Bexley Art Library

Acrylic on wood board, 2020
Instagram: @abeeraboshihata

Artist Statement
My goal is to translate feeling into colors and design.

Artist Bio
Having participated in international and local art shows, I continue to love to experiment with new techniques. I am an artist that has been painting and exhibiting for more than ten years both in the U.S and abroad. My special areas of interest are landscapes,which celebrate the beauty surrounding us, and abstracts, which examine the internal mindscape. I like to use both acrylics and mixed media. I was born in Brooklyn, NY. I have a medical degree from Alexandria University and have traveled extensively in four continents so far. I get my inspiration from the beauty we find all around us in nature, and from my travels and life experiences. I like to think of myself as using art to translate life.

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Mixed Media. Pen and stitching on lokta paper, 2020
https://brookealbrechtstudio.com/

Artist Statement
Since 2014 I’ve been creating illustration, paper cuts and homemade artist books. I enjoy mixed media work, using lotka paper combining the paper, stitching and pen work. What began as an idea of using quotes about my love of a library became much more personal during the month of March, where one of my favorite places to go shut down due to the Coronavirus. Our library, which I attend regularly, was no longer an option. For my artwork, I used two quotes about reading I enjoyed and added pen work and stitching around the quotes, inspired by the words and folk art. The slow stitching allows me to make a fun illustration adding the sewing hand work, and dimension to the illustration with the thread. Our libraries provide a service of education and resources that welcome all.

Artist Bio
Brooke Albrecht is a Columbus, Ohio based illustrator and book artist. With an interest in the written word, an eye for patterns and a love of creating things with her hands Brooke started making her art at a young age. Her pieces have a folk art simplicity and are inspired by her upbringing in the country with her artist mother encouragement. She now has produced many artist books and uses various mixed media materials to create unique illustrations. Combining lotka paper, embroidery floss and use of pen work, to incorporate words with the art. After a life doing graphic design Brooke now has art shows at various venues in Columbus, Ohio. Sharon Weiss Gallery in Short North represents her work.

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Digital Collage, 2020
Instagram: @inx0vateart
dejiaharchiedavis@gmail.com

Artist Statement
I am a mixed media artist who explores the use of negative
space, by focusing on the absence of home, and the disconnected relationships that take place within them. Growing up as the only child, I had a great amount of concentration towards the religious conversations my grandparents exchanged, the consistency of arguments between my mother and father, and the cartoons and rap music videos that kept me company. It was the absence that showed me how to look around at what was present: the dark windy nights at my dad’s house while hearing dog barks and bullet rounds, transitioning to birds chirping and gospel music playing in grandma’s kitchen. Through scale, color, restoration and appropriation, I try to pin these memories to found objects. By creating in this way, I am able to release the weight each memory carries, while building my own representation of what home may look like.

Artist Bio
Dejiah Archie-Davis is a multimedia artist from Cleveland Ohio, who received her BFA in Fine Arts,from Columbus College of Art and Design. Her medium expands within painting, sculpture, video, and sound installation. She has exhibited at MOCA Cleveland, and other places such as Corrugate and Acock Galley. Her most recent shows were “Homegrown” a collaborative show held at 934 Gallery, and her thesis show “All We Were” held at Beaton Gallery.

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Drypoint and Monoprint, 2020
christinedepiroabbott.com

Artist Statement
About a decade ago, I spent a year caring for another couple’s residence, cleaning and tidying up their possessions, which led me to create images of their domestic interior based on memory. Now that I am home caring for my two young sons, I’ve returned to producing related content from direct observation. The process of making the work corresponds to my relationship with the depicted rooms and frames my experience as a parent. By offering an abstracted perspective of my family’s home, viewers may enter the busy domain.

Printed as a multiple, architecture and furniture act as a backdrop for vivid activity and provide the viewer a method to imagine entering the scene. Skewed perspectives and frenzied marks interrupt the representation. In some areas the depiction dissolves altogether into a formal pursuit of shape, color and texture.

Likewise, our shared space is a site of constant busyness as evidenced by toys on the floor or baskets of laundry. Within the living area exist overlapping creative activities, diverging personal agendas and an ongoing concurrent progression of both order and disorder. As the work progresses, I am discovering parallel connections between this commotion occurring in our private world and the tumult of our current culture. Considering I first started this body of work with the relationship to such an intimate space as a caretaker, I’m interested in sharing a nuanced perspective of my own home through the lens of the overlapping roles of artist and mother.

