By Lynn A. Johnston Gallery, Associate and Member artist
Lemon Street Gallery, 4601 Sheridan Road
Lemon Street Gallery & ArtSpace Blog
Lynn A. Johnston Gallery Associate and Member artist
(April 3, 2022)
Hello everyone! There is so much to share now that we are going into Spring, so let’s get started!!
Classes have once again started at the gallery. We are offering painting, stained glass, adult and youth pottery. A very popular pottery class is our youth “Kids Intro to the Wheel”. We also offer an adult Intro to the Pottery wheel class, but these all fill up quickly! For more information and listings of classes being offered go to: https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/classes.html
An exciting collaboration between Lemon Street and Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum is a birdhouse building competition. We will ask people to submit photos of their birdhouses on the Lemon Street website. Everyone who enters will be able to display their birdhouses at Hawthorn Hollow and the public will be invited to vote for their favorite birdhouse on Facebook/in-person. There will be a public, ticketed reception to announce the winners. For complete information check out the link on our page https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/birdhouse-building-competition.html?fbclid=IwAR1ikH-FuTDw4aYc-_CMK2AYZ0hqWpmS-tuaa8DPHc63KcWUIZUEOAbD-QM
We are also looking for business sponsors for this event. Your business’s logo will be featured on posters, online advertisements, and our website. Additionally, on the website, you will be credited with what you have sponsored (example: 1st place sponsored by Your Business). If your business is interested in sponsoring a prize you can sign up at https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/sponsorship.html
If you have any questions you can email Shelby at shelbylemonstreet@gmail.com
A new show opened in the Brick Gallery on March 31 and goes through April 24th. Opening Reception is Second Saturday-Saturday April 9 from 6-9PM. Everyone is WELCOMED!!! The Featured artists are George and Ann Rowe (Fused glass jewelry and art), Terry Evans (Mixed media) and one of our new artists and Board member Kristie Mateau (Painting).
A little about the April Featured Artists:
George and Anne Rowe ( https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/george-and-ann-rowe.html ) havealways had a desire to create something that’s beautiful. Not till they stumbled across a hot glass shop in Shake Rag Alley (arts center near Galena, Il.) where they watched the artists for hours, the experience really impressed them and turned their interest to glass work.
George and Ann’s first real opportunity to actually do glass work was during a visit to Hands on Art in Door County. After making 3 glass projects at the shop, they bought their first kiln and began creating their own jewelry and art work. Since retiring the Rowe’s have visited two other hot glass studios near their home and have recently visited Kokomo Glass Factory (the oldest glass factory in the US). The opportunity to see actual glass production was a total boost to theirdesire to create with glass. Learning so much about the actual glass manufacturing from mixing the ingredients to melts and sheeting was invaluable. George and Cecelia have been members since 2016.
Terry Evans ( https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/terry-evans.html ) thinks of herself as an artist, undisciplined often, but always an artist. She feels that producing art is a singular task in which the final step is doing the “art“. Getting ready to produce takes inspiration, thinking, developing ideas, preparation and then… She can “do” the art. The piece is the final step of seeing her thoughts become a real object. But once it’s done, She is always amazed how excited she is to have created this great piece.
Terry stated that artist once said “this is my approach that I have always taken at museums and at art gallery collections. I never visit to be entertained or distracted. The artist and the works on display always serve as an inspiration, reference points and sources. Mining them has always been the objective” . That says it all for Terry. She states “ I have learned I am a “miner“. I am interested in most everything, which means I will never be an expert at one thing, but will always be an eclectic. I love photography, digital images, old photographs, collage images, collage boxes, large projects, and anything that gets my attention. I have always been a miner.” Terry has been a member since 2007.
Kristie Mateau ( https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/kristie-matteau.html ) Kristie’s work is an exploration in color, texture, and finish with abstract and pop influences. She works primarily in acrylic paint and fibers, creating whatever pops into her head.
Kristie takes her artistic influence from across time and genres. Her undergraduate degrees are in Art History and Anthropology and has always been fascinated by how the arts influence culture. Some artists that have influenced her are Robert Motherwell, Juan Miro, Vincent Van Gogh, Helen Frankenthaler, Adolph Gottlieb, Jose Clemente Orozco, and primitive and ancient art. Kristie also follows many current low brow, pop surreal, and tattoo artists that inspire her. Kristie has been an artist member since 2020 and serves on the Lemon Street board of directors.
Also, a big congratulations to Kristie for becoming the new Executive Director at Kenosha Community Media! Kristie stated “Kenosha Community Media is an asset to local nonprofits, helping to increase the visibility of their mission and events within the community. Many organizations and students like my son benefit from The Hub, KCM’s digital media lab located at the Southwest Library. Kenosha Community Media lifts up and strengthens the great work happening in our community and I’m excited to be part of it”. Congratulations, Kristie!!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s glimpse into Lemon Street and the people and art community that make it so much fun to be a part of! Please stop in and visit me and the other Artists, Associates and all the wonderful art at Lemon Street Gallery located at 4601 Sheridan. Or check us out at https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LemonStreetGalleryand Instagram #lemonstreetgallery Stay Safe, Stay Busy, Stay Healthy
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(November 1, 2021)
Hello everyone! There is so much to share now that we are going into Fall and the Holidays, so let’s get started!!
