News
Keith Vanderlin Artist Biography
25th August 2026
25th August 2026
Bio
I was in the 1966 graduating class at the Williamsport High School. Our 60th class reunion is scheduled for this summer, and I plan to attend. During my 4 years at the WHS I was more interested in sports than either art or photography. After high school I attended Gettysburg College and majored in the Biological Sciences. As part of my liberal arts education at Gettysburg College, I elected to take several art and literature classes including Drawing and Modern Dance. Suddenly art became important to me. My parents gave me a 35mm camera as a graduation gift. I still have it. In 1970 I enrolled in Temple University’s Intern Teaching Program where I earned an MEd in Science Education. Concurrently I gained 2 years of public-school teaching experience at the Vare Junior High School in South Philadelphia. I taught 8th grade Physical Science. At the time I lived with my wife Sandra in a center city apartment on 13th Street and Lombard.
After 2 years Sandra and I left Philadelphia wanting to travel. From 1972 to 1974 we explored many National Parks. I began making landscape images with my Gettysburg College graduation gift, a Richo Singlex camera. At the time I was making images with Kodachrome film. After traveling I took an analog photography class with Terry Wild in Williamsport. I left Pennsylvania and moved to Connecticut where I joined a community of people interested in photography as an art form. I worked at the Willimantic Camera Center while Sandra attended a graduate program at the University of Connecticut. We parted ways and eventually divorced.
While at the Willimantic Camera Center I made a portfolio of images and applied to the Rhode Island School of Design. I was placed on the waiting list, but eventually I was accepted into the MFA program. I packed everything I owned into my red Volkswagen square back and drove to Providence Rhode Island to experience the life of a graduate student, photographic artist and college teacher in a world that was totally foreign to me. While at RISD I worked parttime for the Wheeler School, the Providence Country Day School and Brown University. I was busy. After earning my MFA in Photography I was hired by RISD for a temporary one-year position in the Photography Department to teach parttime and manage the equipment room. I married again and became a stepfather times 2. In due time our daughter Abbey was born. Life was full. However full-time teaching positions were few and far between and houses were out of our price range. In 1984 we moved to Pennsylvania in a very large U-Haul truck. The red Volkswagen square back was history. Our destination was an old farmhouse, a “fixer upper”, in Loyalsock Township. We had the high hopes of finding employment in Williamsport.
For two years I worked as a freelance photographer and tried to remodel “this old house”. Freelance photography didn't appeal to me, and I struggled with home remodeling, which depleted our savings. I started my search for teaching jobs at the Williamsport Area Community College. I knocked unannounced on Dean Dan Doyle’s office door, where I introduced myself and proposed my vision of starting a Photography Program there. To my surprise, he seemed to be somewhat interested in the idea. Eventually I handed in a resume and was added to the parttime teachers’ list.
In due time I was called in at mid semester to teach a class in Photojournalism because the instructor had taken a leave of absence. I was very excited about the opportunity, but disappointed because there was no lab component to the course. Students in the Photojournalism class were required to have a 35mm film camera for assignments, but they had their film developed and printed at Hoyer’s, which at the time was in downtown Williamsport next to Franco’s Restaurant. As a believer in “kinetic” learning and trained at RISD to learn by doing, I searched for a suitable space to use as a darkroom. In the basement of the Academic Center, I found a one enlarger darkroom used by students who were working on the Yearbook. I do not remember the logistics or the sequence of events, but before the Photojournalism course was over each student in the class developed one 35mm 24 exposure roll of 400TX film, made a contact sheet from the negatives and enlarged a negative or two using the lone Besler enlarger located in the darkroom closet. In short that is history of how the Photography classes started at The Pennsylvania College Of Technology.
In 1989 I was hired by the Pennsylvania College of Technology as a fulltime Instructor in the Graphic Design Department. Photography was a very popular course, and I enjoyed teaching it. At the end of each semester, I exhibited student’s work on campus. It was an important part of their learning process. At one point the administration agreed to fund a “student gallery” space in the Campus Center. We selected the student lounge on the second floor of the Campus Center. With a $5,000 budget it was converted into the 291 Campus Center Gallery in honor of Alfred Stieglitz’s 291 New York gallery. Today the Pennsylvania College of Technology has a prime exhibition space, The Gallery at Penn College. It has proven to be one of the premiere exhibition spaces in Central Pennsylvania. Last year I exhibited recent works at the Gallery some of which will be on display at the Artspace Gallery in August.
