Artist of the Month: Francelia Brea

By Ashley Brown

"You are never going to believe this! Come see!" Francelia smiles broadly and leads me through the maze of the studio. Past the black floor in Folk Art, past the bright white walls of the pottery studio—still shining from it’s remodel, through the doorway into the Gateway Gallery artwork hung for the Gateway Local show, past the clank and chatter of the sun drenched fabric and paper studios, into the weaving studio. There she presents a pillow--stitched from seam to seam in wide basting stitches. 

The pillow is striped with a rainbow array of colors in embroidery thread. Francelia is wild for stripes. The taut stitches create a rippling effect over the fabric similar to waves on sand. Her lines of stitches have washed over the botanical design masking the fabric but not covering it completely. The stitches are so tight that the pillow is taking on a new form-- the corners of the pillow curl from the tension. What was once a 18" square pillow has been squeezed to a 14" A-symmetrical cushion.

Francelia's radiant smile is contagious. I know how much work it took her. I saw her day after day working quietly and diligently. The repetition plays through my head. Unwrap thread, slice of scissors, squeeze through the eye, match the ends, tie the knot. Then the real work starts. The sharp point of the needle goes in and out of the fabric until the line of stitches has eaten the embroidery thread to its entirety. This is a labor of love, and Francelia has the passion to endure the path to success. She looks up, a bit impatiently, and puts her hands on hips and lectures, "Well?"

 

"Well, I can see why you are artist of the month."  

Francelia has been here for 7 years working on paintings, vases, quilts, clocks, pillows, books, aprons, gift wrap, ornaments, necklaces, and many other products. Over the years, her products have sold and can be found in homes across the country. No really. There is a bowl she created that is being used in California! Each product has a life after it is sold.

Francelia too has a life after work. She loves spending time with her family in Florida, relaxing in the Jacuzzi or taking a cold dip in the pool. In Boston, you may find her at IHOP selecting her favorite meal—a Ham and Egg Griddle Melt with Fries and a small Coke.

Francelia Brea is always ready to show off her artwork. Come see her art in the store, and be sure to meet her in person.

Staff Pick: Maria Covino Relief

By Bil Thibodeau

Jump, Maria Covino, wood and ink, 2014.

Maria Covino is well known for her impressive drawings of repetitive grid patterns of lines, numbers, words and stars. Her structured yet playful subject matter has been part of Gateway and the art world for many years, and has transferred quite nicely into this dynamic three dimensional relief.

I am so happy to be working with Maria, and at Gateway Arts again, yet sometimes I miss the New York City skyline. Maria's wonderful piece entitled, "Jump" reminds me of the energy, excitement and grandeur of Manhattan

Artist of the Month: Richard McConnell

By Leah Medin

Richard spins yarn from skeins into balls for weaving projects. 

Richard McConell has been working at Gateway Arts for 24 years. These days Richard chooses to work primarily in the Weaving Studio. Richard has developed incredible weaving skills and has shown his talent through many different woven projects over the years. His fabrics have been large, small, in various colors and patterns.  Richard decides what products should be fabricated with the yardage once he finishes and it has been taken off the loom. 

Handwoven and sewn clutch. 

Richard’s work consists of hand woven bags, pillows, scarves, blankets, and more. Richard has his own Leclerc loom that he works on while in the Weaving Studio. He works very  independently and it is a pleasure to have him in the studio. Richard is very focused, which has allowed him to weave with speed and accuracy. He works at his own pace and has proven to be very dedicated to weaving.

Richard at his loom in the weaving studio. 

Richard has many friends and co-workers that he likes to greet at the beginning of his work day. He usually arrives once everyone is settled into their morning studios with a cup of coffee in his hand. He'll ask for help when needed and enjoys the many compliments he receives for his work. 

Detail of handwoven fabric.

His newest project is to weave a collection of pillows and blankets in the Weaving Studio. You can find many woven goods by Richard at the Gateway Arts Craft Store. 

Detail of hand woven scarf.

Staff Pick: Ceramic Sculpture by Brenda Sepulveda

By River Cortes

Wally the Green Monster Mascot, acrylic on ceramic, 2014. 

Brenda Sepulveda recently completed work on this ceramic sculpture of Wally the green Monster, the Boston Red Sox mascot. This subject was a natural choice for Brenda, who is an avid Sox fan. Local sports themes have turned up in many of her works.

Brenda posing with her finished sculpture in the Gateway Local exhibit. 