The last Featured Artist show of 2021 wrapped up on October 24th. It was an exceptional show with Melody Bigalke (Gourds, Mixed media), James Block (Watercolor painting), and James MacAyeal (Oil/acrylic painting). In fact, our youngest art lover and patron, Oliver H. was able to snag a James Block water color Halloween postcard just in time for the holiday!!
If you missed the show, you can see some special representative pieces that the artists have left for our 4th quarter changeover. Speaking of changeover…we just completed the 4th quarter changeover of all new art created by our members. So be the first to check out the new pieces.
If the changeover isn’t enough, our very popular giftable art show: Artistree opens November 11th through Christmas Eve. There is sooo much to this show and it can change as time goes by, with artists bringing in new pieces weekly. We will have a “Meet the Makers” at the Second Saturday receptions on November 13th AND December 11 from 6-9pm.
Some more signs that we all are moving toward pre-Covid normalcy is that we are conducting more in-person classes. Most are still ala carte, but we just had a fun pumpkin painting event. The class was conducted by instructor Sarah Ratliff and participants included Coraline Kessler and Hanna Labianco. Their pumpkins were colorful, fun and definitely works of art! Watch for Sarah leading an adult finger-painting class in the near future.
Our very popular Clay Studio is now open to the public, with a few post-Covid
items you should be aware of when working in the studio. Information includes, but not limited to (see complete notes when you sign in to the Clay Studio):
Clay Studio is open during regular Gallery hours and clay is $3/pound. We are so very happy to have this space open again and can’t wait to see you all and your clay creations.
In closing, all of us at Lemon Street Gallery want to give a huge THANK YOU to everyone that voted for us in the 2021 Kenosha News Best of Kenosha County Best Art Gallery and making us #1. We are so appreciative of all the community support we have had for 21 years and we could not be the best without all of you. Thank You!!!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s glimpse into Lemon Street and the people and art community that make it so much fun to be a part of! Please stop in and visit me and the other Artists, Associates and all the wonderful art at Lemon Street Gallery located at 4601 Sheridan. Or check us out at https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LemonStreetGallery and Instagram #lemonstreetgallery
Stay Safe, Stay Busy, Stay Healthy
The monthly publication Moss Piglet has a Call for Submissions. Artists and authors are invited to submit visual art, photos, prose and poetry for our December issue of the full-color publication. Their theme for this month will be “Rituals and Traditions.” The month of December is replete with rituals and traditions, but you may also create work on this theme, based on weddings, funerals, baptisms, birthdays, bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah, other holidays and other family traditions, and mundane rituals and traditions from your daily life or the daily life of your characters. You may also create new rituals and traditions from a fictional world. Send your work to info@krazines.com by or before November 10th. Issue will arrive in early to mid-December.
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Lemon Street Gallery & ArtSpace Blog
Lynn A. Johnston Gallery Associate and Member artist (September 2021)
It’s been a while since I have reported on all the going–ons at the gallery. Summer fun got in the way, but I am back and lots to tell you, so here goes:
One of our artist members, Sculptor Matt Bellefeuille
( https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/matt-bellefeuille.html ) will be showing exclusively at Lemon Street Gallery, his 2021 Artprize entry “Inner Peace” This 8 foot tall copper powder coated and illuminated giraffe sculpture will be seen in its final form Saturday, September 11 from 6-9PM. You have to see this fabulous piece in person!!!
The current Featured Artist show in our Brick Gallery runs through Sunday September 12th. The current featured artists are Eileen Martin (Photographer), Bobby Childers (Steampunk jewelry & mixed media), and one of our founders, Diana Becker (Acrylic painter). I want to take the opportunity to wish a very, very Happy 93rd birthday to Diana Becker!!
A little about the upcoming Featured Artist show that will run from September 17- October 24, with Second Saturday reception on September 11, 6-9pm:
Melody Bigalke (Gourds, Mixed media):https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/melody-bigalke.html . Melody Bigalke admits she’s a scrapper and a survivor. This feisty, crafty lady is a multi-disciplined artist that brings something unique to whatever medium she works. Ceramics, print-making, jewelry but her most distinctive art are her gourds. Melody was a young transplant from Racine to Kenosha. A graduate of Bradford, and art from UWM, she has spent 24 years at HR Block where she enjoys working with people and says that every tax return is different and enjoys that challenge.
James Block (Watercolor painting): https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/james-block.html . James states that Art unfolds his mind’s eye in new and exciting ways. Heis drawn, compelled to feed the embers of images of my imagination. He thirst to explore his creative nature as he expresses these emotions in his watercolors; to feel excited and amazed at what he has created, not only fascinates him but urges him to explore what’s next.
James MacAyeal (Oil/acrylic painting): https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/james-macayeal.html James paints in acrylic and oil on canvas, wood panel, and Masonite. His paintings include figurative and abstract works, as well as landscapes. These works express his most intimate feelings and memories of people and places in his life, as well as celebrating the components of art and its source in abstraction.
