PSAG

New PSAG Exhibit at the Groton Public Library

2012-01-31T08:59:00.000-08:00

A new exhibit by the members of the Pacific Street Artists Guild is now on display at the Groton Public Library. The exhibit features work by: April Verdun Brown, Kathy Doyle, John Fast, Sean Kane, Lynda Wesley McLaughlin, Rosamond Partridge, Jeanne Ryan and Rose Young. This exhibit runs through February 28, 2012.

Location: Groton Public Library, 52 Newtown Road, Groton, CT.

Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 9am-9pm; Fri. 9am-5:30pm; Sat. 9am-5pm; Sun. 1-5pm

Phone: 860-441-6750

Skating Mural by Lynda McLaughlin

2011-12-02T08:30:00.001-08:00

A brand new mural by PSAG member Lynda McLaughlin decorating the skate rental sheds at The Rink at Parade Plaza, New London Historic Waterfront District.

Holiday Open House & Cookie Sampler: Saturday, Dec. 10, 1-4pm

2011-11-17T15:20:00.001-08:00

Join us for a seasonal afternoon of art, cookies and recipes. Members of the Pacific Street Artists Guild share their favorite holiday cookies (and the recipes) with you

Saturday, December 10, 1-4pm.

Come and enjoy the 2011 PSAG Exhibit featuring paintings, photography, New London scenes, notecards, jewelry, ornaments and other unique hand made gifts at the

Pacific Street Art Gallery,

11 Pacific Street, New London

Exhibiting Artists: April Brown, Sophia Dineralter, Kathy Doyle, Sean Kane, Charlie MacDonald, Lynda McLaughlin, Rosamond Partridge and Rose Young

for more information contact us at: psag@mac.com

PSAG 2011 Holiday Exhibit: Nov. 12- Dec. 31

2011-11-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

The Pacific Street Artists Guild 2011 Holiday Exhibit: featuring paintings, photography, New London scenes and notecards, jewelry, ornaments and more original hand made gifts by PSAG members. Please join our opening reception Saturday, November 12, 6-9pm, at the Pacific Street Art Gallery. This exhibit will run through December 31. For more information email us at psag@mac.com

Ledge Light by John Fast

Notecards by Lynda McLaughlin

hand-painted wine glasses by Rose Partridge

...and much more. Please join our reception on Saturday, November 12, 6-9pm at the Pacific Street Art Gallery, 11 Pacific Street, New London.

PSAG Member Sean Kane Exhibits in Mystic

2011-09-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

PSAG member Sean Kane's masks are featured this month at Bartleby's Coffee Cafe in Mystic, CT. The exhibit also includes the mixed media work of Rita Dawley and photography by Susan Parish. You are invited to the opening reception on Sunday, September 18, 3-5pm. The artwork will be on display daily from 7am-7pm throughout the month.

New Article on PSAG member Lynda McLaughlin

2011-08-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

Artist Spotlight - Acrylic Painter Lynda McLaughlin

Acrylic art on display at Union Station helps to add life to the walls and promote landmarks and attractions in New London.

by Adam Campos/newlondon.patch.com

As you enter New London’s Union Station fresh off of a long train ride you are now greeted by eight large canvas pieces highlighting many of this town’s great features. Among the works are canvases praising large attractions such as theGarde Arts Center and Ocean Beach as well as historical landmarks such as the Monte Cristo Cottage, the summer homestead of great American playwright Eugene O’Neill and his family.

These eight beautiful works praising our city were created by Lynda McLaughlin of New London. She is a member of the Pacific Street Artists’ Guild and an elected member of the Mystic Art Center. She is a self-taught artist who works out of her home studio and has been painting for as long as she can remember. “I was one of those horrible little children who would doodle during class,” she tells Patch with a chuckle.

She created the works of art because she loves this town. “I just feel that New London doesn’t do enough to toot its own horn,” McLaughlin tells Patch. She feels that New London has a lot more going for it than most people realize and wants to do her part to make sure everyone knows it.

The train station is a great place to display these works because it gives incoming visitors a taste of what the town has to offer and shows departing guests what they may have overlooked. Todd O’Donnell, one of the partners at Union Station, helped coordinate the hanging.

“This was a labor of love;” in fact she was neither commissioned by the town to produce promotional material nor is she attempting to sell the works out of the train station. This was simply a project that she felt moved to undertake based on her experiences with the town.

