Behind the Scenes: Team OSilas

For every exhibition we will have behind the scenes stories told by our "Team OSilas". These are the people you will see behind the desk in the gallery. Be sure to say hello to them when you come to visit!

I enjoyed the Sew New Exhibition that has being taking place at the gallery.  I never really thought of quilting as an art.  After looking at these quilts and seeing the intricate detail that each artist takes in creating their masterpiece I realized I was wrong.  I had no idea that quilting in the form of art was such a popular thing and that it has been going on for so long.  Some of the most fascinating pieces were the ones that are 3-D.  The chess piece is beautiful with so much detail.  I am looking forward to watching students actually play on the board. ~ Heather

Sew New: Contemporary Artist Quilts

Sew New:  Contemporary Art Quilts

November 4 – December 11, 2010

Reception and Gallery Talk

Thursday, November 4, 7pm

The artists included in Sew New; Contemporary Art Quilts are from the West Coast, the middle states, south and the east coasts as well as Canada, providing a full and well-articulated overview of the dynamic and ever expanding contemporary art quilt movement.                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Jill Ault, Ann Arbor Michigan, Ann Brauer, Shelbourne Falls, MA, Cher Cartwright, British Columbia, Canada, Susan Else, Santa Cruz, CA, Randy Frost, Bronxville, NY, Linda Gass, Los Altos, CA, Marilyn Henrion, New York, New York, Ann Johnston, Lake Oswego, OR, Phil D. Jones, Denver, CO, Karen Miller, Corvallis, OR, Paula Nadelstern, NY, NY, Eleanor McCain, Shalimar, Florida, Diane Savona, Passaic, New Jersey, Mary Stoudt, Reading ,PA

Sew New:  Contemporary Art Quilts features the work of 14 artists working in an assemblage of at least three layers fiber and/or mixed media formally and traditionally defined by the term “quilt”.  The exhibition highlights the expansion of the boundaries of quilt making.

If word quilt conjures up particular quaint and cozy images of homespun domestic craft, you will be surprised and delighted by this exhibition. These dynamic contemporary artists take a quilting tradition and amp it up it, using 21^st century materials, a jolt of color, a conceptual twist-  transforming it into an unexpectedly fresh and vibrant new medium.

Quilting takes on a new dimension, literally, with the three-dimensional figurative work of California artist, Susan Else.  A three-dimensional chess set executed in fabric is just one of this artist’s whimsical creations. Some of the other non-traditional and techniques employed by these artists include Katazome (Japanese stencil) pioneered in this country by Karen Miller of Oregon, photography based screen printed fabrics by Marion Henrion and kaleidoscopic piecing work made famous by Paula Nadelstern, both from New York. 

The shrinking globe, the web of images and information available on the internet have all increased the availability of new raw and source materials and shaped the direction of these quilts – some are hand-dyed silks shaped into aerial views of landscapes (Linda Gass, California) or iridescent, transparent layers of organza (Jill Ault, Michigan), to name only a few.

In contrast to quilters from the past who were largely self taught, many of these artists have degrees in fine art and/or art history.  Textiles may not be the first or the only medium that these fine artists use.  They are art-educated members of the contemporary art world.

Quilts were first recognized as “art” and presented at a major art venue, The Whitney Museum of American Art in 1971 (Abstract Designs in American Quilts). The Gee Bend Quilt exhibition was first presented in 2002 and traveled extensively and highlighted the abstract and aesthetic qualities of abstract quilting. In the 30 plus years that separated these two major exhibitions quilt artists have been challenged to maintain the status of their quilts as “art”.  There has been quiet and steady growth in shows of quilts in venues equal to those of exhibitions of sculptors or painters.  In the past ten years the momentum has been extraordinary.  The first Quilt National took place in 1979 as a grass roots effort Athens, Ohio.  The 2011 Quilt National is the largest and most prestigious international quilt biennial. 

Curated by Kenise Barnes, owner and director of Kenise Barnes Fine Art (est. 1995) in Larchmont, New York.  The gallery specializes in contemporary emerging and mid career investment quality art. With more that 25 years experience in the arts, Barnes is a frequent guest curator, speaker and advisor.

Additional images from the exhibition available upon request.