The Kenosha Art Market has just two more third Sundays left for 2021. September 19th and October 17th from 10am-2pm! All original art in Union Park at 4500 7thAvenue. There will be over 20 artists, live music, demonstrations and Union Park Tap (UPT) food specials.
Featured at the Art Market this month (September 19th) will be David Jones and Marilyn Propp of Anchor Press Paper and Print (AP3) https://www.anchorpresspaperandprint.org/ .They will be doing demos and a ‘print a page’ fundraiser.
If you are an artist, and interested in participating in Kenosha Art Market, go to Lemon Street’s web page at https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/artmarket.html to fill out an application.
I want to take the opportunity to give a shout out to Kenosha’s newest art gallery- Gallery No. 7 https://kenoshatattoocompany.com/gallery-%2307 . Gallery No. 7 is located in the Kenosha Tattoo Company at 3012 30th Avenue-directly north of Gateway. Not only are they displaying art from their own team of artists, but local artists like myself. If you are interested in showing your works at this wonderful new Gallery, contact Jeannie at jeanniebeans3389@outlook.com …and be sure to check out the works displayed.
This month’s artists spotlighted at Gallery 07 are Kelsie Morway and myself!!!
About Kelsie Morway: “I am a creative, self-taught painter/artist. I took one actual drawing class in college and changed career directions because I was told art “wasn’t a job” more times than I could count.
I’ve never had the financial means to get proper paints, brushes, and frames, so I was forced to be creative with that area of my art as well. I have NEVER bought a frame for any of my work. I specialize in making my own, up-cycling used/broken frames, and love to add the mixed media to my pieces. I hand sand anything that needs to be smoothed over, or needs a new coat of paint. It’s a lot of extra work, but I’ve made it part of my process.”
I hope you enjoyed this week’s glimpse into Lemon Street and the people and art community that make it so much fun to be a part of! Please stop in and visit me and the other Artists, Associates and all the wonderful art at Lemon Street Gallery located at 4601 Sheridan. Or check us out at https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LemonStreetGallery and Instagram #lemonstreetgallery
Stay Safe, Stay Busy, Stay Healthy
Lemon Street Gallery & ArtSpace Blog
Lynn A. Johnston Gallery Associate and Member artist
(May 16, 2021)
Hi all! Slowly and cautiously, we are all moving toward our old “normal”. That being said starting Thursday, June 17th, we will be open Thursdays 11-5pm! We are also working on bringing classes back. Though people can request AlaCarte classes, such as stained glass, book binding etc. and we will work with you and the instructor on a date and time.
The May/June Featured Artist show will be closing this weekend, Sunday, June 20th. The current featured artists are Alison Merritt (Drawing/painting), Kavita Goski (Photography) and Joan Hoss (Jewelry), come in and see their works. The new Featured Artist show opens June 25, with Betsy Davis (Pottery), Mary Mollerskov (Mixed Media and photography) and Sandra Nowicki (Painting and sculpture).
A little about the upcoming Featured Artists:
Betsy Davis ( https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/betsy-davis.html ) says she hasalways had a love of making things. Being a mother has given her plenty of opportunities to create. From painting murals in bedrooms and sculpting birthday cakes to sewing clothes and costumes, her creativity usually shows itself in useful things. Betsy has found more time to explore, clay and ceramics have taken their hold. She began using underglazes to paint detailed pictures and portraits on bisque-ware, which led to some custom work, mostly pet portraits. Hand-building gives heran outlet for sculpting. Betsy says “It’s nice to have a piece last longer than a slice of birthday cake! I also enjoy my time at the wheel. I find that the clay really is a great calming agent in a hectic world. Every aspect of pottery appeals to me, from opening a new bag of clay to the unloading of the kiln.“ I love her pieces, especially the “Creepy Baby Faces” pieces. Pre-Covid times, Betsy taught our clay classes. We are hoping to start classes like the Potter’s Wheel and hand-building soon.
Mary Mollerskov ( https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/mary-mollerskov.html )believes Art provides expressive outlets through enjoyment, participation or creation in any of its forms, and it is therefore quite reasonable that the Arts provide a platform for peace, progress, acceptance and love one person to another, one classroom, one gallery or theater, and one community at a time. Like a pebble tossed into the water, its ripples will spread! She is a strong supporter of the Arts in Education. Nature and architecture provide inspiration for composition in what she tries to capture. Mary’s interests are varied, including photography, pastels, inks and paper arts and acrylics, mixed media and jewelry art. She is most happy when using a variety of mediums and tools, and enjoys the journey as much as the creation. Upon retirement, Mary has been most grateful to find more creative time and many creative friends!
Sandra Nowicki https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/sandra-nowicki.html enjoysmaking art about animals, in particular, horses! It gives her great pleasure to create whimsical, dreamy, animal illustrations for her children’s books.
Sandra gained a great deal of knowledge from her Polish grandparents who had a dairy farm in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. She spent time with them every summer and learned about cows, pigs, chickens, and wildlife. Her art creations use all of this knowledge to create ceramic sculptures, felt animals, pastels, paintings and drawings.