This is not the first time McLaughlin was inspired by her home to paint. Lynda spent most of her life in St Thomas in the Virgin Islands, moving there as a child in 1953 so her father could pursue a construction contract. After one year they decided to stay permanently. The vibrancy of Caribbean life and the experience of living in a tightly knit community offered ample subject matter for McLaughlin to work from.

Working primarily in vibrant acrylics, she depicts pleasant rhythm of daily life in the Caribbean in a style that is evocative of classic folk art. In 2008 she wrote and illustrated “Time Gone,” a book about her experiences growing up in the Caribbean.

For more information on the Art of Lynda McLaughlin please visit her website at LWesley.com. You may also view her work on permanent display in the train station and on the muraled façade of the 13 Golden Street Building. She will also have displays at both the Pacific Street Gallery and at theHarbour Towers in November of this year.

Free Drawing Class at the Public Library of New London, CT

2011-08-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to draw? Drawing for Absolute Beginners can provide the foundation tools and understanding necessary to draw successfully. Each 2 hour class will build on the previous class through simple, effective drawing exercises, in-class drawing projects and exercises for your own home study. Join us each week and uncover your hidden ability to draw!

Instructor: Cindy Samul

Thursdays 6-8pm, September 8 - October 13. For adults 16 and up.

This class is free but space is limited so you do have register. To register call the library at (860) 447-1411, ext 3. or in person at the library's Information Desk.

Cindy Samul has been teaching art to students of every age for over 15 years. When she’s not teaching she works as a freelance illustrator and runs the Pacific Street Art Gallery in New London. Visit CindySamul.com

Exploring the Universe: Saturday, June 4, 2011, 6-9pm

2011-05-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

Pacific Street Art Gallery presents Exploring the Universe a new exhibit featuring paintings by Bobbi Hagman and Mary McCarroll, with photography by Sven Armster. Please join our opening reception and meet the artists on Saturday, June 4, 6-9pm. This exhibit, curated by Bobbi Hagman, will run through July 2.

Bobbi Hagman, acrylic

Sven Armster, photography

Mary McCarroll, acrylic

New Article on PSAG member John Fast

2011-05-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

The Grizzly Bear is Ready for Its Close Up

Uncasville Wildlife Photographer John Fast Has A Passion For Photographing Landscapes and Animals - by Tom Fagin

The grizzly looms large—thousands of pounds of tooth and claw. It is mere feet away from vulnerable human flesh but this is no time for panic, but for concentration and aim. Getting that critical shot—at a proper exposure and aperture setting—is the calling of Uncasville-based wildlife photographer John Fast.

“The excitement is beyond words,” he says, describing the experience of photographing the bears. “It is nerve racking.” Read the full article and see additional photos

PSAG Exhibit: Saturday, November 13, 6-9pm

2010-11-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

The Pacific Street Artists Guild annual exhibit features paintings, drawings, prints, miniatures, jewelry, New London scenes, notecards, ornaments and more. Please join us for the opening reception Saturday, November 13, 6-9pm at the Pacific Street Art Gallery. For more information contact us at psag@mac.com

Participating Artists: April Brown, Jan Dahl, Sophia Dineralter, Kathy Doyle, John Fast, Sean Kane, Claudia Kenyon, Charlie MacDonald, Lynda McLaughlin, Rose Partridge, Jeanne Ryan, Ann Samul, Cindy Samul and Rose Young

This exhibit will run through December 31.

John Fast

Cindy Samul

Rose Partridge

Ann Samul

April Brown

Charlie MacDonald

Claudia Kenyon (detail from painting)

Rose Young

Jan Dahl

Rose Partridge

...and much more. Join us Saturday November 13, 6-9pm, at the Pacific Street Art Gallery in New London.

PSAG member John Fast: interview with Bangor Daily News

2010-10-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

Moose beckons Conn. wildlife photographer to Baxter

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN FAST

John Fast, 68, of New London, Conn., stands with his Canon 1D Mark III digital camera with a canon 600 mm f/4 Image Stabilized lens, which he uses to take photos of wildlife in Maine and other parts of the United States.

10/22/10 07:29 pm Updated: 10/22/10 07:43 pm

By Aislinn Sarnacki
BDN Staff

“Wildlife is my passion, what I like to do the most,” said John Fast, 68, of New London, Conn., who has been coming to Maine for 30 years with his camera.

Fast started photographing the coast and lighthouses, but found he would rather seek out wildlife; more specifically, the big animals. For the past few years, he has been traveling to Baxter State Park to capture moose on camera.

