The Westfield Art Association proudly features the work of local artists.
ROSELLE PARK, NJ — On Saturday, Sept. 24, Roselle Park Loves Arts displayed the work of local artists on Chestnut Street for a daylong celebration of all types of artistic expression. Roselle Park Loves Shorts Short Film Festival featured films submitted from all around the world. Selected films were screened at Casano Community Center and Veterans Memorial Library.
A jazz portion of the festival began at 7 p.m. with opening act, The Rollbacks, a Latin fusion band. Featured musicians, the Mike Wilkens Jazz Quartet, followed. There were also hands-on activities for children and adults as artistic inspiration filled the air. The Montclair Art Museum truck provided art supplies for residents to paint leaves in celebration of the arrival of the fall season. The paintings were hung along the side of the truck.
“Featured artists include an exhibit of artwork from Roselle Park students, a Roselle Park Art Educators exhibit and the Westfield Art Association,” Roselle Park Arts Council Member Ann Marie Peterson told LocalSource in an email.
The Westfield Art Association included a display of work by local artists such as Mary Gerus of Scotch Plains, Maxine King of Woodbridge and Laura Brown of Westfield. Paul Federico of Scotch Plains was found painting the Roselle Park town sign and gazebo as commissioned by Mayor Carl Hokanson.
“I was painting the Oriental BBQ stand when Mayor Hokanson approached me,” Federico told LocalSource. “He asked if I would paint the Roselle Park sign and gazebo for $30. He paid me in advance, and so now I’m working on this piece for him. I’m happy to do it. It looks great.”
Federico works with water-soluble oil paint. He works in advertising as a creative director. His work includes the Jersey Fresh logo.
Westfield Art Association features a variety of artist that work in all different mediums. Maxine King works with Chinese sumi ink to create her work. She spoke to LocalSource about her artistic process.
“I go to someone’s studio and draw a live model,” King told LocalSource. “The background is inventive. I use a brush to apply the Chinese sumi ink and add water to the ink for a wash. I can’t make any corrections. I’ve been doing this for many years, and I think I’m at my peak. I’m excited for the Kean Art Walk on Oct. 1.”
Local artist Christie Stolte, of Cranford, works in a variety of mediums as well, as she sold and displayed her jewelry, paintings and accessories. Her painting, “Rogue Geekery,” was a war helmet that was inspired by her grandfather. She spoke to LocalSource about the inspiration for her work.
“My grandfather was in World War II so I have a lot of respect for veterans,” Stolte told LocalSource. “I get my inspiration from everything. I’m a self-taught artist and I like to create pop art. I think people are way too serious.”
Stolte created a clock from a Jackie Gleason album and coasters from dominoes. She also proudly pointed out her “Mario earrings” which she created with mushroom-shaped beads. Artists Arthur Pieklo and Angela Daurio displayed their collection of BrickLove jewelry which, featured necklaces made from Lego pieces. Local dance studios demonstrated different styles of dance from belly dancing to interpretive dance.