Michele Heller’s entry, “Bucknell Hall” in last year’s Susquehanna Art Society’s online exhibition.
The Daily Item
"Society excited to see entrants in annual art show"
By Tricia Kline
Jun 24, 2021
SUNBURY — The Annual Judged Susquehanna Art Society Show will be back and in person this year. Local artists are encouraged to start preparing their entries now for the August event.
After COVID shutdowns last year pushed the popular show to an online format for society member artists only, the show will return to its normal platform this year, inviting member and non-member artists alike from throughout Pennsylvania to share their masterpieces.
Now in its 41st year, the show will display artwork from Aug. 10 to 19 in the community room at the Degenstein Community Library, 40 S. Fifth St., during regular library hours. The show will also be open during the Sunbury River Festival on Friday, Aug. 13 until 6 p.m., and on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library is closed Sunday, Aug. 15.
A final decision on whether to hold an opening reception will be made in July. Awards will be announced on the art show’s opening day.
Entries will be accepted from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 4, and 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 5, at the library.
“It was a challenge to continue safe activities for our group through the pandemic,” said Marilyn Paul, art society president, adding that some of the member artists continued to create art, while others found it difficult to concentrate and focus their creativity. Now, she said, with things looking up, the society’s members are excited to return to their member meetings and activities.
“Being able to host the in-person show is a great step in returning to sharing our art and experiences,” she said. “Research has shown that viewing art in a show or museum can lower anxiety, boost critical thinking skills and be an overall uplifting experience. I am excited to be able to visit and exhibit at galleries and art shows again. It is something I have truly missed.”
Sunbury artist Michele Heller agrees.
“The pandemic brought a halt to much of the time spent with other artists and to exhibiting artwork,” she said. “This show by the Susquehanna Art Society is tremendously important, both as an exhibit and as a symbol that opportunities to create together and to share our work are returning.”
Years ago, Heller was an art major at Millersville State College where her focus was painting, primarily watercolors. She returned to painting after retiring six years ago, joining watercolor classes at the YMCA Arts Center in Sunbury, which she said, “not only renewed my love of the medium but introduced me to a wonderful group of friends.” She has since also taken other classes and workshops, experimented with other media, and said she continues to grow as an artist. She and six others from the Arts Center have exhibited their work locally numerous times.
At the show in August, she will be exhibiting watercolors that she has painted within the past two years — mainly during the pandemic. Her work depicts scenes from photographs she has taken during trips in America and abroad.
According to Paul, the Annual Judged Art Show is the Susquehanna Art Society’s most popular and well-attended event.
“The best part of the show, in my opinion as well as many others, is the wonderful variety of work,” she said, adding that entries include creations from students through advanced artists in opaque and watercolor painting, photography, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, pottery, computer design, printmaking, glassworks, and more.
The show will be organized by three ability level classifications — advanced, intermediate and beginner. There will also be a student-level classification for ages 17 and younger.
Media categories in each level are: opaque (oils acrylic, pastel), watercolor, photography, and other (graphics, sculpture, mixed media).
One Best of Show will be awarded. Judges will award a first and second place in each level category, and honorable mention depending on entry numbers per category. Viewers’ votes will determine the winner of the Popular Choice award. Last year, the society presented $2,200 in prize money.
Artwork will be judged by Lori Kershner, professional artist and adjunct faculty in art at Susquehanna University, and Deb Stabley, professional artist and arts and ceramics faculty at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Entrance fee for members and students is $5 per item, up to three entries. Non-members’ fee is $10 per item with up to three entries accepted.
Works to be hung must be dry, suitably framed with hanging wires, no saw tooth hangers, and be ready for display. They may not measure more than 48 inches in any direction. Pedestals or other suitable bases or methods for displaying large free-standing works must be supplied by the artist. Tables are available for smaller 3D works.
All works must be in their original media — no copies or interpretations from other stories. The participant must certify the originality and freedom from copyright of art being entered. Artwork must have been completed within the last two years and not previously exhibited at the Annual Judged SAS show.
For more information, visit www.susqueartsociety.org or call Marilyn Paul at 570-473-9942. Updates are also posted on the Susquehanna Art Society facebook page.
