35 Claver Place

Bed-Stuy to come alive with creative showcase

Brooklyn artist enclave 35 Claver Place to open its doors in May as part of Sonya Stroll

Brooklyn, N.Y. -- From May 19-20 the artist building at 35 Claver Place will once again open to the public, showing the work of 13 Brooklyn artists in conjunction with SONYA Open Studio Stroll 2007.

Numerous emerging and professional artists have made their home at 35 Claver Place since 1985, and the open studio in May provides a unique opportunity to view a wide variety of new artwork under one roof in the heart of Brooklyn. The different mediums and techniques used in this exhibition are sure to have something for everyone, with paintings, illustrations and photography complemented by sculpture performance and installations.

While traditional artistic practices such as landscape painting will be on display, these works are far from conventional. From Poogy Bjerklie's tiny and gem-like meditative landscapes to Elisabeth Condon's wildly imaginary scenes inspired by the Yuan Dynasty Scrolls and Dr. Seuss, they'll be plenty of opportunity to lose oneself in fantasy.

But attendees won't be limited to fantasy and reality, they'll also be able to experience both green and grit. The sensual, encaustic paintings of Linda Marston-Reid zero in on one of landscape painting's true icons, the tree, while New York City's perpetually changing milieu influences the work of Melissa Gorman, who focuses on these transformations via remembrance of the old and examination of the new.

Several artists at 35 Claver Place are concerned with some of the big visual and cultural ideas of our time. John Bjerklie's sidesplitting and witty performances have captivated audiences with his interpretations of the art world's "big moment." Meanwhile, a big question, that of whether we live by our memories or our fantasies, inspires the paintings of Nina McCune, who has recently been examining this conundrum through narrative-based portraits. Brian Balderston's work also questions our culture-based reality, exploring its everyday elements and episodes.

Photography will also be well represented at the show. Steven Samet shows his continuing project of documentary images of refrigerators. Danniel Swatosh's photo-based works are a contemporary commentary on gender in our culture. Martin Ake Smith will present his painterly photographs exploring the cultural topography. Andrei Dmitrichev's object-based photography uses changing angles and light to create fresh perspectives.

Sarah Walko will open her studio to show her sculpture, installations and drawings inspired by literature. Gary Bachman will be exhibiting his beautifully crafted works of wood.

The artists at 35 Claver Place gratefully acknowledge and thank Inverso Warehousing, Inc for sponsoring this event for the third year, and the donation of the first floor gallery space.

Dates: May 19-20

Times: Noon to 6:00 pm each day

May 21 - June 17 - by appointment only

Location: 35 Claver Place, Brooklyn

Contact: Gina Inverso: 347-404-7758

Or e-mail: 35claverplace *At* optonline *dOt* net

http://35claver.org/

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