking distance of his home. He prefers bright late afternoon or early evening light and enjoys documenting the seasonal changes. Dave lists the French Impressionists and the German Expressionists among his favorite painters. When he talks about his teaching experiences, it is with great enthusiasm: “I have students who have to take an art class, not because they want to but because they have to for their major, and I love teaching them. Some of them haven’t picked up a pencil and drawn anything since they were in third grade. As a teacher, I teach how to see first, and the drawing follows. Drawing is psychological, and I love that.”
Dave has been teaching art for more than 30 years. His students have ranged from kindergarteners through college age. After retiring as a public school teacher in the Central Greene School District, he is currently working as an adjunct art instructor at Waynesburg University, teaching drawing, watercolors and printmaking. His luscious pastel landscapes are often created en plein air (a French expression which means "in the open air" and refers to drawing and painting outdoors). Dave lives in a log home in New Freeport with his wife Miriam, a chef who writes a weekly column for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, "Miriam's Garden." Dave's painting studio is in another log building which he purchased, disassembled, moved and re-assembled on his property, with some customized additions.
Dave works mostly in pastels and oils, with some occasional printmaking. Many of his gorgeous landscapes were influenced by the wild beauty that surrounds him and many of his subjects are within walking or hiking distance of his home. He prefers bright late afternoon or early evening light and enjoys documenting the seasonal changes. Dave lists the French Impressionists and the German Expressionists among his favorite painters. When he talks about his teaching experiences, it is with great enthusiasm: “I have students who have to take an art class, not because they want to but because they have to for their major, and I love teaching them. Some of them haven’t picked up a pencil and drawn anything since they were in third grade. As a teacher, I teach how to see first, and the drawing follows. Drawing is psychological, and I love that.”
Lisa Platt
A native Pittsburgher, Lisa is a self-taught mixed-media sculptor, whose one-of-a-kind mosaics would make a wonderful addition to anyone's living space. Lisa's creations are a whimsical and fun celebration of life, representing her magnetism to nature and the people who are integral to her world. Her charming mosaics are characterized by vibrant colors and are constructed of red clay tile, stained glass and found and recycled objects.
Lisa spent some years in Florida, which spawned her interest in sea creatures and mermaids. Her fanciful creations can be found around Pittsburgh. Next time you're visiting the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, check out Lisa's mosaic that wraps around the stingray tank! She also created a large mosaic for Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, which features the city and countryside, populated with doctors, nurses, birds, giraffes and monkeys. Lisa worked for the Pittsburgh Zoo for 16 years, as Operations Manager, in charge of the gift shop, the restaurant, catering & special events. The demands of her full-time job didn't allow much time for her artistic endeavors, and after so many years, she decided to make a change and became a self-employed artist. Lisa is the current President of the Craftsmen's Guild of Pittsburgh. Several of our other Artbeat artists are members of the Guild.
Lisa's mosaic subjects include lots of sea creatures, mermaids, roosters, cats, as well as cityscapes and country scenes. Two of our favorites in the gallery are "Here Comes the Sun" and "Triple-Tail Mermaid." Lisa says it best: "My intent is to share my playful spirit by providing a bit of happiness to those who encounter my creations."
A native Pittsburgher, Lisa is a self-taught mixed-media sculptor, whose one-of-a-kind mosaics would make a wonderful addition to anyone's living space. Lisa's creations are a whimsical and fun celebration of life, representing her magnetism to nature and the people who are integral to her world. Her charming mosaics are characterized by vibrant colors and are constructed of red clay tile, stained glass and found and recycled objects.
Lisa spent some years in Florida, which spawned her interest in sea creatures and mermaids. Her fanciful creations can be found around Pittsburgh. Next time you're visiting the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, check out Lisa's mosaic that wraps around the stingray tank! She also created a large mosaic for Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, which features the city and countryside, populated with doctors, nurses, birds, giraffes and monkeys. Lisa worked for the Pittsburgh Zoo for 16 years, as Operations Manager, in charge of the gift shop, the restaurant, catering & special events. The demands of her full-time job didn't allow much time for her artistic endeavors, and after so many years, she decided to make a change and became a self-employed artist. Lisa is the current President of the Craftsmen's Guild of Pittsburgh. Several of our other Artbeat artists are members of the Guild.
Lisa's mosaic subjects include lots of sea creatures, mermaids, roosters, cats, as well as cityscapes and country scenes. Two of our favorites in the gallery are "Here Comes the Sun" and "Triple-Tail Mermaid." Lisa says it best: "My intent is to share my playful spirit by providing a bit of happiness to those who encounter my creations."