I retired from Penn College at the age of 73 having had the joy of teaching there for 33 years. People often ask me if I am enjoying retirement. It has taken me 3 years to develop a positive attitude regarding retirement. I miss the collegiality of teaching, but I miss the students most of all.
I was in the 1966 graduating class at the Williamsport High School. Our 60th class reunion is scheduled for this summer, and I plan to attend. During my 4 years at the WHS I was more interested in sports than either art or photography. After high school I attended Gettysburg College and majored in the Biological Sciences. As part of my liberal arts education at Gettysburg College, I elected to take several art and literature classes including Drawing and Modern Dance. Suddenly art became important to me. My parents gave me a 35mm camera as a graduation gift. I still have it. In 1970 I enrolled in Temple University’s Intern Teaching Program where I earned an MEd in Science Education. Concurrently I gained 2 years of public-school teaching experience at the Vare Junior High School in South Philadelphia. I taught 8th grade Physical Science. At the time I lived with my wife Sandra in a center city apartment on 13th Street and Lombard.
After 2 years Sandra and I left Philadelphia wanting to travel. From 1972 to 1974 we explored many National Parks. I began making landscape images with my Gettysburg College graduation gift, a Richo Singlex camera. At the time I was making images with Kodachrome film. After traveling I took an analog photography class with Terry Wild in Williamsport. I left Pennsylvania and moved to Connecticut where I joined a community of people interested in photography as an art form. I worked at the Willimantic Camera Center while Sandra attended a graduate program at the University of Connecticut. We parted ways and eventually divorced.
While at the Willimantic Camera Center I made a portfolio of images and applied to the Rhode Island School of Design. I was placed on the waiting list, but eventually I was accepted into the MFA program. I packed everything I owned into my red Volkswagen square back and drove to Providence Rhode Island to experience the life of a graduate student, photographic artist and college teacher in a world that was totally foreign to me. While at RISD I worked parttime for the Wheeler School, the Providence Country Day School and Brown University. I was busy. After earning my MFA in Photography I was hired by RISD for a temporary one-year position in the Photography Department to teach parttime and manage the equipment room. I married again and became a stepfather times 2. In due time our daughter Abbey was born. Life was full. However full-time teaching positions were few and far between and houses were out of our price range. In 1984 we moved to Pennsylvania in a very large U-Haul truck. The red Volkswagen square back was history. Our destination was an old farmhouse, a “fixer upper”, in Loyalsock Township. We had the high hopes of finding employment in Williamsport.
For two years I worked as a freelance photographer and tried to remodel “this old house”. Freelance photography didn't appeal to me, and I struggled with home remodeling, which depleted our savings. I started my search for teaching jobs at the Williamsport Area Community College. I knocked unannounced on Dean Dan Doyle’s office door, where I introduced myself and proposed my vision of starting a Photography Program there. To my surprise, he seemed to be somewhat interested in the idea. Eventually I handed in a resume and was added to the parttime teachers’ list.
In due time I was called in at mid semester to teach a class in Photojournalism because the instructor had taken a leave of absence. I was very excited about the opportunity, but disappointed because there was no lab component to the course. Students in the Photojournalism class were required to have a 35mm film camera for assignments, but they had their film developed and printed at Hoyer’s, which at the time was in downtown Williamsport next to Franco’s Restaurant. As a believer in “kinetic” learning and trained at RISD to learn by doing, I searched for a suitable space to use as a darkroom. In the basement of the Academic Center, I found a one enlarger darkroom used by students who were working on the Yearbook. I do not remember the logistics or the sequence of events, but before the Photojournalism course was over each student in the class developed one 35mm 24 exposure roll of 400TX film, made a contact sheet from the negatives and enlarged a negative or two using the lone Besler enlarger located in the darkroom closet. In short that is history of how the Photography classes started at The Pennsylvania College Of Technology.
In 1989 I was hired by the Pennsylvania College of Technology as a fulltime Instructor in the Graphic Design Department. Photography was a very popular course, and I enjoyed teaching it. At the end of each semester, I exhibited student’s work on campus. It was an important part of their learning process. At one point the administration agreed to fund a “student gallery” space in the Campus Center. We selected the student lounge on the second floor of the Campus Center. With a $5,000 budget it was converted into the 291 Campus Center Gallery in honor of Alfred Stieglitz’s 291 New York gallery. Today the Pennsylvania College of Technology has a prime exhibition space, The Gallery at Penn College. It has proven to be one of the premiere exhibition spaces in Central Pennsylvania. Last year I exhibited recent works at the Gallery some of which will be on display at the Artspace Gallery in August.