The Daily Item
"Coronavirus can't stop art society from continuing 40-year tradition"
By Tricia Kline
Aug 26, 2020
Since its first regional exhibition in June 1980, the Susquehanna Art Society has made it an annual tradition to allow Pennsylvania artists to show off their work. When the COVID pandemic threatened to break that tradition on their 40th year, the society’s board of directors met in May to brainstorm ways to safely move forward with their Annual Judged Art Show in August.
The result was a virtual competition and an online show that was posted, along with the announcement of winners, on the society’s website on Tuesday.
Normally, the show would have been held in the community room of the Degenstein Community Library in Sunbury. As uncertainties and fear surrounding the virus escalated, society president Marilyn Paul said, “There was discussion about just not having any show at all.”
They began advertising for the show in June and received more than 240 entries. When they concluded that they could not safely hold the art show in person, they reached out to their members to see if they would be interested in participating in an online show.
“Their replies were positive, and we decided to go ahead and plan for an online exhibition and competition,” Paul said.
It was a steep learning curve, Paul admits, to figure out how to host an online show, so they made the difficult decision to keep the show small and limited to society members. They weren’t charged an entry fee; rather, an entry of one work for each member was made into a perk of their 2020 membership.
In total, they received pieces from 44 artists. The entry period was July 25 through August 15.
The show this year was judged by Anna Kell, an associate professor of studio art at Bucknell University. Paul explains she was given access to the image folders for three days to judge based on skill level, title, size and media; each entry had to be an original piece and completed within the last two years.
In her juror’s statement, Kell said, “It is never easy to make the kinds of distinctions I was asked to make, especially since I was viewing reproductions of your work. I ‘listened’ to the artworks themselves and tried very hard to imagine them in their real-life glory. I looked for moments of artistry that seemed fresh.”
Art was accepted in the categories of opaque — oil, acrylic, paste; watercolor; photography, and other. Works include oil paintings, watercolors, photographs, collages, pottery, hand-pulled prints and drawings.
“Entries represent a wonderful variety of work created by advanced, intermediate and beginning artists,” Paul said, explaining that “Members sent images of their interpretation of local vistas, European destinations, nature, still life arrangements, portraits, animals and social commentary.”
Simonne Roy, of Lewisburg, received the “best in show” award with her painting, “Sweet Anticipation” which she said is “the culmination of many years of admiring bakery windows in France.”
“This particular painting was loosely based on a bakery I stopped by in Amboise, France on a way to a picnic,” she said. “The patterns, colors, textures of the display stayed with me for many years. My daughter was a baby at the time, and I have sweet memories of that day.”
Roy returns periodically to France, and most recently lived there for about a year in 2018. That winter, she began painting individual still lifes of French pastries and breads.
Roy said her love for painting began in childhood and that it’s still “a basic necessity for me, like eating, sleeping and getting exercise.” She has been painting more than ever during the COVID quarantine, she said, and has had time to complete unfinished work and to go outdoors to paint nearby farms and forests, as well as appreciate the beauty of closer surroundings, such as the flowers in her garden. “It is satisfying to be able to bring a little beauty and peace to others through my art,” Roy said.
The online show, she said, has been a way for her to connect with friends in the Susquehanna Valley — something that has been lost due to the cancellation of normal shows and exhibits she is typically a part of.
“I am grateful to the Susquehanna Art Society and its wonderful volunteers for holding the online show despite the stresses we are all feeling,” she said, adding, “This award makes me very happy and encourages me to paint more than ever.”
Paul is pleased that they were able to continue the show and has been proud of how the artists stepped up to the challenge of an online platform. “I appreciate that not only did our members take a chance in creating and sharing their art, but also submitted it in an entirely new way,” she said.
The show can be viewed at susqueartsociety.org, and includes a slide presentation of the winning entries on the homepage, and the entire show on a separate page. The site also includes statements, thank-yous, and an acknowledgement of patrons who donated prize money.
