New ArtFusion Show Explores The Use Of Color

“White Sphere” by Robert Koch

Pottstown, PA –  Lumière Blanc: A study of white by Robert Koch opens on June 7 at ArtFusion 19464.  The show will run until June 29 and there will be a meet the artist reception June 7 from 6-8pm.  Light refreshments will be served.  All receptions are free and open to the public.  Robert Koch, a Boyertown native currently living in New Jersey, produced all new work for this innovative show.

Robert talks about the inspiration behind this work: My approach as an artist has always been to make work that is as much about the materials themselves as the application of the materials.  With my ceramics I have always kept my forms simple and functional and allowed the glazes to be the main focus. My welded steel sculptures are more about the welds than the steel.  With my paintings I use the fluidity of the paint to dictate what happens on the surface.

Building up layer after layer of paint it became apparent to me that color was no longer important. In fact the less color there was applied to the surface the more the paint itself because the primary focus.  After stripping away most or all of the other colors the interaction light combined with the layering of paint revealed very subtle complexities.

For this show the artist was also inspired by the way water moves in a river.  “With my paintings each layer is like the surface of the water.  After each layer dries and more layers are added the light has more texture to interact with.  As the light changes throughout the day the surface of my paintings changes as well,” Robert said.

While working on this show, Robert was also faced with some serious health challenges, undergoing heart bypass surgery.  “I was forced to take a break from art and life to allow my body to heal from coronary bypass surgery,”  Robert explains.  “Life’s unexpected events have made it even more exciting to have the opportunity to share this work.”

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center located at 254 E. High St. in downtown Pottstown.  The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages. The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence.  ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists.  The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm.  The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

Three Free Summer Art Programs Offered At ArtFusion 19464

Pottstown, PA –  The mission of non-profit ArtFusion 19464 is to make the arts accessible to everyone in the greater Pottstown community.  As part of their ongoing efforts to live that mission, ArtFusion will be offering three free art programs this summer for children ages 7-12.

Two of these fun and engaging programs are sponsored by the Greater Pottstown Foundation.  Kids Art Academy is a general arts exploration class, where students explore two- and three-dimensional arts. Students in Clay Academy delve into all aspects of creating with clay.  Participants will work on handbuilding and also have a chance to work on a pottery wheel.

Local young artists will also have a chance to expand their drawing skills while learning about a new language.  Drawing with Hebrew Letters, sponsored by Sager and Sager and The Jewish Women’s League of Congregation Mercy and Truth, will introduce students to drawing using a creative language of letters and shapes.  This free program is open to artists of all faiths.  No prior drawing experience or knowledge of the language is required, just a desire to learn and create. Students will create with ink, paper and color, learning to express with their hands what their imaginations see.

Applications can be picked up at ArtFusion’s 254 E. High St. location or downloaded from their website at artfusion19464.org/classes/scholarshipsprograms/.  Applications are due by May 31. While preference is given to those students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, all students are strongly encouraged to apply.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center.  The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages.  The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence.  ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists.  The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm.  The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

Memories of Vietnam – ArtFusion’s Next Show Looking For Mementos

POTTSTOWN, PA - ArtFusion 19464 is hard at work on their next educational show, scheduled for September 2013. Following in the footsteps of their successfulThreads show in 2012, When We Were Soldiers will focus on the personal recollections of veterans of the Vietnam War. The show will run through Veterans Day.

The non-profit community art center is asking the greater Pottstown community to become a part of this interactive educational exhibit. They are looking for letters and photos from the era to include in gallery displays. These mementos will also be used in educational field trips for local schools. Mementos can be dropped off at 254 E. High St. during regular business hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm. Photos and letters will be returned after the exhibit closes.

ArtFusion is also looking for veterans who are willing to share their stories. Local writers Sue Repko and Parker Blaney will meet with the vets and record their personal journeys for the exhibit. Veterans interested in being interviewed can call 610-326-2506 or email info@artfusion19464. Interviews are being scheduled now.

