Category: Current exhibit

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Welcome, July

Hello July
Hello July
Welcome July in a sassy way! It’s going to be a great month!

 

Well, hello there! Welcome to July. I wanted to take a moment to share all the fun things going on in my life. 

First, I am not (typically) one to make a big deal out of my own birthday, however, this year, this month, both my husband and myself are turning sixty. I admit, I kind of don’t believe it. There are days my body sure does feel at LEAST sixty, but I feel like I am just getting started in so many ways. But, regardless of what is ahead, I am celebrating. I feel like more than ever, I am in awe of the preciousness of life, the countless gifts I have received, and the love that I have in my life. I AM one blessed human. I am ever so grateful. 

That said! I am celebrating with a one-woman show at Sylvan Starlight Creations. I have been creating for a long time (see above) and I want to celebrate that! I am grateful to Sylvia Serry who owns the gallery for this invitational. The opening is on the fifteenth of July and should be downright fun! I will be demonstrating mixed media art as it is my great love! (one of them anyway) Sylvan Starlight Creations is found at 50 State St bldg c, Pittsford, NY 14534. The opening will be from 4-8 pm.  The show will be up through September! 

Celebrating sixty years of life and creation!

 

Next, I have updated my workshops. At this point, I am very willing to facilitate workshops in person at the gallery or on a video chat. It is important everyone feels comfortable, but by all means, let’s be creative together! 

you can find the listings on the website here: Create With Me

Join the Central Creatives for an open house!

Next up, (so much fun to share, isn’t there?) My beloved new home (well sorta new) is having an opening on July 30th! You can come to visit between 5-9 pm that evening. If that doesn’t work, PLEASE make an appointment- I would love to show you around! This is becoming my happy place! Make an appointment here: Susan Carmen-Duffy

 

Lastly, I HAVE SO MUCH FUN NEWS! I am going to press soon AND that means I will be offering a new subscription plan! Stay tuned! I think it is going to be really nifty and fun!  There are several to choose from right now- find them @ Greetings4Good.org

REALLY lastly, I hope you are doing okay. Covid has paused the world in such an unbelievable way. I feel like the ramifications are far-reaching for each of us. Personally, there have been struggles, sadness, and loss. What has profoundly saved me has been the practice of gratitude, my art, my family, (chosen and gifted family as well!). Be gentle with yourself. Be kind to others. If never before we understood that we are all in this together – we sure as heck should now. 

A blue heart on a white background.
sending you love

That said… I am sending you big giant love. 

Happy July! 

Susan

 

 

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Welcome March

Well… it has been a heck of a winter. Personally there have been challenges and professionally I have not been painting nearly as much as I hoped. BUT! Spring is coming! As I write this, the sun is shining and all seems to be moving in the right direction. 

Tonight opens Andrew Dumar’s “Layers of Illusion”. I honestly cannot wait for you to witness this exhibit. It is truly amazing. Please be sure to make time to see it this month. 

The exhibit will be open for the month of March and after tonight you may make an appointment to see it, come to an event at the studio or stop in Wednesdays 10 am – 2 pm, Thursdays 3-7 pm, Fridays 2-5 pm and Saturdays 10 am – 3pm. Do make time to see this. It is incredible!

Create Art 4 Good and Greetings 4 Good just sponsored a month long inspiration called, “the month of love”. It seems silly to dedicate all that love to one day, so we spread it out. We sent notes and letters all month long using daily prompts. You can see what we were up to here: The Thoughtfulness Project. 

Speaking of which- at the top of that page there is a little inspiration for March. It is definitely a feel good project- give it a shot. 

So how are you doing with incorporating creativity in your life? I don’t know if you have heard, but creativity improves your health. Don’t believe me? Check this article out! In all seriousness, creativity helps to reduce stress, is an active mediation and frankly it is so many good things! I offer private workshops as well as group workshops. Take a chance on  you, no experience is required, only an open heart. Here are the current offerings, more to come!

