The Grand Galleries
APRIL
Mainstage
Artist Statement:
“Erik Kissa presents his color and monochrome prints as a pictorial art form of photography. Views of scenes, flowers, and people have been interpreted through his unique vision. The images on display have been exhibited in juried International Photographic Exhibitions.”
Baby Grand
Artist Statement:
“My life as an artist began at the age of 6 when my Mother was called to my 1st grade class to see a bird that I had drawn. The smell of crayons in my Cinderella coloring book always excited and energized me and provided a place of refuge for my imagination in a tumultuous home.
Art has been my constant companion and I am grateful to be a creative force in the world. I am a primarily self taught painter, beginning with a tube each of black and white oil paint, I began a series of paintings taken from old family photographs which helped me through my mother’s death from Pancreatic Cancer in 1985.
At Buffalo State College in 1988 where I was taking my B.S. Degree, I had registered for a painting class to fulfill one of my art requirements. My professor, upon seeing my early work, dubbed me a “primitive” and, not wanting to disturb myself taught impulses, left me to complete the course by creating paintings on my own as independent studies.
This was monumental to me, as it validated both my vision and ability and allowed me the freedom to explore my world on my own terms.
My work has always remained as such, untouched by the constrictions of formal training and the imposition of someone else’s vision over my own.
Over the years, I have spent time painting the people, memories and visions from my own life as well as developing multiple series of subjects that I am interested in or which come from my unfettered imagination.
The black and white paintings on display here are not my family paintings but are taken from photos that I bought at an auction. I picked them for their sense of mystery, drama, and nostalgia.
The “Couch” pictures are from my “People on the Couch” series which I began painting in 1993 from candid snapshots of people on their couches. This collection represents what I feel is a more honest form of portraiture and displays a narrative about who we are as Americans and catches people being their more honest selves.
My whimsical Cow paintings come straight from my imagination. They emanate from an untainted childlike place inside of me where I am free to express my feelings and dreams in joyful, magical and humorous ways.” – Karen O’Lone-Hahn
MAY
Mainstage
Artist Statement:
“As a photojournalist, I have enjoyed the opportunity to photograph many things that were unavailable to others, but I take special pleasure in observing the spontaneity that reflects human nature in an effort to produce sensitive and meaningful story-telling images that can elicit an emotional response. My ultimate goal is to challenge the viewer to experience what I felt when I took the photograph.
After working professionally and exhibiting internationally, I have come full circle with my photography--back to my original purpose of capturing special family moments and preserving travel memories. This allows me to re-live the experience and to share it with others, showing them what they might otherwise miss, perhaps because they weren't there, or maybe it was something that occurred for only a brief moment or went unnoticed for some other reason.
Because documentary photography derives its power from being truthful, any visual deception, however small, destroys the portrayal of reality and can cause viewers to doubt the accuracy of whatever else they see. In an effort to give an honest presentation, accumulated knowledge and life experience are helpful, but above all it requires patience and total involvement.
Quiet observation, awaiting the moment the elements come together, can yield the most successful images. Although it is more difficult to remain unobtrusive in a foreign culture, a friendly smile and a gesture indicating intent to take a photo can reassure the subjects. Then, as they become involved in activity and less aware of the camera, natural moments can be documented.
To prepare for any eventuality and maximize the chances of catching something unexpected, I travel with two matching digital bodies, one with a 12-24mm lens, and one with a 28-300. But I rarely go anywhere without at least a pocket camera to be able to take advantage of an opportunity to capture a story-telling image.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Lynn Troy Maniscalco's nine years as a full-time community photojournalist were preceded by 25 as a part-time photographer and teacher. Her photographs have been widely published, exhibited on five continents, purchased for museum and private collections, and she has presented programs and judged exhibitions throughout the US, Canada and Europe. After chairing the Photojournalism Division of the Photographic Society of America (PSA) for four years, she served for nine more on the Board of Directors as a Vice President of PSA. She was the first woman to achieve their Master Photojournalist rating, was named 2002 Photojournalist of the Year and currently serves as their online mentor for visual storytelling. She has also been honored by Delaware Press Association as the 2005 Communicator of Achievement, and is a fellow and past president of Delaware Photographic Society.”
Baby Grand
Artist Statement:
“The Grand Opera House is proud to welcome "Inspirations by Samuel Coppola" displaying in The Baby Grand Gallery. A self-taught artist presenting a wide variety of detailed artwork. Collection includes landscapes, seascapes, wild-life ,still-lifes and Italian architecture using oil, watercolor, graphite and prisma color pencil mediums to express his unique talent. Aside from his artistic craft, other interests include custom cabinet making, furniture restoration, masonry , sports, music and reading. He has also taught himself to read, write and speak fluent Italian. He is the proud father of two loving daughters and three grandsons. Artist opening reception is Friday, May 3, 2013 from 5:30 to 8:00. Refreshments available. Exhibit continues through the month of May.”