Art Talk
Art Talk
When I became a volunteer with the Media Arts Council, the first task delegated to me was to help organize their upcoming This Space For Rent Art Exhibit. With a MAC email and an address book of MAC Registry Artists, I set to work at once and invited all of the artists to participate in the show. This is how I came to know Dan Dennison of Swedesboro, NJ; Dan was the very first person to reply to my invite. Since he was a new Registry Artist, only beginning to display his artwork in public, and I was an energetic new volunteer, our initial correspondences were full of enthusiasm and anticipation for the event and we were looking forward to meeting one another in person.
On the morning of the big day, Dan and his wife arrived with their van and began to unpack and set up his sculpture. Massive, clunky, clanging, and splashed with color, his steel sculptures, once erected and then still again, were a real show stopper. I took a lot of pictures that night and kept going back to his table to admire his work. He had mentioned to me earlier that day that creating sculpture was new to him and that he had never before considered himself to be much of an artistic person. I found this surprising in light of his talent and made a note to myself to keep an eye out for more exhibit opportunities for him.
When I contacted Dan about displaying his work at Jigsaw Home Solutions as the 2nd Saturday Featured Artist in July, he was very excited, as was the owner of Jigsaw. In preparation, I had asked Dan to send me a short bio about himself and his artwork for MAC’s promotional materials. During this investigative process I learned of Dan’s personal artist website, and while thumbing through its pages, was compelled to ask him if I could do a write-up on him for the “Art Talk” blog.
I called Dan on the phone a few Sunday evenings ago and we spent time talking about his life and how he came to be a sculptor. Right out of school, in 1972, he said with a chuckle, he walked into a local wrought iron business looking for a job and they hired him on the spot. The very next day he began what became his career for the next 39 years—working with wrought iron building decorative fences, gates and other types of fixtures. Not many years after that, the owners of the shop decided to sell their business and asked Dan if he’d like to buy it from them. Dan said yes, and he went into business for himself from there on.
Dan spent the next few decades honing his wrought iron design skills and as a consequence of the business he also began to acquire vast amounts of iron and steel scrap in his shop. Interested in repurposing waste materials, Dan began to tinker around with his metal remnant collection and started to fuse pieces into abstract sculpture-like designs. Inspired by and with great respect for early 20th-century iron workers, he took the gritty industrial byproduct and sculpted it into expressive artistic tributes to the trade. A quote he likes to use when describing his work is, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
Dan Dennison’s sculpture will be on display for the month of July at Jigsaw Home Solutions at 18 S. Olive Street. The opening night for his show, will be Saturday, July 14th, from 6–9pm. This opening night coincides with Media Arts Council’s Bastille Day Celebration, during which parts of State Street and Olive Street will be closed for festivities. Dan would love for everyone to stop by to see his work and to meet him. He said, with what must have been a big grin on his face, with the street being closed, he just may be inclined to put one of his enormous sculpture pieces outside.
—Kate Bundrick
Kate Bundrick is an artist who resides in Media Borough. She pursues her artistic endeavors both professionally and through volunteer work with the Media Arts Council as their 2nd Saturday Arts Stroll coordinator. Look for Kate’s articles on the Media art scene every few weeks here on figmediapa.com!
On the morning of the big day, Dan and his wife arrived with their van and began to unpack and set up his sculpture. Massive, clunky, clanging, and splashed with color, his steel sculptures, once erected and then still again, were a real show stopper. I took a lot of pictures that night and kept going back to his table to admire his work. He had mentioned to me earlier that day that creating sculpture was new to him and that he had never before considered himself to be much of an artistic person. I found this surprising in light of his talent and made a note to myself to keep an eye out for more exhibit opportunities for him.
I called Dan on the phone a few Sunday evenings ago and we spent time talking about his life and how he came to be a sculptor. Right out of school, in 1972, he said with a chuckle, he walked into a local wrought iron business looking for a job and they hired him on the spot. The very next day he began what became his career for the next 39 years—working with wrought iron building decorative fences, gates and other types of fixtures. Not many years after that, the owners of the shop decided to sell their business and asked Dan if he’d like to buy it from them. Dan said yes, and he went into business for himself from there on.
