Studio Montclair Inc. (SMI) unveils its new gallery space at Academy Square with two inaugural shows that celebrate the rich past and bright future of visual arts in the Montclair area.“Studio Montclair – Genesis and Evolution,” which opens Sept. 24 on the first floor of the new Academy Square office building, will include work by 14 SMI founders and board members. Genesis and Evolution, curated by Montclair artist Rachel Leibman, comprises a rich history of the area’s visual arts.

The artists featured in the show are: Virginia S. Block, Alice Bryant Cubicciotti, Elaine Golt Gongora, Jean Kawecki, Catherine Kinkade, Hilary Shank Kuhl, Clarence Mather, Arthur Paxton, Sharon Pitts, Patricia Ritchie, Christina Saj, Charlee Swanson, Sarah Teofanov and Joan Vaccaro.

Many of the artists showing their work are still involved with SMI, including Catherine Kinkade; Christina Saj; and Virginia S. Block, who was SMI’s founding president and remains in the organization as the director of the Virginia S. Block Gallery.

Ms. Block creates mixed-media paintings that explore content related to artifacts, portals and the passage of time. Inspired by recent trips to China, she has created a series of paintings that let the viewer feel the visually rich culture  and the deep layering of centuries of tradition through the building up of numerous layers, the balancing of universal forms and the saturated use of color.

Exhibits at Academy Square will run concurrently three to four times a year. The galleries will be open to the public from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday or by appointment. The first shows, which run through Jan. 2, 2011, will open with a reception Friday, Sept. 24, from 6-9pm.

SMI’s business offices will remain at the group’s former exhibition space in the historic Clark House (108 Orange Road, Montclair).

Exhibition Dates: September 24, 2010 to January 2, 2011

Artist Reception: Friday, September 24, 2010 from 6 – 9pm

Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm or by appointment
Address: 33 Plymouth Street, Montclair, NJ ~ 07042 ~ 973 744 1818
Email: studiomontclair@aol.com
Website: www.studiomontclair.org

THE SMI GALLERY @ ACADEMY SQUARE –  Ground floor of the building.

The SMI Gallery will feature the work of working professional artists.

“Studio Montclair – Genesis and Evolution”

Featuring the work of 14 founders and board members of Studio Montclair –

Virginia S. Block, Alice Bryant Cubicciotti, Elaine Golt Gongora, Jean Kawecki, Catherine Kinkade, Hilary Shank Kuhl, Clarence Mather, Arthur Paxton, Sharon Pitts, Patricia Ritchie, Christina Saj, Charlee Swanson, Sarah Teofanov, Joan Vaccaro

Gallery Director and Curator: Rachel Leibman

Assistant Gallery Director: Pam Cooper