Artist Bio
Christine D'Epiro Abbott studied printmaking at the Glasgow 1 School of Art in Glasgow, Scotland while completing her BFA at the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio. She received her MFA from Washington University in St. Louis. Following her MFA, Christine was an artist-in-residence for a year at the Luminary in St. Louis, Missouri. She also completed an artist residency at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, Vermont. She has exhibited extensively in Columbus, Ohio and St, Louis, Missouri as well as nationally. Her work is included in the permanent art collections at the Hilton Columbus Downtown and Greater Columbus Convention Center. Professionally, she has taught elementary age to college students with a wide variety of backgrounds and has over ten years of experience in a commercial art gallery setting. She is currently an Core Member at Phoenix Rising Printmaking Cooperative.

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Acrylic paint on Canvas, 2020
www.abbyf.com
Instagram: @abbyfllc

Artist Statement
I am a self-taught mixed-media artist who began a business in 2003 designing, writing, and sewing fabric storybooks as a commissioned art piece. My work evolved to large, fabric collaged wall hangings. In 2015, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and when I finished treatment in 2016, I was creatively depleted and craving color. I went back to my studio and started painting. I painted every day and I truly believe that the act of making art every day and the power of bold, vibrant color is what helped me heal.

I grew up in the country and spent a lot of time outdoors. I have always been inspired by the patterns, colors and details found in nature. I now find myself equally intrigued by the colors, patterns, vignettes found in architecture, especially those I've encountered when traveling to England, Italy and Spain.

Artist Bio
Abby Feinknopf is a self taught mixed-media artist from Wheeling, WV originally. She attended Capital University in Columbus, before graduating from West Virginia University with a B.A. in English.

After working in the architectural industry in Columbus, Ohio she left to raise her family. Mrs. Feinknopf has over 20 years of corporate and creative writing, design, illustration, marketing, and teaching experience.

She is a member of the Ohio Art League (OAL) and the National League of American Pen Women (NLAPW), where she was the first NLAPW Ohio Chapter member to earn dual membership as a writer and artist.

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Oil paint and cold wax, 2020
DanaGrubbe.com

Artist Statement
Dana Grubbe is a central Ohio artist known for her
contemporary abstracts. She works in encaustics, in oil and cold wax, and in repurposed house paint. Her work can vibrate with color, texture, and metal leaf; but, Gwen Fox calls her the “Queen of Neutrals.” Driven by her love of process as much as by her love of color and texture, she is in her studio every day. Recent series include: “Memories of India,” “Travels in Ireland,” and her latest: “Social Distancing.” Education has always been part of Dana’s process. She studies with Jerry McLaughlin, Nancy Reyner, and with Gwen Fox. Dana continues to paint with friends at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center. She teaches art workshops at 400 West Rich, where her studio is located.

Artist Bio
My art reflects my experiences, as an adult and as a child. I’ve been based in Ohio for a great part of my life and I love to travel. My fascination with landscapes and alternate worlds comes from both my travels and the diverse communities where I‘ve lived such as: the Appalachian hills (WV & PA), the Sonoran Dessert (AZ), the east coast (NJ), and India. I was a late bloomer – late to finish college, late to start a career and, when I retired, late to start at the Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD). I don’t think they offered art classes in my public schools and perhaps one of the best ‘perks’ that came with my AT&T Bell Labs ID was free admission to almost every museum in NYC. It took only a few years before I was wondering “how hard can it be to make this ...” and that was my first step toward becoming a painter.

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Acrylic paint on paper, 2020
www.themakist.com
Instagram: @amythemakist

Artist Statement
The Makist turns bright colors and whimsical shapes into abstract paintings, handmade jewelry, and accessories. Color is her happy language, and she explores elements of nature through patterns and shapes. Her work is constantly evolving through experimentation with new media, allowing her to stay fresh and inspired. Recently recognized as “Best In Show” at the November 2018 Craftin’ Outlaws, Amy is excited to continue to grow as an artist, and add positive energy into the world through her work.

Artist Bio
Amy Haggard is in love with the process of making. As an artist her curiosity pushes her to constantly try new mediums and new styles. Amy’s favorite medium is abstract painting in acrylic and ink, but she also enjoys sewing, embroidery and making jewelry. The underlying theme in all of her work is her love of bold colors, graphic lines, and simple repeating patterns. As a mother of four, she uses her background in both graphic design and art education to continue to explore her love of making as The Makist.