I retired from Penn College at the age of 73 having had the joy of teaching there for 33 years. People often ask me if I am enjoying retirement. It has taken me 3 years to develop a positive attitude regarding retirement. I miss the collegiality of teaching, but I miss the students most of all.
Beyond The Blue
01st July 2025
01st July 2025
Artspace Gallery Announces Opening of “Beyond the Blue – Two Fish Out of Water”
Thursday, July 3 – Saturday, August 16, 2025
Artist Reception: Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Artspace Gallery, 221 Center Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 is pleased to announce the opening of their latest exhibition, “Beyond the Blue – Two Fish Out of Water”, showcasing works by gallery member Sara Mika and guest artist Juliet Doucette-Renner.
Sara Mika has worked as an independent artist for the past 24 years. She creates under the moniker Mock Pie Studio mainly from her home studio in Catawissa, PA. A native of Binghamton, NY, she has been comfortable here all these years, close to the same Susquehanna River that flows through her home city. An underwater-themed show almost seems appropriate, though Sara’s motives are more in exploring the ways in which women are compared to fish rather than how the river impacts our lives. More than a year’s worth of work has gone into the production of the pieces for this exhibition…a true labor of love.
Juliet Doucette-Renner was born lucky to artist/art educator parents, and was encouraged throughout life to experiment, embracing all mediums. She developed an early lasting love for textiles and now focuses on dye discharging a foundation of reclaimed denim, using a wide variety of hand embellishments, quilting, and crochet in a rainbow of color, texture, and technique. After traveling widely and completing a 20-year Air Force career, she returned to this area to wed her childhood sweetie and pursue her fiber art passion. Juliet creates in a spacious 1870’s farmhouse amidst the idyllic countryside with her husband Steve, Golden Retriever Roofus, and assorted cats whom are all supervising! For “Beyond the Blue – Two Fish Out of Water”, she has combined her 3 years stationed and deployed in the Pacific area and many childhood summers spent on Lake Erie’s Presque Isle and Lake Edinboro, celebrating her love of water and life and all it means to the planet. Using her full palette, Juliet has created a fantasy underwater world of Art Quilts, and additional sea life whimsy hanging throughout the exhibition.
A public reception is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Both Sara and Juliet will be available to discuss their work that evening. Light refreshments and food will be served as well.
Artspace Gallery is one of the region’s oldest established fine art and craft galleries. For over 20 years the gallery has been open to the public and has exhibited and sold original pieces by local artists. As a cooperative, the member artists share in the tasks of running and maintaining the gallery year-round. Together, they keep Artspace a thriving business that has turned into the destination for art-lovers who seek beautiful, locally made art. The works exhibited include ceramics, drawings, encaustics, fiber art, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography, prints, and woodwork.
Every 6-8 weeks the gallery features a new exhibit by members, regional guest artists, or arts organizations. Throughout the year the ever-changing gallery brings a new and creative vibe to the downtown. Special events, demonstrations, and exhibit openings are always a “Can’t-Miss”.
Artspace Gallery is open Thursdays – Saturdays from 12:00 – 6:00 PM and Sundays from 12:00 – 5:00 PM or by appointment. For more information about this and additional exhibitions or the gallery’s complete listing of member artists, visit www.artspacebloomsburg.com. The gallery may also be reached by email at artspacebloomsburg@gmail.com or by phone at 570-764-0737.
Thursday, July 3 – Saturday, August 16, 2025
Artist Reception: Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Artspace Gallery, 221 Center Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 is pleased to announce the opening of their latest exhibition, “Beyond the Blue – Two Fish Out of Water”, showcasing works by gallery member Sara Mika and guest artist Juliet Doucette-Renner.
Sara Mika has worked as an independent artist for the past 24 years. She creates under the moniker Mock Pie Studio mainly from her home studio in Catawissa, PA. A native of Binghamton, NY, she has been comfortable here all these years, close to the same Susquehanna River that flows through her home city. An underwater-themed show almost seems appropriate, though Sara’s motives are more in exploring the ways in which women are compared to fish rather than how the river impacts our lives. More than a year’s worth of work has gone into the production of the pieces for this exhibition…a true labor of love.