There is also a need for old military uniforms to be used in an exciting fiber arts project that will become part of When We Were Soldiers. They are able to use any size, condition or clothing item (pants, shirts, etc.).  While Vietnam era items are preferred, items from any era are acceptable. Please note that these uniforms will be cut up for the project and cannot be returned.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center located at 254 E. High St. in downtown Pottstown. The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages. The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence. ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists. The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm. The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

ArtFusion 19464 Gets Jazzy For A Good Cause‏

musician.jpg painting by Destiny Garcia, Teen Studio student

Pottstown,PA – ArtFusion’s seventh annual Fashion Plates fundraiser will take place on Saturday, April 20 at Brookside Country Club from 6-9pm.  This year’s theme is Fashion Notes, and the event will be an amazing fusion of food, fashion and music.

ArtFusion 19464, formerly The Gallery School of Pottstown/Gallery on High, is a charitable 501(c)3 non-profit community art center. Proceeds from this event help them not only to continue to offer a great selection of classes for all ages, but also to expand their free programs and scholarships.  ArtFusion has been bringing the arts to the greater Pottstown community for almost 8 years, and relies on major fundraisers like Fashion Plates to help keep their doors open.  Generous community sponsors of this event include: Heartland Abstract, S&H Interiorscapes, Dolan & Mayerson, PC and Genesis Housing.

Jazz musician Adam Price and his band will perform musical hits from the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Guests will experience a dynamic, multimedia fashion event with local student models wearing vintage costumes from several jazz eras.  The models will walk to the accompaniment of Adam’s jazz quartet performing musical hits from each era.  Visit his website to hear some of Adam’s musical talents: www.adampricemusic.com.

The event’s silent auction is based on the idea of Edible Art, with local bakers, confectioners and chefs creating mouthwatering items for guests to bid on, as well as locally crafted beer and wine. Among those donating their culinary talents are: Bause Catering, Montesano Bros., Sand Castle Winery, Stone Keep Meadery, Giant, Bridge Street Chocolates, The Baker’s Touch and many more.

Tickets are $70 each, or two for $120.  Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner and yummy dessert, a chance to win fun door prizes, an evening of live music and fashion.  A cash bar will be available. Tickets can be purchased online at artfusion19464.org, over the phone at 610-326-2506 or in person at 254 E. High St.

ArtFusion 19464 offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages.  The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence. ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists.  The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm. The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

New Free Program At ArtFusion 19464

Local young artists will soon get a chance to expand their drawing skills while learning about a new language. Drawing with Hebrew Letters, sponsored by Sager and Sager and The Jewish Women’s League of Congregation Mercy and Truth, will introduce students to drawing using a creative language of letters and shapes.  The graphic quality of the Hebrew alphabet is the perfect inspiration for teaching language through art.  Students will create with ink, paper and color, learning to express with their hands what their imaginations see.

This free program is open to artists of all faiths.  No prior drawing experience or knowledge of the language is required, just a desire to learn and create. Applications can be picked up at ArtFusion’s 254 E. High St. location or downloaded from their website at artfusion19464.org.  Applications are due by March 31.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center.  The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages.  The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence.  ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists.  The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm.  The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

ArtFusion Gets Jazzy Again

Pottstown, PA – On Saturday March 30, ArtFusion’s beautiful gallery will be the backdrop for an amazing night of jazz music. A reprise of a sold out event, Jazz Nite II will be a benefit show for the Give the Gift of Music Foundation.

Local musicians The High St. Swing Co., with special guest The Wilson Bros., will perform. Their jazz repertoire ranges from be-bop to classic. The music will last from 7-10pm. Light refreshments will be available for purchase, and the event is BYOB for those over 21.

Tickets are $10 (cash only please) and can be purchased in advance at ArtFusion during regular business hours: Tuesday-Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday from 10am-3pm. As this event sold out last time, they do recommend purchasing tickets as soon as possible.

Give the Gift of Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Pennsylvania corporation organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. They support musical education for eligible children by providing donations of musical instruments and/or scholarships for lessons at approved providers, such as High Street Music Co., who share the belief in the importance of quality musical education for all children.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center located at 254 E. High St. in downtown Pottstown. The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages. The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence. ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists. The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm. The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

Hot Glass to Warm Up Your Winter At ArtFusion 19464

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, ArtFusion is proud to announce a special trunk show celebrating the amazing glass artistry of Tari Zarka. Visitors will learn more about the artist, her process and how she creates her beautiful glass jewelry.

Tari describes what inspires her art:

What drives me to create is what motivates me to be the best person I can be: mood enhancement. When I create something – whether it is a piece of glass, a painting, or a smile on someone’s face – my life’s burdens are lifted. I am also driven by the knowledge that my creations enhance the moods of those who receive them.