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"Coronavirus can't stop art society from continuing 40-year tradition"
By Tricia Kline
Aug 26, 2020
Since its first regional exhibition in June 1980, the Susquehanna Art Society has made it an annual tradition to allow Pennsylvania artists to show off their work. When the COVID pandemic threatened to break that tradition on their 40th year, the society’s board of directors met in May to brainstorm ways to safely move forward with their Annual Judged Art Show in August.
The result was a virtual competition and an online show that was posted, along with the announcement of winners, on the society’s website on Tuesday.
Normally, the show would have been held in the community room of the Degenstein Community Library in Sunbury. As uncertainties and fear surrounding the virus escalated, society president Marilyn Paul said, “There was discussion about just not having any show at all.”
They began advertising for the show in June and received more than 240 entries. When they concluded that they could not safely hold the art show in person, they reached out to their members to see if they would be interested in participating in an online show.
“Their replies were positive, and we decided to go ahead and plan for an online exhibition and competition,” Paul said.
It was a steep learning curve, Paul admits, to figure out how to host an online show, so they made the difficult decision to keep the show small and limited to society members. They weren’t charged an entry fee; rather, an entry of one work for each member was made into a perk of their 2020 membership.
In total, they received pieces from 44 artists. The entry period was July 25 through August 15.
The show this year was judged by Anna Kell, an associate professor of studio art at Bucknell University. Paul explains she was given access to the image folders for three days to judge based on skill level, title, size and media; each entry had to be an original piece and completed within the last two years.
In her juror’s statement, Kell said, “It is never easy to make the kinds of distinctions I was asked to make, especially since I was viewing reproductions of your work. I ‘listened’ to the artworks themselves and tried very hard to imagine them in their real-life glory. I looked for moments of artistry that seemed fresh.”
Art was accepted in the categories of opaque — oil, acrylic, paste; watercolor; photography, and other. Works include oil paintings, watercolors, photographs, collages, pottery, hand-pulled prints and drawings.
“Entries represent a wonderful variety of work created by advanced, intermediate and beginning artists,” Paul said, explaining that “Members sent images of their interpretation of local vistas, European destinations, nature, still life arrangements, portraits, animals and social commentary.”
Simonne Roy, of Lewisburg, received the “best in show” award with her painting, “Sweet Anticipation” which she said is “the culmination of many years of admiring bakery windows in France.”
“This particular painting was loosely based on a bakery I stopped by in Amboise, France on a way to a picnic,” she said. “The patterns, colors, textures of the display stayed with me for many years. My daughter was a baby at the time, and I have sweet memories of that day.”
Roy returns periodically to France, and most recently lived there for about a year in 2018. That winter, she began painting individual still lifes of French pastries and breads.
Roy said her love for painting began in childhood and that it’s still “a basic necessity for me, like eating, sleeping and getting exercise.” She has been painting more than ever during the COVID quarantine, she said, and has had time to complete unfinished work and to go outdoors to paint nearby farms and forests, as well as appreciate the beauty of closer surroundings, such as the flowers in her garden. “It is satisfying to be able to bring a little beauty and peace to others through my art,” Roy said.
The online show, she said, has been a way for her to connect with friends in the Susquehanna Valley — something that has been lost due to the cancellation of normal shows and exhibits she is typically a part of.
“I am grateful to the Susquehanna Art Society and its wonderful volunteers for holding the online show despite the stresses we are all feeling,” she said, adding, “This award makes me very happy and encourages me to paint more than ever.”
Paul is pleased that they were able to continue the show and has been proud of how the artists stepped up to the challenge of an online platform. “I appreciate that not only did our members take a chance in creating and sharing their art, but also submitted it in an entirely new way,” she said.
The show can be viewed at susqueartsociety.org, and includes a slide presentation of the winning entries on the homepage, and the entire show on a separate page. The site also includes statements, thank-yous, and an acknowledgement of patrons who donated prize money.
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Marilyn Paul
The Daily Item
"Artists use quarantine to create"
By Tricia Kline
June 2020
SUNBURY — Despite the coronavirus lockdowns that have led to cancellations of a number of Susquehanna Art Society events planned for the spring and into the summer, member artists are finding the extra time has been good for their creative juices to flow more freely.
