 PRESS RELEASE:
CEDARBURG, WI–The Cedarburg Cultural Center welcomes two new exhibits to usher in the Autumn season “FOURTHCOMING": The Art of Jonathan Ellis, Bev Richey, Miriam Sushman & Adria Willenson will be on display in the West Gallery from Oct. 21 through Nov. 26. The exhibit and sale will feature a wide variety of works by the four artists, who came together a little over a year ago and launched their collaborative initiative, “Fourthcoming,” in order to showcase their unique styles. Their first exhibit was at the Urban Ecology Center last spring and summer and they are happy to create new work showcasing their evolving styles for the Center. Work displayed will include gestural abstract paintings, paintings, mixed media on canvas, and mosaics based on the flora and fauna of Wisconsin.
Concurrently on display in the Center’s East and Corridor Galleries will be “Autumn Spotlight: The Art of Kristin Gjerdset & Bunnie Werth," an exhibit of works by two Southeast Wisconsin artists specializing in works that celebrate the natural world. ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Jonathan Pierson Ellis, a devoted visual artist from birth, was educated at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). Jonathan has a prolific body of work and an eclectic contemporary style rooted in emergent truth, love, humor, and theory. His drawings, paintings, and sculptures are reflective of a refined artist exploring identity, materials, and life itself as Art. Bev Richey’s undergraduate studies were in psychology and in 2008, she began advanced studies in Art History at UW-Milwaukee. From 1978 to 1994, Richey became a public artist and community arts administrator. A move to a rural Wisconsin farm in 1994 from New Haven, CT provided her with an opportunity to rest and recuperate and explore a nonelitist culture. Her early art involved political and feminist site-specific performances, installations, exhibitions, and social engagement projects. In 2015, she moved in a new direction, experimenting with a new “painting” practice. Shortly thereafter, she introduced the “FIRST HUNDRED PAINTING SERIES” 2015-2023. which will be featured in the "Fourthcoming" exhibition. Before becoming a mosaic artist Miriam Sushman worked as a photojournalist in the USA and Israel. Her passion for mosaics was ignited while working on a mixed-media table. Having learned to work with a variety of mosaic methods and materials, she has taught workshops and classes to children, teens, and adults in addition to leading community projects. Adria Willenson is a mixed media artist with a Master’s Degree in Visual Studies from Cardinal Stritch University. From creating a multi-artist studio space and art gallery to selling her own paintings, art has been her true passion for nearly 25 years. Growing up near the Schlitz Audubon Nature Preserve which contains 6 miles of trails along the Lake Michigan shoreline, she has had a deep appreciation for nature which has served as a constant theme throughout her artwork. Willenson finds daily inspiration for her art through her natural surroundings on a partially wooded lot within walking distance of this nature preserve. While she has worked on many mediums such as watercolor, oils, acrylics, and textiles over the years, the current focus of her work incorporates mixed media, fiber, and acrylics, featuring a combination of geometric shapes and floral imagery. · Kristin Gjerdset is a professor of art and art department head, teaching painting, drawing, and art history at Wisconsin Lutheran College. She also serves as the Schlueter Art Gallery manager, organizing exhibits throughout the year. She has organized and traveled with students to Costa Rica, France, Grenada, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, and Norway, along with U.S. national parks and art museums, believing in the importance of providing inspiring experiences for learning. · Bunnie Werth has been a member of the art community for more than 40 years. She received her professional training at the Layton School of Art and Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design in fine arts/ printmaking. Werth has been active in painting, floral arts, and handmade collectibles and owned and operated Newberry Thicket in Cedarburg from 2003 to 2016. She now works in her private studio creating paintings inspired by the beauty of the natural world, fantasy, and figure drawing. The public is invited to a free reception on Oct. 22 from 1-4 p.m. in celebration of both of its current exhibits. Complimentary refreshments will be available alongside a cash bar. |
