reception site inside PJ factory

reception site inside PJ factory

So, I am only showing you a few pictures…I hope you visit to fill in the blanks; after you read this post of course!

The building(s) (there are 6 or 7) are quite amazing and alive with activity. As we walked around…there were artists working in private studios, I started to wonder “what is being created” as we walk by…sometimes getting a glimpse into a door that was cracked open……and then an artist emerges only to dash down the hall disappearing into the next maze of hallways…sort of reminds reminds me of a beehive!

Then it happened a real treat…my own personal look into the mind of a master painter. The manager put the key in the door and we walked in as if we belonged. As I started to look around noticing images from newspaper clippings, whole magazine pages and books with dogeared pages laying scattered about in a collaboration only the artist could translate. The artist only paints once a week at the PJ factory and that was not today. The unfinished painting clipped to the wall was on loose canvas was at least 5×5 was starting to materialize from the clippings to canvas. We were in her studio for all of 45 seconds and yet it was so profound. Upon leaving was when I felt the great privilege and weight of being able to view the inner workings of her process a rare look at a master. I felt like I was just told a secret by her and yet she did not know she told me.

The factory is transforming quickly…

Plans for a rooftop beer garden and luxury loft apartments and already non-profits and for profits share many office spaces. Every month the PJ Factory hosts First Friday events with open studios, art for sale and special exhibits.

Don’t miss the First Friday events in downtown Williamsport also…more on that soon.

Green Drake Gallery, Millheim PA

And what an opening it was! I brought my good friend & fellow artist Laura and we drooled for 2hrs looking at all the creative expressions.

This is a destination not to be missed. If your looking to buy or just looking you will be impressed.

Green Drake Gallery, Millheim PA

Check the website for hours but don’t drive by this gem without stopping…even to peak in the windows!

I am really very grateful to be included in such an amazing collection of work.

The Surface Artist Co-op is where my gallery/client meeting space is located. I have my very own nook in an amazing old barn with huge windows and exposed beams. Most of the Artists work in their studio during the week and all of the Artists have work available for sale.

Above is a snap-shot of our temporary display on College Ave, in State College.

Surface has retail hours for shopping….

Monday- Wednesday 10-3pm  |  Thursday 10-7pm  |  Friday 10-5pm  |  Saturday 10-2pm

To see more from the artists before visiting please see our website.

SURFACE website

Surface is located at 201 Elmwood Street, State College and is a green barn with a light tan roof and an arbor out front.

This is my nook! Isn’t it cozy!

My gallery at Surface Artist Co-op

Robeson Gallery in the HUB-Robeson Center, PSU

Jana Scott, who had 2 pieces selected for Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, Images 2010 exhibit, explains the inspirations for her rust series.

WATCH MY INTERVIEW HERE…

Thank you Caroline for such a great review!

ps- if you visit the actual blog….she clearly took photos of my work at the gallery and yikes are they a poor representation of the images. Below is a snapshot that I took.

Art Works Gallery

ARTISTIC LICENSE: Elemental expression

by Caroline Denaro
Weekender Correspondent

Last week’s First Friday art walk in downtown Scranton provided a motivating abundance of art; the two-artist “Fire and Rust” exhibit at the Artworks Gallery and Studio was a pleasure that further enhanced Scranton’s art scene.

At a time when digital photography is annoyingly everywhere, the large-format, abstract photography reigned triumphant in “Fire and Rust.” Jana Scott is a talented portrait photographer whose first fine art collection is an impressive start. Creating a noteworthy buzz, Scott’s stunning images of rust capture more than meets they eye. The cohesive presentation is more than just a diligent study of rust; it is a visually stunning presentation of color and detail with an underlying meaning.

The implication or theory she infuses throughout her body of work is that one should grasp the real treasures in life, things not seen, like hope, faith and love. Inspired by a spark of creative ingenuity, she totally embraced her vision. She based her theory upon the biblical expression “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In the words of Scott: “Where is your hope? Is it in material things or spiritual things? What is your time, energy and money spent accomplishing? Are you chasing treasure that will rust away?”

Abstracting a recognizable image into one that is nonrepresentational does not apply to Scott’s collection of photographs. The artist has specifically highlighted the rust, abstracted the forms, and captured the true essence of decay by enlarging and enhancing. Exaggerated size, color and the use of a reflective surface further covey the paradigm similar to archetypes dealing with shinny, bright, objects made of gold being evil. Those particular choices, either subliminal or intentional, lend even more strength to her negative connotation of rusting treasure.

Her streamline vision, technical skills and imagery strongly suggest an educated foundation. Even if one hadn’t known about her intentions, one would still find these works strongly intriguing and resonant. The evolution of her career in fine art, already on the right path with limitless boundaries and choices, make this artist one to watch out for.

Art shouldn’t be viewed alone and admired in isolation, cordoned off from the circumstances which surrounded the creation as the post-Freudian epoch. The conceptual vision of an artist can be an extension of his or her creation. Great artists combine all facets of their own beliefs about spirituality, personal emotions and life experiences into their works.

The technically strong and dramatic works by sculptor Jeff Kuratnick are another example of theories and ideas that permeate into the artwork and run consistently throughout. Although this young and exuberant artist is known as a teacher; clearly he can hold his own in a show, as he does in “Fire and Rust.”

A graduate of Shippensburg University and Keystone College with a bachelors degree in education, Kuratnick’s artistry is also apparent in his teaching style, with concentration given to ceramics and sculpture. His kind and friendly persona make him the perfect choice as Artworks’ special needs teacher.

Easily approached, the artist passionately explained his journey from the heart. Coming from a family of stonemasons, Kuratnick continues the genetic legacy.

Evident in his style, he combines natural, fluid forms with sturdy structures to create beautiful vessels, bowls and tea sets. Kuratnick’s fashioned vessels are similar to brick or stone walls built by the masons he so fondly emulates. His heritage is that underlying factor which runs consistently throughout his vision.

Youthful exuberance was no key to his technical mastery; he displays crisp and clear nuances between the use of tone, color and texture. Also understanding the abundance of glazes and choices to be made, the color was executed masterfully, with cool blues and deep earth tones that further encompass the connection to earth. My only point of contention was that more skill solving should have been exercised on the tray of the tea set.

Both artists will be on exhibit through June 24 at Artworks
(503 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton, 570.207.1815 570.207.1815).