Gallery Events:

Music in the Gallery

Sunday, November 21, 4pm
Song Patterns: A TapestryClaire Simard, soprano, Matt Van Brink, keyboard and accordion
A genre-spanning concert weaves new takes on old classics, working songs, and songs celebrating life & change. Tickets: $20 adults, $10 children and seniors. Tickets available at door.

Quilt Appraisals

Saturday, November 20, 12pm

The OSilas Gallery will open its doors for a special day of quilt appraisals! Led by Eugenia Barnes, certified by the American Quilt Society. Appraisal Inclusions: Report of Certification, Appraisal, Care and Maintenance Information Sheet, Record sheet for personal collections, personal works or family pieces.

Eugenia Barnes is an appraiser certified by the American Quilt Society, and served on the Appraiser Certification Committee for seven years. Ms. Barnes has traveled extensively as an appraiser, lecturer, judge and teacher of quilt and is listed in "Who's Who in American Quilting," 1st edition.

Reservations required. Appraisals $35 each. A portion of all proceeds benefits the Gallery.

Children in the Gallery

ARTyFACTS

Saturday, December 4, 3:30-5PM

Join us in the Gallery to explore the Exhibition, followed by a hands-on art project in the Art Studio inspired by the exhibit. Free! Children ages 5-10, accompanied by an adult.

The OSilas Gallery Welcomes Groups! Contact us to create a program tailored for your needs. We offer private tours, workshops or professional development programs for groups, including both educators and their students. Contact Director Patricia Miranda for more info at 914-337-9300, x2173 or email patricia.miranda@concordia-ny.edu

Lectures, receptions, and films are free and open to public and no reservations are required unless otherwise noted. Ample, free parking is available on the Concordia College campus. The OSilas Gallery is located in the Donald A. Krenz Academic Center on the second level of Scheele Memorial Library on Concordia College's Bronxville campus.

Gallery hours:

Tuesday – Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm

Thursday 10:00am - 7:30pm

Saturday & Sunday 2:00pm - 5:00pm 

OSilas Gallery at Concordia College

www.osilasgallery.org

Behind the Scenes: Team OSilas

For every exhibition we will have behind the scenes stories told by our "Team OSilas". These are the people you will see behind the desk in the gallery.  Be sure to say hello to them when you come to visit!




The exhibit in the Osilas Gallery is the Nicholas Brothers “A Dialogue in Art and Life” which is in until October 24^th. Spencer and Hobart, the brothers were local artists who grew up in Bronxville. The brothers are impressionist’s painters but their styles are very different.  Spencer uses more vibrant colors; my favorite is Gwells Farms where he uses yellows and reds to accentuate his personal view of the farm. Hobart painted what he saw and uses many blues to help show his view. One of his paintings Kentish Hills is this large, realistic piece of work that is incredible to look into. What I like most about this exhibit is how the brothers, in their different styles, were able to capture these different landscapes and other paintings in such a magnificent way. ~ Lea

At first I was a bit worried when I began working in the gallery; I did not know that much about art.  I was relived of my concern the first time I was asked a question by a visitor and quite surprised by my knowledge.  I really enjoyed this exhibit for many reasons.  It was nice to have an exhibit that was literally so close to home.  Actually seeing the work of two brothers who grew up in this area was great.  One couple came in to visit and they were very interested in one specific painting because their daughter currently lives on the street depicted in the painting.  I look forward to meeting new and interesting people and also seeing more exhibits. ~Heather

Behind the Scenes

For every exhibition we will have behind the scenes stories told by our "Team OSilas". These are the people you will see behind the desk in the gallery.  Be sure to say hello to them when you come to visit!




It was hard to imagine the overwhelmingly positive turnout for tonight’s gallery opening as I began unfolding chairs to the sounds of heavy raindrops on the gallery’s windows. Despite a tornado watch, torrential downpour and heavy winds over a hundred people turned out to enjoy both the art and a wonderful lecture by curators Sarah Underhill and Barbara Sussman. The evening surely went a long way to wet the pallets of anticipation for an exciting year to come in the OSilas Gallery. ~ Jed

The Nichols Brothers: A Dialogue in Art and Life

Hobart Nichols, The Kentish Hills, oil on canvas, 29 ½ x 39 ½, Collection of Robert P. Stout

 

September 8 – October 24, 2010

The OSilas Gallery at Concordia College, Bronxville, NY

Reception and Gallery Talk: September 16, 7PM
Free and open to the Public

Hobart and Spencer Nichols are important early 20th century Bronxville artists that have significance well beyond the village borders. This exhibition shows an exceptional representation of the work of Hobart and Spencer Nichols together for the first time and explores the visual dialogue between these artists and brothers.