I want to thank you- thank you for your support of Create Art 4 Good, for Greetings 4 Good. These are lifelong dreams come true. I simply cannot express the depth of my gratitude. 

I hope your day is beautiful. Take time for yourself. Breathe a little. Smile intentionally and love so big. 

Love & Peace to you always, 

Susan

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Some riches aren’t in the cash register

Tonight I had a guest artist come to visit. During this Holiday Boutique, I have invited the various artists to come and share more of their work along with visiting with potential clients. It is a fun business practice. It offers a more quiet opportunity to have a lovely conversation with the artist. 

As a business person, in this situation, you want a line out the door. You want people ready to speak to your guest artist, but also, ready to buy from her and frankly,.. you. Art is one difficult business because most artists create with their hearts. It is difficult not to feel rejected when your art isn’t flying off the walls or shelves. 

I invited Racheal Gootnick of Just Terrific to share the evening. We both did the work. We advertised, we invited friends and followers. We had big hopes!

Rachael brought so many delightful pieces. It was incredible! Journals, pendants, earrings, ornaments and more! I wanted the entire world to see what she created! Rachael’s attention to detail and integrity in not only creation but in using materials that are upcycled was inspiring. Rachael pays attention to not only her workmanship but also each piece has depth and meaning. 

Tonight was not a retailer’s dream. It was much quieter than anticipated. However, as I sit here to write this for you after a fourteen hour day, I feel so much richer for the experience. I am so grateful. 

I have known Rachael for a few years, however, tonight, I really got to know her. I learned about her journey, what motivates her, that she loves restoration, but REALLY loves her miniatures. I learned how deeply she cherishes family, but maybe not every single one of the 20,000 photos that were stored as treasures marking family history. (frankly, some were just blurry!) I learned that like me, Rachael NEEDS to do meaningful work, not just work for the sake of it. She likes the layers, the journey, and the detail. I learned that this young human is a very old soul. Even her table is dressed in her grandmother’s antiques. (If you took a black and white photo of her, she could be from the 1920’s!)

In a life where we

Rachael Gootnick of Just Terrific

are so often running to the next appointment or hustling out the door, I sat, with my friend, and learned about her. There was no hustle or bustle, there was quiet, stories, laughter and sharing. We even discussed the idea of collaboration for an August exhibit (more on that later!)  

 

 

While we both have bills to pay and huge sales would have been lovely, tonight was full of riches for me. I connected to someone on a real level with art as the stage that was set. Regardless of age, art seems to break down walls. It opens up the opportunity for much more than a few sales. 

Rachael is a woman who is on a mission. Who is changing lives, one book at a time. I am honored to share her work and to call her my friend. 

blessings to you on this beautiful night, 

Susan

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Gifted- A Curated Holiday Boutique

Gifted- A curated Holiday Boutique

The gallery is alive with the work of over twenty-five artists! It is such an honor to host such a lovely holiday boutique. The weekend was a busy one celebrating Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Now it is time to get to work! 

If you are in the Rochester Area– The gallery is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am until 8 pm. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday it is open from 10 am until 4 pm. 

If you are NOT in the Rochester, NY Area, no worries! You can still shop for the most wonderful and special gifts for those you love. Each day for the next twenty-five days I will post a curated collection from the boutique.
The great part is you won’t even need to leave your house!

Shipping is available for you! I will use USPS shipping and will be the actual shipping cost. You will notice the collection of gifts and then each gift individually. Select the grouping or an individual gift! 

Because these gifts are each very unique, it will be first come, first served! 


How it works: check in every day- this tour of gifts is not to be missed! Look for gifts for your special holidays, birthdays or just because! Each day will be labeled. For instance, Day 1 will be 1. Each part of the gift collective will be labeled 1a, 1b, 1c, etc. As soon as you see what you want- send me an email (Susan@CreateArt4Good.org) and I will invoice you and prepare your package for shipping! Once your invoice has been paid for I will notify you when it has also shipped. This event ends on the 20th! Items are available until they are sold. I will note what has sold as it sells. 

