Gallery

Radiant Jasmin - A Flower In Full Bloom

July 18 - October 4, 2011

A walk by a city or neighborhood garden isn’t the only way to be dazzled by color this summer—floral colors and shapes supply the inspiration for the latest MATV Gallery exhibit, titled “Radiant Jasmin—A Flower in Full Bloom,” on view through October 4. For artist Radiant Jasmin, a blossoming flower “represents the opening of the heart and unconditional love,” and she uses a cheery palette filled with strong, vibrant colors to bring joyfulness and happiness to others. Primary colors predominate, but Radiant Jasmin also notes that a lot of her colors “come naturally forward from my African heritage and also my indigenous American [Cherokee] heritage.” At all times, Radiant Jasmin focuses on how the colors interact and play with each other.

The artist might create a striking image easily recognizable as what it is, such as with Tulips Taking it Easy, or explore themes through more abstract images, sometimes in a complementary series of paintings. Her love of the natural world is apparent, and the sun frequently shows up as a motif. As someone “continuously intrigued by how things are put together,” Radiant Jasmin uses various media, yielding works that may be a mix of acrylic paint, fabric, and found materials. As part of her desire to present art that uplifts and has a positive tone, Radiant Jasmin incorporates words and poetry into many of her pieces.

Born and raised in Boston, Radiant Jasmin comes from an artistic family that spans the creative arts, so singing, dancing and performing plays were a way of life. Having attended Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) School and North Bennet Street School, she is also a metalsmith and jewelry designer. Her other artistic endeavors, known to inform her work as a visual artist, include writing and performing poetry, music, and dancing. 

Radiant Jasmin, who teaches art at various after-school programs, has previously exhibited at Hancock 309 Gallery in Dorchester, the MFA, Roxbury Open Studios, and the Henson Jackson Art Gallery & Framery in Stoughton. She has also undertaken large-scale projects, creating a mural at Randolph High School in collaboration with students and parents, and contributing a mural to Boston’s Children’s Hospital.

The works on display at MATV show a glimpse of the artist at her different levels. She will also be performing her poetry, dance, and music at the public reception to be held on Wednesday, August 24, from 6:30 to 8:30pm. All are invited to attend. Viewing hours for the exhibit are Monday–Thursday, 10am-9pm; Friday, 10am-6pm; and Saturday, 10am-2pm. Handicapped accessible, Malden Access Television is located at 145 Pleasant St. in Malden Square.

Article by Leslie A. Weston

 

Gallery Spotlight
Click on "Play" to view a video about Radiant Jasmin and her exhibit "In Full Bloom." (Music by Terry Orlando Jones. (c) 2009 Tonia Pinheiro and In the One Music. All Rights Reserved. WakeUpWorks.org.) 

Looking Back at "Gallery Spotlight"

At MATV's annual celebration "ARTrageous" this past fall, we had a chance to look back at eight years of the MATV Gallery, as well as the accompanying video program Gallery Spotlight. Check out this four-minute montage of highlights from the series (produced by James Mudge.)

 

"Visual Voices" Middle School Art Exhibit 2011

April 25 - May 25, 2011

Our 5th Annual "Visual Voices: Middle School Art Exhibit" is being displayed in the MATV Gallery. This year, middle school students from Linden, Salemwood, and Forestdale Schools display their artwork. The exhibit is curated by art teachers Deborah D'Ortona,Joe Luongo, and Meg Wingerath. All are invited to attend the reception on Tuesday, May 17th from 7:00 - 8:30pm.

Chuck Close style self-portrait by Owen Desroches, Grade 8, Linden School

 

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Paintings by Michael J. Toomy

February 16 - April 13, 2011

Artist Michael James Toomy brings his Innocence Series, featuring “the images of everyday people in extraordinary circumstances,” to the MATV Gallery from February 16 to April 13. The artist’s oeuvre is characterized by large-scale black and white acrylic paintings, and the works in this series display his ability to combine seemingly disparate images into cohesive narratives that resonate with the viewer. Although Toomy says that he has own interpretation of the images in mind when he works on a piece, he likes viewers to tie the paintings into their own stories, enabling them to come up with something meaningful that connects them emotionally to a work.

Toomy may use elements of photographs that he has seen and collected to inspire his paintings, but he begins by hand sketching onto canvas, establishing the layout and helping him to work out the contrast. The striking, dream-like images are depicted in shades of gray that create shadow and depth, with a photographic-like realism that quickly engages the viewer. Although the artist regularly takes note of images and scenes that have the potential for being part of a painting, it’s often not until Toomy has had time to reflect on what he’s seen that a narrative thread emerges among certain images.