“Creating art requires time and reflection, which many of us have an abundance of during the COVID-19 shutdown,” said society president, Marilyn Paul. With no activities for members able to be scheduled, she thought the society’s bimonthly newsletter for May/June would have to be canceled as well. But they took a different approach. “Instead, we asked members to share what they were currently working on,” Paul said. “The result was the largest, most colorful newsletter we ever completed! It was wonderful to see everyone’s work and read their comments.”
As Paul wrote in the newsletter, “(Your contributions) reinforced my belief in the power of art in uncertain times. Art helps us connect, uplifts our spirits, provides an expressive outlet and opens our eyes to social issues.”
"Artists use quarantine to create"
By Tricia Kline
June 2020
SUNBURY — Despite the coronavirus lockdowns that have led to cancellations of a number of Susquehanna Art Society events planned for the spring and into the summer, member artists are finding the extra time has been good for their creative juices to flow more freely.
“Creating art requires time and reflection, which many of us have an abundance of during the COVID-19 shutdown,” said society president, Marilyn Paul. With no activities for members able to be scheduled, she thought the society’s bimonthly newsletter for May/June would have to be canceled as well. But they took a different approach. “Instead, we asked members to share what they were currently working on,” Paul said. “The result was the largest, most colorful newsletter we ever completed! It was wonderful to see everyone’s work and read their comments.”
As Paul wrote in the newsletter, “(Your contributions) reinforced my belief in the power of art in uncertain times. Art helps us connect, uplifts our spirits, provides an expressive outlet and opens our eyes to social issues.”
Alicia Wilver
Alicia Wilver, of Sunbury, joined the art society in 2019. Her favorite kind of art is painting and photography. During her free time recently, she said, “I’ve been focusing more on broadening my horizons.” That has included exploring more with painting, especially larger scale pieces and acrylics. “It’s neat to see just how different each media can be,” she said. “And creating bigger pieces isn’t as intimidating as I once thought.”
Susan Boudman, of Millville, is also a one-year member of the society. She said she’s been using her stay at home time “to do as much painting as I can,” and that her goal has been to have more work to feature in future shows. She has used social media art sites for painting challenges and support.
During the extra time she has been able to focus on her art, she said she has expanded her palette. “I thought landscapes were my passion,” she said, “but during this time of quarantine, I have been experimenting more with portraits and really enjoying it.” She has even been able to sell several of her paintings during quarantine, she said, and acquire a few commissions.
“I feel fortunate that during this time, I had something to occupy my free time that I thoroughly enjoy,” she said. “I love getting lost in my paintings. I love the point where I can see what started as a blank canvas, turn to an ugly phase, then finally evolve into my vision. I refound something that makes my heart happy!”
Alicia Wilver, of Sunbury, joined the art society in 2019. Her favorite kind of art is painting and photography. During her free time recently, she said, “I’ve been focusing more on broadening my horizons.” That has included exploring more with painting, especially larger scale pieces and acrylics. “It’s neat to see just how different each media can be,” she said. “And creating bigger pieces isn’t as intimidating as I once thought.”
Susan Boudman, of Millville, is also a one-year member of the society. She said she’s been using her stay at home time “to do as much painting as I can,” and that her goal has been to have more work to feature in future shows. She has used social media art sites for painting challenges and support.
During the extra time she has been able to focus on her art, she said she has expanded her palette. “I thought landscapes were my passion,” she said, “but during this time of quarantine, I have been experimenting more with portraits and really enjoying it.” She has even been able to sell several of her paintings during quarantine, she said, and acquire a few commissions.
“I feel fortunate that during this time, I had something to occupy my free time that I thoroughly enjoy,” she said. “I love getting lost in my paintings. I love the point where I can see what started as a blank canvas, turn to an ugly phase, then finally evolve into my vision. I refound something that makes my heart happy!”
Susan Boudman
Paul said the society’s members range from new artists to professionals, and “We still have active members who originally joined in 1979 when the group was founded.”
Paul joined the society in the 1990s, she said, “seeking the opportunity to exhibit my art and share experiences with local artists.” She has served on the board of directors for many years, and became president in 2019. After 32 years working in the Milton Area School District and raising a family, she said when her sons were in school she took a sabbatical leave to earn a master’s degree in studio art, when she “rediscovered printmaking.” Today, she creates hand-pulled prints on a printing press in her home studio — work that is inspired by nature, she said.
