November 23, 2016 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Art Watch: Holiday art shows

Assorted images, including encaustics by Lorraine Glessner, The Art Trust

For this last week in November, several holiday art shows present great gift giving ideas, and the new Ivystone Studios in Downingtown has it opening show this Friday.

This weekend, November 25 and 26 from 4 to 10 p.m., is the highly anticipated grand opening art show of Ivystone Studios, located at 138 Moore Road in Downingtown. This is a great chance to check out the beautifully renovated Chester county stone barn, meet the exhibiting artists, and share complimentary food and local wines.

Studio owner and glass artist Justin Smith has created a stunning new exhibition space that artists are lining up to become exhibitors. Some of the 20 artists showing in this first exhibit include: Laurie Murray, Joanne Mark, Heather Davis, Stan Smokler, Rob Sigafoos, and Bob Hakum. This is the first of many exhibitions to come, so check it out, enjoy music, art, food and lively conversation.

Art is the perfect gift, and there are plenty of galleries and art shows starting up this weekend where you can find something beautiful and affordable.

Starting in West Chester, The Art Trust at Meridian Bank has their “Gifted” art show going on through the holiday season, with twenty artists all presenting art for sale under $500. The exhibiting artists are chosen by the board members of the Art Trust, and I look forward to this show every year. Last year I bought a small encaustic by artist Ben Richardson, who is exhibiting again this year along with another encaustic artist favorite, Lorraine Glessner. Andrew Snyder has interesting handmade ceramic bowls that have terrific textures combined with imbedded photographic images. There are also paintings and jewelry selections.

Just around the corner a couple blocks to Church Street Gallery, 12 South Church Street, there the show “Beauty in the Open” presents the gorgeous paintings of artist Elise Phillips, through December 3rd.

Opening next week, Wednesday, November 30, the Chadds Ford Gallery presents their 35th Annual Christmas in Miniature Exhibit, opening, 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Framed original art created in miniature for gift giving for family, friends, the office or, an addition to your own private collection. This exhibit is a great introduction to a variety of mostly regional artists. Located at 1609 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 to 5pm. The exhibit continues through December 31, 2016.

Petite Paintings Sale Oxford Arts Alliance

In Oxford, The Oxford Arts Alliance has its annual “Petite Paintings” sale this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Flickerwood Wine Cellars at 33 South Third Street across the street from The Oxford Arts Alliance. These small 6″ x 6″ paintings all sell for $30 each and are donated by many local artists affiliated with the Oxford Arts Alliance. The proceeds 100% benefit the Richard Beards Scholarship Fund for local high school seniors who are continuing their education in the fields of art and music.

At Hardcastle Galleries at 5714 Kennett Pike in Centreville Delaware, the preview for its “Annual Holiday Small Works Art Show” is on Black Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The show continues through January 7th, and includes small, affordable artworks from over 70 local artists, in a wide variety of artistic mediums. Artists include popular painters such as Monique Sarkessian, Madeleine Kelly, Diane Cannon, and Su Knoll Horty, as well as glass artist Lore Evans, pastel artist Denise Vitollo and many more. Opening Night is the following week, on December 2nd 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., but the preview is a great chance to get a sneak peak, and first dibs.

Mary Page Evans Exhibit Opens at Somerville Manning Gallery

Also in Delaware this Friday, the Somerville Manning Gallery in Greenville Delaware opens its new exhibition of paintings “Trees” by popular local landscape painter Mary Page Evans, November 25 to December 23. I asked Rebecca, who works at the gallery, to tell me a bit about the artwork in the show, and she said that the paintings have a very contemporary feel of Joan Mitchell, mixed in with a likeness to Monet; expressive brushwork with bright, joyful colors, which create tree vistas that are dreamlike and ethereal. The artist also has a series of tree etchings, which are prefaced with an inspiring quote from American Poet Laureate Howard Nemerov “Before you can learn the trees, you have to learn the language of the trees.” The opening reception is this Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with food and wine, and a nice opportunity to chat with the featured artist.

About Lele Galer

Lele Galer is an artist who has chaired numerous art shows, taught art history and studio art, public art and has chaired, written and taught the Art in Action Art Appreciation series for the UCFD schools for the past 12 years. She worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and wrote for the Associated Press in Rome. She has been dedicated to Art History and art education for most of her adult life. Lele and her husband Brad own Galer Estate Winery in Kennett Square.