“A lot of people don’t understand why you’d want to go up repeatedly to photograph moose,” he said. “It’s the anticipation of something unusual happening. I’m willing to spend hours and hours watching.”

He followed a fox family for three days to capture a profile of a certain fox pup. On the third day, the pup left its brothers and sisters and walked toward Fast’s hideout. Before it reached him, the young fox picked a feather from the ground and held it between its teeth for a few moments. Fast captured the moment in three photos.

“You just don’t know what the next moment will bring. Usually it’s nothing, but that’s why I go,” he said.

At Baxter State Park, he sleeps in a Roaring Brook lean-to, wakes an hour before sunrise, straps on a headlamp and makes his way down to Sandy Stream Pond or Stump Pond.

This October was one of his poorest trips for moose sightings because of the windy weather. On Wednesday he saw a bull, cow and calf at Stump Pond. Thursday morning he spied a bull.

“I’m not a moose expert, but I think they kind of hunker down in this kind of wind and aren’t as likely to show themselves,” Fast said.

He typically visits Maine twice a year, in spring and fall. In October, the amorous bulls chase cows, become careless and are more accessible to photographers, he said. In the spring, young moose still have velvety antlers.

Fast became a photographer at age 12 while visiting his father in Africa. He was given a 35 mm rangefinder camera to shoot the landscape, coastline and castles of Africa.

He has been to Florida for the birds and North Carolina for wild horses. Alaska, where large animals roam in abundance, is his favorite destination. During one of his four trips to Alaska, he was led by a state guide to a congregation of 63 grizzly bears fishing in Brooks River.

“I do think the Maine coastline is really unique to the Eastern coast,” he said. One of his favorite coastal trips was to Cutler where he hitched a boat to Machias Seal Island to observe seals, puffins, razorbills, terns and gannets.

He used to photograph with a Canon EOS-1V camera and process the film in his own darkroom. Four years ago, he switched to a Canon 1D Mark III digital camera with a Canon 600 mm f/4 Image Stabilized lens.

“I don’t have to worry about the expense of shooting film,” he said. “But I still have a slow trigger finger, still have the reluctance.”

His digital camera shoots 10 frames a second, which has turned out to be a great feature for catching birds in flight. He also has experimented with scenic bracketing to create panoramas and teaches Photoshop at galleries near his home.

Although Fast prefers to work alone, he belongs to the Digital Imaging Association and has attended its annual photo safari and conference.

For information about John Fast and to see more of his photos, visit www.johnfastphotography.com or imagingthenaturalworld.com. For information about the Digital Imaging Association, visit digitalassociation.org.

Lightly Held: September 1 - October 31

2010-09-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

The Pacific Street Art Gallery presents a new multi-media exhibit curated by Linnie York and featuring ten Connecticut artists. Four photographers, four painters, and two collage artists will be presenting recently developed work. The theme, Lightly Held, has been interpreted by each artist in a different way. To deepen the viewing experience, individual artist statements will accompany the work.

Please join our reception and meet the artists on Saturday, October 9, 6-9pm. Artists will be available to answer questions and speak about the creative process used to produce the specific works on display.

Exhibiting artists:

Gloria Brooks, Windsor, multi-media

Pete Brooks, Windsor, photography

Craig Chessari, Woodbury, photography

Jackie Flatow, Westport, soft pastel

Dermot McNamara, New London, pastels and sculpture

Richard Ridington, Shelton, photography

Cindy Samul, New London, painting

Ann Samul, New London, multi-media

Linnie York, Woodbury, oil and acrylic

Rose Young, New London/Norwich, photography

Ann Samul

Jackie Flatow

Richard Ridington

Gloria Brooks

Pete Brooks

Linnie York

Rose Young

Dermot McNamara

PSAG Exhibit at Bean & Leaf: July 1 - 30

2010-07-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

Now through July 30 - a new exhibit by the members of the Pacific Street Artists Guild at the Bean & Leaf, 13 Washington Street, New London CT. The exhibit features paintings, photography and drawings by April Brown, Jan Dahl, Kathy Doyle, Sophia Dineralter, John Fast, Sean Kane, Lynda McLaughlin, Rose Partridge, Jean Ryan, Cindy Samul and Rose Young. The Bean & Leaf is open Sunday 9AM-8PM, Monday-Friday 6:30AM-10PM, and Saturday 8AM-10PM. For directions and more information on events at the Bean & Leaf visit www.bean-leaf.com

Bean & Leaf, 13 Washington St., New London CT

PSAG members hanging work 7/1

Art Expo at the Big Apple

2010-02-01T16:38:00.001-08:00

Art Expo 2010 is open to the general public on March 27th and 28th. I have asked for information on admission charges but have not received a reply yet. It doesn't appear to be on their web site http://www.artexponewyork.com/. This year the expo is going to be held on Pier 94 on the Hudson River.