Dan Dennison’s sculpture will be on display for the month of July at Jigsaw Home Solutions at 18 S. Olive Street. The opening night for his show, will be Saturday, July 14th, from 6–9pm. This opening night coincides with Media Arts Council’s Bastille Day Celebration, during which parts of State Street and Olive Street will be closed for festivities. Dan would love for everyone to stop by to see his work and to meet him. He said, with what must have been a big grin on his face, with the street being closed, he just may be inclined to put one of his enormous sculpture pieces outside.
—Kate Bundrick
Kate Bundrick is an artist who resides in Media Borough. She pursues her artistic endeavors both professionally and through volunteer work with the Media Arts Council as their 2nd Saturday Arts Stroll coordinator. Look for Kate’s articles on the Media art scene every few weeks here on figmediapa.com!
“At last, a winter weather break!
“Come on out for 3rd Friday in the Glasstown Arts District in Millville.
“Our galleries, shops and eateries are ready to welcome you.
“There are new exhibits opening, artists’ receptions, live music, great shopping and yummy restaurants!
“Artist Maryann Cannon, at LaBottega of Art welcomes you each month with the work of 22 artists that Cannon changes for each 3rd Friday.
“A warm reception with a glass of wine and refreshments enhance the friendly and beautiful atmosphere.
Dennison’s Metal Sculpture
“The ‘Carp Cottage’ in the Village on High has a special exhibit featuring the work of Dan Dennison, who has worked with wrought iron for 35 years.
“A few years ago, Dennison began sculpting with recycled and found steel and found objects.
“He has created his own abstract style and finds himself immersed in the creation of contemporary works of art.
“Dennison’s sculpture will be on display from Feb. 17-25.
“He will host a reception during the Third Friday evening.
Guilty Pleasures Fashion Shoppe
“The shop now has Hidden Soles Handbags.
“This unique fashion design allows you to carry a second pair of shoes in its own separate and washable compartment of the handbag.
“The interior contents of your tote stays clean and organized.
“Ladies who commute to work just got a whole lot easier with this new fashion line.
“There are just a sample of what’s on tap this 3rd Friday.
“Come out and see for yourself!’
“Call 1-800-887-4957 for more information!”
—Glasstown Arts District.com
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Millville art show aims to boost interest in Glasstown
HollyCityartists and shop owners united over the weekend for a two-day fundraiser that benefited four local organizations.
The Barn Studio of Art, Citizens United to Protect the MauriceRiverand Its Tributaries, The Levoy Theater and the RiverfrontRenaissanceCenterfor the Arts were the beneficiaries of the show's revenue.
The Village on High, a quaint shopping hub, sprinkled 29 original pieces of floral or garden-related artwork outdoors to be judged by visitors.
Attendees voted with $1 donations, part of which went toward one of the four organizations of their choice. The artist with the most votes -- sculptor Dan Dennison -- received part of the total funds and designated the arts center to receive the rest. The total amount raised was unavailable Sunday.
In addition, all artwork in the show was for sale. The Village on High collected a 25 percent commission to be given to the organization of the artists' choice.
Nancy Sharp of Port Elizabethworks with found objects to create her own brand of creative recycled art. After digging through boxes at flea markets and antiques stores, she emerged with two pieces for the weekend show.
Sharp said she chose to support the Barn Studio because its director, Pat Witt, "glows with the love of art and is a cheerleader for the arts in Millville."
Sharp said she would "definitely be on board for next year's show."
The first-time event show marked the first major effort resulting from recent meetings held by Millville Development Corp. merchants and the JGSC Group, a consulting firm for retail business, to drum up foot traffic on High Street.
The idea is that, by holding events throughout the downtown Arts District, more shoppers will patronize High Street businesses.
"This is the Village's challenge -- to get people on the street," said artist Maryann Cannon, who has owned the Village on High for five years and established her own Millvillegallery, La Bottega of Art Studio, nine years ago.
"I'm so invested in this Arts District, it just has to work," Cannon emphasized.