Juliet Doucette-Renner was born lucky to artist/art educator parents, and was encouraged throughout life to experiment, embracing all mediums. She developed an early lasting love for textiles and now focuses on dye discharging a foundation of reclaimed denim, using a wide variety of hand embellishments, quilting, and crochet in a rainbow of color, texture, and technique. After traveling widely and completing a 20-year Air Force career, she returned to this area to wed her childhood sweetie and pursue her fiber art passion. Juliet creates in a spacious 1870’s farmhouse amidst the idyllic countryside with her husband Steve, Golden Retriever Roofus, and assorted cats whom are all supervising! For “Beyond the Blue – Two Fish Out of Water”, she has combined her 3 years stationed and deployed in the Pacific area and many childhood summers spent on Lake Erie’s Presque Isle and Lake Edinboro, celebrating her love of water and life and all it means to the planet. Using her full palette, Juliet has created a fantasy underwater world of Art Quilts, and additional sea life whimsy hanging throughout the exhibition.
A public reception is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Both Sara and Juliet will be available to discuss their work that evening. Light refreshments and food will be served as well.
Artspace Gallery is one of the region’s oldest established fine art and craft galleries. For over 20 years the gallery has been open to the public and has exhibited and sold original pieces by local artists. As a cooperative, the member artists share in the tasks of running and maintaining the gallery year-round. Together, they keep Artspace a thriving business that has turned into the destination for art-lovers who seek beautiful, locally made art. The works exhibited include ceramics, drawings, encaustics, fiber art, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography, prints, and woodwork.
Every 6-8 weeks the gallery features a new exhibit by members, regional guest artists, or arts organizations. Throughout the year the ever-changing gallery brings a new and creative vibe to the downtown. Special events, demonstrations, and exhibit openings are always a “Can’t-Miss”.
Artspace Gallery is open Thursdays – Saturdays from 12:00 – 6:00 PM and Sundays from 12:00 – 5:00 PM or by appointment. For more information about this and additional exhibitions or the gallery’s complete listing of member artists, visit www.artspacebloomsburg.com. The gallery may also be reached by email at artspacebloomsburg@gmail.com or by phone at 570-764-0737.
WILDSCAPES AT ARTSPACE
07th April 2025
07th April 2025
Photographer and Artspace founding member
Robert H. Brown presents an exhibit of images
from recent travels off the beaten path. A lifelong wanderer
and conservationist Robert enjoys splitting time between his traditional “hometown” photography out of his studio and his exciting explorations. A passionate student and teacher of the photographic arts he enjoys using vintage and non-vintage processes to display his work. Robert & Barbara Brown reside in Danville, PA with their Labradors and are either planning their next excursion or remodeling their historic home.
Robert’s work is continually on display and available at Artspace and select art fairs and exhibits across the Commonwealth. Additionally you can contact him for portfolio reviews.
Robert Brown - 446 Mill St. Danville, PA 17821
570-594-1653
rhbphoto.com rhbpphoto@aol.com
Robert H. Brown presents an exhibit of images
from recent travels off the beaten path. A lifelong wanderer
and conservationist Robert enjoys splitting time between his traditional “hometown” photography out of his studio and his exciting explorations. A passionate student and teacher of the photographic arts he enjoys using vintage and non-vintage processes to display his work. Robert & Barbara Brown reside in Danville, PA with their Labradors and are either planning their next excursion or remodeling their historic home.
Robert’s work is continually on display and available at Artspace and select art fairs and exhibits across the Commonwealth. Additionally you can contact him for portfolio reviews.
Robert Brown - 446 Mill St. Danville, PA 17821
570-594-1653
rhbphoto.com rhbpphoto@aol.com
Young Creative Reuben Draus Opens Show At Artspace
02nd July 2024
02nd July 2024
Reuben Draus is a 15-year-old woodworker whose passion for craftsmanship shines through in his creations. As a dedicated student and active community member, Reuben seamlessly balances his academic pursuits with his artistic endeavors. Inspired by the beauty of nature and the rich history of woodworking, Reuben's work reflects a deep appreciation for tradition while embracing modern techniques and designs. With each piece he creates, Reuben aims to evoke a sense of wonder, showcasing his innate talent and promising future in the world of woodworking.
Basic description of work:
Reuben creates pieces of functional art using locally salvaged wood, showcasing a deep appreciation for sustainability and craftsmanship. Each spun bowl, table, and cutting board is a unique blend of natural textures and elegant design, highlighting the inherent beauty of the wood's grain and patterns. Through his work, he creates beautiful items and promotes environmental consciousness with the beauty of repurposed materials.
