First Annual Student Show

1st Annual Student Exhibit

June 12th - 28th

TraillWorks Gallery
135 Spring Street
Newton, NJ 07860

OPENING RECEPTION -

Friday, June 12th, 6 - 8pm

I've invited my students who have been with me since I moved to Spring Street to exhibit their finest works. My students are continually astounding me with their ideas, innovation, and talent. Join me in celebrating all that they've learned.

23rd International Juried Show, Summit

Jennie & Lee in front of the Maestá paintings

The Sussex County contingent (Howie and Carol Tremper, Jennie, and Joanna West) in front of the Maestá paintings

Valentine's Day weekend turned out to be quite an artful time. Friday evening Lee, Joel and I attended the opening reception for the 23rd Annual International Juried Show at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey. I was impressed by the show and pleased with the placement of my work; the main landing in one of the staircases. My overall impression of the show was that the work seemed to be of a smaller scale than previous years (though mine were some of the larger works and I happen to be local), and agreed with Dan Bischoff's review in the Star Ledger. The show continues through March 27th if you haven't gotten a chance to see it.

Check back for tomorrow's post about the Sweetheart Walk on Valentine's Day; Love did Rock in Newton.

Love Art this Weekend

love rocks, mixed media, ©2009 Kathy Morawski

Join me in New Jersey for an artful weekend of love: two exhibitions, a 2nd Saturday, and Sweetheart Specials. 

Friday : 6 - 8pm

23rd International Juried Show Opening Reception

Visual Art Center of New Jersey

Summit

Saturday: 5 - 8pm

Love ROCKS! Opening Reception

TraillWorks

Newton

2nd Saturday / Sweetheart Walk 

Shop, dine and stroll with your lover on Spring Street in Newton

Highlight: JUMBLE CONTEST

Visit area stores to find the letters of a jumbled Valentine phrase. Unscrambled phrases can be entered to win a gift basket featuring coupons, gift certificates and other items from participating businesses. TraillWorks included a $25 gift certificate towards any purchase.

Sweetheart Specials

All artwork by Kathy Morawski at TraillWorks 20% off

Purchase any artwork at TraillWorks and get a free calendar 

(Valentine's Day only)

Commission a Wedding Cake Portrait and receive a set of 10 linen notecards featuring your completed portrait.

(during the month of February)

Photos from Kitchen Kitsch

Photos courtesy Tony Lordi

Last month I exhibited the work of Tony Lordi, friend and mentor to me. His work was so well-received and probably the first-ever installation displayed on Spring Street in Newton. His piece, Steam Heat, attracted to much attention, from art lovers and antique lovers alike. Many people came in because of the gleaming chrome, interested in buying the individual irons in the installation. Of course, they were for sale only as a finished artwork, not as antique irons.

Take a look at his work. I had so much fun showing it and talking about it. Plus it complemented my work quite well.

Steam Heat, © Tony Lordi

Chrome Baby, © Tony Lordi

Interior Shot of the Vintage Chrome Series at TraillWorks

Meet the Artists this Saturday

TraillWorks Window featuring Tony Lordi's Steam Heat installation, photo courtesy of Tony Lordi.

Join me in welcoming my friend and artist, Tony Lordi, to TraillWorks:

Saturday, September 13th
5 - 8pm

Part of 2nd Saturday's Tour of Art on Spring Street,
a Main Street Newton, Inc. event.

Take the Tour of Art
meet and see the work of 19 artists at participating merchants on Spring Street
click below on the map, copy and paste it into a Word document, print and follow
or pick one up at a participating merchant


Listen to Plum Run
A NJ band that blends bluegrass, folk, country music with a contemporary sound
Playing live and free in front of the Newton Fire Museum
5- 8pm

Tony Lordi's Kitchen Kitsch

I am pleased to announce that my friend and mentor, Tony Lordi, will be exhibiting at TraillWorks with me in a show titled, Kitchen Kitsch. I met Tony three years ago when a mutual friend, Linda Hirsch, gallery director of the Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council introduced us. Tony was starting a gallery, now called Art at the Mill in Lafayette, NJ, and hired me to gallery sit. Soon after I started working for him, he offered to show my work. This has led to a great relationship; Tony has constantly encouraged me and offered suggestions in marketing and artistic pursuits. I'm so lucky to have a friend in Tony and am thrilled that he is going to show his work opposite mine in my gallery. For more info about the show, click the image above for a larger view.

Exhibit Runs - September 6th - 29th
Meet the Artist - Saturday, September 13th | 5 - 8pm



Coincides with the Tour of Art, a Main Street Newton, Inc. event - 19 artists will be exhibiting at participating merchants / galleries on Spring Street September 6th - 13th. To follow the Tour of Art, maps can be picked up at TraillWorks throughout the week and information tables on Second Saturday. The Taste of Newton is being held on Monday, September 8th. Tickets can by purchased by calling the Greater Newton Chamber of Commerce at 973-300-0433. TraillWorks will be open until 10pm that evening for a preview of Tony's work.

