Edgewood Orchard Galleries to Host Artist Reception and Demonstrations

“Colorscape” by George Shipperley.

To celebrate the opening of its second show of the season, Edgewood Orchard Galleries will be hosting an artist demonstration and opening reception on Saturday, June 14. Featured artist George Shipperley will be demonstrating oil pastel painting in the gallery courtyard from 10 am – 12 pm. A reception to meet the artists featured in Exhibit II will take place from 4 – 7 pm on Saturday evening, with artist introductions and artist talks scheduled for 5 pm. Refreshments will be served, and the public is welcome.

Edgewood Orchard Exhibit II will run from June 14 through July 15, and will feature the artwork of painters Bonnita Budysz, John A. Sayers and George Shipperley. Also featured will be the jewelry and table art of Michael Michaud and the indoor and outdoor sculptures of bronze artist C.T. Whitehouse.

“Anna and the Bluebird” by Bonnita Budysz.

Wisconsin oil painter Bonnita Budysz lives in Two Rivers, WI and enjoys painting outdoors in northeastern Wisconsin. Budysz shared that painting outdoors, or en plein aire, offers her nearly limitless painting opportunities. “This current collection of plein air paintings mirrors my direct response to nature.” Offering more than just moral support and encouragement, Budysz’s husband, Robert Theaker creates hand-gilded and carved, one-of-a-kind antiqued frames for her paintings.

“Springtime Kitchen Counter Arrangment” by John A. Sayers.

John A. Sayers is another Wisconsin artist who has been a long-time favorite at Edgewood Orchard Galleries. Sayers process to create his distinctively vibrant oil paintings includes focusing first on the composition and then developing the details. After creating an object’s shape and proper size, Sayers then uses many shades of color on his palette to achieve the effect he wants. He says, “This is the part of painting that I love – gradually, while the paint is wet, getting the form and color in an object that makes it pop off the panel.”

In just his second season at Edgewood Orchard Galleries, oil pastel artist George Shipperley has quickly developed a loyal audience for his artwork. Shipperley’s enthusiasm for painting is reflected in his comments – “To be an artist means to have an insatiable appetite to create and explore…always searching for new and original thoughts.” Shipperley reports that he is looking forward to his upcoming oil pastel demonstration in the Edgewood Orchard courtyard, and welcomes audience questions while he is painting.

Irish Thorn Necklace by Michael Michaud.

The featured jeweler for Exhibit II is artist Michael Michaud, who resides in Fairfield, Connecticut. Now well-known throughout the country for his botanical jewelry and table art designs, Michaud previously worked as a master precious metal caster and mold maker for some of America’s leading jewelry designers. Using bronze, sterling silver or gold and natural stones and pearls, Michael’s designs have become well known for their remarkable craftsmanship and beauty.

“Nymph Forms” by C.T. Whitehouse.

Accomplished bronze artist C.T. Whitehouse creates the first of a new design using the lost wax method. This complex process involves producing a series of alternating positive models and negative molds to achieve a reproducible form. He believes that the stamina and power needed to transform metal and the intensive labor invested in finishing each piece can be felt as his work is handled.

Edgewood Orchard Galleries is located at 4140 Peninsula Players Road, just east of Highway 42 between Juddville and Fish Creek. The gallery and newly opened outdoor sculpture garden are open daily from 10 am – 5 pm through Nov. 2. For more information, call 920.868.3579, email [email protected], or visit http://www.edgewoodorchard.com.