One last detail- your purchase actually support very worthy charities/good works. Please review this page: http://createart4good.org/pay-it-forward/ and let me know which you’d like to support.

I am so excited to share these amazing pieces of art! I hope you are too! Please share with your friends! Let the fun begin!

So excited to share Collection #1– If you’d like the collection it is $153 plus tax & shipping! First Come, first served. These are unique items unless otherwise noted – Do you have a special someone you’d like to purchase this for? Or perhaps you’d like one or two of the pieces, simple Email Susan@CreateArt4Good.org to make that happen!

Item 1a:  Book Necklace – Just Terrific $38

 

Artist Rachael Gootnick of Just Terrific

Item 1b: Handmade Journal with special papers- Belinda Brasley. 5.5″ x 8″$45

Hand bound Journal by Belinda Brasley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1c: Hand-turned pen- James Duffy $26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1d: A candle to light while writing! Peace & Joy Candles $12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1e: A calendar to keep your deadlines organized! Artist Susan Carmen-Duffy- Each month has a different piece of art that relates to trees. (Multiple available) $15

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1f: Jackie Baker of Artistic Threads hand printed this canvas bag. It is approximately 15″ x 14″ and is $12

Jackie Baker- Artistic Threads- hand printed canvas bag

 

 

 

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Maia Horvath

This week opens the exhibit created by the wonderfully talented mixed media artist, Maia Horvath. I met Maia one evening during an artisan social. The social actually happened to be at her house.

When I entered her studio I was overwhelmed by amazing art that seemed to be seen from every possible corner of the room. (this is not to mention her intense art supply organizational system.) It was clear to me from the moment I met her that Maia has a plan. She sees things that no one could ever fathom until they witness her work. She organized her studio to be able to facilitate that vision, helping her to create amazing work. 

Maia is an incredible artist who has a heart as big as the ocean. Her sense of style and color is uniquely hers. She doesn’t follow anyone’s lead, she burns her own path. Maia is almost shy about her talents. She is certainly unassuming about her bushel basket full of talents and takes only enough credit to note that she is frugally creative. 

Another strength in Maia’s work is her sense of the feminine. Her woman all have a very particular sense of who they are. Each piece from a pendant to a painting has a unique look, a story, a dream. 

You owe it to yourself to take some time to see this exhibit! Don’t wait too long, the ladies go home with Maia by the 21st. They will then be shown at Maia’s booth at the Purple Painted Lady exhibit. 

I hope you are living your dream, I sure am! With love and peace – 

Susan

 

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June Exhibition

I can hardly believe that it is almost June. The new gallery is thriving with the most wonderful art. I feel really blessed to be a part of facilitating the most incredible exhibits for your viewing and collecting pleasures! 

In June we will welcome a talented gentleman that makes me want to write a children’s book so we can collaborate! Jonathan Schnapp’s work is incredible! His characters are charming and delightfully unconventional. 

Please save the date- come meet Jon and his cast of characters! 

Not convinced yet? Here is what Jon has to say:

Artist Statement
by Jonathan Schnapp

“My work in painting is a celebration of everything I love, including bright colors and quirky characters. Appealing to children and grown-ups alike, each picture is a page from a storybook. With the context gone, it is up to the viewer to decipher the rest of the tale.
But what the viewer may not guess is the personal story behind the paint. Having struggled with mental health issues for much of my life, the issue of who I am and my place in the world is always at the forefront. These paintings, as silly and child-like as they are, are often representations of frustration, confusion, and anxiety. The characters each take on an aspect of my experience.
Chickens represent cowardice, crocodiles bring deception, cows are apathetic. Seeing the characters interact with fantastical environments shows their limits and contradictions, but also their strengths. The result is a work that tells a fun story and teaches me something about myself.”