I suggest car pooling to New Haven and taking the Metro North from New Haven to Grand Central Station. One -way fare is 13.30. There is a cheaper round-trip fare, but their web site quit working before I could capture it. If we have enough interested, we might want to buy a book of tickets at an even better rate. It makes a great day to enjoy the Expo, have lunch there and then head to Little Italy for some alfresco dining before returning home.

I hope to have more on the subject at our next meeting.

John

PSAG Exhibit at the Waterford Public Library: through Jan. 31

2010-01-18T06:58:00.000-08:00

A new PSAG exhibit now on display at the Waterford Public Libary in Waterford CT. The show features photographs, paintings, and drawings by PSAG members Jan Dahl, Kathy Doyle, John Fast, Lynda McLaughlin, Rose Partridge, Barbara Place, Cindy Samul and Rose Young. The display is free and open to the public through January 31. hours and directions

PSAG Annual Exhibit: Saturday, November 14, 6-9pm

2009-11-02T07:11:00.000-08:00

The Pacific Street Artists Guild annual exhibit features paintings, drawings, prints, jewelry, notecards and much more. Please join us for the opening reception Saturday, November 14, 6-9pm at the Pacific Street Art Gallery. For more information contact us at psag@mac.com

Participating Artists: Jan Dahl, Sophia Dineralter, Kathy Doyle, John Fast, Bruce Griffin, Claudia Kenyon, Charlie MacDonald, Lynda McLaughlin, Dermot McNamara, Rose Partridge, Barbara Place, Ann Samul, Cindy Samul and Rose Young

This exhibit runs through December 31.

Rose Young, photography

Rose Partridge, watercolor

Jan Dahl, pastel

Ann Samul, mixed media

Kathy Doyle, watercolor

The Dawn of Understanding: September 1-30

2009-09-01T11:11:00.001-07:00

The Pacific Street Art Gallery presents a new multi-media exhibit titled The Dawn of Understanding. The show features over 50 newly exhibited pieces all relating to the theme interpreted by artists from eight states. Actively curated by Linnie York over the past twelve months, the exhibit represents the work of professional artists from New Mexico to New England, with a handful of new artists. The theme, The Dawn of Understanding, developed over the year with the group connecting by internet through a series of quotes about the dawn and the "ah-ha" moment. Each worked in their own medium in their own studio or plein air to develop new art around the same conceptual idea.

Please join our reception Saturday, September 12, 6-9pm. Many of the artists as well as artist/curator Linnie York will be present to talk with the public. Also, artist and author Peter Brooks will be signing his new book God's Love is a Two Way Street: The Give and Take of L ife.

Participating Artists: Shelia Bontreger, Gloria Brooks, Peter Brooks, Craig Chessari, Jackie Flatow, Bruce Fuller, Jean Giordano, Dermot McNamara, Mary Carroll Moore, April Munson, Elaine Paul, Dick Ridington, Ann Samul, Cindy Samul, Becky Tanner, Kristin York, Linnie York, Lynelle Yougquist and Troy Zaushny

Mary Carroll Moore

April Munson

Shelia Bontreger

Linnie York

Peter Brooks will be signing his new book God's Love is a Two Way Street.

Meet the Artist August 29

2009-08-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

Please join our reception for Greetings from New London and meet artist Bruce Dean; Saturday August 29, 6-9pm at the Pacific Street Art Gallery. Please email psag@mac.com for more information.

Greetings from New London: through August 29

2009-06-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

A new exhibit featuring oil paintings by Bruce R. Dean now on display at the Pacific Street Art Gallery. Please join us for a special reception and meet the artist on Saturday, August 29, 6-9pm. Learn more about Bruce Dean and view his work at Explore and Discover.

Greetings from New London

by Bruce R. Dean

New London is where my father Harold B. Dean was born in 1910 and lived his life with his Connecticut College girlfriend Miriam Ruth Rosnick (who became Miriam Rosnick Dean). Mim came to Ocean Beach as a child from Holyoke with her family; her father was a butcher. Harold’s father Benjamin Dean sold fruit from a horse drawn wagon. Their parents were Jewish immigrants at the turn of the century (from Russia/Poland bordering towns). Harold’s mother Rose (perhaps a misname) was a “pain in the butt” landlord.