I find inspiration everywhere – in the glorious landscape, through the face of adversity, within the cashier at a convenience store, etc. Everything and everyone offers a chance for us to learn and grow.

Ever since I started creating art in the far away corners of my family’s hosiery mill in BucksCounty, I have searched to find ways to love what I do each and every day. If something from me inspires another to move toward a life of happiness then I feel that I have done my job. This is the current in my artistic evolution.

ArtFusion will have special all new inventory just for this trunk show. Visitors can shop an amazing selection of handcrafted lampworked glass jewelry in a wide variety of colors, shapes and styles. All of Tari’s work will be on sale 10% off during the show. Trunk show hours are Friday, February 8 from 10am to 5pm and Saturday, February 9 from 10am to 3pm.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center located at 254 E. High St. in downtown Pottstown. The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages. The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence. ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists. The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm. The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

Soup Bowl Returns For A Second Year At ArtFusion 19464

ArtFusion will be holding a great beat-the-winter-chill fundraiser on Saturday, January 26 from 11am-1pm at their High St. location.  The Soup Bowl fundraiser debuted last year and is back due to poplar demand. Lunch includes all you can eat soup, bread, beverages and homemade desserts.  Guests can choose their favorite soup—or sample them all. In response to requests from last year’s event, this year soup enthusiasts can also purchase a recipe book so they can make their favorite soups at home.

As a thank you, supporters will take home a handcrafted ceramic bowl created by local volunteers of all ages. Each bowl was created though the combined creativity of two different volunteers.  One created the ceramic bowl and one decorated it with a one-of-a-kind glaze design.

Tickets are only $15 and all proceeds benefit the local non-profit community art center.  Tickets can be purchased online at artfusion19464.org, or at their 254 E. High St. location during regular business hours. There are a limited number of tickets available for this event.  ArtFusion request that those interested in attending purchase their tickets in advance.

January 26 will also mark the beginning of an eyeglass collection campaign for the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 565 and the Second Brigade MC Chapter G – PA.  There is a great need for magnifiers/cheater eyeglasses in all strengths.  Glasses do not need to be new but ArtFusion does ask that they be in good shape (not scratched or broken).  The donated glasses will be given directly to veterans.  After the fundraiser, eyeglasses can be dropped off at ArtFusion during normal business hours through February 28.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center located at 254 E. High St. in downtown Pottstown.  The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages.  The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence.  ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists.  The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm.  The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

The Secret Studio Returns To ArtFusion 19464 For A Third Year

POTTSTOWN, PA – Looking for a way to make holiday gift shopping easier for your children?  Then be sure to check out VanGogh’s Secret Studio, a fun opportunity for kids 12 and under to shop for special gifts for family and friends.  The studio is fully stocked with goodies for everyone on their lists, from relatives to teachers and coaches.

All items are handcrafted and range in price from $1 to $5.  The Workshop will be open Saturday, December 15 from 10am to 3pm and Sunday, December 16 from 12-3pm at the ArtFusion building, 254 E. High St.

ArtFusion recommends children come with a list and a budget.  Parents can download a simple form from the ArtFusion website: www.artfusion19464.org.  The ArtFusion elves will help the children select gifts and stay within their budget.  Shoppers will even get their gifts wrapped for free! Parents must remain in the gallery while their children shop.  The Studio is a fundraiser for the non-profit ArtFusion 19464.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center located at 254 E. High St. in downtown Pottstown.  The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages.  The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence.  ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists.  The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm.  The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

Live Jazz Event In Downtown Pottstown

ArtFusion 19464 in association whit Cheapniteout Productions presents Jazz Nite on Saturday, December 1 from 7-10pm.  Featuring the High Street Swing Company (Louis Rieger, Larry Marshall, Ben Bullock, Brian Langdon, Ben Britton) for an evening of JAZZ @ an unbelievable cost, just $5.00.  LIVE JAZZ in an Arts and Crafts Environment with free refreshments, door prize and BYOB.

Art Fusion 19464 Annual Holiday Art Show

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Pottstown, PA– Take a peek into The Secret Life of Trees, ArtFusion 19464’s annual holiday show opened November 10 and will be on display in their main gallery through January 5, 2013. The challenge of this show was to interpret the theme of “the secret life of trees.” 38 local artists responded with an amazing breadth of work, from oils and watercolors to recycled sculpture and ceramics. One piece will be awarded a $100 best in show prize, sponsored by Fulton Bank, Pottstown branch. Other show sponsors are: Window Sponsor Dolan & Mayerson, P.C.; NCG, Inc.; Wolf, Baldwin & Associates; and Keller Williams Realty Group.