Born and raised in Malden but now a New Hampshire resident, Toomy has been painting and drawing since childhood, and along the way he has taken courses at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the New England School of Art and Design in Boston, and the Pioneer School of Visual Arts in Manchester, NH. As the owner of Londonderry Fine Art and Design since 2006, Toomy’s original art has included murals, portraits, and real estate sketches not only for individual clients but also restaurants, local businesses, art shows and charity events. He was recently commissioned to design and donate a piece for Malden Reads, the city’s new community reading program, and he has exhibited in Boston— including last summer’s Art Fridays at Downtown Crossing—and throughout New England. His latest work, which also includes pieces from his Celebrities and Passionate Portrait series, is currently on display for sale at Melrose’s Possessions Gallery.

Viewing hours are Monday–Thursday, 10am-9pm; Friday, 10am-6pm; and Saturday, 10am-2pm. Handicapped accessible, Malden Access Television is located at 145 Pleasant St. in Malden Square.

 

Interviw & Article by Leslie A. Weston

 

Gallery Spotlight: Michael James Toomy
Click "Play" to see a video program, featuring an interview with the artist (produced by MATV member Julie Kelleher.)

 

 

ARTrageous!

Compilation Exhibit in Two Local Galleries - Sept. 7 - Oct. 30, 2010

The MATV Gallery is celebrating 8 years and 50 exhibits by presenting a compilation display of artwork from former MATV Gallery exhibitors! Come enjoy this eclectic display of styles, media, and content from the rich pool of artists in and around the Malden community. This new exhibition “ARTrageous” is divided between the MATV Gallery and the Gallery at the Senior Community Center (a few doors down), where MATV will be holding its annual community celebration, also entitled “ARTrageous,” on Thursday, September 23, beginning at 6pm. All are invited to this event! (Please go to front page at www.matv.org for full info.)


The “ARTrageous” exhibition will run through October 30. Hours at the MATV Gallery are Monday through Thursday, 10am – 9pm; Fridays, 10am – 6pm; and Saturdays, 10am – 2pm. Hours at the Senior Community Center Gallery (located in the dining area/gymnasium) are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8am – 4pm; Tuesdays, 8am – 8pm; Thursdays, 8am – 7:30pm; and Fridays, 8am – noon. The MATV Gallery is located at 145 Pleasant St. in Malden Square and the Senior Community Center is at 7 Washington Street. Both locations are handicapped accessible.

 

   

Top left "My American Prayer" Watercolor by Susan Donelan Burke
Next on left, "Entrance" Photograph by George Shaw
Bottom left, "Twilight Eyes" Acrylic painting by Robyn Katz Adelman
Far right, "Then ... " Ink on Museum Board by Vanessa Ly

When Indulgence Meets Obsession

Vanessa Ly & Abbi Lione
June 1 - July 30, 2010

Two artists explore both the complementary and disparate aspects of their work in “When Indulgence Meets Obsession,” the latest exhibit at the MATV Gallery, on display from June 1 to July 30. Viewers will be struck by Abbi J. Lione’s vibrant colors and emotion-filled faces, meanwhile being drawn in for a closer look at Vanessa Ly’s crafted details in black ink. Abbi has long had an obsession with loose, abstract figure drawings, and Vanessa considers the time she spends immersed in drawing to be an indulgence. The two women, who became friends while working together at the Lawrence Extending Day Program (LEDP), are excited to be exhibiting this diverse collection of art together.

Vanessa, who says that this collaboration “motivates both of us to produce more work and help define our style of works,” was born in Saigon, Vietnam, and has lived in Malden for the past 23 years. She began taking drawing classes at John's Art Institute of Boston when she was 10 and continued through her senior year of high school. She went on to attend Rhode Island School of Design, receiving both a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree and a Bachelors of Architecture Degree. Vanessa works primarily in ink, creating detailed black & white line-work drawings that may refer to political and environmental issues, or may revolve around what she calls the theme of candy and sweetness. Much of her art is inspired by what she observes while out walking around or while watching television, and the work of urban/street artists also catches her eye.

Abbi, originally from North Andover, MA, and now a resident of Boston’s North End, can also trace her artistic beginnings to childhood, thanks largely to a close family friend who was a professional artist. She went on to study Art Education at the University of Vermont, and she finds herself inspired by the creative energy that is around her, including her LEDP kindergarten and first grade students, whom she considers “among the most creative individuals I know!” Abbi, who gravitates towards figures and faces, works in various media, including acrylic and oil paint, graphite, and occasionally oil pastels. She is always experimenting to create different textures through painting and mixed media.

Although the two artists have not exhibited together previously, both have shown their work to the public: Abbi at Boston restaurants Goody Glovers and Ned Devine's, and Vanessa at such Boston area shows as Window Arts Boston and Window Arts Malden. Vanessa is also a winner of the EDJE Skateboard Art Challenge.

