Phyllis Kulmatiski, Elizabeth Apgar-Smith & Jeffrey Bisaillion

The title of this entry is a list of the three artists whose work is currently being shown at the Oakroom Gallery  (First Unitarian Society, 1221 Wendell Avenue in Schenectady).  More precisely, here's a quote about this "gallery" from their website  - 

http://www.oakroomartists.com/

"The Oakroom Artists Gallery is the only membership-by-invitation art association in the Albany area. Membership is limited to 24 artists in order to allow each artist the opportunity of a solo exhibit every two years. Solo exhibits are held at our Home Gallery at the First Unitarian Society of Schenectady. Group shows are also organized at area colleges and museums."

This is where my studio group went this afternoon, and with some reservation, where I recommend you go before the end of the month (when the exhibit will change).  There we saw the sculpture of Phyllis Kulmatiski some of whose work I found powerful and some lovely, the paintings of Jeffrey Bisaillion which were glorious in their color and intriguing in technique, and finally, my initial reason for going, the fine, fine paintings of Elizabeth Apgar-Smith.

The reason for my reservations are that the gallery is really part of the circular open space planned for the meetings of the Unitarian Society of Schenectady.  The wall space is ample but the lighting is not "gallery quality" - a real problem, I think.  Also, it was disconcerting to see several of the paintings were crooked.  While these may seem like small complaints, think about it.  If one finds oneself distracted by wanting to straighten a painting or irritated at not being able to see a work of art, it is the art that suffers.

But despite those issues which may not bother everyone, this small exhibit was a delight.  Apgar-Smith, a Schoharie Valley resident) has been a favorite for a long time, and I think her work is even better now. Because I enjoyed it so much, I am going to try to go back with D (who is also a fan) before the exhibit closes.

Oh, and as an added incentive, some of the art work is extremely affordable - great for those art lovers on your holiday list!