The idea came together more quickly and easier than anyone expected, she said.
"The owners of this place knew a guitarist who would play for the event," Cannon said, pointing around the collection of cottage-like shops. "This place knew of organic farmers who would set up a farmer's market. It was a true collaboration."
Thanks to the garden art show, up-and-coming growers Shad Qudsi of Laurel Lake and Louis Geri of East Vinelandhave agreed to sell their locally grown produce every Friday, Saturday and Sunday here through November.
Shop owners in the Village opened their arms to the collaboration, and their doors to increased business, over the weekend.
Mary Ann and Michael Kuntz of Clayton own Octopus's Garden, which sells vintage jewelry and local art in the Village on High. They joined neighboring Dew Drop In shop owners Amanda and Todd Fahrer of Franklinville in kicking around ideas for improving High Street business under a shaded table during the art show. Both couples attended the city's recent meetings on the Arts District's future.
"All of us agree that we need to do more things just like this as a team," Michael Kuntz said. "Imagine what we could do if all the merchants in town joined in."
The couples said the area needs more than the once-a-month Third Friday promotions to kick-start local commerce.
"You can't just open your doors and put your stuff down and expect people to shop," Michael Kuntz said. "You have to give people a reason to be drawn in. Events like today do that."
Despite the uphill climb, both couples remain hopeful about the area's future.
"Mom-and-pop stores are what built America," Mary Ann Kuntz said. "Our country was based on craft stores. They drove the economy. For us to make our country strong again, we need to return to that mentality."
More at: http://www.thedailyjournal.com/article/20110801/NEWS01/108010310
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Borough Opens Its Heart to Art
Some of Collingswood's best artists will be bringing their talents to a joint exhibit, lovingly titled "I Heart Art."
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Next month, some of the best Collingswood area artists will come together to celebrate a slogan of shared passion—I Heart Art.
The I Heart Art exhibition opens at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 27, as five local artists' vastly-diverse works take a rarely-seen stance, unified and sitting side-by-side, all in the name of art.
The eclectic group will include the works of realist artist Tracie A. Godri, clothing designs of Danielle Marie Tobin, the metal sculptures of Dan Dennison, illustrations of Scott Kirschner and the digital art of David Phillips.
Though varied art mediums are not commonly displayed together, this event is far from common. To top off the originality, I Heart Art will be held in a truly unconventional space.
One of the event's five featured artists, Tracie A. Godri will host I Heart Art in her own home—and she won't be charging admission.
Located at 22 East Palmer Ave. in Collingswood, Godri and husband Matt are longtime borough residents. Their home has been highlighted in the annual Proud Neighbors of Collingswood Home and Garden Tour.
According to Godri, the couple have worked to make their home a beautiful place, renovating the entire structure and converting their garden into a vibrantly magical haven, accented by tree-strung twinkle lights and endless artistic charm.
Godri's home decor is a direct reflection of her artistic nature.
A native of New Jersey, Godri graduated college with an art degree, but began to feel unfulfilled in her adult life.
She quit her job in 2003 and established Funkshonal Art, a business offering her services—from custom artwork and murals, to furniture design.
And Godri decided that if home was where the heart was, it was time to bring the artist's heart into her own house.
Godri and her husband first chose to host an art exhibit, Illuminations, inside their home on June 4 of last month, agreeing the unique atmosphere could work well.
"I wanted to provide a personal space (in which) each artist (could) display their work and educate people on their craft, while being in a home-like setting," said Godri of her intentions. "I want people to feel like (they're attending) an elegant evening at a friend's house. I think more people respond to this type of atmosphere, rather than a festival setting."
Illuminations' success prompted the Godri's to host their second-ever home exhibit, I Heart Art.
Godri decided she'd announce this event in advance, in hopes there'd be time to attract both locals and visitors.
"The time of the event is being promoted as a way for out-of-towners to have dinner at one of our fabulous restaurants in Collingswood, and come to the show afterward, to make it a complete night," she said.
The longtime borough resident is especially fond of her hometown—she even painted her garage in a full mural of downtown Collingswood.