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State offers advice for safe holiday cooking

Health

State Fire Commissioner Tim Solobay is reminding residents to follow common cooking safety rules when celebrating Thanksgiving this week with family and friends.

“We’re entering a time of year that means lots of time with family and friends, and all the good food that goes along with it,” Solobay said in a press release. “But don’t get so caught up in the celebrations that you forget about safety, because not doing so can mean a holiday that’s unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.”

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, from 2011-2013, cooking caused 72 percent of all Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings. By comparison, cooking was the cause of 48 percent of residential building fires that occurred on all days of the year other than Thanksgiving.

Solobay shared the following reminders for safe holiday cooking:

Create a child-free zone around hot spots like stoves, turkey fryers and ovens using masking or painters tape on the floor. Get the kids involved in helping you tape off their “no-go zone”, and then find kid-friendly ways they can help in the kitchen. Keep pets away from hot spots too.

Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so they’re not accidentally knocked off the stove.

Wear short sleeves, or roll up long sleeves so they won’t hang down and brush against burners.

Keep an eye on pots and pans; turn off all burners if you need to leave the kitchen.

Don’t ever use a turkey fryer on a wooden deck or in a garage; keep it away from your home and buildings.

Be careful not to overfill your turkey fryer, and make sure your turkey is completely thawed before putting it in. The sides, lid and handles of a turkey fryer can get dangerously hot.

Check your kitchen fire extinguisher to make sure it’s properly charged and ready for use. Purchase a fire extinguisher if you don’t have one.

“If you do have a fire in your home, don’t panic. Just get everyone out of the house and call 911,” Solobay said in the release. “There are thousands of dedicated men and women across the state who are willing to leave their own Thanksgiving celebrations and come help keep you and your family safe.”

About Press Release

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Adopt-a-Pet Nov. 23

Home and Leisure

Ralph - Horizontal — Adopt-a-Pet Nov. 23

Come meet all the wonderful animals available now for adoption at the Brandywine Valley SPCA. All featured pets are “Name Your Price” adoption fee until Monday, Nov. Not ready to adopt? Then sponsor a pet and provide a safe place for our companions to rest until they find their forever homes. Help us give them a second chance at a fresh start.

RALPH

Hi, my name is Ralph. I am a handsome 4-year-old brindle and white terrier mix who arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray. My friends here at the shelter don’t have enough good things to say about me. I’m a real fan favorite. I’m a laid back, easygoing guy who gets super happy when I greet my friends; I’m so glad when people visit with me. I am an easy walk on a leash, and well mannered and behaved. I’m dog friendly and definitely people friendly. I unfortunately have tested positive for heartworm, but a generous donor has already paid for my treatment. So all I need is a home to relax in and soak up all the love I can. I am neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations. I’ll be waiting excitedly to meet you.

KHAN

Hi! My name is Khan and I’m a real sweetheart of a girl, a brindle beauty who arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray. I’m super friendly and playful and really enjoy a good game of fetch. I’m smart and agile and would make a great companion on hikes and runs. Once we get that exercise out of the way, I love to snuggle. Let’s keep each other warm this winter. Come see me and it will be love at first sight for both of us, I’m sure. I have been spayed, microchipped and am current on all of my shots so I’m ready to go! Let’s meet soon.

KATIE

Please allow me to introduce myself; My name is Katie. I am a pretty, slate gray terrier mix, a total sweetheart who arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray. I am a sweet, gentle girl who is a bit overwhelmed living in a noisy shelter. I may present myself as a bit shy but that is only because I am still trying to find my way in here. I’d love to find a home where I could relax, be loved and feel safe. I’m easy to walk on a leash, know some doggie commands, and love people. I’m spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations too! If you could find it in your heart to take me into your home, I would love you forever, I promise you that.

ELSA

Hello, I’m Elsa! I am a 1-year-old black and white tuxedo cat who arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray with four kittens in tow, while I am barely more than a kitten myself. I am stunning girl with beautiful markings; a long and lean lady. I have a wonderful personality; I’m very inquisitive, social and playful. I am a great all around cat and would make an awesome addition to any household. I’m spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations. Will you pick me to be a part of your family?

MARBLE

Hello! My name is Marble, and I am an 8-year-old gorgeous buff and white tabby with an adorable speckled nose. My family of six years surrendered me when they moved. I’m a friendly, sweet gentleman with fur like velvet. I can be a little shy at first but when I warm up I like to nuzzle your hands and neck. I am neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations, and can’t wait for my forever family to walk through the door and pick me.