Brenda’s sculptural forms, like her drawn ones, are simple, logical and confident. She has a knack for solving spatial problems in ways that are both straightforward and distinctive: Brenda’s eyecatching work is easy to spot. Each part of this piece has a heft to it; each part has a logical function; and each part is painted in bright, distinguishing acrylic paint.

Brenda working on her newest pieces in the Pottery Studio.

When Brenda takes on a new project, she has a clear idea of what she wants. Any problem solving along the way serves that idea, and this clarity produces strong results. The subject matter in this piece is, of course, popular locally, but what I love most about it is the way it handles its medium, and the way it fulfills Brenda’s vision.

 Come see Brenda's work in the reception for Gateway Local on October 16, 6-8pm at the Gateway Arts Gallery.  RSVP here! 

Congressman Joseph Kennedy III visits Gateway Arts

Gateway artists and staff pose with Congressman Kennedy. 

Congressman Joseph Kennedy III, on Thursday September 4, took time out of his busy schedule to tour Vinfen’s Gateway Arts in Brookline Village. Kennedy, along with District Director Nick Clemons, had a chance to see Gateway’s studio spaces and their current exhibit, Gateway Local. The new exhibit is inspired by uniquely New England locales and allows Gateway artists to depict familiar landscapes, architecture, landmarks, and people endemic to this historic region. Kennedy, a Brookline native, admired the many familiar sights recreated by the Gateway artists.

"Gateway Arts was thrilled to welcome Congressman Kennedy and District Director Clemons to our art studio," said Vinfen President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Bird.  "Visits like these mean so much to our artists who loved being able to show off their work."

Congressman Kennedy with artist Ruby Pearl and her painting. 

Also joining Congressman Kennedy on his tour were Gateway artists Ruby Pearl and Jane Tarlow. They were able to speak with Kennedy and tell the Congressman about their works. Jane showed off her painting of Revere Beach, which greatly impressed Congressman Kennedy because of its striking detail. Kennedy then took the time to look over Ruby’s painting of the late President John F. Kennedy embracing daughter Caroline. The congressman was touched not only by Ruby’s painting but also her story of overcoming homelessness and finding support and a career in fine art at Gateway.

Congressman Kennedy and Jane Tarlow in front of her painting. 

Jane and Ruby then accompanied Congressman Kennedy through Studio A, which is funded in part by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, the philanthropy of individual donors and grant opportunities through foundations. While in the studio, Kennedy took the time to look through the artists’ finished work and once again noted how impressed he was by their talent.

Congressman Kennedy and Gateway Arts Director Rae Edelson discuss the work in the gallery exhibit.

Overseeing the tour that highlighted many of Gateway’s successes over the course of its 41 years were Gateway Arts Director Rae Edelson and Vinfen President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Bird.  Edelson commented “We are pleased to connect with our innovative Congressman Joe Kennedy and continue our tradition of support with the Kennedy family. “ Gateway Arts has a long standing relationship with the Kennedy family with support from Ted Kennedy, Eunice Shriver and Jean Kennedy.  Additional staff members were on hand to answer any questions and to provide insight into all facets of Gateway Arts.

Congressman Kennedy viewing work by Studio A artists. 

Gateway Arts is dedicated to providing individualized art-based services to adults with disabilities that will enable them to create meaningful lives and careers in art.  Located in Brookline Village, Gateway Arts serves over 100 talented adults in the Greater Boston area through its Arts Programming, store and gallery.  Gateway artists receive opportunities for local, national, and international recognition and sales.  Artists receive a 50% commission on the sale of their work. Gateway Arts is a service of Vinfen Corporation, New England’s most comprehensive provider of human services to individuals with disabilities.  

Gateway Local will be on display through Saturday, November 8. An Opening Reception will be held on Thursday, October 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and will feature local food and music with a beer tasting provided by Pretty Things, cupcakes from Party Favors, and live music Tommy Palmer and Ian Gustafson from Babydriver with special guest Matthew Mara.

Artist of the Month: Hahn Cao-Danh

By Ashley Brown

Gateway is celebrating Hanh Cao-Danh as August’s artist of the month. Hanh started at Gateway in April 2013. Hanh has an eye for pattern and color. 

Found object sculpture, 2013.

When Hanh first arrived, Hanh’s only interest in art was abstraction, and she came up with many imaginative swirly designs. While working in the studio, Hanh was inspired by what she saw happening in the studios, and she began melding her abstract designs with representational work. Here are some images of Hanh’s more recent work.