“Making the prints is a step-by-step, hands-on procedure that helps to pass the time during quarantine.”
She encourages artists of every level and medium to make the most of the shutdowns.
“With the gift of time, artists can experiment and explore their art more thoroughly,” she said. “Now is a great time to try something new or really focus on improving one aspect of one’s art.”
She said there are many resources online, including Google Arts and Culture virtual museum tours, and YouTube tutorials on various mediums and techniques. In addition, Susquehanna Art Society member Lina Ferrara, who teaches workshops for artists and classes at the Y Arts Center in Sunbury, has been offering free live oil painting instruction on Friday mornings on her “Lina Ferrara Art Studio” Facebook page.
Wilver said she has loved art since she was a child and describes herself as a lifelong “creature of creativity.” She has been learning to open up more and share her creations with others.
“More people want to create but don’t, due to fear of others not liking their art,” Wilver said. “I admit I was worried to share mine with peers, but don’t worry too much about that. Art is you, and what you feel and admire.”
It’s food for the soul during this time that depression and anxiety could easily sweep in. That’s why the art society continues to strive to keep a love for art alive in its members.
Paul said they were forced to postpone a March meeting in which artists were going to share their experiences on a recent plein air painting trip to Italy, as well as an April critique meeting. They also had to cancel a May exhibit at the Public Library for Union County, and have decided to cancel their annual Member’s Picnic and Art Auction that was to be held in July.
The board of directors also recently had to make “the difficult decision”, Paul said, to cancel the Annual Judged Art Show at the Degenstein Library, which was to be held in August. With so many unknowns about the future, they were unsure if the show’s large opening reception would allow for social distancing. However, Paul said, “The board of directors is exploring alternative ideas for the Annual Judged Art Show and our fall events that could keep our members engaged in art activities.”
The society is in its 41st year. Paul said the non-juried, nonprofit organization “offers its members support, camaraderie, and the opportunity to show their art.
“One of our main goals is to educate our members and the public about art,” Paul said.
The society boasts approximately 100 members who reside throughout the Susquehanna Valley and as far away as Maryland and Florida.
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The Daily Item
"More than 220 entries on display at Sunbury art show"
By Tricia Kline
Aug 14, 2019
Paintings, sculptures and pottery of all varieties and by all ages of artists, are now on display at the Degenstein Library for the Annual Judged Art Show, hosted by the Susquehanna Art Society.
According to Marilyn Paul, president of the society, there are 222 entries altogether. The winners were announced at an artists’ reception on Tuesday.
“The work ranges from large scale acrylic and oil paintings by seasoned artists to whimsical acrylic paintings by six-year-olds,” Paul said. Subject matter of the art includes portraits, landscapes, animals, florals, boats, trains, and abstract imagery. The show accepts artwork including oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor photography, and “other,” which includes drawing, mixed media, sculpture, pottery, computer design, printmaking, glass works, and more.
Paul, who was a high school art teacher for 32 years, said “It was a joy to see my students’ creativity grow from year to year. I see the same growth in our members.”
The art show gives opportunity to all ages and abilities of artists, separating categories into students 17 and under, beginner, intermediate, and advanced. If an artist wins an award in one of these categories, they are encouraged to move onto the next level the next time.
“I have seen firsthand the growth that our members make from show to show,” Paul said. “It is a testament to their hard work and talent.”
The largest number of entries are in the “advanced” level, she said, “so the caliber of the show remains high every year. Our advanced artists consistently impress with their beautiful works and varying perspectives.”
Sylvia Denger, of Watsontown, submitted two of her watercolor paintings in the show this year. She joined the society in 2014, the same year she began taking watercolor lessons at the YMCA Arts Center. Her instructor encouraged her to participate in the society art show, and she won an honorable mention.
“Art and the love of art are so satisfying and important to me,” she said. So much so that she serves as a greeter for the show, a role in which she can “encourage people to look into each piece and appreciate the creativity, the work and the beauty,” she said.