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Acrylic Paint on Canvas
Instagram: @haniharaart

Artist Statement
I have been part of the Columbus art community for the past 25 years. I have shown in many places throughout those years. I have been on the board of the Ohio Art League, the Visual Arts chair at the Columbus JCC among other involvements. I currently am showing paintings at the Gravity Project. I love what the Bexley library is doing. To have art available for loan is such a wonderful way to share art with the community.

Artist Bio
Hani is a self taught artist who lets the brush lead the way. “I love starting a painting without a plan...it gives my mind and heart the pleasure of working together to see what can be created. Beautiful sensual colors and shrinking faces highlight Hani’s work. His original style focuses on his love for freedom of style & space and his belief that the expression of art has no boundaries. Over the years Hani has volunteered in introducing children to the world of art. Through the Ohio Arts Council’s program “Short Roy” he has partnered with school age children to create original works of art. “Volunteering for this event has been very fulfilling. To see the kid’s faces after creating these works is a thrill. Also having been chosen as the featured artist for the 2007 event, sponsored by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital was very exciting.

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Transparent watercolor, 2020
edwinkitchen@aol.com

Artist Statement
A melange of different subject matter and many different
approaches has made my painting a refreshing and stimulating pursuit for forty-five years. Being reflective of my curiosity about the world around me, the potential of my medium, and the development of my skills; my work has pronounced differences. New techniques and styles are used to enhance my repertoire. These differences have created a diverse patronage who have followed me through the years.

Artist Bio
Education: Bachelor of Science in Education- Ohio State University Masters of Science in Administration- University of Dayton
Additional Training:
Columbus College of Art and Design, Capital University Leland McClelland, Frank Webb, Laurie Goldstein- Warren, Bill Vrscak, Chris Leeper

Partial List of Collections:
Fairfield National Bank Lancaster, Ohio Fairfield Federal Savings and Loan Lancaster, Ohio Standing Stone Bank Lancaster, Ohio Advantage Banks Cambridge, Ohio Ralston- Purina Company- St. Louis Fairfield Medical Center Lancaster, Ohio Fairfield County District Library Lancaster, Ohio Wood County

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photographic print, 2020
roseklocknerphotography.com
Instagram: @rose_klockner_photography

Artist Statement
As a native of Ohio, I have made "Exploring the Beauty of Ohio and Beyond" the heart of my photography. My passion for nature photography, both landscape, and close-up, along with additional interests in urban exploration and rural living often leads to long weekends on the gravel backroads of Ohio, or more recently, further destinations.

It is my desire that my images connect to the viewer, reminding them of their childhood vacation spot at a lake, an unexpected view of a favorite park, or a road whose twists and turns beckons them into the far horizon as it did me. I hope the viewer finds their story in my images as well as sharing in mine. The exclamation of “That’s Ohio?” never gets old and I love being able to share places of unexpected beauty that I’ve explored. My work has shifted this last year to include more black and white, as the textures and subtle details of nature present themselves more readily in monochrome. I'm also exploring a series of photographs within a specific theme.

Artist Bio
Growing up in rural northwest Ohio, I moved to Columbus to go to college to become a software developer, which is still my full-time career. While I had been taking pictures all my life, I did not begin to see myself as a creative person until about ten years ago when a desire to take better photos led to taking classes and more practice until I found myself immersed in photography as much as I could. By 2016, photography became my main creative pursuit and a side career.

Photography is also my form of art therapy. I have come to realize that I used photography to work through the death of parents (within 5 months of each other) and other rough spots over the last ten years. This year, with a serious cancer diagnosis, the ability to still get out and make photos and pursuing shows to share my work became a way to motivate and improve my health when treatments would knock me down. I also feel that as a creative outlet it improves my software development career.

While I firmly believe the camera is not the main ingredient in a great photo, dependable equipment is important. I use the Fuji X system, currently the X-T3 (along with the X-T1) and several Fuji XF series lenses. Their system fits my needs and delivers the quality photos I need to make my images.

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digital 6 color print, 2020
www.linkedin.com/in/rick-limes-5076795b/

Artist Statement
My art has been inspired by my interest in historical art and design. “Reflections of the Past” is what I am calling my current series of work. I explore different techniques and styles with each piece. I think that is why people say that I have no style.

Artist Bio
My interest in art started during a summer art class in 1957 and it has not stopped.

