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Arts and Entertainment Arts and Entertainment Arts and Entertainment Arts and Entertainment Arts and Entertainment Hues Swirl, Buildings Bend Hues Swirl, Buildings Bend Hues Swirl, Buildings Bend Hues Swirl, Buildings Bend Hues Swirl, Buildings Bend In Parness Gallery Exhibit In Parness Gallery Exhibit In Parness Gallery Exhibit In Parness Gallery Exhibit In Parness Gallery Exhibit
By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times
WESTFIELD -Vibrant color and vast experimentation. These are the words that come to mind in the current exhibit by painter, Shirley Wallitsch at Parness Gallery, formerly known as the Elm Tree Gallery on Elm Street.
“I paint the world that’s around me. I paint what is in my life,” revealed Ms. Wallitsch. “I need to do something original. That is really what it ends up to be.”
Trying to express a sense of energy, a vibration, and emotion through her paintings, Ms. Wallitsch has offered a series of 14 paintings which includes buildings that bend, colors that quake, and brush strokes that synthesize with colors that contrast and compliment.
Number 14 in the series features a rich purple sky with speckles of twinkling gold and silver. Portions of red, blue, and green are cut with wide, bold lines of black which makes the painting reminiscent of a stained glass window.
But the images are not nearly religious: the curvacious buildings and industrial structures are flat yet spiritually represented against backdrops of vibrancy and flowing color.
Ms. Wallitsch mused that she believes the contrast of the black and the rainbow of hues help to “intensify” the color.
Experimenting with short, medium brushstrokes which playfully brush up against each other, Ms. Wallitsch uses this kind of texture to convey the vibration of an industrial environment despite the broad black buildings and pathways that command attention.
If you have never seen a building dance or if you believe that lines are supposed to be strictly stiff and unimaginative in paintings, your eyes
are in for a rare treat. Ms. Wallitsch lets every building celebrate life – dancing, curving, playing with one another. For example, in Number 7 of the series, black smoke stacks jut up from the base of the painting like soldiers. But, they enjoy the textured backdrop of purples, magentas, and greens with a creamy, yellow sunburst.
Moving out of the series, Ms. Wallitsch offers masterpieces such as “Summertime” which uses less flat black, and more dimension with more rainbows of color. Reds, oranges, golds and blues all have their turn in this piece. But, don’t ignore the cobalt sky with the sun glowing behind the buildings and the birds that soar above.
Ms. Wallitsch reported that she is inspired by the world around her which is currently the industrial neighborhoods, factories and landscapes of New Jersey. She believes her artwork justly identifies these regions and seizes the senses through the vibration of images.
Encased in an elegantly textured gold frame is “Red Sky,” which seems to be a slight departure for Ms. Wallitsch. Although the painting uses the tones of reds and golds, the hues are more subdued. The reds are not completely flowing, but still harmonize with the calm yellows and oranges.
Texture is mastered again in “Red Sky” as the tiny windows are delicately carved out in the tall buildings with touches of subtle yellow. But, don’t be fooled – there is still energy beaming from behind those miniature windows.
Ms. Wallitsch displays versatility with her series. You can walk from beginning to end, viewing the series, as if reading a stained glass story – it is up to the beholder to glean a plot while enjoying the energy and suspense held within the frames of all of these paintings.
“Summertime” by Shirley Wallitsch
Mountainside Artist Plans Watercolor Demonstration
WESTFIELD – Mountainside resident and member of the Westfield Art Association, Jane Annis, will demonstrate her art, “Images in Watercolor” for the group at the Sunday, May 16, meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Westfield Community Room in the Municipal Building.
Ms. Annis will explore spontaneous painting that starts with random strokes and later develops into what
ever her imagination sees in those strokes, an ink contour drawing splashed with watercolor and watercolor monoprints.
The artist has maintained a professional interior design studio in Westfield for 25 years. She attended Denison University and graduated from Marshall University with a degree in art education. She also attended the New York School of Interior Design.
Ms. Annis’ paintings range from fairly realistic to very loose, spontaneous paintings, which are sometimes abstract.
“My style is continuously changing and that is the joy of it: to learn, to reach, to feel scared of that white sheet of paper and to see a painting emerge, sometimes to be pleased with it, and if not, not to be anxious to try again as soon as possible. Color, color, color. It is so beautiful and to work with it is joy. It is free – a beautiful color,” explained Ms. Annis.
The public is invited to attend the lecture. There is no admission fee. The facility is also handicapped accessible. For more information, please call (908) 232-7058.
Ladie’s Afternoon by Jane Annis
Swain Galleries to Host Impressionist Exhibit
PLAINFIELD – Swain Galleries in Plainfield will host Louis Lanzafama’s impressionistic exhibit, “Landscape in Steno” until Friday, June 4.
His exhibit will span the seasons. The Toms River artist depicts scenes of the Jersey shore such as “Winter Storm” and another personal painting, “First Snow.”
He has exhibited at the Island Heights Artists Guild and the 1998 American Artists Professional League show. His work has also been displayed at the National Arts Club in New York.
He has been honored at the Ocean County Artist Guild and the Annual Awareness Exhibition in Teaneck. He is also honored at three New Jersey galleries.
The exhibit is open from Tuesdays to Fridays from 9: 30 a. m. to 5: 30 p. m. and Saturdays from 9: 30 a. m. to 4 p. m.