Another sign of getting back to some semblance of normalcy is the return of the Kenosha ArtMarket! All original art in Union Park at 4500 7th Avenue. There will be over 20 artists, live music, demonstrations and Union Park Tap (UPT) food specials. Starting in July, the ArtMarket will be held on the 3rd Sunday of every month through October, from 10am-2pm. So, mark your calendars for July 18th, August 15th, September 19th and October 17th. If you are an artist, and interested in participating go to Lemon Street’s web page at https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/artmarket.html or go directly to ArtMarketKenosha.org to fill out an application.
I have to mention our friend Donovan Scherer, owner of Studio Moonfall (5031 7thAve.) is co-hosting with Paul Little and Steampunk General Store ( https://www.facebook.com/SteampunkPaulLittle ) multiple events on Sunday, June 20th from 10am to 1pm. Starting the day with Free Book Day at Studio Moonfall,with special guest Jessie Rose, author of Atomic Love.
Then the Steampunk Tea Party is taking over Simmons Island and setting up just across the 50th Street bridge. Donovan says that he knows walking is THE WORST, he has acquired Rickshaw Joe to help shuttle folks back and forth throughout the day!Here are the events for that day: Steampunk Tea Party – https://fb.me/e/4gpuSW6Qb AND Free Book Day – https://fb.me/e/JTmXPOsP How FUN!!!!!!!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s glimpse into Lemon Street and the people and art community that make it so much fun to be a part of! Please stop in and visit me and the other Artists, Associates and all the wonderful art at Lemon Street Gallery located at 4601 Sheridan. Or check us out at https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LemonStreetGallery and Instagram #lemonstreetgallery
Stay Safe, Stay Busy, Stay Healthy
Lynn A. Johnston Gallery Associate and Member artist
(May 16, 2021)
Hi all! The new Featured Artist show just opened. The featured artists are Alison Merritt (Drawing/painting), Kavita Goski (Photography) and Joan Hoss (Jewelry). This show started Friday May 14th and runs through June 20th! The reception is June 12th from 6-9pm. We will also have a meet the featured artists day on Sunday, June 6th from 11-4pm.
Here is a little about what inspires our Featured Artists:
Alison Merritt’s https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/alison-merritt.html artwork is about relationships. It is about the give and take, the contrast, the push or pull, and the tension that makes life interesting. She says that her subject matter is figurative and is inspired by human connection and the exchange of energy. She believes strongly in the idea of energy. Not only is Alison’s art about the influence of the energy from those closest to us, her art also reflects the energy we create on our own.
Kavita Goski https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/kavita-goski.html says there is a story behind everything. “Sometimes we get to listen to them and sometimes we do not. In my work, I try to capture the untold stories of nature and people and give it my perspective.”
Kavita has always been fascinated by the world of butterflies, birds and flowers and their journey and gets inspiration from everything around us, like the tiny insects, birds, animals, flowers, waterfalls, sea, ocean and the list goes on. It is said that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, but Kavita believes beauty lies in everything and everywhere.
Joan Hoss https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/joan-hoss.html has been designing jewelry for approximately 25 years for all age groups, male and female. She lovesworking with gemstones, wire and chain and enjoys experimenting with new ideas and materials. Freeform is her choice when it comes to working with wire. Joan says it is so much fun to pick up a stone and begin working it with wire, turning it into something stunning. You must see her pieces to really appreciate the work. Photos do not do the pieces justice.
A fun thing for me this week was that Ms. Wright from Washington Middle Schoolhere in Kenosha brought two of her 8th grade students, Isabella Torres and Andres Marquez, to the Gallery for a planned field trip. It was Isabella’s and Andres first time at the Gallery, which is always fun for me. We talked about the history of the gallery and the type of art we have displayed. Their assignment was to look around and find their favorite pieces and would later discuss. Isabella’s favorite piece was a ceramic heart sculpture by Carley Lyons https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/carley-lyons.html called “Justice and Equality”. Andres’ favorite was a painting by Larry Lemm https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/larry-lemm.html ) entitled “Puppy Love”! I think they enjoyed their visit and I know I did! We always welcome teachers and students.
Lastly, a shout-out to a friend and artist Kelly Witte! You have undoubtedly seen some of her beautiful murals around Kenosha (Example: Floral mural on east side of recently vacated building on the NE corner of 56/Sheridan). Kelly will be having a show called “INFLUENCE” at the Blue Moon Gallery http://www.thebluemoongallery.com/ in Grayslake, IL from May 22 through June 13. Her opening reception is May 22, 6-9pm. If you get a chance, take a short drive down the road and check out her show and the other works at Blue Moon Gallery.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s glimpse into Lemon Street and the people and art community that make it so much fun to be a part of! Please stop in and visit me and the other Artists, Associates and all the wonderful art at Lemon Street Gallery located at 4601 Sheridan. Or check us out at https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LemonStreetGallery and Instagram #lemonstreetgallery
Stay Safe, Stay Busy, Stay Healthy
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The second quarter changeover of the Gallery was just completed and all new works have been installed. In addition, the Gallery got a new make over with fresh colors of paint. HUGE thank you to our member artists Jeff Kosmala, Tim Rozwadowski, Jill Zgorzelski, Shelby Nesmith and Beth Dary. You MUST come in and see all the new pieces!