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beeswax on wood panel, 2020
www.crankinstudio.com
Instagram: @crankinstudio

Artist Statement
You know, I hate artist statements. I love to create stuff. I always have. And when asked to create an artist statement I feel like I’m making stuff up just to meet the requirements given. SO, having said that. I paint with wax...and I love it. The stylized landscapes I create are made up in my head. They are not intended to be literal representations of nature. The colors used are intentionally vibrant and bold. I hope they bring a bit of happiness to your soul.

Artist Bio
Chris, a 1994 graduate of CCAD, creates brightly colored, stylized landscapes using pigmented beeswax. His recent works are stylized landscapes representational of the beautiful rolling elds that surround our region. Most of what Chris paints is created from his mind. Relying on his sense of design, color, texture and memory to create the works.

Chris has been an active participant in the thriving arts community of Central Ohio for over two decades. He served on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Art League for three years and displays his work in public galleries throughout Central Ohio. Chris’ work is currently part of the Hilton collection, the collection of the Greater Columbus Convention Center, numerous private collections and has been on display at the Columbus Museum of Art as part of the Art 360 project in 2016.

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Collage on paper, 2020
markthomaspaintings.blog

Artist Statement
Creating art has always been my passion, it lets me run wild in my thought processes, at first I considered myself just a painter, but in the last couple of years i have dived into collage works. I love collage because you can add fabrics, found objects, photos and tie them all together with painting in scenes of different kinds, or sometimes I'll use colorful artist papers as a backdrop for some of my works. I usually start my works with a black and white photo of a person's face, then I'll build around it by adding decorative patterns on cloth or artist papers, or I'll sometimes paint them in, I find that the black and white photos stand out more than colored ones against the colorful backgrounds. I also like how some of the objects I use in my works stand off of the surface of the canvas, or paper I'm using. Another thing about my art is my use of Christian symbolism in a lot of my works, my faith is a big motivator in the direction of all my art.

Artist Bio
I’m a self taught, Artist with no formal training in the visual arts. I live and work in Columbus, in the Medical Manufacturing field.

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Acrylic on wood, mixed media, textiles, 2020
https://www.studiosonhigh.com/beverly-whiteside

Artist Statement
The underpinning development of my art is found in the
spirit of improvisation. As a self-taught artist, I am intuitively led by the choices I make in my medium that reflects movement, relationships and human connections. As a choreographer, I have always leaned towards improvisational work-to think quickly, in the moment with a sense of spatial freedom and clarity.

The use of wood panels create the canvas and supports the unpredictable layers of texture that appear in each work. Fluid figures serve as the subject matter and are viewed as strong dark forms juxtaposed within patterns separating the background from the foreground. Vibrant layers of pattern on pattern construct and promote solving the vivid conundrum.

Artist Bio
Columbus based mixed-media artist Beverly Whiteside has been honing her skills as a visual artist for the past several years. Formerly a Dance Education Specialist with Columbus City Schools, Beverly blended her love for visual art with her experience teaching children creative movement, bringing about a perfect marriage of her two passions.

Beverly's evolution into mixed-media and collage artwork allowed her to introduce other elements to this union. Her vibrant snapshots of time are taken from actual or visionary African-American experiences. Ushering to life unapologetic stories of hope, family and community life.

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photographic print, 2020
Instagram: @dwinters0810
donna@dmwinters.com

Artist Statement
Be Bold. Be Free. Be Truthful. These words by Brenda Ueland from her classic book If You Want to Write describe what I strive for in my photography. The camera offers the way to cultivate courage and take the chance to freely express something important - an inner quality that may not be immediately seen. Whether it is the gracefulness of a bird in flight or the invisible becoming visible through the mist of the rising sun, the resulting images are mysteries revealing themselves in something tangible. For me, every day with the camera is a treasure hunt filled with the anticipation of what is to be found. My goal is not to simply document a subject or event nor is it to strive for technical perfection, but to spark the imagination of the viewer.

Artist Bio
Donna Winters is a Dublin, Ohio photographer who has been honing her powers of observation through the lens of the camera for many years. After a career in finance and health/wellness, she created and owned a successful yoga studio. Additionally, her education in the biological sciences and post graduate work in anatomy/physiology helped fuel her intense curiosity. She has blended her photography skills with that curiosity and observation skill to create the perfect combination of her passions. While her subjects are varied, she has gravitated toward wildlife/nature and how photography impacts and contributes to conservation and environmental efforts.

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