CHERE WINNEK-SHAWER

            “I have always like to make things, in wood, metal, or whatever was at hand. And I have always loved to learn. However, for many years I was so busy with life that I almost forgot about that desire to create. First it was having children, then school with a Ph. D in Philosophy, with a short hiatus into pottery, subsequently a J.D. in Law and practicing law for many years. The lo and behold I retired. At last I remembered my creative desire and I was back again in school, first in weaving (Fibers) and then Jewelry and Metals and I have been at it ever since.”

                                                                        -Chere

            Chere’s versatility in academia is clearly reflected in her artwork. For our gallery, Chere has provided overwhelmingly different styles of necklaces and earrings. While the picture above shows her affinity for metals work with a touch of steam-punk aesthetics, her other works show a refinement and interest in delicate beads and stones with bright, vibrant colors. Chere’s flexibility in her creations is one of our favorite things about her pieces.   

P.S.-the beautifully crafted jewelry box that Chere's piece adorns is also available! It's made from cherry and maple by Fred Hummel. 

CHILDREN'S MAKE & TAKE WORKSHOPS IN MARCH AND APRIL

Some really exciting and unique workshops are being given at the Artists Hand! Talented art educators and artists will be teaching four different creative activities in the next two months for children ages 6-12! Two sessions are held for each activity (10am and 12pm), and are only $20 per child. Here's the lineup for March and April! 

March 15-Open Workshop!

Stop in after the St. Patrick's Day parade for an open workshop. Materials will be available to draw and paint for only $10!

March 22-Altered Books

Explore the hottest new art form, Altered Books, with Megan Henry! Bring your own photos to personalize your work. 

April 12-Creative Drawing

Corey Lim is back to lead students in a creative drawing lesson. Bring your imagination! 

April 19-Yarn Sculpture

Megan Sowers will work with students to create a sculpture of their name using yarn. 

For more information, you can visit our website (www.theartistshandgallery.com) or contact us at contact@theartistshandgallery.com or 724-463-8710. Register today by calling or stopping by the gallery and espresso bar! 

JONELLE SUMMERFIELD

         Jonelle graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. Although she has no formal art education, her mother was her art teacher. She had exposed Jonelle to art since childhood, and then in high school she took a drawing class for extra credit and discovered that she actually enjoyed producing art. After she graduated from college, her mother taught her how to paint with oils. Her mother had taken a lot of workshops with Pittsburgh area artists, yet she also had not studied art formally. Jonelle had worked for eight years as a kitchen designer and is now a full time artist.

“I paint in the realistic style partly for the challenge of it, partly because I want to capture moments, day, and events that will perhaps never occur again.”—Jonelle

A lack of formal training certainly goes unnoticed in Jonelle’s work. Using oil as a medium, she masters the exploitation of its potential; her pieces recall the Italian Renaissance use of chiaroscuro, or the treatment of light and shade, which has a remarkable effect here. The above piece is entitled “Bird Watching” and captures natural sunlight, displaying her affinity for fleeting moments. Jonelle has several pieces in our gallery, all of which display equal artistic dexterity. 

MARCH EVENTS!

         Here’s what’s happening at our gallery this month! Everything from Children’s Make & Take workshops to music, exhibits, and poetry! And, of course, you can always just come in to grab a coffee or see the newest art work. 

Children’s Make & Take Workshops—Saturdays at 10am and 12pm. $20/student, ages 6-12. Call or stop in to register!

March 8 & 22—Explore the “hottest” new art form, Altered Books, with Megan Henry.              Bring your own photos to personalize your work.

March 15—Stop in after the St. Patrick’s Day parade for an open work shop. Materials will be available to draw and paint for only $10.

Emphasis on IHS

March 7, 6-8pm—Come to the opening of the exhibition of work by Indiana High School Senior Art students. There will be food.

Empty Bowl Fundraiser

March 11, 11am-2pm—For your $15 donation, you will help put an end to hunger and be able to choose your own handmade bowl filled with fresh homemade soup, bread, and a dessert! Benefits the Indiana County Food Bank. If you’re looking to donate or volunteer, contact Nancy (nsmeltzer@windstream.net) or Garick (g.tai-lee@iup.edu) or go to www.emptybowls.net

Westsylvania DownTown Jam

March 13, 6-8pm—The Westsylvania Jazz & Blues Festival will hold their monthly jam session! Bring your axe or just come to listen. All age levels and abilities are welcome!

Photography Class

March 15, 3-5pm—Ron Juliette will continue with his series of talks. This month’s talk is “Man vs. Camera: Exploring Artistic Sensitivity” designed for the beginning photographer, or anyone who wants to take better photographs. Bring a digital SLR or an equivalent camera! Cost is $35, students $20. To register, give us a call or pop in for a visit!

Poetry Night!

March 28, 6-8pm—our espresso bar will once again hold its monthly “Lit. Night"-Lit. Night is designed for the writers of the community—poetry, prose, performance art, short stories! Come and read, or come and see! February’s was a huge success, and we hope this one will be, too! BYOB!

Pajama Game Cabaret

March 29, 11am—IUP Theater-by-the-Grove’s cast of The Pajama Game will perform selections from the hit musical!