What’s not to love? Jon’s use of color and movement are positively expiring to me as an artist I LOVE the texture in this piece. I cannot wait to show you in person! 

I AM SO EXCITED!

See you soon! June is almost here!

blessings – 

Susan

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Opening tonight! Postcards from the Heart

The gallery awaits the final touches- so I will be brief. 

I make my way in the world by following my heart. If you read my post from a week ago, you know that this exhibit is no exception. Why I began Create Art 4 Good in the first place is I wanted to do what I love and try to make a difference. I cannot tell you the joy I have when my hands (arms, clothes) are messy because I was painting, mono printing or the like. I cannot tell you the joy I have when new designs I have created come from the printer and I tuck in an envelope to package them for your patronage. ART to me is breathing, it is life, it is even amazing when things to flow or work well. ART IS MY OXYGEN!

I am well aware however, that art has power. Art can be generous, art can be opportunity. 

The artists that have supported this project each have their own relationship with art. I will not presume to understand their response to the creative act. However, I DO, appreciate with my full heart how generous they are. As artists we are constantly asked to give a piece of art to support this or that. At times, to be honest, it gets old. I have personally felt under valued, like my work isn’t real because I am not a CFO of a major corporation. Yet here I stand before you (okay, I am sitting) asking artists, and lovely humans alike to create a piece of art to help support families in need. 

and they responded beautifully. 

Tonight is about paying it forward. It is about sharing love, it is about seeing the need and answering. 

“When I was hungry, you gave me to eat.”

I hope that you will find it in  your heart to come tonight. The air conditioning will be on. The water will have lemons in it, and my wall will be covered in love. Beautiful frame-able art created by an amazing girl scout troop, incredible art students, professional artists and all good souls. Honor them, honor the Irondequoit Community Cupboard and let’s do good work. 

Blessings & big huge love, 

Susan

 

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Post cards, love and dreams

Last year when I was planning the 2017 exhibit schedule, I easily filled in most of the dates rather quickly. July remained unclaimed. But, I know people travel and don’t always want to commit to putting up a huge exhibit during a vacation month. Without panic or concern I decided to take a step back and think about it for a while. I had several ideas, but none of them were “singing” to me. I knew I had to be patient and let the thoughts perk for a bit. 

THEN

One morning I wrote down the date of the opening. 7.7.17

HOLY WOW! (yes, I do say things like that sometimes.) It was not only singing; it felt as if the entire church choir sang to me! 

I believe that in life we pick up tools, we use them when the situation presents itself, and well until them, we might actually store them in the resource box somewhere. I feel like everything I do these days is guided and gifted.

One of the charities, I hold dear, is the Irondequoit Community Cupboard. The ICC is one of my chosen charities. While it seems popular to give to places such as these at the holidays, there is profound need 365 days a year. At this time of year, the shelves can get a little bare. The children are home, and not at school. They are not receiving the opportunity to have breakfast and lunch at school. This doesn’t even begin to address that when children are not occupied for most of the day they claim they are “bored”. I don’t know about your children, but mine would eat us out of house and home when they were bored. 

and then it hit… Children are hungry SEVEN days a week. 7.7.17

So… I started talking about it. I picked up some of those tools I have acquired and I got down right bold! I spoke with Debbie Evans who tirelessly runs the ICC. She was in favor so that gave me permission to proceed.

 I began asking for artwork. I posted, and re-posted. I asked friends near and far to contribute. Each response was positive. The idea was catching on. 

Cut to a year or so later. The mail began to come. I received post card art from friends as far away as Pennsylvania, and as close as just a whisper down the road. Art came from those closest to me, and friends I have never met. One envelope I opened had post cards from a local GirlScout Troop. I admit, that one made me cry. Artists near and far all stepped up to the plate! It was fantastic! 

I actually extended the deadline- people wanted to contribute but life always seems to get in the way. Patience paid off! It was amazing! 