Miriam, 89 years old, resides in the Alzheimer’s Unit of the Jewish Health Care Center in Worcester, MA., near our home in Princeton so I am with her often. She’s doing well.

Our family has always loved New London. It’s a “down to earth, no pretensions” town on Long Island Sound. Our daughter-in-law and son are living and re-vitalizing the Dean home. They plan on being there for years to come.

In February 2008, I underwent back surgery and began the long haul recovery (still making progress). Painting in my studio was part of my healing. During this time I searched for antique postcards and started buying them on E-bay (especially New London and the surrounding areas). I was pleasantly surprised to find the rack of antique postcards in the gallery. (bought twenty beauties) Honoring these old beautiful hand-colored images with oil paintings. Van Gogh often worked from Japanese and Millet’s prints (amongst others), so why not? On the other end of the spectrum, a perfect day for me is being on the beach (anywhere) and painting the waves and what else is going on. Found beach objects such as rocks, ceramic culvert pipe, and driftwood were most often painted at the beach from observation as well) in a folk art manner.

Childhood friend Lou Fiano pointed out that solo exhibitions are a form of “shameless self promotion”. I accept that and offer these to anyone who finds New London a beautiful small city and special community.  Hope you enjoy.

In honor of his parents Miriam and Harold Dean, Bruce has generously committed 30% of sales of any artwork to help support the Pacific Street Art Gallery.

Art Expo

2009-03-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

I visited Art Expo at the Javits Center in NYC on Friday. I am sure many of you have already done that, but this was my first. Although I heard from others who have been there before that the number of exhibitors was down, I was certainly impressed.

You could see everything from the "11 year old child prodigy" selling her works for $85000 to giclee prints for a few dollars.

I spoke at length with an artist from Istanbul. She was selling her 8" x10"prints for about $200 to $250 dollars each. She is having the prints made for her for about $40 each in that size and was dumbfounded when I told her that the cost of ink and canvas to print her own giclees would be less than $2.00 in that size.

If any of the PSAG memebers have not attended this annual event, I really recommend you plan on it for next year and wear your walking shoes. Maybe we could make it a group trip!

Happy New Year

2009-01-08T14:31:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone.

Yesterday I was without power for most of the day, so I pulled out my camera and did a little backyard song bird photography.

It was sleeting so I stayed inside and poked my camera out the kitchen window. The birds were having a great time at the feeders. You can see more of the images from that day at a blog I have started at www.imagingthenaturalworld.com.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at this month's meeting.

Stay warm.

New Images Added to My Web Site

2008-11-24T16:12:00.000-08:00

I have recently added new images to my web site http://www.johnfastphotography.com/. New Images are located in the New Images Gallery (who would have thunk that). I have also added a few more images to the "Brown Bears" gallery and to the "Landscapes" gallery. As always, comments or suggestions are welcome. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Slide Program by John Fast

2008-11-19T20:20:00.000-08:00

I will be presenting a slide program entitled "Bird Phoptography from Florida to Maine and Places Between" on December 10, 2008 at 2:00PM at Perigrene's Landing at the Shorleine. The slide show will include images from popular wildlife refuges in Florida and a visit to Machias Seal Island off the coast of Maine. Photographs along the Conneciticut shoreline are also featured.

In addition to the slide presentation, I will be discussing my equipment and some of the things I have learned about trying to photograph birds in their habitats.

Peregrine's Landing is located at 91 East Main Street in Clinton. For more information, contact Cynthia Straub at (860) 669-9300 or me at (860) 235-9188.

Mary Pacifici: PSAG member in Vermont

2008-10-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

If you are in area of Essex Junction, Vermont one of these October weekends, stop by the Lang Farm Nursery for the Essex Art League Show. PSAG's own Mary Pacifici along with the other members of the Essex Art League will be displaying works in a variety of media. Saturdays 9-5 and Sundays 10-4 through the month of October.

PSAG Summer Exhibit: June 25-August 31

2008-06-19T07:08:00.001-07:00

The PSAG Summer Exhibit features paintings, drawings, prints and more by members of the Pacific Street Artists Guild. Please join our reception on Saturday, June 28, 6-9pm. For more information contact us at psag@mac.com

Jan Dahl - acrylic

Lynda Wesley McLaughlin - graphite

Lynda's new book Time Gone will also be available

John Fast - photography

Jan Dahl - pastel

Rose Partridge - watercolor

We're Back...