Basic description of work:
Reuben creates pieces of functional art using locally salvaged wood, showcasing a deep appreciation for sustainability and craftsmanship. Each spun bowl, table, and cutting board is a unique blend of natural textures and elegant design, highlighting the inherent beauty of the wood's grain and patterns. Through his work, he creates beautiful items and promotes environmental consciousness with the beauty of repurposed materials.
Dennis Einar Johnson Artist Statement
26th May 2023
26th May 2023
Dennis Einar Johnson
Dennis was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1945 and spent his early childhood there until his family moved to the suburb of Willow Grove. He graduated from Upper Moreland high school where he was honored with the senior artist award.
He received an Associates degree in graphic arts and illustration from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA and upon graduation in 1966, he landed a job as a medical illustrator at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, and at the same time, received a draft notice from the United States Army. The army sent him to Alaska for two years and then on to assignment in Virginia where he finished his tour of duty as an airbrush artist. Upon his discharge, he moved back to the Philadelphia area where he worked as an art director in advertising agencies and as a graphic designer/illustrator for the Prudential Insurance Company of America.
In 1977, he graduated from Tyler School of Fine Art, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, with a BFA in Graphic Design. In 1978-1979, while working as the graduate assistant in the Art Education and Crafts Department of Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA, he earned his M Ed in Art Education. From 1979 to 1988, he taught graphic and advertising design, illustration, drawing, and airbrush techniques at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA. During that time, he also taught graphic design at the Baum School of Art in Allentown, PA. In 1988, he received an MFA in Graphic and Advertising Design from Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY and began his tenure in Kutztown University’s Communication Design Department, where over the years, he taught sixteen different courses. He established an International Summer Studies Program in England for the CD department, and for nine years, taught a course in design and advertising at the Buckinghamshire College near London.
Dennis retired from Kutztown University after seventeen years of teaching and is now a painter, mostly of marine art done in pastel. He exhibits his work locally and regionally. His work is a part of public and private collections in the US and in Europe. Several of his pieces are a part of Kutztown University’s permanent collection.
Dennis is a member of the American Society of Marine Artists.
Dennis was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1945 and spent his early childhood there until his family moved to the suburb of Willow Grove. He graduated from Upper Moreland high school where he was honored with the senior artist award.
He received an Associates degree in graphic arts and illustration from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA and upon graduation in 1966, he landed a job as a medical illustrator at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, and at the same time, received a draft notice from the United States Army. The army sent him to Alaska for two years and then on to assignment in Virginia where he finished his tour of duty as an airbrush artist. Upon his discharge, he moved back to the Philadelphia area where he worked as an art director in advertising agencies and as a graphic designer/illustrator for the Prudential Insurance Company of America.
In 1977, he graduated from Tyler School of Fine Art, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, with a BFA in Graphic Design. In 1978-1979, while working as the graduate assistant in the Art Education and Crafts Department of Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA, he earned his M Ed in Art Education. From 1979 to 1988, he taught graphic and advertising design, illustration, drawing, and airbrush techniques at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA. During that time, he also taught graphic design at the Baum School of Art in Allentown, PA. In 1988, he received an MFA in Graphic and Advertising Design from Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY and began his tenure in Kutztown University’s Communication Design Department, where over the years, he taught sixteen different courses. He established an International Summer Studies Program in England for the CD department, and for nine years, taught a course in design and advertising at the Buckinghamshire College near London.
Dennis retired from Kutztown University after seventeen years of teaching and is now a painter, mostly of marine art done in pastel. He exhibits his work locally and regionally. His work is a part of public and private collections in the US and in Europe. Several of his pieces are a part of Kutztown University’s permanent collection.
Dennis is a member of the American Society of Marine Artists.
"Suspended" -The Exhibit - Adams & Byron
23rd September 2021
23rd September 2021
“SUSPENDED”
Jan Byron and Jean Adams
What started as two friends traveling on a wine tour through the Finger Lakes, turned into a surprising artistic discovery. Jan taught Jean how to knit. The plan was to attend the Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival. This was the start of our creative adventure, working with fibers, specifically, merino wools, alpaca, and silks to create unique, distinctive scarves and wraps. We use a cold water felting or a Nuno-felting process with a silk base for most pieces. The felted piece is hand worked and as the wool shrinks, the silk ruches, creating the unique texture. The combination of color and texture produces clothing accessories that can be considered wearable art.
We along with everyone else must feel as though our lives have been suspended for a year or so. During this time frame, Jan and I have expanded our artistic discovery into multiple media. The media includes fiber, clay, wood, and metal work.
We are pleased to present our first Artist Show, SUSPENDED!