It is not unusual for siblings to pursue the same passion, particularly when they follow in a family tradition. Such was the case for Henry Hobart and Spencer Baird Nichols, sons of an eminent wood engraver in Washington, DC.



Hobart (1869-1962) studied at the Art Students’ League in Washington, DC, and the Academie Julian in Paris. He became known early for his skill as a leader of artists and administrator of key arts organizations (which ultimately included the National Academy of Design, the Tiffany Foundation, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art) in addition to being recognized as an accomplished landscape painter. He resided in Bronxville for nearly 50 years, and was a key member of the Lawrence Park artists’ colony here as well as the New York City art world.



Spencer (1875-1950) studied at the Corcoran School of Art and the Washington Art Students League, where he also taught illustration at the age of 17. He served as chief designer for the Tiffany Studios and executed ethereal book illustrations for works by Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde, among others. Spencer lived in Bronxville for a decade or so prior to 1922, at which time he moved his family and studio to Kent, where he focused on easel painting and became a central figure in the Kent art colony. Hobart regularly visited Spencer there, and rendered many scenes of the village and surrounding hills.



This exhibition provides a unique opportunity for us to consider the quite different paths the brothers chose artistically and professionally while they maintained close family ties. Not only can we study how the brothers treated favorite themes throughout their respective artistic journeys, but we can also examine the ways in which Hobart and Spencer Nichols brought their own sensibilities to the consideration of similar subjects.



The exhibition is curated by Sarah Underhill, freelance writer and editor in art and architecture and former Director of Programs and Community Relations for the OSilas Gallery, and Barbara Sussman, professional artist and fine arts appraiser and granddaughter of Spencer Nichols.

Gallery Events:

MUSIC IN THE GALLERY

Sunday, September 19, 4PM
Impressionism in America

A trio of Concordia Conservatory faculty members joins forces to present a program exploring the powerful union of music and art in the Impressionist era.

Sarah Hoover, soprano; Jee Sun Lee, violin; Annette Espada, cello.

Tickets: $20 adults, $10 children and seniors. Tickets available at door.

CHILDREN IN THE GALLERY

ARTyFACTS

Saturday, October 2, 3:30-5PM

Join us in the Gallery to explore the Exhibition, followed by a hands-on art project in the Art Studio inspired by the exhibit. Free! Children ages 5-10, accompanied by an adult.

The OSilas Gallery Welcomes Groups! Contact us to create a program tailored for your needs. We offer private tours, workshops or professional development programs for groups, including both educators and their students. Contact Director Patricia Miranda for more info at 914-337-9300, x2173 or email patricia.miranda@concordia-ny.edu

Lectures, receptions, and films are free and open to public and no reservations are required unless otherwise noted. Ample, free parking is available on the Concordia College campus. The OSilas Gallery is located in the Donald A. Krenz Academic Center on the second level of Scheele Memorial Library on Concordia College's Bronxville campus.

Gallery hours:
Tuesday – Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday 10:00am - 7:30pm
Saturday & Sunday 2:00pm - 5:00pm



OSilas Gallery at Concordia College
http://www.osilasgallery.org/
171 White Plains Road
Bronxville, NY 10708

Contact: Patricia Miranda, Director, OSilas Gallery
914-337-9300 x2173, patricia.miranda@concordia.edu

A Delicate Point; Images from a South Asian Diaspora

February 9- April 10, 2010

Curated by Priyanka Mathew, Director, Aicon Gallery and Patricia Miranda, Director, OSilas Gallery
Artists

Fariba Alam, Shelly Bahl, Farida Batool, Samanta Batra, Anna Bhushan, Niyeti Chadha, Tazeen Qayyum, Talha Rathore, Sarah Singh

America is a country that by its very nature is a Diaspora, one that has most successfully communicated an ethos of dual belonging. Through the eyes of our artists, the art of a Diaspora reveals much about our shared history and hence, our future.

The term Diasporic seems now to beg to be redefined, as regional culture becomes more and more universally available. Do artists transcend questions of place and identity- and should they? How will the term Diaspora evolve in our technologically connected future? Is it possible to fairly group anyone together without complicated identity issues arising, and might this not be a valuable dialogue to engage in?

