“A Circumstantial Assembly” at Moore College of Art

The exhibition “A Circumstantial Assembly”, at the Levy Gallery for the Arts, Moore College of Art is held in conjunction with Fiber Philadelphia- a city-wide biennial celebrating fiber-based works. This exhibition features work by artists Susan Benarcik, Jill Marleah Bell, Ana Hernandez, Mark Khaisman, Daniel Kornrumf, Jedadiah Morfit, and Binod Shrestha, who are all former fellows in the Center for Emerging Visual Artist’s (CFEVA) Career Development Program.  These works which reinterpret fiber art-based traditions and techniques are on exhibition from January 28 – March 17, 2011. Please join us for the opening reception on Friday January 27, 5:30-8 PM .

Mental Notes copyright Susan Benarcik 2011

Bootstrap Festival

This summer I participated in the NYFA “Artist as Entrepreneur Bootcamp”. Please come celebrate the brilliant and diverse talents of our 2011 Boot campers at various venues during our month-long creative festival. For up to date details visit: http://www.bootstrapfestival.com/

January Exhibitions

In the Borowsky Gallery:

CORPOREAL

Sculptural work relating to the body, by five alumni fellows of the Center for Emerging Visual Artists (CFEVA)

Maria Anasazi

Susan Benarcik

Ava Blitz

Brooke Hine

Leslie Speicher

Opening Reception: Thursday January 19, 2012

Exhibition dates: January 6 – February 19, 2012

The Gershman YMCA

401 South Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Gallery hours: Monday- Sunday, 9 A.M.-5 P.M.

www.gershmanY.org

SIP & PONDER

Eco–artist Susan Benarcik fills the Random Tea Room and Curiosity Shop in NoLibs with a plethora of pretty trinkets.

By EILLIE ANZILOTTI

ARTS NOVEMBER 17, 2011 AT 6:08 AM

If you were to walk into the Random Tea Room and Curiosity Shop on a given day, you might l3eave without even noticing an art exhibit on display, a testament to how well Susan Benarcik’s show, “Natural Curiosities,” blends into the atmosphere of the tiny shop.

Filled with knickknacks, mismatched chairs and china, coupled with probably the best chai tea in a 50–mile radius, The Random Tea Room is the kind of place that would incite fainting spells in any Jane Austen lover. With an emphasis on environmental consciousness, New York City–based Benarcik creates delicate sculptural pieces from both recycled and newly manufactured sustainable materials. The results — insect–like creatures and flowers that wouldn’t look out of place in the world of Tim Burton’s animation — hang from the shop walls. In neutral earthy tones, they don’t call attention to themselves, but instead complement the shop’s decor.

The Random Tea Room is called a curiosity shop for a reason, and curiosity will grant you access to even more of Benarcik’s work. Many of her pieces are scattered and hidden around the shop and take some exploration to discover. But an inquiring mind will be rewarded with an intricate collection of paper collages tucked into a folder and waiting for you to pick them up and examine them. Far from being dismissible as glorified stationery, Benarcik’s careful combinations of old–fashioned maps, floral patterns and illustrations are every bit as beautifully unassuming as her sculptures.

Vacuous Whirl- courtesy of philaopenstudios.com

It’s that lack of presumption that’s most striking about Benarcik’s work. She’s not out there to shock you or to force you into intellectual discussions about her “art.” Sure, she’s working under her umbrella theme of eco–awareness but, most importantly, her work is pretty. And in an artistic world that’s so focused on concept, sometimes to the point that actual craft is sacrificed, the unapologetic beauty of “Natural Curiosities” is quite a relief.

Benarcik’s work will be on display through November 18, but regardless, the Tea Room is a great place to go if you’re stressed and don’t mind the trek up to Northern Liberties for an escape. Order a cup of tea, play with the pet bulldog or get a massage. (Yes, there is a massage room attached to the shop.) And keep an eye open for all of the art surrounding you. You may be surprised by what you find.

Natural Curiosities
Now–11/18
The Random Tea Room and Curiosity Shop
713 N. 4th St.
Tues–Sun, 10 am–10 pm
(267) 639–2442

A Private Affair at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Resident Pods, created of grapevine and wire made an appearance at the BASF corporate celebration for sustainability. The swanky event included a cocktail hour, dinner, and low-lit after-dinner party amidst the huge statuary in the Great Hall, and Temple of Dendur.

Rebecca Cole designed an artfully fresh and natural aesthetic, using eclectic blends of anemone, easclepias, dusty miller, mullet, branches and succulents for the table arrangements. 

Craft USA Triennial

Silvermine Arts Center, a historic landmark located on 4 ½ scenic acres in Fairfield County, is approximately an hour’s drive from New York City. The arts center campus offers four exhibition galleries, a gift shop, and school of art. Visitors to the arts center can extend their experience outside of our facilities and enjoy the beautiful campus with a picnic lunch by the pond and stroll through the sculpture gardens.
There are many special events happening throughout the year at Silvermine, from concerts to multi-disciplinary performances, lectures, film presentations, a community day for families, fundraising events and many other programs. Check their events listing for the current schedule of activities.
www.silvermine.org
1037 Silvermine Road
New Canaan, CT 06840
P: 203.966.9700

Two pieces in the National Juried Craft Triennial

Craft USA
November 13 through December 23, 2011

Craft USA 2011, Silvermine Arts Center’s seventh national juried craft triennial, is open to craft artists throughout the United States. This year’s exhibition will be juried by Holly Hotchner, Director, Museum of Art & Design.

1037 Silvermine Road
New Canaan, CT 06840
Gallery Hours: Wednesday-Saturday: 12pm-5pm
Sunday: 1pm-5pm,
Monday-Tuesday: By Appointment

The Random Tea Room and Curiosity Shop in Northern Liberties

A random curiosity at the Tea Shop

Philadelphia Open Studio Tour, better known as POST provides an opportunity to visit artist studios in the city of Philadelphia. I’ll be exhibiting work at The Random Tea Room and Curiosity Shop in Northern Liberties, on Saturday and Sunday October 15th and 16th as part of POST. Please come by for a cup of tea and explore this great neighborhood!!!

Random Tea Room

The Azzarano's joined me on Sunday for Tea at POST

Northern Liberties is located along the Eastern edge of the city, bordering the Delaware River to the East and Girard Avenue to the North. This neighborhood offers studio visitors an experience that is both trendy and timeless. Visit polished studios that range from ceramics to photography to architectural salvage, while exploring some of the city’s oldest nooks and crannies. Northern Liberties offers enticing culinary and entertainment options, ranging from dance clubs to cobblestone eateries. Easy public transportation and bike-friendly shortcuts make these neighborhoods a great option for a full day’s tour.

http://www.philaopenstudios.com/InteractiveMap.aspx?www.philaopenstudios.com

Opening Night in Westhampton

Water Hyacinth; Collage 2011 Transparent Depths;  Hand Stitched Collage 2011

Jen Going Interiors, Westhampton Beach

Picsilated;   Mixed Media 2011
Susan Benarcik & Jen Going; August 2011Floating Hesperidiam: Mixed Media 2011

Summer Exhibition in West Hampton Beach

On Friday August 5th (that’s next week), I have filled Jen Going Interior Design Studio with series of new sculptural work, assemblage, and framed collage. These small pieces are available, and can fit in your home!!!! If you follow my work, you know that some of it is rather large… so this may be a welcome direction for some of my fans!
Jen Going Interiors is located in West Hampton Beach, Long Island. Please come out and join us for a Cocktail reception to kick off the month long exhibition.