Friends in Art

Hi All

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist and getting involved publicly with an art community is the great friends that you make over the years. It has been my pleasure to be associated with visual artists, sculptors, musicians, photographers, writers, artists of many stripes over my artistic lifetime.

One of the very first was my mentor and art teacher in 9th grade, Andrew Palencar. Andy taught interested students the most sophisticated techniques from the old masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer and he really knew his stuff. I distinctly remember an exhibit of his works at Wilkes College when I was in the 11th grade that demonstrated his mastery of the human figure. It was a restricted show at the time because one of Andy's paintings was titled "Nude" and young people weren't permitted to view the show. With Andy's help I was able to sneak in (in secrecy) and get an in spiring look at his fine workmanship and his genius. Andy passed away a few years back from complications after heart bypass surgery. Sad to say I cannot find one reference to Andy's actual work on the internet, although several of his former students have given him the highest credit for their artistic success.

Things have come a long way since then. Now we can have our works posted on the internet as well as in galleries all over the world, even if we did paint a nude. I'm proud to say that I developed a life long love of art, whether I produce it or someone else does, in most part due to the insight that Andy gave me about the artist vision. It seems that many non-artists feel as though artistic works are just a cast off of one's innate abilities and not worth a serious examination. I've noticed over the months that I have been director at the Pantheon Fine Art Gallery that many browsers give but a cursory glance at works on exhibit.

All artistic expression is an insight into the artist's psyche, what is on their mind, in their heart, and what they want the public to know about them as well as the subject matter. Different artists present this in a variety of ways through music, painting, acting, sculpting, writing, etc. and through varying levels of proficiency. Either way you look at it, artistic expression is one of the most profound means of communication and examples of historical perspective on a region, an era, and a peoples' mindset at any given time. That makes art one of the most valuable resources that civilization has to offer to mankind.

So, the next time you visit a show, or see some work on-line, try to remember that you aren't just viewing someone's creation, you are getting a first hand look at history in the making.

Just some thoughts for today. Thank you for taking the time to read them and I am interested in your opinion.

Pete