A “new” generation of global South Asian artists has captured their own political and personal journey alongside the clash and smash of East/West culture. This exhibition brings together artists of common origins to uncommon result, a testament to the ongoing evolution of global visual culture, and of art as an enduring and transcendent human enterprise.

Events

Film Night
The Sky Below
Thursday, March 11, 6:30pm

A screening of the documentary by the artist and filmmaker Sarah Singh. Followed by a reception and Q&A with the filmmaker. Free and open to the public.
A contemporary exploration of the creation of Pakistan and the 1947 partition of the Indian Subcontinent, weaving together 5000 years of culture and the after-effects of the political divide.

Children in the Gallery
ARTyFACTS
Saturday, March 13, 3:30-5pm

Join us in the Gallery to explore the Exhibition, followed by a hands-on art project in the Art Studio inspired by the exhibit. Free! For children ages 5-10 accompanied by an adult.

Music in the Gallery
Silken Treasures
Sunday, March 21, 2pm

Musicians: Sun Young Chang, soprano; Jee Sun Lee, violin; Andrea Pryor, percussion

A concert with work by composers Byung-Dong Paik and Zakir Hussain and Indian Kajri for voice and string. Tickets are available at the door. $20 for adults, $10 for children and seniors.

For Immediate Release January 6, 2010                                 
Contact: Shanley Hanlon, Gallery Manager
914-395-4520 / shanley@concordia-ny.edu

Regional High Schools’ Student Art Exhibit—StArt ’10

at Concordia College’s OSilas Gallery Bronxville, NY

The annual exhibition showcasing the work of talented area high school students will be on display in the OSilas Gallery at Concordia College January 8-22. This is a unique opportunity to view the future artists of Westchester County and beyond. Awards will be presented at the January 8 opening reception, commencing at 7pm. This year a record 23 schools from Westchester and Rockland Counties will participate in the fourth annual exhibition. The reception is free and open to public. No reservations are required. Ample free parking is available on the Concordia College campus, located at 171 White Plains Road, Bronxville. The OSilas Gallery is located in the Donald A. Krenz Academic Center on the second level of Scheele Memorial Library. For further information, please call 914-395-4520. Gallery hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm, Thursday until 7:30pm; Saturday and Sunday 2pm-5pm. Directions and further details can be found on the web: www.osilasgallery.org Gallery phone: 914-395-4520 Participating students and schools include: Academy of Our Lady of Good Counsel, White Plains, Teresa Alessandro and Anne Marie Perez; Bronxville High School; Clarkstown North High School, New City, Jennifer Kim Allison, Olinsky Kirsten Young; Eastchester High School, Jessica Cheng, Kathryn Palmieri, Ayaha Yamazaki; Edgemont High School, Scarsdale, Angelika Eleftheriou, Taylor Valentine, Hee Won Yang; Gorton High School, Yonkers; John Jay High School, Cross River, Zoe Gross, Kristen Lowe, Allison Ransom; Keio Academy, Purchase; Lincoln High School, Yonkers; Mamaroneck High School, Kristina Arike; Ossining High School, Chelsea Corrigan ,Dara Illowsky, Carina Scorcia; Pelham Memorial High School, Laura Martin, Lucia Meneses, Marion White; Pleasantville High School, Brittany Clifford, Brittany Pellon, Erica Sarro; Port Chester High School; Lukasz Jakimiec, Aimee Naranjo, Jesus Velasquez; Sacred Heart High School, Yonkers, Anna Cerasulo, Amanda Fernandes, Christopher Kucharik; Scarsdale High School, Rebecca Erde, Jared Greenwald, Celia Lowenthal; School of the Holy Child, Rye, Amari Boyd, Melissa Montoni, Nilda Valenzuela; St. Catherine Academy, Bronx, Maeve Siri Moran, Chantal Pedrosa, Elaine Ruiz; Tuckahoe High School, Christopher Conkling, Kelly McKeon, Victoria Ottomanelli; The Ursuline School, New Rochelle, Katherine Arlotta, Raianna O’Toole; Valhalla High School, Samantha Caridi, Keagan Reitano, Patricia Trujillo; Westlake High School, Thornwood, Suzie Calarco, Meaghan Glendon, Dante Tufano; Yonkers International Baccalaureate High School.