Edric Florence
Edric has been working in wood since the early 1960s. In his words, “it gives me great satisfaction to create a piece from something that was destined for a landfill, dumpsite or firewood box.” As a self-taught woodworker, he started “turning” around 1984 and it took him a number of years before he had enough confidence in his turnings to show them to the public. It was at that time that he realized he was only limited by his imagination and he began pushing the envelope on the limits of this art form.
As a native of Hawaii (he now lives in Bethel Park), Edric draws a lot of his energy and ideas from his Polynesian heritage, from the everyday usage of wood in cultural lifestyles to its functionality and its artistic influences. Although he doesn’t hesitate to use exotic woods for a finishing touch on a piece, he obtains most of his materials locally, often bartering with tree-removal companies, arborists and collectors. Wood enthusiasts are fascinated by the elegance and lightness of Edric’s forms and find the spalted maple with African Blackwood accents (below) to be a particularly striking combination. We hope you’ll enjoy Edric’s beautiful vessels on your next visit to the gallery!
Edric has been working in wood since the early 1960s. In his words, “it gives me great satisfaction to create a piece from something that was destined for a landfill, dumpsite or firewood box.” As a self-taught woodworker, he started “turning” around 1984 and it took him a number of years before he had enough confidence in his turnings to show them to the public. It was at that time that he realized he was only limited by his imagination and he began pushing the envelope on the limits of this art form.
As a native of Hawaii (he now lives in Bethel Park), Edric draws a lot of his energy and ideas from his Polynesian heritage, from the everyday usage of wood in cultural lifestyles to its functionality and its artistic influences. Although he doesn’t hesitate to use exotic woods for a finishing touch on a piece, he obtains most of his materials locally, often bartering with tree-removal companies, arborists and collectors. Wood enthusiasts are fascinated by the elegance and lightness of Edric’s forms and find the spalted maple with African Blackwood accents (below) to be a particularly striking combination. We hope you’ll enjoy Edric’s beautiful vessels on your next visit to the gallery!
“Uncle Dave” Howard.
Dave is a 2012 International Book Awards finalist and 2011 U.S.A. Best Books Award Finalist for his book Lady’s Day to Play. Dave grew up in Monongahela, but now lives in Waynesburg with his wife Judy and his dog Lady. In his early school years, he was placed in special classes for children with learning disabilities and overcame many challenges, as a student with A.D.D. (attention deficit disorder) and dyslexia. Art and storytelling soon became his escape from a world of confusion and restrictions, to a world where he could become anything his imagination could put on paper. A turning point came when he received a word processor as a Christmas present. As he puts it, “The stories just flew off the top of my head and onto the keyboard.” After graduating from Ringgold High School, Dave attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and California University of Pennsylvania.
Dave’s first book, Lady’s Day to Play, was the result of his desire to give a special baby shower gift to his niece. The book was a big hit at the shower, with many people asking for copies. Unfortunately, his great-niece passed away from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (S.I.D.S.) when she was only 2 months old. To help cope with the loss, he rewrote the book, which became Lady’s Day to Play. Dedicated to his great-niece, a portion of it’s sales go to S.I.D.S. research. Since then he has written and illustrated numerous books, which we carry in the gallery.
Affectionately known as “Uncle Dave”, he tours local schools, libraries, festivals, universities and book stores, reading to children and encouraging them to create books from their imagination. Stop by the gallery on Saturday (10-4:00) and talk with Dave about his passion for storytelling and writing!
Dave is a 2012 International Book Awards finalist and 2011 U.S.A. Best Books Award Finalist for his book Lady’s Day to Play. Dave grew up in Monongahela, but now lives in Waynesburg with his wife Judy and his dog Lady. In his early school years, he was placed in special classes for children with learning disabilities and overcame many challenges, as a student with A.D.D. (attention deficit disorder) and dyslexia. Art and storytelling soon became his escape from a world of confusion and restrictions, to a world where he could become anything his imagination could put on paper. A turning point came when he received a word processor as a Christmas present. As he puts it, “The stories just flew off the top of my head and onto the keyboard.” After graduating from Ringgold High School, Dave attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and California University of Pennsylvania.
Dave’s first book, Lady’s Day to Play, was the result of his desire to give a special baby shower gift to his niece. The book was a big hit at the shower, with many people asking for copies. Unfortunately, his great-niece passed away from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (S.I.D.S.) when she was only 2 months old. To help cope with the loss, he rewrote the book, which became Lady’s Day to Play. Dedicated to his great-niece, a portion of it’s sales go to S.I.D.S. research. Since then he has written and illustrated numerous books, which we carry in the gallery.
Affectionately known as “Uncle Dave”, he tours local schools, libraries, festivals, universities and book stores, reading to children and encouraging them to create books from their imagination. Stop by the gallery on Saturday (10-4:00) and talk with Dave about his passion for storytelling and writing!