Jan Byron and Jean Adams
What started as two friends traveling on a wine tour through the Finger Lakes, turned into a surprising artistic discovery. Jan taught Jean how to knit. The plan was to attend the Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival. This was the start of our creative adventure, working with fibers, specifically, merino wools, alpaca, and silks to create unique, distinctive scarves and wraps. We use a cold water felting or a Nuno-felting process with a silk base for most pieces. The felted piece is hand worked and as the wool shrinks, the silk ruches, creating the unique texture. The combination of color and texture produces clothing accessories that can be considered wearable art.
We along with everyone else must feel as though our lives have been suspended for a year or so. During this time frame, Jan and I have expanded our artistic discovery into multiple media. The media includes fiber, clay, wood, and metal work.
We are pleased to present our first Artist Show, SUSPENDED!
Sam Dion Passes Away
13th September 2021
13th September 2021
Artspace Remembers Sam
Artspace members are deeply saddened by Sam Dion’s passing, on September 6th, and are honored to have his retrospective show at our gallery. Sam planned out the details of the show, throughout the summer, and was looking forward to displaying his recent works in the gallery that he had been a part of for so long. He delivered his paintings, and drawings, and monitored the hanging of the show. He was very much looking forward to a September open house, where he would have the opportunity to meet his friends, and patrons, who supported him throughout his many years in Bloomsburg.
Sam had a long, loving, creative, colorful and influential life. He was a member of the gallery for 12 years. He added levity and charm to our meetings, often sketching members while we talked. He had several one and two person shows, during his tenure, and would often arrive in his dapper cap to enhance his persona as the quintessential artist! We could count on Sam to interject his humor, and wit, and brighten up an otherwise mundane moment.
Sam was an incredibly gifted and dedicated artist who captured the energy and life of our community, in his colorful and expressive works. He drew, and painted, the local diner, theater, neighbors and neighborhoods, of our town. His works decorated the walls of our local hospitals and other organizations and businesses, as well. Sam and his wife, Gloria, were supportive of other artists in our community, including Artspace members, and enhanced their Bloomsburg home with the works of many. When Sam returned to the Philadelphia area, after Gloria’s passing, he maintained the same vigor, even drawing the people in his local Starbucks as they worked on their various devices, oblivious to him!
We honor Sam and thank him for creating such a special and exuberant punctuation mark, in his long book of life, in this show at Artspace. Thank you, Sam…
The Members of Artspace
Artspace members are deeply saddened by Sam Dion’s passing, on September 6th, and are honored to have his retrospective show at our gallery. Sam planned out the details of the show, throughout the summer, and was looking forward to displaying his recent works in the gallery that he had been a part of for so long. He delivered his paintings, and drawings, and monitored the hanging of the show. He was very much looking forward to a September open house, where he would have the opportunity to meet his friends, and patrons, who supported him throughout his many years in Bloomsburg.
Sam had a long, loving, creative, colorful and influential life. He was a member of the gallery for 12 years. He added levity and charm to our meetings, often sketching members while we talked. He had several one and two person shows, during his tenure, and would often arrive in his dapper cap to enhance his persona as the quintessential artist! We could count on Sam to interject his humor, and wit, and brighten up an otherwise mundane moment.
Sam was an incredibly gifted and dedicated artist who captured the energy and life of our community, in his colorful and expressive works. He drew, and painted, the local diner, theater, neighbors and neighborhoods, of our town. His works decorated the walls of our local hospitals and other organizations and businesses, as well. Sam and his wife, Gloria, were supportive of other artists in our community, including Artspace members, and enhanced their Bloomsburg home with the works of many. When Sam returned to the Philadelphia area, after Gloria’s passing, he maintained the same vigor, even drawing the people in his local Starbucks as they worked on their various devices, oblivious to him!
We honor Sam and thank him for creating such a special and exuberant punctuation mark, in his long book of life, in this show at Artspace. Thank you, Sam…
The Members of Artspace
Sam Dion Retrospective Exhibit
26th August 2021
26th August 2021
SAM DION ~ RETROSPECTIVE
Sam Dion is an artist whose career has spanned from successful illustrator
to award-winning painter. At 91 years old, Dion is more prolific than ever,
creating paintings, drawings and sketches from his home in Roxborough,
Pennsylvania. Dion is always creating a new pastel, gouache, watercolor or
multi-media work inspired by the beauty and incongruities of the world
around him. Dion’s pictures create a snapshot of a moment in time, the
afternoon light on a windowsill, a view from the porch, a reclining cat, an
old bike alongside a flowering tree.