For the first time at the Gallery, at least in my memory, we had a “Meet the Artists” event on Sunday May 2nd. Mixed media artist Missy Isely-Poltrockhttps://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/missy-isely-poltrock.html , ceramic artist Julie Schilf https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/julie-schilf.html and photographer Rebecca Power(https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/rebecca-power.html were here all day talking to visitors and working and discussing the process of their art.
Julie is working on pinch pots that will be fn face mugs.
Rebecca is working on an encaustic piece (Black and white on easel). Encaustic is pieces that are bees wax and tree resin. She is painting onto the flower piece the color pigments, as in the hand colored photograph. This creates a stunning piece!
Missy was creating “Twinchies”. What are Twinchies, you ask? Twinchies are 2 inch by 2 inch pieces of are created from various vintage materials. They are just the coolest little works of art!!!
In other local art news:
Studio Moonfall’s https://www.facebook.com/studiomoonfall and Donovan Scherer’s The Color of Kenosha – Summer of 2021 is finally out. Donovan’s 101 published work!! You can download free coloring pages of your favorite Kenosha places and preorder the coloring book at https://bit.ly/kenoshasummer21 Or stop in at his fabulous store at 5031 7th Avenue in downtown Kenosha
I hope you enjoyed this week’s glimpse into Lemon Street and the people and art community that make it so much fun to be a part of! Please stop in and visit me and the other Artists, Associates and all the wonderful art at Lemon Street Gallery located at 4601 Sheridan. Or check us out at Lemonstreetgallery.org
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and Instagram #lemonstreetgallery
Stay Safe, Stay Busy, Stay Healthy
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April 8, 2021
This bit of news is exciting and sooo innovative, in my opinion. The first ever Little Lemon Street Gallery. You know of Little Libraries, but this is with ART! This is how it works: You make a little piece of art. It can be 2D or 3D pieces from 2 inches to about 3.5 inches. Then like the Little Libraries, you leave a piece of your art, and take a little masterpiece with you in return. FUN! Right?? This Little Gallery was created with help from Stephen Hovey, who made the door and roof; Melanie Hovey, for the media and placement details; Mike Litewski, for fashioning the art shelf and plexi-door; Missy Isely-Poltrock for painting it and making the signage; and Kim Dary (in Memorial), who built the foundation of the Little Lemon Street Gallery. Currently, the Little Gallery is at Lemon Street Gallery and will be installed on the North-East corner of Union Park in May. So please stop in and treat yourself and other to your art!
We would like to welcome a new Member artist to Lemon Street. Paula Touhey! Paula retired as Director of the Kenosha Museums, and is currently active with the Kenosha Literacy Council. She is a very talented painter in watercolors, acrylics and oils. We are so very happy she has joined the gallery.
The April Brick Gallery show opened with three fabulous artists! Mixed media artist Missy Isely-Poltrock, ceramic artist Julie Schilf and photographer Rebecca Power. The show goes through May 9th, with Second Saturday Reception Saturday April 10, 6-9pm, so you have plenty of time to come see their works AND the Little Lemon Gallery.
The work from all of these artists can be found at lemonstreetgallery.org, just click on the “Artists’ tab.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s glimpse into Lemon Street and the people and art community that make it so much fun to be a part of! Please stop in and visit me and the other Artists, Associates and all the wonderful art at Lemon Street Gallery located at 4601 Sheridan. Or check us out the website at lemonstreetgallery.org, Find us on Facebook at Lemon Street Gallery & ArtSpace, Inc. and we are on Instagram under #lemonstreetgallery
Stay Safe, Stay Busy, Stay Healthy.
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March 21, 2021
It’s been a busy few weeks at the Gallery! One of our ceramic artists, Carley Lyons, brought in some new pieces. But the problem is—albeit an excellent “problem” is as soon as we place her pieces on display, they are swept up and purchased. A friend of the Gallery, Beth Stich, took a beautiful “Facepot” piece home to add to her growing collection of Carley’s pieces. You just need to see her works in person!
So as we all try to slowly move toward some semblance of normalcy, our three April Featured Artists ( April 2- May 9th) will have a Second Saturday Reception from 6-9PM ,Saturday, April 10th. The three fabulous artists are mixed media artist Missy Isely-Poltrock ( https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/missy-isely-poltrock.html ), ceramic artist Julie Schilf ( https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/julie-schilf.html and photographer Rebecca Power ( https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/rebecca-power.html ). Lemon Street will be following all Covid-19 safety guideline, which includes required masks, social distancing and limited capacity. Also, for the first time we will be having a Meet the Artist Day with the three artists on Sunday, May 2, 11-4PM. Hope to see all of you there to support these wonderful artists.
