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.