2008-06-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

On May 30th, after a bit of a hiatus, PSAG members were back hanging an exhibit at the Public Library of New London. The library has not been on our exhibit schedule for several years due to the extensive remodeling being done there. This year, with the help of Josie Esposito, we were able to display our work in the lighted cases in the new community room.

Thanks also to the library staff!

Paradise !!

2008-05-15T18:40:00.001-07:00

Last week I visited Paradise, PA to present a short program to the Digital Imaging Association at their annual conference and Photo Safari. This was my first visit to the Amish country of Lancaster County and I took the opportunity to do a little photography in the mornings and late afternoons.

The farmlands of the Amish are incredibly beautiful and I was amazed at the number of horse and buggies on the road. Everyone in the area appears used to dealing with interrupted travel as the horses prance along the roadways with great pride.

Each morning the farmers were working their fields with horse drawn plows. In this photo notice the woman is guiding the original seven horsepower cultivator in the requisite black dress and shoes. As a young boy I have harnessed up a pair of horses on my uncle's farm and guidied them pulling a wagon. I can't imagine the effort to harness up a team of seven and guiding them on a plowing mission.

Sadly I witnessed the huge turnout for a funeral service. I could not help discreetly capturing this image of a man and woman headed across one of the fields to attend.

Congratulations Lynda

2008-05-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

What a great project! I enjoyed browsing the sample illustrations on your web site. It looks as though your memories were both vivid and colorful! Hope you bring a copy to the next guild meeting.

John Fast

New: "Time Gone" by Lynda Wesley McLaughlin

2008-04-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

Announcing the release of Time Gone, a new book from New London Librarium, written and lavishly illustrated by PSAG member Lynda Wesley McLaughlin. "What was it like to live on a Carribbean Island in the 1950s? 'Come down de road' to visit the island of St. Thomas as it was then. Meet the community with its charming customs as seen through the eyes of a child who was there. Visit the market, watch the Carnival parade, enjoy the holidays, and relish the flavor of a different time."

Time Gone is now available for $19.95 through www.lwesley.com

"In these paintings, Lynda has captured her fondest memories of the childhood she spent on St. Thomas. Growing up in a close knit, but cosmopolitan community allowed her to develop an eye for appreciating the simple daily happenings of a small town with a worldly flavor. There was an acceptance and respect for solid values along with a robust zest of fun. The experience provided her with whimsical subject matter. And she wanted to paint it. Working with acrylics, Lynda has relied on the vibrant colors that make up the Caribbean palette to allow her to represent the pleasant rhythm of daily life there. In a style reminiscent of classic folk art, she has tried to capture a world through the innocence of a child's eye. Lynda hopes she has conveyed the deep spiritualism of the people in the communal grieving of a loved one at a funeral procession, and the modest ritual of a May crowning in a park. She hopes she has accurately rendered the joy of celebrating holidays and festivals in the Christmas revelers, and the Carnival parade with its mocko jumbies and steel bands. She hopes her paintings have made its possible for you to share memories of what she considers a unique and delightful experience."

Time Gone now available at www.lwesley.com

Sacred Faces and Places: March 13 - April 30

2008-03-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

Pacific Street Gallery announces a new multi-media art exhibit, "Sacred Faced and Places." Seventeen artists from eight states were invited by curator Linnie York, Roxbury, CT. The theme is based on the idea that sacred is where the artist perceives it, from landscapes, sunsets and everyday objects, to chanters in a medieval choir and a punk waitress. Artists explore the concept which was aptly named in a painting to be exhibited by Mary Carroll Moore--The Light of God on Ordinary Things. This exhibit features the work of Becca Anderson, Chris Bonner, Gloria Brooks, Pete Brooks, Craig Chessari, Jackie Flatow, Jean Giordano, Dermot McNamara, Mary Carroll Moore, April Munson, Elaine Paul, Ann Samul, Cindy Samul, Susan Stern, Linda Wilken, Linnie York and Lynelle Youngquist. The exhibit runs through April 30 with a reception on Saturday, April 12, 6-9pm. For more information email psag@mac.com

by Mary Carroll Moore, The Light of God on Ordinary Things, pastels

Elaine Paul, Play Ball, acrylic

Jackie Flatow, A Moment's Light, pastel

Becca Anderson, Roses in the Sky, pastels

2008-03-16T18:43:00.000-07:00

The Tulip Tree Mint

Last Thursday the dreariness of the recent weather combined with the absence of any serious photography on my part finally combined to push me out the door camera gear on my back. I set out for the Connecticut College Arboretum with my macro equipment in the hopes of discovering some sign that spring was about to break winter’s back. Macro photography can yield interesting images without having to travel to exotic locations far from home.