BILLIE JEAN

Hi! My name is Billie Jean, and I arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray with my siblings. We were little ones, so we were placed into foster care to grow and learn how to be cats. I have to say, it was a successful experience, and we even got along with their dog, and we snuggled with him. I came back to the shelter in August, and I am still here. I’m not sure why I have been overlooked, but let me tell you, you are missing out. I am a fun, playful girl who loves being loved and I love to play. I am doing well at the shelter but don’t want to spend my first year here, so can you help me out? I am spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations. I’m looking for my forever home, so please come meet me.

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Around Town Nov. 23

Along the Ford

_1JF9961-Museum-Decoration copy — Around Town Nov. 23

Volunteers decorate the Brandywine River Museum of Art for the holidays.

• A Brandywine Christmas, the annual holiday treat offered by the Brandywine Museum of Art, begins Friday, Nov. 25. The yearly event features a gallery filled with a model train display, another filled with dozens of antique dolls, ranging in size from three to 30 inches, along with holiday trees decorated for the season with Critter ornaments. The museum is open late on Thursdays in December, with dinner available for purchase, for a festive holiday evening for the whole family. The Critter sale begins Dec. 1 and continues through Dec. 4. Brandywine Christmas runs through Jan. 8.

Critter ornaments go on sale at the Brandywine River Museum of Art beginning Dec. 1.

• The Chadds Ford Gallery Proudly presents the 35th Christmas in Miniature exhibit beginning Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 1 to 8 p.m. The all-day opening features framed, original art by 84 artists, created in miniature for gifts, for friends, family, home, office, or your own private collection. The exhibit continues through Dec. 31. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday’s noon to 5 p.m. For more information, please visit www.awyethgallery.com or call 610-388-2412.

• The Rachel Kohl Library will be celebrating its annual Winter Wonderland on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Visit the library at 3 to create winter crafts, explore the library and meet staff and members of the Library Board. At 4 p.m., enjoy an interactive Winter Fest Adventure Story with Classroom Adventure Stories. The annual tree lighting will be held in front of the library at 5 p.m. This event is free and open to all ages. Visit kohllibrary.org or call 610-358-3445 for more information. The Rachel Kohl Library is located at 687 Smithbridge Road in Concord Township.

Darlington teaching artists, students, staff, and community members perform in last year’s Holiday Jam.

• Darlington Arts Center in Concord Township invites the community to a free Holiday Jam & Open House on Saturday, Dec. 3 starting at 2:30 p.m. The event kicks off with an art gallery and reception at for Darlington teaching Artist Erika Matyok, whose collection of acrylic paintings and photography will be on display through January. There will be free wine and cheese at the reception, which will be followed by a student music recital and the second annual Holiday Jam.

• Brandywine Ballet is continuing its holiday tradition with performances of “The Nutcracker” at the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall on the campus of West Chester University from Dec. 9 through Dec. 18. Tickets are $25, $35, and $45 with senior, university, and group discounts available. Morning performances are $10 for student or senior groups (10 or more), and $18/adult. For times and to order tickets, go to www.brandywineballet.org or by call the box office at 610-696-2711.

Two dance companies, Brandywine Ballet and the Academy of International Ballet, will be performing The Nutcracker this year. The Academy will have two performances at Unionville High School on Dec. 10.

• The Academy of International Ballet is presenting performances of “The Nutcracker” at Unionville High School on Saturday, Dec. 10. There will be shows at 2 and 7 p.m. The 7 p.m. show includes Chadds Ford’s Azelie Faia dancing as the Snow Queen. Catherine Faia is also in the show. General admission seating is $20. Tickets are available online at www.academyballetru.com or by phone at 866-908-5666.

• Now through Dec. 16, Crozer-Keyastone Health System employees are continuing a holiday tradition with an annual toy drive. Members of the community are asked to help by donating new and unwrapped toys. The Community Action Agency of Delaware County is the beneficiary for the toy drive, so every donation will benefit people in Delaware County. The toys will be donated to children under 15 years old. Appropriate gift ideas for children in this age range include children’s books, coloring books, sports equipment, board games, arts and crafts materials, dolls, action figures, building blocks, and puzzles. The local drop-off point in the Chadds Ford area is the main lobby at the Crozer Medical Plaza at Brinton Lake, 300 Evergreen Drive, in Concord Township.