This is sooo exciting and an additional small step towards a normal existence! Lemon Street Gallery will be offering our PLEIN AIR (A fancy word for “painting outdoors”) class for kids!!! It will be Monday – Friday June 21 – July 1st and is a free painting class. The Plein Air-style painting class will be in Union Park with instructor, Bryanna VanCaster. Participants will meet at Lemon Street to gather supplies, and then walk one block to Union Park. If the weather is not conducive to painting outdoors, the group will meet in Lemon Street’s classroom. Upon completion of the program, students will experience their own Opening Reception of the artwork they created during class. Lemon Street Gallery will host this public reception for the artists and their families on the August Second Saturday (July 10th). Permission slips MUST be completed for students to attend. This class is limited to 15 students aged 7-12 years old. Sign up at: https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/classes.html
As I stated, it has been a busy few weeks here at the Gallery. Lemon Street Gallery is proud to welcome a new abstract artist: JKalani! Currently JKalani has pieces at Lemon Street Gallery and at Fusion (5014 7th Avenue). Fusion is a Non-Profit for Performing and Visual artists. Her pieces will be at Fusion until March 31st, check out her works and the music venue!! Fusion also has art projects on Sundays (3-6pm) by our own Jill Zgorzelski . So check out JKalani’s works here, at Lemon Street and at Fusion!! http://www.kenoshafusion.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/kensohafusion/ )
I hope you enjoyed this week’s glimpse into Lemon Street and the people and art community that make it so much fun to be a part of! Please stop in and visit me and the other Artists, Associates and all the wonderful art at Lemon Street Gallery located at 4601 Sheridan. Or check us out at https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LemonStreetGallery and Instagram #lemonstreetgallery
Stay Safe, Stay Busy, Stay Healthy 
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February 21, 2021
What another busy week at the gallery. The first gallery changeover for 2021 was completed. So many beautiful pieces. The Draw Joseph show came down after a very successful show that centered around Racine & Kenosha artists that participated in Open Draws throughout the years. It was cool seeing the artists visiting and viewing their pieces on display. All the pieces are donated to Joseph Vignieri after a drawing session is completed. So many of the artists have not seen their works in a few years.
After the Draw Joseph show came down, Beth Dary, our Executive Director, and I set up the much-anticipated WAREHOUSE Sale!! I love, love, love this sale! Annually our members have the opportunity to clear out their studios and work spaces to make room for more art making. This gives us, the public, the opportunity to pick up truly fabulous pieces at deep discounts. When I say deep, I mean 40% or more! Paintings, ceramics and jewelry and more. Artists will be dropping off pieces throughout the sale, which goes through March 28. So, it is constantly being added to and changing over.
One of our artists and newest Board of Director members, Jill Zgorzelski, picked up at the Warehouse Sale opening weekend a couple of Betsy Davis’ “creepy baby face” cups. I, personally, am a huge fan of the “creepy baby face” ceramic pieces Betsy makes. In particular the magnets and pins. I also love the fact artists supporting artists. Seriously folks, the variety in the sale is amazing!
Lastly, I would like to reach out and make a request. One of our members, metal artist and sculptor Matt Bellefeuille is collecting children books for an elementary school teacher he knows. It is a good cause, in that this teacher wants to add a section in her classroom library called “Read to the Littles You Love” with children books the kids can take home. What a great
idea! Pre-pandemic COVID-19 days, my certified Therapy R.E.A.D dog Toulouse and I would go to local libraries and schools for kids to read to my dog. For kids to be able to take a book home and read at their own pace is just wonderful. So, as I stated previously, I have a request: If you have any children books you would like to donate, Lemon Street is taking the collections to pass on to Matt. You can bring the books to the Gallery Friday-Sunday or by appointment. It will be so appreciated.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s glimpse into Lemon Street and the people that make it so much fun to be a part of! Please stop in and visit me and the other Artists, Associates and all the wonderful art at Lemon Street Gallery located at 4601 Sheridan. Open Fridays-Saturdays 11-5pm, Sundays 11-4pm and by appointment Or check us out at https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LemonStreetGallery and Instagram #lemonstreetgallery .
Stay Safe, Stay Busy, Stay Healthy
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February 7, 2021
It’s been a busy week at Lemon Street. It was the first change over of the Gallery for 2021. The change over happens quarterly and all new art is installed in 2 gallery rooms. So many wonderful new works by our member artists!
Speaking of new art…we have a new member artist. Dean Habegger www.deanhabegger.com Dean is a contemporary American artist. He earned a BS in Art Education and a BFA in Painting. He attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago on a full graduate merit scholarship, earning an MFA in Painting and Drawing. He works in a variety of media, including painting, drawing and mixed media collage and assemblage. Along with creating new works on paper, canvas and wood, he also recycles and reworks unfinished older works. These works are created by sanding, scraping, scratching, drawing and painting. He has shown his works at other galleries, including Blue Moon Gallery in Grayslake, Illinois ( www.thebluemoongallery.com ).
This is the last weekend for the Draw Joseph show in our Brick Galley. The next installation in the Brick is our Warehouse sale. This is a fabulous chance to pick up wonderful art for 40% or more discount off the artist’s original price. It is the artist’s opportunity to make room in their studios to create more works, and your opportunity to take home really beautiful works! The Warehouse sale will be in the Brick through the middle of March. Don’t miss it!!!!