I set out on the two mile main trail looking underfoot for any signs of reemerging life. After about a mile, it became pretty clear that it was still a little too early for spring sprouts and I began carefully observing tree limbs for signs of “budding out” and the bark for tell tale signs of insect life. As I was inspecting the trunk of a very large tulip tree my attention was drawn to a shiny object in the fork of two large branches. My first thought was that this was a metal tag used to identify the species of many of the trees in the arboretum. But the shape was round and as I looked more closely, I realized it was a coin! I reached up and tried to pry the coin out of its perch, but it didn’t yield easily. The thought crossed my mind that the coin was one of those with a nail on its back like the nickels my Dad used to plant on the front porch steps to entice me. I have to admit that I looked sheepishly over my shoulder at least once. The tree branches eventually yielded their grip and thanks to the tulip tree mint I had a 1945 walking liberty silver half dollar for my efforts.

For those that never knew this coin, it is among the nicest after issued by the US. Images of my prize follow. I can only wonder of the story that placed it in the fork of the tree and how long it has been there. It some ways I feel guilty for preempting someone else’s discovery. Maybe I should return it, what do you think?

Photoshop Course

2008-02-28T13:54:00.000-08:00

I will be teaching "Getting the Most from Your Digital Images Using Adobe Photoshop CS3" at Three Rivers Community College in April.

The class will be held on Wednesdays from 9AM to 4PM on April 2-April 23. This is a "hands on course" as each student will have access to their own laptop. Details about the course can be found by contacting Three Rivers Community College at (860) 885-2608 or by downloading the Noncredit Spring2008 catalog. Of course you can always contact me for more information.

Three Rivers has told me that the course is a definite "go" and there is a maximum class size.

A New Friend

2008-02-27T18:35:00.001-08:00

I know this is more than a little off topic for this blog... but I had to share it with my friends in The Guild.

Believe it or not I can still make new friends on occasion. In this instance, I met the beluga (that's the one on the left) during an opportunity to "swim" with the belugas at the Mystic Seaport Aquarium. What I should tell you is that when we first met, he singled me out as a target for spitting water at!

I was really amazed at the patience this animal exhibited while the small group of very fortunate visitors touched, patted, probed and commanded him to vocalize. While I have been privileged to see belugas in the wild off the coast of Alaska, I certainly never thought I would have the opportunity to be this close to one. Amazing is the only word to really describe the experience.

Greetings from Mary Pacifici

2007-12-05T11:55:00.001-08:00

When PSAG member Mary Pacifici and her husband Leon built their retirement home in Vermont they made sure to provide room for an art studio with lots of space and light. Since settling in Vermont a few years ago, Mary has continued to paint and make good use of her studio. She now exhibits with the Essex Art League and is active in helping coordinate exhibits. Mary has continued to take watercolor lessons and says, "I am finally getting to be more free in expressing myself in the medium."

Treasures of New London: through Dec. 31

2007-10-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

The Treasures of New London exhibit features paintings, drawings, prints, tiles and other original items by members of the Pacific Street Artists Guild. Images of Ocean Beach, New London Lighthouse, Ledge Light, Downtown and historic sites will be hilighted. Vintage postcards and New London Firefighting by Tara Samul will also be available. NOTHING OVER $100.00. This exhibit will run through December 31 at the Pacific Street Art Gallery in New London. Preview some of the items below. For more information email us at: psag@mac.com