Before the pandemic, Dion was never without a conté crayon or pastel
capturing people in local coffeeshops, where customers would be unaware
of his sketching them. Cafes, diners and outdoor eateries were inspiration
for Dion’s many paintings and sketches. His love for people comes through
in his skill for capturing figures moving, walking, reading, chatting and
playing instruments.
Dion’s passion for painting and drawing began decades ago in Philadelphia
and Atlantic City, where he would draw portraits of passersby on the
boardwalk. Born in 1930, his pastel “Bread, Cheese and Wine” earned him
a scholarship in 1948 to The Museum School of Industrial Arts. He also
taught at that school, which later became the Philadelphia College of Art.
He was in the 11th Airborne division 56th tank battalion stationed in
Kentucky during the The Korean conflict, and from there his career as an
illustrator took off.
From his home in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, he supported his family by
drawing storyboards for advertising agencies, editorials, pharmaceutical
and fashion illustrations, album covers, and commissions for newspapers.
Dion drew a series of portraits for the Jewish Exponent which is still in
circulation, and illustrated a cover for The Saturday Evening Post during
the Cuban Missile Crisis. His ‘Napoleon’s Retreat from Moscow’ painted for
SmithKLine pharmaceuticals, is a classically painted masterpiece in the
style of 18th century painter, Jacque-Louis David, however with the
humorous addition of handkerchiefs into which Napoleon’s army are
blowing their noses.
Upon moving to Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania in the 1990’s, Dion returned to
the landscape and portrait painting that he loved. Bloomsburg University
and the town itself gave Dion the opportunity to paint large-scale
impressionist style paintings of the town, the hills of Columbia County, and
the campus. All subject-matter was inspiration for Dion including students
engaged in sports and eating in the cafeteria. Dion also did artwork for the
Rotary Club, the fire department, the bank and restaurants, and for 15
years was an exhibiting member of the North Mountain Art League and The
Art Space gallery cooperative. Portraits of locals, friends, commissioned
portraits and musical ensembles abound from his time in Bloomsburg.
Dion moved back to Philadelphia after the passing of his second wife to be
closer to his children and grandchildren. At 91 years old, Dion’s paintings
and portraits are more vivid and bold than ever. Dion has exhibited at TheWoodmere Art Gallery, Cheltenham Art Center, The Sketch Club and The
Plastic Club. Some of his awards include The Edith Emerson Founders
Club Award in 2003 and 1st prizes for painting at The Woodmere Art
Museum in 1990 and 1998.
Sam Dion is an artist whose career has spanned from successful illustrator
to award-winning painter. At 91 years old, Dion is more prolific than ever,
creating paintings, drawings and sketches from his home in Roxborough,
Pennsylvania. Dion is always creating a new pastel, gouache, watercolor or
multi-media work inspired by the beauty and incongruities of the world
around him. Dion’s pictures create a snapshot of a moment in time, the
afternoon light on a windowsill, a view from the porch, a reclining cat, an
old bike alongside a flowering tree.
Before the pandemic, Dion was never without a conté crayon or pastel
capturing people in local coffeeshops, where customers would be unaware
of his sketching them. Cafes, diners and outdoor eateries were inspiration
for Dion’s many paintings and sketches. His love for people comes through
in his skill for capturing figures moving, walking, reading, chatting and
playing instruments.
Dion’s passion for painting and drawing began decades ago in Philadelphia
and Atlantic City, where he would draw portraits of passersby on the
boardwalk. Born in 1930, his pastel “Bread, Cheese and Wine” earned him
a scholarship in 1948 to The Museum School of Industrial Arts. He also
taught at that school, which later became the Philadelphia College of Art.
He was in the 11th Airborne division 56th tank battalion stationed in
Kentucky during the The Korean conflict, and from there his career as an
illustrator took off.
From his home in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, he supported his family by
drawing storyboards for advertising agencies, editorials, pharmaceutical
and fashion illustrations, album covers, and commissions for newspapers.
Dion drew a series of portraits for the Jewish Exponent which is still in
circulation, and illustrated a cover for The Saturday Evening Post during
the Cuban Missile Crisis. His ‘Napoleon’s Retreat from Moscow’ painted for
SmithKLine pharmaceuticals, is a classically painted masterpiece in the
style of 18th century painter, Jacque-Louis David, however with the
humorous addition of handkerchiefs into which Napoleon’s army are
blowing their noses.