Participating artists include: Alita Abruzzese, Denise Bennett, Roselyn Cadoff, Mary Chisak, Arline Christ, Richardson Comly, Phillip Compton, Danielle D’Aries, Peter Ehlinger, Cassie Eshelman, Teresa McWilliams Farina, Lisa Foster, Gail Fronheiser, Bob Hakun, Susan Klinger, Mary Kosar, Virginia Gaudiello, Joe Hoover, Millie Lea, Judy Lupas, Ellen Marcus, Charles McCann, Donna Meyers, Geoffrey Meyers, Cari Myford, Harriette Nadler, Beverly Nuzzo, Carol Ross Noyes, Gwendolyn Parrish, Joni Peters, Jackie Pierson, Sue Ploppert, Barbara Rambo, David Ruser, Jodie Scharadin, Dora Siemel, Connie Worth, and Arleen Yeager.

The community is invited to the official opening reception for this show on Friday, December 7 from 5-8pm. This fun event is ArtFusion’s annual holiday party. Refreshments will be served. That evening is also the perfect chance to start your holiday shopping. Although this event is free, ArtFusion does ask that you RSVP to 610-326-2506

Artist Leigh Ritasse will be creating caricatures during the party as a fundraiser for ArtFusion.  A black and white head and shoulders image is only $20. That evening ArtFusion will also be collecting donations of canned goods for a food drive run by the Pottstown Keystone Chapter 565 of Vietnam Veterans. This food will go to local veterans and their families for the holidays. They are asking for non-perishable items like instant potatoes and stuffing, cranberry sauce, cornbread mix, etc.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center. The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages. The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence. ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists. The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm. The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

Book Signing At ArtFusion 19464 – Downtown Pottstown

 

In partnership with MOSAIC Community Land Trust, ArtFusion 19464 will be hosting a book signing by Ralph E. Godbolt, a Professor in the Graduate School of Public Administration at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and an expert on the “Sociology of the HIP HOP Generation.”  The book signing will take place at ArtFusion’s High St. location on Saturday, October 20 from 7-9pm.  This event is taking place in conjunction with Threads of Story: Continued, ArtFusion’s latest exhibit, which features portraits of famous and non-famous people who were arrested during the bonus boycotts and Freedom Rider protests.

Godbolt will discuss the realities of urban violence, the high school dropout crisis, misogyny, the war on drugs, sexual orientation, hopelessness and the Hip Hop Generation in the aftermath of the American Civil Rights Movement.  His first book, Kickin the Ballistics: Reflections on the Hip Hop Generation, Poverty and Power, takes aim at generations of harsh public policies, unequal access to opportunity and discriminatory practices that has led to a generational cycle of poverty, violence, addiction, under education and unemployment in America’s urban centers by using Hip Hop culture and rap music as a means to communicate the deep despair, but enduring faith of young urban Americans.

Professor Godbolt’s presentation will go beyond traditional book signings in which an author sits behind a table to autograph books to an inspirational, educational and energetic event featuring a combination of poetry, Hip Hop music, lecture, excerpts from the book and audience interaction.  The event is not only a great opportunity to reach and teach adults, but a great opportunity to reach youth who may be struggling with academic and/or behavioral issues along with youth who are on the path to success, as Professor Godbolt uses Hip Hop as a method to communicate, teach and inspire youth.  According to a youth from Newark, NJ, “He is cool. I learned more from him in an hour than I learned all year in school.  It was cool seeing someone who can relate to me and my issues. He is all that.”

The event is also a unique opportunity for individuals interested in urban affairs, sociology, poverty, social justice and culture to engage in a meaningful discussion on public policy, sexual orientation, gun violence, education and hopelessness.

The Gallery School of Pottstown officially became ArtFusion 19464 on September 1, 2012.  The new name reflects a passion for creating community bonds through the arts as well as the coming together of the organization’s old identities as The Gallery School of Pottstown and Gallery on High.  A new website and facility improvements are part of the rebranding process.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art school and gallery.  The School offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages.  The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence.  ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists.  The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm.  The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.