Taking A Look At
The Local Art Scene ...

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Opal Arts and Olives

SUZANNE CHESSLER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

ormer D etroit art
teacher Janet Ruben-
stein has found anoth-
er way to bring her
talents into the city —
the Greektown Art
Fair.
The annual event, scheduled
May 17-19, features paintings,
sculpture and craft designs cre-
ated by more than 125 artists.
"This venue is important to
the city and to the artists," said
Rubenstein, who exhibits her
one-off--a-kind jewelry at similar
fairs throughout the Midwest.
"And — buyers can divide
their time between what is be-
ing shown at the fair and what
is offered in the restaurants and
shops."
Rubenstein's jewelry is dom-
inated by sterling silver, which
she enhances subtly with other
materials, from 24-karat gold to
semi-precious gems.
"My work has very clean
lines arranged in bold shapes,"
explained Rubenstein, whose
jewelry interest was stirred
through a class at Kent State
University.
She finished her art curricu-
lum at the Center for Creative
Studies, and her handiwork can
be seen regularly at the Andy
Sharkey Gallery in Royal Oak
and the Atrium Gallery in
Northville:
Glass specialist Stan Megdall
is planning his third year at the
Greektown event, one of 20 such
exhibits featuring his abstract
sculptures, tables and large
bowls.
Megdall, who has been an art
teacher at Roeper and the Birm-
ingham Bloomfield Art Associa-
tion, takes on custom projects for
clients. A favorite glass-coloring
technique combines black on the
inside and multiple colors on the
outside of three-dimensional struc-
tures.
Celia Block never leaves home
without a sample of her artwork
— hand-painted silk clothing.
Greektown shoppers can wear her
artistry, too, in the form of loose
jackets, crinkle skirts, vests,
sarongs and scarves.
"I'm very excited about the
Greektown show because I've
been there as a buyer," said the
former beautician, whose craft tal-

Shades Of Activism

Left: A table by glass
artist Stan Megdall,
who will exhibit his
abstract designs for
the third year at the
Greektown Art Fair.

Pip Brant uses a strong palette to create 'Tech-
Pip Brant:
no-Dramas," paintings designed to elicit strong Hospital Stay,
feelings about political issues. Her expression- 1995, acrylic
istic labors concentrate on unbalanced ideals paint on canvas.
and the interdependencies among technology,
morality and nature.
Thirteen of her most recent works will be shown through
June 22 at Wearley Studio Gallery, 1719 W. 14 Mile, Royal
Oak. (810) 549-3016.

Sentinel, a one-
of-a-kind piece
of art glass
from Steuben,
is the first use
of color from
the art glass
maker in 64
years.

Below: A clay bowl by
first-time Greektown
exhibitor Carolyn
Joseph, who designs
functional pieces.

ents first were expressed
through jewelry.
On a continuing basis,
Block's fabric originals
are carried at Andee B's
at the Tel-Twelve Mall,
where her jewelry used
to be sold.
"I want to get into
wall hangings," said
Block, who also works on
pillows, table runners
and screens. "I paint
flowers and fish into many of my
designs and have found the leop-
ard patterns among the most pop-
ular."
Block took pastel classes many
years ago as a student at Cass
Technical High School and later
enrolled in private painting cours-
es.
Carolyn Joseph, a first-time
Greektown exhibitor, prefers clay
and designs boxes, bowls and oth-
er functional pieces, some com-
missioned.
"When Pm creating something,
I believe I have to make myself
happy first," said Joseph, who
builds with coils or slabs of clay in-
stead of working with a wheel. "I
like to add brightly colored, graph-
ic decorations, and I have a series

called The Way,' which is based
on directional signs."
Joseph studied art in Illinois be-
fore moving to Michigan almost
four years ago. She has been in art
shows for three years and sells
through the Russell Klatt Gallery
in Birmingham.
"I feel very fulfilled just work-
ing in my studio, but taking my
work out to the public brings me
to a whole new level," said the for-
mer hospital administrator. ❑

' The Greektown Art Fair
runs Friday-Sunday, May 17-
19. Street hours are from 11
a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10
p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. 4,
Sunday. For information, rail
:4
(313) 662-3382.

Benefit Auction

A one-of-a-kind Steuben. art glass designed by David Dowler
will be auctioned to benefit the Southeastern Michigan Chap-
ter of the American Red Cross at a gala scheduled Saturday
evening, May 25, at the Ritz Carlton. Proceeds from "Rhapsody
in Red III" will support American Red Cross Disaster Services
for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
Sentinel, the work to be auctioned, will be on public display
for the first time at Neiman Marcus,on Tueaday ; May 14, at a
party for patrons and sponsors of the gala. Twenty other Steuben
items will also be on sale, with a percentage going to the Red
Cross. (313) 833-2652.

Suzanne Chessler is a freelance writer who compiles and writes

our "Hanging Around" Fine Arts pages. Ifyou have
information about art happenings you wish to have
onsidered for our fine-arts section, including show openings

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