Rennelle White Buffalo says that her artistic objective is to tell new stories about the contemporary Native American experience. She takes symbolism and stories from her Lakota background and recreates less literal versions, using acrylic paint and mixed materials in her abstract paintings. She also does printmaking. Growing up in the open plains of South Dakota influences her color palette.

Lisa Lackey’s medium is fabric. She has an astonishing ability to create fabric collage images that are as convincing and complex as paintings using a medium that is so much less forgiving (and presumably so much more time-consuming) than paint. She favors simple, every day scenes with dramatic shadows.

Michael Gabriele describes his pastels as being much like the work that a photographer does: straightforward representational drawings done from life. However, one could argue that his manipulation of color and unique mark making changes these artworks from merely capturing an image to creating a moment that approaches the magical. Mr. Gabriel is also an author who writes about New Jersey history.

CAA member Sharon Klass is going to help us all get the most from our cell phone cameras. She will address fixing angles, poor lighting, cropping, and cast shadows, and how to take photos while traveling. She will also discuss the new features now available on newer model phones.

Lucas Bagnini rarely uses paintbrushes. He forms oil paint mixed with clay or wax into relief-like paintings. Layers of paint are pressed, molded, sculpted, sliced, and folded into themselves in a variety of ways. His unique method began as a way to use up leftover paint! Mr. Biagini lives and works in Toronto.

Devorah Sperber uses surprising materials such as felt tip marker caps, pipe cleaners, and spools of sewing thread to create optical illusions based on master paintings. The results are still more surprising, because, when viewed from a side angle or through a convex lens, they look amazingly true to the original works. Prepare to be amazed!

Ann Smiga Greene creates bold, expressive paintings using watercolor, gouache, gesso, collage elements, and mark making tools. She likes to work spontaneously and intuitively, creating layers that emphasize texture and color. Lately, she has been doing more collage work. She conducts painting classes and workshops.

Marc Alain starts with a concept for his elaborate collages, then he searches for source material in books, magazines and websites. He does all cutting, arranging and gluing by hand, and favors complex and densely layered compositions of plants, landscapes, or abstract skies. He studied photography in college, and has managed a photography studio and directed music videos.

Oscar Peterson’s aim in his work is to create an emotional connection between his painting and the viewer. In addition to his highly regarded work as a portrait artist, Mr. Peterson is a seasoned art director, designer, illustrator, and fine arts painter.

Oscar Peterson will be our instructor for a portrait painting workshop on May 12, 2027, More information to follow.