Glazed, hand-built tea pot, 2013.

Her necklaces have always been very popular. The consistent design changes after about twenty beads of the same pattern. The pattern that she creates is usually quite playful and colorful.

Wood and metal beaded necklace, 2013. 

While Hanh enjoys working at Gateway, she also has many other hobbies. You may see Hanh involved at an intense rap battle at Rami’s Restaurant in Coolidge Corner. She writes her own hip hop music. She also enjoys going to different art festivals throughout the year.  

Acrylic paint on wood pannel, 2014. 

Congratulation Hahn, and keep up the great work! 

Staff Pick: Paintings by Pat Peter

By Andrew Levine 

Playground on Thayer, acrylic on canvas, 2013

Pat Peter’s painting, Playground on Thayer, depicts a dreamlike playground with swings and benches in a familiar neighborhood and a large leafless tree, definitely for climbing to the top. Peter’s painting is reminiscent of childhood memories in the rich and bright color scheme, the whimsy of the line quality vibrates like excited children playing at the playground and the cerulean tree with bright red/orange details flows off in the distance like a fading dream. One loses oneself in the lucid scenery of Peter’s idealistic perspective.

Waiting for the Bus, acrylic on canvas, 2013

Waiting for the Bus, another painting by Peter, also portrays a similar style with rich and bright colors. These help ignite the viewer to understand the emotions of the woman sitting on the bench. She is alone, but not lonely. She is content with solitude thus allowing her to be inspired by the serene multi-colored grass and the inquisitive beauty of her surroundings to the fullest. 

Update from our former weaving supervisor, Jenine!

Solstice Art Gallery & Studio

There is a new gallery in town, and you won’t want to miss it because like the summer solstice, this gallery will only be here for a brief time. From July 26th, through September 20th, Solstice Art Gallery & Studio will breathe new life into the once vacant building at 10 Main Street in Wellfleet, Massachusetts.

Solstice Art Gallery & Studio is the creative venture of two young Boston artists, Ada Solomon and Jenine Shereos.

Solomon’s commission portrait paintings focus on the psychological landscape of her subjects and are rendered with the sensitivity of a keen observer. Studying sociology as an undergraduate at Wesleyan University and completing her MFA in social work at Simmons College, Solomon combines her interest in human nature with her life-long love of oil painting. In addition, she is also an accomplished henna artist. Inspired by her travels in India, Solomon has put her own unique twist on the art form, adorning small wooden boxes, glass vases and stones with stunningly detailed and meditative designs rendered in gold leaf and gold paint. Solomon grew up spending her summers in Wellfleet, so the idea of setting up an art gallery and studio here seemed second nature. “Wellfleet has always been my home away from home and a place of great inspiration for me.”

Shereos is a sculptor and installation artist specializing in fiber and textile techniques. After completing her MFA in fibers from California State University, Long Beach, Shereos swapped coasts and relocated to Boston, Massachusetts where she has lived since 2006. Her works currently on view at Solstice vary from knit wall-works from her De/constructed Lace series, to cyanotype prints, and even leaves intricately hand-stitched out of human hair. Shereos has exhibited her artwork both nationally and internationally, including exhibitions in France, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Portugal, Hungary, Austria, and Canada. Her work has also been published in the Los Angeles Times, The Huffington Post, Frame Magazine, Make Magazine, Texteil Plus Magazine, and Mary Schoeser’s recent publication; Textiles: The Art of Mankind.

Another perk is that Solstice is not just a Gallery, but a Studio as well. Come by and see the artists at work. And if you are lucky, you may even walk out with your very own henna tattoo.

Opening Reception: Saturday, August 2nd from 3-5pm

Gallery and Studio hours:  Monday & Tuesday by appointment, Wednesday-Friday 1-8, and Saturday & Sunday 11-3 & 5-8

Studio phone #: 617.512.3056

www.adasolomon.com 

www.jenineshereos.com

Artist of the Month: Alison Doucette

Alison working on her embroidery in the pottery studio. 

July's Artist of the Month is, Alison Doucette. Alison began working at Gateway Arts in 2013 and has diligently been building an inventory of work since.  Upon arrival Alison began embroidering various images she finds inspiring.

Mermaid embroidery in process. 

Alison has an clear understanding of color, and is able to create visually engaging pieces that keep your eye moving over the entire image.