One of my favorite things about working in the Gallery, is the people. I enjoy talking to everyone that comes in. This weekend an artist from Kansas City stopped in. His name was Paul Alexander. He is here in Kenosha painting a mural for a friend and took a break and stopped in. He showed me his works and they are exceptional. He paints large, really large. You can follow him on Facebook (Paul Alexander Hardcore Artist) or Instagram (Hardcoreartist). Check him out. I so enjoy meeting artists and seeing all the different works.
So, brave the cold this week to catch the last weekend of the Draw Joseph show and next week the WAREHOUSE Sale!!!!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s glimpse into Lemon Street and the people that make it so much fun to be a part of! Please stop in and visit me and the other Artists, Associates and all the wonderful art at Lemon Street Gallery located at 4601 Sheridan. Or check us out at https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LemonStreetGallery and Instagram #lemonstreetgallery .
Stay Safe, Stay Busy, Stay Healthy
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Some exciting activities will be happening at the Gallery next week. This only occurs four times a year! It’s Gallery Changeover time!!! This is when we change all the art in the gallery with new pieces by our members.
Speaking of new art, we have some new and returning artists to the Gallery. Welcoming back oil painter, Sara Townsend, and her piece “The Dunes”. We are so glad to have her and her beautiful pieces back. You will be able to see this piece after the changeover.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s glimpse into Lemon Street and the people that make it so much fun to be a part of! Please stop in and visit me and the other Artists, Associates and all the wonderful art at Lemon Street Gallery located at 4601 Sheridan. Or check us out at https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LemonStreetGallery and Instagram #lemonstreetgallery .
Stay Safe, Stay Busy, Stay Healthy
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January 14, 2021
Joseph Vigniri ( www.DrawJoseph.com ) and Shelby Nesmith have set up the Draw Joseph show and it is just a wonderful body of works.
This show features works by Kenosha artists that have drawn Joseph over the years. One of these local artists that has his works featured is John Terhardt. John’s two pieces are titled “Anaconda” and “Ridem Joseph”. John told me his inspiration for “Anaconda” was that it was one of his first drawing sessions with Joseph. That evening Joseph came into the draw after modeling at 5-6 other venues throughout the state and the day. Joseph seemed exhausted, in John’s words. John was thinking Joseph was all consumed by all the travel, thus consumed by the snake. There is so much local talent in this show, so please do not miss it! Because of COVID-19, Joseph is not conducting in-person draws. But he is not going to stop him, so he is doing live draws on Tuesdays 6-8:30pm via Zoom. Go to DrawJoseph.com to register.
The Draw Joseph show is open from January 2 through February 14, 2021.
Lemon Street closed another successful Artistree show in the Brick Gallery. Artistree is our annual giftable art show that runs from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. A few of our wonderful artists stopped in before we opened to pick up pieces. Becky, Lisa and their buddy, Molly Bigalke stopped in. Their Mom, Melody Bigalke, is a long-time Artist member. Melody does fantastic gourd pieces, that look like ceramic bowls in their intricacy. Becky and Lisa are very talented in their own right as print makers. Becky and Lisa own Rudbeckia.Press (https://facebook.com/Rudbeckia.press ) so check them out and Like/Follow these two sisters and Melody’s work at the gallery. Melody will be one of our Featured Artists in the Brick gallery later this year (September 17-October 24), so you can see her recent body of works too.
Julie Schilf and her aussies, KodaBear and GingerBerry came in at the end of the day to check schedules. Julie is one of our ceramic artists and does such whimsical, yet functional pieces. From sculptures to clocks, rattles, bells, bowls, cups and platters. Julie will be a Featured Artist too this year – April 2 through May 9, so mark your calendars. You can visit her page on Facebook at CrackPot Studios – Julie Schilf. A bit of exciting news is Julie’s son, Michael Schilf, won Best Crime Film at the 2020 Los Angeles Film Awards. The film is called “The Fixer” #TheFixer. It is a very proud moment for Julie and Michael. I can’t wait to see it!
The Gallery has recently accepted some new very talented artists in the past month. I will share their works in my next blog. But if you can’t wait till then, stop in Fridays and Saturdays 11-5pm or Sundays 11-4pm to see the works in person.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s glimpse into Lemon Street and the people that make it so much fun to be a part of! Please stop in and visit me, or our Director, Beth Dary and the other Artists, Associates and all the wonderful art at Lemon Street Gallery located at 4601 Sheridan.
Stay Safe, Stay Busy, Stay Healthy
Lemon Street Gallery & ArtSpace is located at 4601 Sheridan Rd
Kenosha,WI 53140
262-605-4745
(This article first appeared in the 1/14/21 issue of the Smart reader)
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December 13, 2020
It was a relatively quiet weekend at the Gallery, but I still had many people stop in to say HI!