• The Neumann University Center for Leadership is offering a three-hour seminar to instruct elder care providers, attorneys and family members how to warn older Americans about and protect them from computer, direct mail and telephone scams. Registration is free and open to the public, but space is limited to the first 300 registrants. The event is Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to noon. To register, go here.

• The Kennett Holiday Village Market, a curated, open-air, artisan market filled with unique holiday gift options from local and regional vendors, is poised to debut. Enjoy food trucks, ice sculptures, seasonal craft workshops, music, Christmas tree and greenery sales and one-of-kind holiday shopping at The Creamery in Kennett Square. The Creamery is located at 401 Birch Street, and the market will be open on Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is now accepting submissions from students in grades 1 through 12 for a poster and video public service announcement contest featuring weather safety messages. The theme for the video contest is “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” and is open to all Pennsylvania high school and middle school students in grades 7 through 12, including those attending private, parochial, cyber or home schools. The deadline is Jan. 31.The winner will work with state broadcasters to develop a TV commercial to be aired statewide in March. The theme for the poster contest is “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors” and is open to students in grades 1 through 6 with a March 7 deadline for submissions. The winning poster will be featured in state parks across the Commonwealth. Detailed information regarding guidelines, eligibility, and deadlines is available online at www.ReadyPA.org/contest.

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Police Log Nov. 23: Vandalism, DUIs, ID theft

Police

• State police from the Media barracks are investigating a case of theft and criminal mischief that occurred sometime between 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 and 7:15 a.m. on Nov. 9. A report said troopers two white Ford Transit units with broken windows and body damage at Braxton Way and Fellowship Drive in Concord Township. Troopers also found a backhoe that was stuck in the mud in a wooded area behind a parking lot. It was determined that the backhoe had been reported stolen from a construction site the night before.

• State police arrested a 28-year-old Ridley park man for DUI in Concord Township on Nov. 5. The driver, who police did not identify in the report, was pulled over for traffic violations at 2:24 a.m. on northbound Route 1 near Route 322.

• A Utah man was cited for causing a two-vehicle crash on Route 52 at Ballintree Lane in Pocopson Township, said state police from the Avondale barracks. Police said Joseph D. Donnell, 49, of Kamas, was traveling southbound on Route 52 on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 4:28 p.m. in a 2004 Honda Civic when he lost control while negotiating a curve, entered the northbound lane, and struck a 2009 Mercury Milan. Police said both drivers were wearing seatbelts and were not injured.

• On Thursday, Oct. 27, at 8 a.m., state police from the Avondale barracks received a report of an incident involving Realtor fraud in Pennsbury Township. Police said an investigation is continuing.

• State police are investigating an incident of vandalism in Pennsbury Township. Police said a tire was slashed on a vehicle parked in the 1300 block of Brintons Bridge Road sometime between 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30, and 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 31.

• On Monday, Oct. 31, at 11:06 p.m., a resident of Red Lion Road in Pocopson Township reported an incident of identity theft, said state police. Police said someone attempted to open multiple accounts in the victim’s name; an investigation is continuing.

• State police are investigating another instance of identity theft involving a victim in Pocopson Township. Police said on Monday, Nov. 14, at 7:02 p.m., someone used the victim’s name to purchase a $62,000 Audi S5 vehicle from a dealership in Naples, Fla., even taking out a fraudulent insurance policy. Police said the victim learned of the transaction after receiving letters in the mail for various loans he did not authorize, along with forged paperwork for the vehicle’s purchase, police said.

• On Sunday, Oct. 23, at 6:58 p.m., a West Grove woman failed to stop at a red light and rear-ended another vehicle on Route 1 and McFarlan Drive in Kennett Township. State police said Jesse L. Greenwalt, 25, was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance and was subsequently arrested.

• State police from the Avondale barracks said they cited a 35-year-old West Grove woman for following too closely and causing a chain-reaction collision on Monday, Nov. 7, at 7:34 a.m. in East Marlborough Township. Police said Monica B. Guepet was driving a 2012 Ford Escape on Route 1, north of Village Lane, when she struck a 2012 Fiat 500 in front of her that had slowed for traffic. The impact forced the Fiat’s driver hit a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. Police said Guepet was transported to Jennersville Hospital for suspected minor injuries; the other drivers also sustained minor injuries. All were wearing seatbelts, police said.

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