The public is invited to attend the exhibit reception on Friday, June 18th, from 7:00 to 8:30pm. Viewing hours are Monday–Thursday, 10am-9pm; Friday, 10am-6pm; and Saturday, 10am-2pm. Handicapped accessible, Malden Access Television is located at 145 Pleasant St. in Malden Square.

All paintings on left by Abbi J. Lione. Also visit www.ajlione.com.

   

All black ink drawings and skateboard, on right, by Vanessa Ly.

(Interview and article by Leslie A. Weston)

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE VIDEO!

 

 

 

 

Gallery Spotlight: When Indulgence Meets Obsession

Click on "Play" below to see a 12-minute video about the artists and their exhibit.

 
 

Visual Voices: Middle School Art Exhibit 2010

April 19 - May 20, 2010

Our 4th Annual "Visual Voices: Middle School Art Exhibit" is being displayed in the MATV Gallery. This year, middle school students from Linden, Salemwood, Ferryway, and Forestdale Schools display their artwork. The exhibit is curated by art teachers Deborah D'Ortona,Joe Luongo, Breanne Mahoney, and Meg Wingerath. (For a complete list of youth participants, scroll to the bottom of this posting.) All are invited to attend the reception on Tuesday, May 4th from 7:00 - 8:30pm.

(Left, Shepard Fairey-Inspired High Contrast Self Portrait by Mei Tong Huang)

Click on "Play" below to view a video from last year's "Visual Voices."

Visual Voices: Middle School Art Exhibit 2010

Click on "Play" below to view a video from last year's "Visual Voices."

Irving Street Studios - Open House

Click on the 'Play' button to see the video of the Irving Street Studios Open House. Developed by the Malden Redevelopment Authority and the City of Malden, Irving Street Studios are new affordable-to-own live/work artists’ studios in Malden, MA. Meet four of the artists in this 11-minute video and the excitement of Opening Day. The video is currently playing on the Gallery Spotlight program series on MATV Public Access (Comcast Channel 3 & Verizon Channel 28 in Malden.)

Narrative: Artwork by Susan Donelan Burke

Though she loved and was encouraged to create art from the time she was a child, Susan Donelan Burke did not go on to study art until later in life as she was cautioned, “It’s a hard life” to be an artist. As time went on, she found that it was harder not to be one. Now, through various media, she finds contentment in that realm. In her first solo show, the Malden-based artist will be exhibiting her watercolor paintings and photographs in a new gallery exhibit entitled “Narrative” at the MATV Gallery, February 8 – April 9, 2010.

In her watercolor landscapes, Donelan Burke celebrates our human connection to the earth and with a higher power. The artist is focused on the play of light and the flow of energy that moves through a painting. Her forms capture the essence of objects and accentuate the light to create movement within the composition. “Surrendering to the paper,” as she puts it, “I move off the beaten path and into the world of vision where creativity rather than copy resides.” The “Narrative” exhibition explores that process over the past decade. Her photographs also celebrate nature, the seasons, and how light draws attention to the relationship between the natural world and our core selves.

A Manchester by-the-Sea native, Donelan Burke spent most of her life on Cape Ann, moving to Malden just seven years ago. After the birth of her son in 1981, Donelan Burke started her own interior painting and papering business and found it to be somewhat of a creative outlet, as well as a way to earn money – and with flexible hours. When she reached a certain age, she decided to dedicate her time to the fine arts, and re-established her connection to life through watercolor. She participated in several workshops with the celebrated Rockport artist Betty Lou Schlemm, AWS; joined the Cape Ann Watercolor Painters; and exhibited her work annually in several North Shore exhibits.

Coming to Malden, Susan was delighted to find a nurturing and supportive arts community. When she heard of MATV’s “We Have a Dream” video project at the first of the Malden Arts Salon Series in 2008, she proposed and curated an art exhibit of the same name to accompany the MATV video screening, attracting  a range of local artists to participate in the successful show. They opened together on Martin Luther King weekend in January, 2009.
She participated in Window Arts Malden 2009 and, through a connection made at the “We Have a Dream” exhibition, was invited to join a new artist co-operative venture, Galatea Fine Art, located in the SoWa (South of Washington St.) section of Boston, where her most recent works may be seen.

 

The MATV Gallery is pleased to present “Narrative, An Exhibition” by Susan Donelan Burke. A reception with the artist will be held on Friday, March 5, from 6:30 - 8pm. Regular exhibit hours are Monday – Thursday, 10am – 9pm; Friday, 10am – 6pm; and Saturday, 10am – 2pm. Handicapped accessible, the MATV Gallery is located at Malden Access Television, 145 Pleasant St. in Malden.

Gallery Spotlight: "Narrative"

Click on "Play" to view this episode of "Gallery Spotlight," featuring artist Susan Donelan Burke.

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