Previews from Treasures of New London

2007-10-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

Woolworth's, State St., 1940's by Carol Nelson, print from oil painting
New London Skyline by Jan Dahl, print from watercolor/ink, 10" x 3.5"
Victory Theater, State St., 1940's by Carol Nelson, print from oil painting
The Parade Passes By by Lynda Wesley McLaughlin, acrylic
New London Light by Rose Partridge, print from watercolor, 9" x 12"
Memories from State St., 1940's by Carol Nelson, set of 4 prints from oil paintings
Mallove's Jeweler, State St., 1940's by Carol Nelson, print from oil painting
Peace Reigns by Lynda Wesley McLaughlin, graphite
New London Light by John Fast, 6" x 6" ceramic tile
State Street by Rose Partridge, print from watercolor, 8" x 10"
Ye London Grill, State St., 1940's by Carol Nelson, print from oil painting
Bank Street Bedazzled by Lynda Wesley McLaughlin, acrylic, 12" x 15" framed
Ledge Light by John Fast, 6" x 6" ceramic tile
Memories from State St., 1940's by Carol Nelson, set of 4 prints from oil paintings
New London Skyline by Jan Dahl, print from watercolor/ink, 10" x 3.5"
Nathan Hale School House by Rose Partridge, print from watercolor, 9" x 12"
Monte Cristo Cottage by John Fast, 6" x 6" ceramic tile
Late Winter Ocean Beach by Jan Dahl, acrylic, 8" x 10"
Old Town Mill by Cynthia Samul, print from ink drawing, 12" x 12" framed and 8" x 10" framed
New London Light by John Fast, 6" x 6" ceramic tile
...and much more. Join us November 10, 6-9pm.

2007-10-06T17:11:00.000-07:00

Colors are almost at their peak in northern Maine and the moose rutting season is in full swing, so what better place for a wild life photographer to be than Baxter State Park.

I made the seven hour drive a week ago Wednesday arriving in late afternoon. A fellow wildlife and nature photographer, Lori Davis [www.loridavisphotography.com] was already there and advised me that the moose activity centered around Stump Pond. I joined her at the pond and wasn't disappointed. The pond was frequented by a bull, a cow and her calf each day for the rest of the week.

Overall the weather was cooperative although we did endure sveral very heavy downpours. Each day was spent at the pond from early morning until twilight when light no longer supported photography.

This was my first visit to Baxter so I was fortunate to have Lori as my guide as she has photographed there for many years. She insisted that on Saturday we visit Sandy Creek Pond for sunrise even though there were no reports of moose at this usual haunt. Sandy Creek Pond is only about one-half mile from the Roaring Brook Campground where we shared a lean-to. We almost aborted the effort when we were met by a very large number of hikers at the trail head just as we were setting out. Fortunately Lori decided we should continue and it turned out the hikers were headed to a different destination. When we finally reached the pond, I was awed by this spectacular setting. It's a nature photographers dream and I hope at least one of the guild members is inspired to attempt a water color or pastel from one of my images. A sample is included here and features a cloud-bedecked Mt. Katadan rising over the pond. Lori and I enjoyed this peaceful scene for over an hour without any intrusions except for a lone cow moose.

After this spectacular morning I traveled back to the Bar Harbor area to photograph in Acadia. Either I wasn't inspired or I was jaded by the visit to Baxter and the excitement of watching the moose "dating" game and I captured very few images.

Before leaving for Connecticut on Sunday morning I positioned myself at Bass Harbor lighthouse for sunrise. It was a spectacular morning and I was rewarded with some different images of the lighthouse to add to my portfolio.

You can see more of my images from this visit to Baxter State park on my website at www.jfast.com under "New Images"

New Photoshop Courses Available

2007-10-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

John Fast will be offering two Photoshop workshops at the Granite Street Art Gallery in New London. Digital Workflow for Photoshop Users on Saturday, October 20, 9:30-12:30, cost $35.00 for one day workshop. And Fine Art Printing in Adobe Photoshop on Saturday November 10, 9:30-12:30, cost $35.00 for one day workshop. For more information and to download a registration form go to www.jfast.com and click on "Instruction."

Opening Reception Saturday October 13, 6-9pm

2007-10-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

Please join our opening reception for Paper Leaves, an exhibit featuring the work of Ann Samul on Saturday October 13, 6-9pm at the Pacific Street Art Gallery. See highlights of the show at Figured Paper.

Digital Imaging Course Available

2007-09-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

John Fast will be offering Digital Imaging From Start to Finish at Three Rivers Community College, beginning October 10th. For more information on the course click here. You can see John's work at www.jfast.com

Paper Leaves: October 13 - November 7

2007-09-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

Please join our opening reception for Paper Leaves on Saturday October 13, 6-9pm at the Pacific Street Art Gallery. Paper Leaves highlights the artwork of Ann Samul. The show features unique collage paintings created from handpainted paper. Learn more about the technique at Ann Samul's Figured Paper. For more information contact us at psag@mac.com

Hagman & Armster Exhibit: September 8, 2007

2007-08-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

Roberta Hagman - watercolor & Tami Armster - pottery
September 8 - October 6 at the Pacific Street Art Gallery in New London CT. For more information contact us at psag@mac.com