Handwoven and applique embroidery on canvas bag.

Alison has also taken up weaving.  She uses a table top loom and creates accents for functional pieces of art. She sometimes appliques her embroidery to the woven pieces as well.

Handwoven and applique on pillow.

Handwoven appliques to canvas bag.

In her spare time Alison enjoys cooking, and while at Gateway is always offering a kind hand.  We can't wait to see what Alison comes up with next and will continue to watch her work evolve as she spends more time practicing her craft at Gateway Arts!

Staff Pick: Artwork by Jovian Eichner

By Leah Medin

Jovian has been doing a wonderful job at Gateway Arts.  He started attending in June 2014 and has been coming in five days a week. He has accomplished so much in his various studios; Paper, Weaving, Art Making, Fabric, Folk Art, Pottery and Jewelry. He has shown us how talented he is in each medium. 

Jovian is very focused and committed to his artwork. He draws different kinds of subjects like transformers and animals and draws them in particular surroundings. He sometimes layers his subjects so that certain ones are in the foreground and others are in the background. I enjoy watching Jovian work, especially when he draws in pen and markers. You can tell that Jovian is proud and confident in his artwork. 

When he starts a drawing piece, he first draws his subject with pencil and then he copies over his lines with pen. He really enjoys using Prismacolor markers to fill in his characters. His hand is very steady when he draws and it’s interesting to watch him fill in his subjects with markers, because he draws kind of like how someone would paint. When filling in a space Jovian spreads the marker in various directions without filling it in completely. These drawings are very unique and gave me the idea to introduce him to watercolor. 

Jovian has tried to paint with watercolor a few times now and it is interesting to see this kind of work expand from his style of drawing. Jovian’s artwork will continue to grow at Gateway Arts, especially when he works in his Weaving, Fabric and Pottery studios; he has worked on small hand-woven tapestries, embroideries on fabric and clay sculptures.  Jovian has an incredible imagination that allows him to create artwork that is original and fun to him.

Artist of the Month: Claude Fourel

By Peter Laughlin

June's artist of the month, Claude Fourel, has worked over 35 years as one of the most productive and accomplished artists at Gateway Arts.  While creating high quality craft items and fine art she uses a variety of materials and techniques.  Her specialties include acrylic as well as watercolor paint on practically any surface imaginable.

Her patterned style, while often geometric, ranges in subject from flourished landscapes to animal groupings; and schools of tropical fish to her favorite people.  Any discussion of Fourel's art work must include color- lots of color!  She generously provides bright, bold colors often covering the entire surface area however large.

Fourel portrays a strong design sensibility through use of a wide range of color and line work. Fanciful groups of birds, fish, insects, other animals, flowers, people from her favorite subjects span the entire surface of her work.  Beautiful cloisonne lines define each form in harmonic repetition upon an invariably color-filled environment.  Like a stained glass window bathed in light, Fourel's work shimmers with colorful activity.

Fourel's fun and energetic personality is reflected in her expressive style.  She has a definite, distinctive style to her work, which can be recognized and distinguished from all others.  The naturally, has found many avid admirers and collectors over her career. Fourel produces highly desirable decorative, functional and fine art work for the Gateway Crafts Store, Gallery, and other venues.

Throughout her career Fourel has shown in a wide range of galleries and museums all over the North East such as the Very Special Arts Gallery in Washington DC and The Community Arts Center of Cambria County in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.  In Massachusetts Fourel has been featured at The Sherril House in Jamaica Plain, Boston College, Brandeis University, The DeCordova Museum, The Chestnut Hill Mall, The Copley Place Mall, and The Gateway Gallery.

Artist Spotlight: Joanne O'Connell

My Hip Life 

By Joanne O'Connell
(Originally published in On Our Own vol.6)

My sister and I had joined a boys' swimming club.  It was a really enjoyable for me to do on a hot day.   My sister and I had taken swim lessons before.  She was five and I was ten or eleven.  She knew most of the strokes, even how to dive.  I didn’t like diving because the metal steps of the ladder hurt my feet.  There was this one boy who was always teasing us.  It was usually fun and we would talk with this boy.  I felt so cool in the water. 

One day, he lured my sister into the deep end.  I guess she didn't know how to swim in the deep end, or she got scared.  She panicked and started to drown, so I jumped in to save her.  That's when she put her arm around my neck and pulled me under the water.  I saved my sister that day, but I drowned. 