Second Saturday

Main Street Newton, Inc. announces Second Saturdays on Spring Street with Painted Prose & Poetry. Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council, TraillWorks and Gallery By The Green, Newton’s three visual arts venues, will be hosting book signings throughout the afternoon and evening of July 12.

With Painted Prose & Poetry Main Street Newton, Inc. marks the inauguration of Second Saturdays on Spring Street. The second Saturday of each month July through December Spring Street galleries, shops and restaurants will remain open late allowing customers new and old alike the opportunity to savor the unique shopping and dining experiences downtown Newton has to offer.

Beginning at TraillWorks from 3 - 4 pm local chef and author Andre deWaal will be signing copies of his publication My Dinner at Andre’s. In addition to meeting the chef, a sampling of hors d’ oeuvres prepared by Andre along with wine provided by TraillWorks will be on hand. Andre’s cookbook pairs well with TraillWorks’ paintings by artist, Jennie Traill Schaeffer, of retro kitchen appliances.

From 4 - 7pm Geoffrey Leckie’s images of Venice will surround Francesca De Stefano at Gallery By The Green while she reads selections from her short story Living on Venetian Time, which is included in the anthology Best Women’s Travel Writing 2007. Her work, always about language, pictures, and communication, has also appeared in the anthology 30 Days in Italy. She recently received Honorable Mention in the 2008 Solas Awards for travel writing.

The Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council will be featuring local author and poet Jean LeBlanc from 5:30-6:30. Jean will be doing a series of readings from her published book of tanka, haiku and haiban titled Just Passing Through, and other poetry from her forthcoming book, At Any Moment. The readings will be complimenting the councils group exhibit Birds, Bugs, Beasts and Botanicals. Jean LeBlanc teaches writing and literature at SCCC and is the Director of the Betty June Silconas Poetry Center. She has led numerous haiku and tanka workshops.

Warren Westura for The New York Times

In addition to Painted Prose and Poetry, this first Second Saturday on Spring Street will also feature a Youth Concert organized by Youths on Main Street from 6-9PM on the Newton Green in downtown Newton. The concert will feature six bands playing various genres of music and one or more poets/spoken word artists.

For more information on this and other upcoming Second Saturday events, contact Main Street Newton, Inc. at 973-940-3178 or www.mainstreetnewton.com.

Photos from Grand Opening

Thank you to everyone who joined in celebrating my grand opening. The entire weekend was a big success with over 60 people attending on Saturday evening for a private party. Despite the boiling temperatures, a great crowd came out to see the new space.

Dog Days of Summer

It's a little early for the dog days of summer, but with temps we had in New Jersey over the weekend, it may have been August. During this utterly oppressive heat this past weekend, I held my grand opening, part of which was devoted to drawing live pets.

Based on the reaction people had to my invitation and announcement of free pet portraits, I thought I would have 25 dogs lined up at my door Sunday morning.

Kalee, 18" x 24", Graphite on Paper, © 2008 Jennie Traill Schaeffer

However, I'll chalk up the smaller turnout of only 3 dogs to the blistering temperatures. It did turn out to be a great time; I drew three dogs, two together. Each pet owner was gracious enough to help keep their dogs focused and calm, with the help of a few treats I had on hand.

Porter and Amber, 18" x 24", Graphite on Paper, © 2008 Jennie Traill Schaeffer

I would definitely do this again and hope for a cooler day. Thanks to Kalee, Porter and Amber for their genteel behavior and smashing looks!

And the winner is . . .

Jennifer Liebeskind!

Over the weekend as part of my grand opening celebration I raffled an original giclée of one of my paintings. The catch to participate in the raffle was to sign up for my mailing list. Unfortunately of the 65 people who attended my opening, only about 10 entered the raffle. I realized after the fact, most of the people were already on my mailing list; I should have just asked people to enter the raffle without signing up for my mailing list. Ah, you live and learn!

Many congratulations to Jennifer who will be receiving #2/75 limited edition giclée of Stainless Steel Cooker of Eggs.

Stainless Steel Cooker of Eggs, 8" x 10", matted 12" x 16"
Limited Edition of 75
$79

jennie@traillworks.com
www.traillworks.com

Grand Opening This Weekend

Enter to win an original limited edition giclée
during the weekend.

Stainless Steel Cooker of Eggs, Limited Edition of 75, 8" x 10"
Available Now for Order
$79 / ea.

jennie@traillworks.com
www.traillworks.com

The TraillWorks Grand Opening Weekend

I'm pleased to announce the celebration of The Grand Opening of TraillWorks. The studio unofficially opened on April 19th, and I've begun making plans for the official opening on June 7th and 8th. The weekend is sure to be fantastic; people in Newton are abuzz about the opening of another gallery, bringing more culture to this small county seat.