“Wildwood” by Louis Lanzafama Pictured, at top, “Once in a Blue
Moon” by Shirley Wallitsch
The Ener The Ener The Ener The Ener The Energy of gy of gy of gy of gy of Pippin Pippin Pippin Pippin Pippin Pulses Pulses Pulses Pulses Pulses At Cranfor At Cranfor At Cranfor At Cranfor At Cranford Dramatic Club d Dramatic Club d Dramatic Club d Dramatic Club d Dramatic Club
By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times
CRANFORD – The performance of Pippin at the Cranford Dramatic Club can be put on the Broadway level for two reasons: Matt Price who played Pippin and the outstanding choreography.
In the midst of the war with the Visigoths, Pippin’s battle for satisfaction, purpose, and a strong relationship with his father, King Charlemagne, is portrayed with extreme credibility, professionalism, and heart.
But, Matt Price’s depiction of this lost soul, who seeks fulfillment through joining his father’s war, meaningless relationships, and fantasizing about his role as King, is truly highlighted by his vocal performance.
Mr. Price brings one thought to mind: “Why isn’t this actor on Broadway?” His voice was probably the singular sensation that appropriately rose to each occasion and every emotion.
Melissa Loderstedt also delivered a delightful depiction of “Catherine,” the woman who brings Pippin to his senses and helps him to find his purpose in life. Her vocal performance is equally commendable and it was clear that she carried over her professionalism from Arsenic and Old Lace a few months ago.
Other stellar performances included John Duryee’s robust portrayal of Charlemagne, the adorable Corinne Chandler as Catherine’s daughter, Cleo, and Edward Wittel’s role in the Ensemble.
However, the energy and pulse of the play could have never been possible without the sensational choreography by
Janice Lynn who also provided a remarkable rendition of Fastrada, Charlemagne’s vampish, devious spouse.
The coordination of the dancers, the way they wove through the audience, encouraging participation and memorized each and every step deserves a standing ovation.
George Shuhan, Leading Player, served as a narrator, dancer, actor, and moderator throughout the entire production – quite a feat for one individual. At times, he seemed to be the conscience of Pippin, the angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other. All done beautifully.
But, it is important to note that, although it was opening night, some portions of the narration were inaudible and difficult to decipher over the live band that performed in front of the stage as well as the recorded music. It was a production worth seeing and hearing, so the volume needs to be turned up.
This comedy drama was spotlighted by some interesting use of props – from a talking head upon a table after a bloody battle, who forces Pippin to search his conscience, to the flaming staff in the finale.
Directed by Maurice J. Moran, Jr. and produced by Liz Howard, Pippin will reign supreme upon the stage of the Cranford Dramatic Club on Fridays and Saturdays, May 14, 15, 21, and 22, all at 8 p.m.
The theater has also announced its tentative schedule for 1999-2000 which will include Forever Plaid, Aladdin, Mame, A Subscriber’s Show, and Lend Me A Tenor.
The Cranford Dramatic Club’s cast of Pippin
THE FRIENDS OF THE WESTFIELD SYMPHONY
thank the many individuals, merchants and corporations who supported the Westfield Symphony Orchestra
through their contributions to The 15th Annual Tour of Notable Homes, May 1, 1999
Baron’s Drug Store Bayberry Card & Gift Shop Beautiful Things Bed, Bath & Beyond
Bedrosian’s Collectible Rugs
Betty Gallagher Antiques Bittersweet BKC of Westfield Bloomingdale’s, Short Hills The Brass Shop Burgdorff ERA Realtors
Patricia Connolly Susan Dinan Jean Massard Carol Tener
Carolyn Klinger-Kueter Caruso’s Restaurant Celtic Imports Ltd. Charles Tiles, Inc. Christoffers Flowers Classic Studio Classic Thyme Craftsman Karl Kitchens
Coldwell Banker
Diane B. Interiors Downtown Westfield Corporation El Bodegon Ellen’s Garden Ellen’s Interiors Emily Risko Faux Painting Fabric Land Floral Expressions Frog Hollow Gallery Galeria West Genarro’s Pizzeria Gold Medal Fitness Guillotine Hershey’s Deli Irma’s Hallmark Imaginarium Jolly Trolley Jurgens Designed Landscapes Kotobuki Japanese Restaurant The Lafayette Trio Lancaster Ltd. The Leader Store
Lia’s Lord & Taylor Manhattan Bagel Martin Jewelers MaryLou’s Memorabilia
McCormack Contracting Co.
M. McClelland, Random House Meeker’s Florist Michael George Hair Designs Milo Associates, Inc. Minion Associates Interior Design MotoPhoto Music Staff Nancy SantoPietro & Associates The Napp-Grecco Company Nurdan Tezucar
PaineWebber, Westfield
Paper Mill Playhouse The Party Stop Patterson Interiors Pereaux Persnickety Plaza Fitness Poppyfields H. M. Reichlin Interiors Rejuvenations Richard Roberts Ltd. Sealfons Scarlet Begonias Shoppers World of Liquors Siegels Stationers Simpson’s Building Contractor Sir Puffs’ Cafe Solutions Southside Chic Starbucks Coffee Stuarts Audio-Video Tiffany Drugs The Town Bank of Westfield The Town Book Store The Westwood
Trader Joe’s
Vicki’s Diner Vincentsen Associates, LLP.
Weichert Realtors
Westfield Chamber of Commerce
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