Welcome to ART ACTUALLY, an art column by me, Beth Krumholz of Oley, where each month I will share musings and discoveries vis-a-vis our local art scene.
Top Shelf: What not to miss this month
How much free time do you have on the weekends? Or even on your lunch breaks? Did you know that viewing art is a stress-buster? Below, see which statement you identify with and discover an exhibit that suits you.
I have 90 minutes and I love decorative arts rooted in the craft movement.
Who: Liz Whitney Quisgard, Fiber Works
When: through May 27
Where: Main Gallery, New Arts Program, 173 W. Main St., Kutztown
What: Liz Whitney Quisgard creates magnificent fiber art pieces in her apartment in Little Italy in New York City. Though she had an accomplished career as a painter for 50 years, she made the switch to fiber art 15 years ago, saying it afforded her more freedom. Her aesthetic is passionately inspired by antique Islamic rugs and is unapologetically bold. When you see her patterned wall pieces they read like giant puzzles. This enticing exhibition features Liz’s unique fiber works as well as patterned tiles.
“My work is totally decorative. It has no meaning beyond, what you see is what you get.” -- Liz Whitney Quisgard
I have all day and am hoping to bring the whole family.
What: Dreamscapes from a World in Turmoil, works by Georgette Veeder, Cohen Gallery East; and John Cheng, Beyond Interpretation, Cohen Gallery West
When: through April 24
Where: GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Reading
What: Driven by a keen interest in history, Georgette Veeder transforms raw materials such as linen and cotton into powerful statements by utilizing traditional forms of paper-making. By taking her time with this process, a new form emerges, resulting in non-traditional organic forms. John Chang employs calligraphic mark-making in his mysterious pieces, referencing his upbringing in Shanghai. His work conjures up dreamscapes echoing memories and shadows, eluding answers while raising questions.
I like to go to museums as a rainy-day activity.
Who: John Carsman, The Scenic Route
When: through May 22
Where: Reading Public Museum, 500 Museum Rd., Reading
What: John Carsman’s prints and watercolors are the focus of this exhibition from RPM’s permanent collection. Carsman (1944-1987) was from Wilkes-Barre, PA, and came of age during a revival of Realism in America. Influenced by Edward Hopper, Carsman interprets landscape through concise balancing of color, light and form. These flat-surface meditations on greenery unfold effortlessly, capturing the many varied moods of the world outside.
Beth Krumholz is a Berks County native. She is an educator, artist and poet. She has worked in the field of alternative art education for more than 20 years, from NYC to San Francisco. In her spare time, she enjoys Indian cooking, Appalachian waterfalls, tabletop herb gardening, and hanging out with her wonderful son and their mischievous cats. Photo: Jenny Schulder-Brant