TraillWorks will be open on both Saturday and Sunday. During the weekend I'll be offering a door prize, showing new artworks, and exhibiting past and current student works. On Sunday from 12 - 2pm I'm inviting the first four pet owners with their pets for a complimentary 30 minute sketch (if they can get their pet to sit still that long) and from 3 - 4pm I'll be giving a gallery talk about my work.

So save the weekend and drop by TraillWorks at 135 Spring Street in Newton, NJ.

Come to Newton and see why the NY Times calls it a Main Street with Real Staying Power; visit the new ice cream parlor, pet boutique, art galleries, antique shops and a variety of restaurants.



jennie@traillworks.com
www.traillworks.com

Accepted!

In a previous post, I mentioned that I had applied to the Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council's Annual Skylands Juried Show. I've been involved in this show for three years; two years as co-chair and one year in the show winning two awards. The results are in and two of my three pieces were accepted.

Here's the scoop if you'd like to attend the opening and awards reception:

Saturday, May 3rd
6 - 9pm
Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council Gallery
137 Spring Street
Newton, NJ
for more info go to www.scahc.org | call 973-383-0027

Champagne / Hors d' Oeuvres / Music / Award Winners
at 145 Spring Street

$15 suggested donation

Sponsored by the NJ Herald

Newton Shops to Offer Discounts and Stay Open Late!

Participating merchants will be open until 9pm on the 3rd.

Many shops, including TraillWorks, will offer discounts at their stores with presentation of your ticket stub from the reception.

Stop by to be one of the first to see the new studio / gallery.

SAVE THE DATE - A grand opening is slated for June 7th & 8th.

I hope to be moved in by next week and will definitely be open on the 3rd.

You can't miss me; I'm 135 Spring Street, next to the arts council.

jennie@traillworks.com
www.traillworks.com

Peters Valley Opening Reception

Peters Valley held the opening reception of the guest artist residency program exhibition on Saturday evening. A good crowd turned up, but you won't be able to see that because I forgot to turn the flash on my camera. I need to take a course in photographing events or brush up on my photo skills to document these events.

Artists, Dave Robinson and Allyn Cantor, talking

The highlight of the evening was a surprise visit from two of the artists I lived with at Peters Valley, David Robinson and Allyn Cantor. I didn't expect anyone else to be there, but they both showed up. And, I had a chance to meet Dave's wife, who I heard many terrific things about.

Jennie in front of Perker Maestá and Our Lady of Perpetual Perking

The work in the show was varied and exceptional, ranging from paintings to birdhouses. Mikal Brutzman the director of the gallery gave a brief overview of the show followed by Jimmy Clark, PV director, introducing all of the artists which was a kind / professional gesture.

The exhibit continues through April 27th if you haven't had a chance to go. Visit Peter Valley's web site for gallery hours.



jennie@traillworks.com
http://www.traillworks.com

Opening this Saturday

Join me on Saturday from 4 - 7pm at the SCA&HC Gallery, 137 Spring Street in Newton, NJ for an opening reception previewing the work I created while at my residency in January. I am one of three featured artists exhibiting in conjunction with a members' small works show:

• Kathy Morawski - Equine / Collage Artist

Jolly Joker II by Kathy Morawski

• Jimmy Clark - Potter / Director of Peters Valley Craft Center

Work by Jimmy Clark

Come early, stay late. . . If you're in Newton for the afternoon there's plenty of terrific shopping. After the show stay in Newton for dinner. There are plenty of highly rated restaurants to dine in.

Shop -

• Radiant Essentials - gift boutique
• Maxwell and Molly's Closet - pet boutique
• Charm - home decor, antiques and gifts
• Eaton's Antiques - antique dealer (may not be open due to his move to a larger storefront)
  
• Chocolaterie - European chocolate shoppe
  
• Cheddar Alley - domestic and international cheeses and gourmet food stuff
• Yarn Loft - designer yarn goods and supplies
• Gallery on the Green - exhibiting the art of J. Geoffrey Leckie

Dine - I've eaten at each of these restaurants and recommend all

• JC's Grill House - Certified Angus Beef, Fresh Seafood, Bar
• Andre's- Wine Boutique and Restaurant
  
• Krave - Modern American Cuisine
• Narin Thai -- 11 Main Street (no web site) -- one block from gallery

Parking is pretty easy in Newton --

• 2 - hour free parking on Spring Street until 6pm
• Park on the surrounding streets for a quarter an hour / 2 hours until 6pm
• Park in public parking lots
  

jennie@traillworks.com

http://www.traillworks.com

Web Site Updated

OPENING Saturday, March 1st | 4 - 7pm
I'm a FEATURED ARTIST - SCA&HC Gallery . . .