To further set the already-charming mood the Godri's home offers, famed local band She Hates Me will perform 30 minutes after doors open—from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.—during I Heart Art.
The I Heart Art exhibition opens at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 27, as five local artists' vastly-diverse works take a rarely-seen stance, unified and sitting side-by-side, all in the name of art.
The eclectic group will include the works of realist artist Tracie A. Godri, clothing designs of Danielle Marie Tobin, the metal sculptures of Dan Dennison, illustrations of Scott Kirschner and the digital art of David Phillips.
Though varied art mediums are not commonly displayed together, this event is far from common. To top off the originality, I Heart Art will be held in a truly unconventional space.
One of the event's five featured artists, Tracie A. Godri will host I Heart Art in her own home—and she won't be charging admission.
Located at 22 East Palmer Ave. in Collingswood, Godri and husband Matt are longtime borough residents. Their home has been highlighted in the annual Proud Neighbors of Collingswood Home and Garden Tour.
According to Godri, the couple have worked to make their home a beautiful place, renovating the entire structure and converting their garden into a vibrantly magical haven, accented by tree-strung twinkle lights and endless artistic charm.
Godri's home decor is a direct reflection of her artistic nature.
A native of New Jersey, Godri graduated college with an art degree, but began to feel unfulfilled in her adult life.
She quit her job in 2003 and established Funkshonal Art, a business offering her services—from custom artwork and murals, to furniture design.
And Godri decided that if home was where the heart was, it was time to bring the artist's heart into her own house.
Godri and her husband first chose to host an art exhibit, Illuminations, inside their home on June 4 of last month, agreeing the unique atmosphere could work well.
"I wanted to provide a personal space (in which) each artist (could) display their work and educate people on their craft, while being in a home-like setting," said Godri of her intentions. "I want people to feel like (they're attending) an elegant evening at a friend's house. I think more people respond to this type of atmosphere, rather than a festival setting."
Illuminations' success prompted the Godri's to host their second-ever home exhibit, I Heart Art.
Godri decided she'd announce this event in advance, in hopes there'd be time to attract both locals and visitors.
"The time of the event is being promoted as a way for out-of-towners to have dinner at one of our fabulous restaurants in Collingswood, and come to the show afterward, to make it a complete night," she said.
The longtime borough resident is especially fond of her hometown—she even painted her garage in a full mural of downtown Collingswood.
To further set the already-charming mood the Godri's home offers, famed local band She Hates Me will perform 30 minutes after doors open—from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.—during I Heart Art.
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Media’s Second Saturday Celebrates the Arts
Today our eyes are on Media PA’s Second Saturday Arts Stroll and Bastille Day celebration on Saturday, July 14th.
On the Second Saturdays of each month, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., businesses around State Street in Media stay open late and shops and cafes host local musicians and display the work of local artists. This month, Second Saturday coincides with Media’s Bastille Day celebration. The Bastille Day celebration transforms State Street into an arts-filled scene from history with activities focused around French-themed villages. Festivities for this free, family friendly event run until 10:30 p.m. and include theater presentations, plein air painters, abstract artists, children’s activities like tye-dying, outdoor dining, dance lessons by Vince Masciarelli and music by Zydeco-a-Go-Go of Philadelphia.
If you go, don’t miss the work of Dan Dennison, a former iron worker turned sculptor, who is the evening’s featured artist.
On the Second Saturdays of each month, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., businesses around State Street in Media stay open late and shops and cafes host local musicians and display the work of local artists. This month, Second Saturday coincides with Media’s Bastille Day celebration. The Bastille Day celebration transforms State Street into an arts-filled scene from history with activities focused around French-themed villages. Festivities for this free, family friendly event run until 10:30 p.m. and include theater presentations, plein air painters, abstract artists, children’s activities like tye-dying, outdoor dining, dance lessons by Vince Masciarelli and music by Zydeco-a-Go-Go of Philadelphia.
If you go, don’t miss the work of Dan Dennison, a former iron worker turned sculptor, who is the evening’s featured artist.
Metal sculpture by Dan Dennison.