Now, we proceed to July 7th. Kids ARE hungry 7 days a week. The opening is at 6pm. Now the success belongs to those who enter the gallery and spend at least $10 to support the work of Debbie Evans and all those at the ICC. 

PLEASE come- PLEASE bring cash- please help us help others. 

I will see you soon- 

full with post cards, love and dreams, 

Susan 

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CJ Infantino

We opened this exhibit tonight – The work is quite lovely. It is almost introspective as far as the relationship between light and dark. It is quite apparent to me. that this is not only a reflection of objects, but also personal. Each of us holds the opportunity for light and dark within ourselves as well as our words. In the shadows somehow we think we don’t reveal all that much, however, honestly, it is in the shadows, where you feel you are hidden that perhaps you reveal the most. 

Tonight’s exhibit will be open throughout the month of April. If you are unable to visit during one of the schedule times, please email me to schedule an opportunity. I believe art is always an inspiring experience. Most especially this is true when you take a moment to truly embrace the work, the artist’s intent and the opportunity. 

See you tonight? 

blessings and love, 

Susan

This exhibit is open Friday the 7th 6-9Pm

Saturday the 8th 10am-3pm

Thursdays 4-6pm

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Meet Brett Baker

The wonder of working in a business that you love is that you are able to share your mission, your heart, your work so darn easily. You share with friends, with strangers, with anyone who will listen really. I used to think that was intrusive, and nearly narcissistic, but I feel that I have this unique and wonderful opportunity and NEED to offer it to those around me. I feel that when we are where we are supposed to be in life; we cannot help but to share. 

In my day job, I am blessed to work with so many wonderful people. The thing about where I am now, and who I am is that you recognize that rarely is anyone what you initially see. Usually the surface you see in the working environment is just a smidgen of the real deal. 

One of the people I am blessed to work with is one of those people described above. He is definitely much more than initially appears. When I first met him, he spoke of things like his time on the ice, (loves hockey) his shenanigans in high school and his dare devil stunts. He made me laugh, always came to my aid when I needed something tech wise or phone wise and was an incredible support to my success at work. He is a good guy! However, As the layers peeled away, I began to learn so much about him. On the outside he appeared to be almost a sullen human being. The character of Eeyore comes to mind. This is not any way to be insulting, just my observation. 

In any case- Bruce (my friend and co-worker as described above) lives his life in a pretty matter of fact way. EXCEPT – when he speaks about his son. (yes this is actually not about Bruce, but you have to know the back story!) One mention of Brett (the wonder son), and my friend’s face lights right up. He softens, he’s sarcasm slips away, he glows with pride. It is a beautiful thing.

Bruce likes to play all rough and tumble, but honestly, he is a giant marshmallow when it comes to his son. He has pride, confidence and dreams for his son are apparent even without words. I believe that his faith is well placed. It is because of this clear confidence and pride that work unseen, I invited Brett to exhibit at the gallery. 

Brett Baker is a college student at RIT. He personifies that an art student. He is fascinated by form and function, he is one snappy dresser, and he has this confidence that only comes to you by hitting several walls and learning how to navigate around them. Artists by nature seem to need to travel through the muck, to get to their heart’s inspiration.

Brett has ideas, BIG ideas. He appreciates opportunity, he is enchanted with not only how a piece of jewelry feels to those who wear his designs, but also those who view. It is a collaboration of sorts, it is remarkable in one so young.

Brett has a quick smile and even quicker mind. He carries around his sketch book to note the countless ideas swimming around his head. His ideas surpassed the typical rather quickly. He jumped into some particularly sophisticated design. He doesn’t like using pre-made parts- he wants to create everything on his own, from raw materials.

I have no doubt that this his first exhibit will be the first of many, many exhibits. I encourage you to visit his exhibit, to really take in his work- to witness this new work and watch as it blossoms. It will be one exciting journey. I promise.