Go to the Current Events Page on traillworks.com to find out more.

My web site has not been updated for months and most of the site I still cannot update because I am web design deficient. As I've mentioned in the past, I'm working on a site design for my wedding cake portraits, or should I say my designer (Chaves Design) is working on it. So that has become a priority right now and due to my move to a studio space I will not be able to afford to update TraillWorks.com immediately.

But, in the meantime I've updated the events page (an only text page that I can update myself) with three exhibits opening in March. So go to Current Events on my site and find out where you can see all of my new work from my Peters Valley residency.

jennie@traillworks.com
http://www.traillworks.com

Open Studio

As usual, everything is running last minute.
I am somehow always finishing things right up to the deadline.
Why, oh why!

Saturday I've invited over three hundred people into my teeny tiny home and studio.
I decided several months ago to host an open house / studio sale to try to move some inventory and get clients more aquainted with me and my work.
This seemed like a likely step for an emerging artist.

Two of my friends are catering it for me.
I was considering hiring a cleaning service, but decided to do it myself.
Invitations were mailed later than I would have liked.
Only 14 people have RSVP'd (half of them are artist friends - great for support, but not likely to buy).
I'm banking on the assumption that people don't like to RSVP and I called the event an open house.

I am somehow going to manage the following before Saturday:

• clean my house
• finish two new tiles
• finish a wedding cake portrait
• start a new saints painting
• make price labels for all of my work
• set up displays
  
• print more note cards
• take slides of my student's artwork
• follow up with customers
• mail out calendar orders
  

I have these terrific lofty goals, but I find I always give myself too much to do and never finish my list of goals for the week. So, hopefully I will write again before Saturday to tell you more about my progress as well as other TraillWorks' goings-ons.

A Fantastic Local Art Show Supports a Great Cause

Friday marks the 30th Annual Art Exhibition and Sale to benefit Sparta, New Jersey's Hilltop Country Day School. Each year area artists contribute about eight pieces each for display, along with portfolio pieces (unframed works -- either drawings, small paintings, or prints). Additionally, the school features one acclaimed artist to headline the show each year. This year's artist being Rita Baragona, an acclaimed artist of Columbia, NJ who paints flowers and gardens filled with luminous color and rhythmic strokes expressing patterns of change.

I found out about the Hilltop show from a local artist named, Carole Dakake, when I first moved to Sussex County two years ago. It was, I think, the first show I did in the county and I attribute it with really fast-forwarding my career. I made some sales at that show and more importantly, showing there and networking with both school professionals and parents have brought me even more clients and a strong reputation in the county.

It was one of the best career moves to do that show and so I will be participating again this weekend, showing many of my Italy-themed works.

From San Gimignano, Oil on Panel, 10" x 8", © 2005 Jennie Traill Schaeffer

Artwork displayed includes acrylics, oils, watercolors, graphics, pastel, mixed media, sculpture, and jewelry. 30% of all sales go to support the programs at Hilltop Country Day School.

Join me at the Opening Reception for Champagne and Hors D'Oeuvres from 7 - 10 pm on Friday, October 12th. There is a suggested donation for entry of $10.




View Larger Map

Photo Essay of an Opening

Photos © Lee Goldberg

There is much too much for me to write about this past Saturday's opening of ICON at Wired Gallery in Bethlehem, PA. And, I have too much painting to do to wax poetic on all that happened. But, briefly there was an energetic crowd, a loud, live band, and a Pop model from which I and other artists painted. The above photos were taken by Lee, my husband, and they give a very accurate portrayal of the exhibit. You must visit Bethlehem! And, Musikfest is coming up!

Watching Artists Paint

Seeing an artist at work is a rare, mystical event. Though recently many galleries, art festivals and artists themselves are taking to the act in public. It's a great way to see what goes on from start to finish since few people have had this opportunity.

This weekend at Wired Gallery in Bethlehem, PA, you have the opportunity to see 5 artists at work painting from a live model. I imagine for this public show the model will be clothed. I have not personally painted from a live model in about three years so this is your opportunity to see a very rusty emerging artist attempt the figure from life. Its assured to be entertaining at the least. Hope to see you in Bethlehem and come for the Top Ten Reasons to visit.

Top Ten Reasons
to travel to Bethlehem this Saturday to
Attend the Opening Reception of ICON:

1. View and Buy Contemporary POP Art
2. Watch Jennie Paint
3. See a Live POP Model
4. Listen to Live Classic Rock
5. Eat and Drink Free Food
6. Meet Lots of Artists
7. Attend Bethlehem’s 1st Annual Artwalk from 4 - 8pm
8. Eat at one of Bethlehem’s Fine Eateries
9. Shop Downtown Bethlehem’s finest Shops and Galleries for special sales and offers.
10. Go to eDavid Gallery to view a limited public exhibit of drawings/prints by Artist, Edward Hopper