The modern computer video technology of Skype allowed hospitalized artist Paul Scarborough to join fans attending the opening of the latest exhibit “Scarborough Fair – Four Seasons” at the Chadds Ford Gallery.
The exhibit opened Oct. 11, two days after Scarborough underwent surgery at Fox Chase.
Using Skype, a two-way video system, the popular artist told gallery visitors that he was feeling fine and would be back to painting as soon as possible.
Scarborough’s work is always popular at the gallery. He’s the biggest seller there, according to owner Jackie Winther, who said the shop has hosted at least 10 Scarborough Fairs. His openings are well attended and fans always flock around him. This year, though, they were flocking around a laptop computer to offer well wishes.
“It was great; it was special,” Winther said of technology that allowed Scarborough to “be there.”
Former Pennsbury Township Supervisor Karen Wood has known Scarborough for 14 years and has watched his work grow over that period.
“Paul is a preeminently dedicated artist,” she said. “He keeps growing and growing in his abilities and he keeps coming up with fresh ideas. I feel very fortunate to know him.”
Wood is one of the fans who enjoys trying to find the cardinal, the bird that Scarborough hides in almost all of his paintings. She said she’s pretty good at finding them, though she admits to having missed a few.
She was also impressed with the ability to talk with Scarborough via Skype. Wood said she agrees with a comment she heard that it was interesting to see modern technology merging with traditional art, bringing the artist to his own opening.
“To not have him here was going to be very difficult because he’s supposed to be here. He’s always at his shows, and there he is, in a form that we can accept and relate to and let him know we’re just thrilled with his work and he has a little sense of being here himself,” Wood said.
Other artists also appreciate Scarborough’s work. One, Barbara Tlush of Chadds Ford.
“I’m very impressed. He’s always been a magnificent artist and I’ve watched him evolve over the years. He’s still blossoming. His work is beautiful,” Tlush said.
She added that one of the most influential aspects of Scarborough’s work is that he still goes out and does plein air work, painting outside from start to finish.
“It’s great to see that and it’s inspiring to all of us because it seems to be a lost art. Paul has kept with it and he’s mastering it,” Tlush said.
“Scarborough Fair – Four Seasons” runs through Oct. 27. The Chadds Ford Gallery will also host a plein air event on Saturday, Oct. 19.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
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