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! 

Artist Spotlight: Ella Williams

By Tori Westcott

Don't Panic...We've got you covered this Father's Day

Stumped on what to get the man that's always there.....

Gateway Arts has a large selection of tee-shirts to suit every Dad's style and one-of- a- kind personality! Shop the Gateway Craft Store this Saturday to see all the different ways to Thank that special man in your life!             

                                                                                                                                                                       

Does Dad have a specific Sunday schedule?  Make sure to pick him up this NFL ceramic clock so he never misses kick-off. 

 Dad will also need something to drink his favorite beverage from, this oversized ceramic mug makes a great gift! 

Is baseball more Dad's speed?  Why not show gratitude for all of those years of him as your T-Ball coach with this one of a kind plaque! 

Does Dad always make Sunday morning pancakes just how you like 'em; a hand thrown mixing bowl and brand new apron will show him just how much you appreciate those home cooked meals.

And you can never go wrong, by suggesting he teaches you to cook! Try out any of our "Cook Your Arts Out"  recipes for some yummy quality time. 

Has Dad been toting around the same briefcase for the last 10 years?  Update him this Father's Day with the King of all messenger bags. He's sure to be the hot topic at the water cooler with this hand painted piece by Kathleen Wells.  

Shop the Gateway Craft store for more inspiration! 
Open M- F 11- 6 pm * Sat. 12- 5 pm

Artist of the Month: Beth Knipstein

By Courtney McKenna and Ashley Brown

Playfulness, vivid colors, and an element of fun are the building blocks of the work by Elizabeth Knipstien.   Much like herself, Knipstein's artwork evokes an innocence and glee that presents whimsy. Despite those qualities the artist's work is intentional.  

Beth Knipstein was born in 1983 and lives in Arlington, Massachusetts. Since 2007 she has attended Gateway Arts. Knipstein's sense of humor and love of all things Disney drive her artistic practice. Over the last 7 years Knipstein has established a strong portfolio that gives a nod to pop-culture. 

                    

Her positive outlook, dedication, and strong work ethic has made her a widely appreciated role model in the studios.  Always willing to help her peers out when she can Knipstein receives pleasure in helping her colleagues succeed. 

Although playful, Knipstein is an emotional artist who feels very deeply.  She is an advocate for herself and other individuals with Down Syndrome.  This past year she has donated work to Anna's Angels, for an art event to showcase art work by artists with special needs in support of Down Syndrome research. In 2013 her painting of Fenway Park was published in the Woodbine House book "A Room of Golden Shells". Knipstien has also been featured as one of three artists in the documentary, Three Paths, produced by the Center for Emerging Artists. 

Staff Pick: Spring Painting Series by Paper Studio Artists

By Mark Hennen

Betty Antoine

The earth wakes up!  

                          

Carmen Martinez

Nicanor Sanchez

When the bear shakes off his winter slumber and strolls out of the woods looking for something to eat country folk know spring is coming.

Hanh Cao-Danh

Barbara Brown

Carl Phillips

Looking out of the windows in the paper studio at Gateway Arts one cannot help but notice the astounding unfolding of spring as well.  

Carmella Salvucci

Debra Belsky

Janet Inman

Kayla Johnson

So after a long hard winter and with a tip of the hat to our rural cousins a group of paper studio artists are celebrating the arrival of the spring planting season by working on a series of acrylic paintings dedicated to the imagery of everyday life in the heartland.

David O'Toole

For additional information or inquiry on any of the Spring Paintings please contact Mark Hennen.

Get 'em while they're hot!

IN 4 Easy STEPS

1) Pick your artist

2) Pick your shoe size 

3) Talk to Ashley

4) Pick up your new kicks! 

Fuller Craft Museum Presents:

Shine a Light: Artistic Expressions from Gateway Arts

March 22, 2014 – June 29, 2014
Summer Exhibitions Reception Sunday, June 29, 2:00 pm celebrating 3 exhibitions: 
Annete Bellamy: Floating, Dorothy Simpson Krause: Book + Art, and Shine a Light

For over 40 years, Gateway Arts located in Brookline, Massachusetts, has provided a means for hundreds of adults with disabilities to communicate their thoughts and ideas through the arts.  Some cannot rely on verbal expression to tell their stories, at Gateway they find their voices through art making.  The artwork presented in Shine a Light: Artistic Expressions from Gateway Arts represents just a fraction of the meaningful work being created in the lively studios of Gateway Arts.  This exhibition is not only a celebration of Gateway Arts but also pays homage to the artists who have come through their doors to change and be changed by its service.  Fuller Craft Museum is honored to “shine a light” on these extraordinary creations and to give our visitors the opportunity to be inspired by the talented artists that created them.     

Artistic expression can be hugely beneficial to individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.  It can have a particularly profound impact on people with disabilities.  When given the chance to create artwork this population, which is often marginalized, becomes empowered.   Art making can be a vital outlet of expression and a way to process difficult experiences and emotions.

About Fuller Craft Museum

Fuller Craft Museum, New England’s only museum of contemporary craft, is dedicated to the objects, ideas, and insight that inspire both patrons and artists to explore life through the art of contemporary craft. Fuller Craft Museum is located at 455 Oak St. in Brockton, MA. The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, with free admission for all Thursdays from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Admission is $8 adults, $5 seniors and students, free for members and children 12 and under. For more information on Fuller Craft exhibitions and events please visit www.fullercraft.org or call 508.588.6000. 

**Thank you to Titi Ngwenya for supplying this press release.**