After the accident, I was in a wheelchair.  I had lost the use of my arms and legs as well as my vision.  With the help of a physical therapist, I am now able to walk with a stick.  My vision has also come back, gradually, but not completely.  At first, I could see light, then colors.  Now I can see straight ahead. 

When I look back, I still get upset.  If I had that boy in front of me, I would slap him.  I cannot remember how everything happened.  It is hard for me to talk to my mother and sister about the accident.  I don’t want to bring them down.  I know my mom would just start crying.  Today, I try not to feel self pity.  I try to grow.  

My hip life- it mainly involves my job at Gateway Arts, which is for the most part, fun.  I practice skills of painting and drawing.  The program also gives a strong emphasis to writing.  At home, I share a room with my sister.  I have three windows to look out of.  We have both of our clothing in the same closet, but we don’t have any disputes.  I’m more comfortable in a T-shirt and a pair of jeans.  She likes to wear dresses.  Marie’s really smart and she tell me a lot of the things that happened in her day. 

The two most scary experiences I have had recently were with an escalator and a roller coaster.  During my first encounter with an escalator, I lost my balance.  This real nice guy grabbed me.  I had injured my ankle a little, but I had an encounter with a slick guy.  The time I rode on a roller coaster, it was during summer break with some friends.  I was holding on with two hands, making a desperate attempt not to swallow my gum.  It was really scary, but fun.  It is important for me to exercise and keep the blood flowing to my brain and through the arteries.  I also have a lot of fun with my dog, who sleeps on my bed.  I share most of my food with him, even my Mounds bar.  I like to take him on walks through the neighborhood. 

On occasion, I feel distraught about my "disability" and how it affects my life.  What really irks me is when I encounter people with prejudiced attitudes about my appearance.  I try to let it ride over my head.  If I acted as if I had a chip on my shoulder, it could become quite annoying.  I try to accept things as they are and move on from there.  I try to make positive change, but everything has its pros and cons.

You can’t be too shy.  If you are, things will pass you by.  People are more apt to converse with you if you’re cheerful.  My advice is give it your best shot, aim high, and don’t focus on negative vibes people give.  

Joanne's new work on fabric samples is currently on exhibit in the Front Gallery at Gateway Arts. 

Joanne O'Connell: Paintings on Fabric
June 3 - August 23, 2014
The Gateway Gallery
62 Harvard Street 2nd Floor
Brookline, MA 02445
Gallery Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9-4:30PM * Sat. Noon -5PM
Always Open Online

Staff Pick: A Series of Drawings by Abdel Michel

By Ashley Brown

Abdel at work in the studio. 

Rowes Wharf, graphite on paper, 2014 

Pencil poised, eyes frequently darting from drawing to resource material, Abdel Michel is Gateway’s rising star. He may be sitting in the studio at Gateway Arts, but his slightly chewed pencil is taking him into downtown Boston, Forest Hills, and Dudley Square. If you have a question about the MBTA, Abdel is the local guru. His drawings feature T-stations, bus terminals, landmarks, and Boston neighborhoods.

Fenway Park,graphite on paper, 2014

Abdel starts his drawings by mapping out the larger structures immediately creating depth. This foundational outline acts as a road map to Abdel when he is ready to give life to the windows, doors, and trees.  After the initial sketch, he uses a heavier hand to draw in the detail.  He has a natural ability for scale and proportion, so his eraser rarely gets a work out. Abdel’s attention to detail is remarkable.

The Old State House, graphite on paper, 2014

Interestingly, Abdel edits the resource material and removes some of the objects in the photo.  Upon closer look, this series of drawings is missing one key feature for any bustling city. The terminals are silent and picturesque. The busy streets are unusually empty and void of a single person. 

Kenmore Square, graphite on paper, 2014

There is an absence of people and cars in each of Abdel’s drawings. He chooses to draw the constant. Abdel focuses his effort on the stable structures that can’t be easily manipulated in the landscape such as sidewalks, buildings, and trees. The buildings are trustworthy and unchanging, therefore, equally recognizable.

Bunker Hill Monument, graphite on paper, 2014

Maverick Station, graphite on paper, 2014

This body of work is breathtaking when viewed as a series. One drawing may have a congested array of windows and buildings, while another gives the eye breathing room with gestural trees and inches of silence.

Forest Hills Station, graphite on paper, 2014

The drawings above are available for purchase priced at $100 each.  If you are interested please contact Gateway Arts today!