Paul said the mission of the Susquehanna Art Society, a non-juried, non-profit organization, is to support and provide camaraderie and opportunity for artists to show their work, as well as to educate both members and the public about art.
The first art exhibition in the Valley by the Society was held in 1980. John Troxell, of Point Township, was involved with this first show, responsible for hanging the artwork when it arrived at the site, which that year was the lobby of the Selinsgrove Middle School.
“By putting together this first show,” he said, “we wanted to expose the work of the many talented artists who live in this area but had no venue to show their work to the greater community. The idea was also to help create a community of artists to encourage each other and promote art as a cultural activity.”
During his school years, Troxell was inspired and supported by his uncle, a designer, and later attended college for industrial design. He later rose to become the head of the design department at Wood-Mode. The company purchased work by the art society’s members to hang in their offices, and even commissioned local artists to paint historic buildings for their Christmas cards, Troxell said. “The contact with the society helped me make those contacts and the annual shows helped to highlight potential new artists,” he said.
The society has also allowed Troxell to continue his personal journey as an artist, creating works in acrylic, watercolor, colored pencil, and photography. He has submitted some of his work for the art shows, he said, “when I felt I had something to enter”, and he also has helped to hang the artwork for nearly every annual show since that first one in 1980.
He continues to encourage the community to be involved in some way. “I would encourage everyone who may have some interest in art to attend,” he said. “There is an amazing range of subject matter and styles on display. For those who may be considering the creative process,” he added, “hopefully this will give them that extra boost to give it a try.”
While the Annual Judged Art Show is open to all Pennsylvania artists, the society does hold shows open only to the approximate 100 society members, such as a members only show scheduled at the Packwood House Museum in Lewisburg in November during Stroll Through the Arts, and one at the Public Library of Union County next May.
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SAS featured in the Summer Issue,
Susquehanna Life Magazine
The Susquehanna Art Society was contacted by Erica L. Shames, publisher and founder of Susquehanna Life Magazine, to have an article included in their summer issue, 2019. We happily accepted, and reporter, Stephanie Kalina-Metzger, began interviewing a number of our members for the article about SAS and our 40th Anniversary. Erica selected art by our members to accompany the article.
The following have their art represented: Tim Mauk, Bradley Shoemaker, Marilyn Paul, Ruta Karelis,
Simonne Roy, Jane Albin and Cindy Dozpat.
You can read about it all here:
http://www.susquehannalife.com/2019/06/06/201191/cultural-experience-art-society-nurtures-and-enriches-lives
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Congratulations to the following SAS members who had winning entries in the Lewisburg Arts Council Indoor Art Show held November 2019 at the Packwood House Museum:
Best of Show
Thomas Wise, "Shadows", Watercolor
Professional
First Place - Joan Carroll, "My Husband Don, the Author", Oil
Third Place - Jeff Martin, "November Still Life", Oil
Honorable Mention - Theresa Crowley Spitler, "Life's A Beach", Pastel
and Jane Albin, "Daisy", Watercolor
Amateur
First Place - Ruta Kuralis, "Campus Theatre Sunset", Acrylic
Second Place - Michele Heller, "Forgotten Hollow", Watercolor
Honorable Mention - Pat Bontinen, "Kea", Watercolor, pen
and Andrea Kratzer, "The Orchid Room", Watercolor
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Susquehanna Art Society at the Lewisburg Art Festival, Saturday, April 27, 2019
The Susquehanna Art Society participated in the Lewisburg Arts Festival this year. We had info tables, a new banner and red balloons set up in Hufnagle Park in downtown Lewisburg. Our purpose was to promote the Susquehanna Art Society during its 40th Anniversary and support the Lewisburg Arts Council on it's 50th Anniversary. Despite a constant wind that hampered our display possibilities (the tent had to be taken down and our papers and easels kept trying to blow away), we had a fun time!
Reba Rohrer set up her art supplies on Market Street and demonstrated a block letter design. She won the SAS apron for working on her art. Congratulations, Reba!
Members Sandy O'Connor, Sandy Davis, Silvia Denger, Marilyn Paul, Greg Schlegel, Peggy Walker, and Linda Troutman braved the wind at our tables.
Thanks to all.