Upon moving to Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania in the 1990’s, Dion returned to
the landscape and portrait painting that he loved. Bloomsburg University
and the town itself gave Dion the opportunity to paint large-scale
impressionist style paintings of the town, the hills of Columbia County, and
the campus. All subject-matter was inspiration for Dion including students
engaged in sports and eating in the cafeteria. Dion also did artwork for the
Rotary Club, the fire department, the bank and restaurants, and for 15
years was an exhibiting member of the North Mountain Art League and The
Art Space gallery cooperative. Portraits of locals, friends, commissioned
portraits and musical ensembles abound from his time in Bloomsburg.
Dion moved back to Philadelphia after the passing of his second wife to be
closer to his children and grandchildren. At 91 years old, Dion’s paintings
and portraits are more vivid and bold than ever. Dion has exhibited at TheWoodmere Art Gallery, Cheltenham Art Center, The Sketch Club and The
Plastic Club. Some of his awards include The Edith Emerson Founders
Club Award in 2003 and 1st prizes for painting at The Woodmere Art
Museum in 1990 and 1998.
Food For Thought Benefit Exhibit
02nd August 2021
02nd August 2021
Food for Thought
“Food for Thought” is Artspace Gallery’s theme show of 2021. The theme is both timely, and pertinent, as food insecurity has grown exponentially during the pandemic.
Members interpreted the theme broadly by representing food in their artwork, creating pieces for use with food and in works that encourage deep thinking.
Gallery members are donating at least one of their pieces, in the show, and all proceeds from the sale of these works will be split between The Bloomsburg Food Cupboard and Agape. Both organizations support people, living in our area, who are food insecure. Please help Artspace, help our community, by purchasing one, or more, of their pieces!
“Food for Thought” is Artspace Gallery’s theme show of 2021. The theme is both timely, and pertinent, as food insecurity has grown exponentially during the pandemic.
Members interpreted the theme broadly by representing food in their artwork, creating pieces for use with food and in works that encourage deep thinking.
Gallery members are donating at least one of their pieces, in the show, and all proceeds from the sale of these works will be split between The Bloomsburg Food Cupboard and Agape. Both organizations support people, living in our area, who are food insecure. Please help Artspace, help our community, by purchasing one, or more, of their pieces!
Ashley Lopez's Artist Statement
17th June 2021
17th June 2021
Ashley Lopez is a Bloomsburg, PA native, currently residing in Danville, PA. She started her art career in the early stages of childhood with inspiration from her father, an artist and photographer, and mother, a baker who created art via her icing. Art for her started to really develop when her doodles were noticed by her art teacher - Dr. Mark Jones.
She attended Luzerne County Community College and received an Associate's Degree in Graphic Design. Upon graduation, she took a job at the frame shop, Art Ventures, where she learned how to frame various works of art with Edward Giannatassio.
At Bloomsburg University she found a love for all the art practices, especially printmaking. She achieved a double major in the art field with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art with Printmaking and Graphic Design. She was exposed to many printmaking processes, inspiring endless possibilities and experimentation.
Post-graduation she has had two art shows won an honorable mention at the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center during their Juried Regional Art Exhibition in 2017; and earned 1st and 2nd place at the Faculty Alumni Exhibition at Luzerne County Community College, that same year.
The past few years have found her in hiatus from art to work on life. She is now ready to rejoin the art world and open to inspiration to create new works. Recently she has started down the path of opening a studio/gallery ‘The Art Grind’ in Danville, PA with her business partner Brock Dent. 'The Art Grind' will have a place to create work, hold workshops, as well as possibly opening up a small gallery inside for local artists.
She attended Luzerne County Community College and received an Associate's Degree in Graphic Design. Upon graduation, she took a job at the frame shop, Art Ventures, where she learned how to frame various works of art with Edward Giannatassio.
At Bloomsburg University she found a love for all the art practices, especially printmaking. She achieved a double major in the art field with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art with Printmaking and Graphic Design. She was exposed to many printmaking processes, inspiring endless possibilities and experimentation.
Post-graduation she has had two art shows won an honorable mention at the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center during their Juried Regional Art Exhibition in 2017; and earned 1st and 2nd place at the Faculty Alumni Exhibition at Luzerne County Community College, that same year.
The past few years have found her in hiatus from art to work on life. She is now ready to rejoin the art world and open to inspiration to create new works. Recently she has started down the path of opening a studio/gallery ‘The Art Grind’ in Danville, PA with her business partner Brock Dent. 'The Art Grind' will have a place to create work, hold workshops, as well as possibly opening up a small gallery inside for local artists.