Joseph Vignieri of Draw Joseph https://drawjoseph.com/ and Shelby Nesmith stopped in to go over artworks for an upcoming show in January. Joseph used to have his Tuesday Draw at Lemon Street, but he has moved to a huge studio at 16th Street in Racine and does Zoom live draws on Tuesday nights. Stay tuned for more details, but Joseph never fails to entertain us with his music, stories and art.
Bobby Childers stopped in. She creates the most interesting Steam punk jewelry and boxes you will ever see. We want to also congratulate her on winning entry in the We Vote” Exhibition. She also came in third place. First place winner was our own Terry Evans and Second place went to Kate Peterson. Congratulations to ALL the participants! It was a cool exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Women’s right to vote. Well done all!!
ARTISTREE is still going at full speed. So much original art and gifts to be found in our annual show. One of the most popular gifts is from Pampered Pups www.pamperedpupstreats.com Jane Powers and Arianna Ruiz were in replenishing the beautiful and unique treats for our canine family members. In fact, they look good enough for human consumption! Our Holiday Gift Show continues through Christmas Eve, so stop in and shop for one of a kind jewelry, art, scarfs, mittens and so much more.
Check us out at Lemonstreetgallery.com
Stay Safe, Stay Busy, Stay Healthy.
(this first appeared in the 12/17/20 issue of the Smart Reader)
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November 27, 2020
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Now on to Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday weekend! This blog is so much more than the Gallery, but about the people that make the gallery-the artists, patrons and other wonderful characters that I am so lucky to meet, know and interact with.
This week Jill C. Zgorzelski ( https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/jill-zgorzelski.html ) and her friend Suann stopped in to drop off more of her art. Krampus (and avocado) ornaments for Artistree. Come see her other works at Lemon Street. Her cat paintings are just wonderful fun adorable works. You can also see Jill on select Sunday evenings at Union Park Tavern for “Selling Art Sundays”. Check her Facebook art page https://www.facebook.com/jillczgorzelski orhttps://www.facebook.com/jillian.zgorzelski for schedule and what else she is up too! Or maybe run into her here at the gallery.
Speaking of running into people – Rick Braunshausen(https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/rick-braunshausen.html ), one of our artists stopped in Sunday. Rick won Jill Z’s Monster Makeover last week! I can not WAIT to see what she creates. Rick is one of the most supportive people/artists in town (Thank you Rick for your donation to my Giving Tuesday Fundraiser), but even more notable about Rick is that he tells the most hysterical Dad jokes to come down the line. I love when he comes in, because I know he will leave me with a groaner/SMH joke.
Speaking of running into people – Rick Braunshausen(https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/rick-braunshausen.html ), one of our artists stopped in Sunday. Rick won Jill Z’s Monster Makeover last week! I can not WAIT to see what she creates. Rick is one of the most supportive people/artists in town (Thank you Rick for your donation to my Giving Tuesday Fundraiser), but even more notable about Rick is that he tells the most hysterical Dad jokes to come down the line. I love when he comes in, because I know he will leave me with a groaner/SMH joke.
James Block ( https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/james-block.html ) came in to check on things and say HI. James is primarily a watercolor artist, but does not limit is creativity to that medium. His seasonal original watercolor cards are always in demand. His Christmas/winter themed cards are available in Artistree now. But look close at his photo. Jim is wearing one of his signature creatures on his shirt. The whimsical red flightless birds! And if you are familiar with his works, you will see he will sneak these creatures in many of his pieces.
It was such a lovely sunny day Friday, that the Clark Family came in. Tom, Ruth and Cherish. Tom Clark (https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/tom-clark.html ) is one of our long-time artists and supporters (and fabulous story-teller). Tom’s primary medium is picassiette, or broken china mosaics. He likes to say, with a smile, “I break things”. But what he creates from broken and normally discarded china, glass, or mirrors is not only beautiful, but brings new life to ordinary items. Tom and his granddaughter, Cherish, stopped by to spruce up (no pun intended) the picassiette planters in front of the Gallery. While waiting for Tom’s wife Ruth to join them, Sherri Wistrom stopped in with LiliBear. I wrote previously that the two stop by often, but LiliBear got extra pets and cuddles from Cherish on Friday!! You can just see the love in LiliBear’s eyes. She loves being the center of attention.
Lastly, a call out to another local business and artist. Have you checked out Donovan Scherer’s Studio Moonfall over at 5031 7th Ave https://www.studiomoonfall.com ? Donovan creates illustrated novels that takes readers of all-ages on adventures into worlds of fantasy, horror, and science fiction. He has created The Color of Kenosha: Winter Wonders 2020 coloring book. Lemon Street Gallery has a coloring page!!! You can pre-order the book too! I just love what he has created. Stop in the gallery for the Lemon Street Gallery coloring page. Or better yet, stop into Studio Moonfall. Donovan is taking pre-orders (mention Lemon Street when ordering), so stop in and visit Donovan and order the complete book!! So much creativity in Kenosha!!! http://www.colorofkenosha.com
I hope you enjoyed this weeks glimpse into Lemon Street and the people that make it so much fun to be a part of! Please stop in and visit me and the other Artists, Associates and all the wonderful art at Lemon Street Gallery located at 4601 Sheridan. Or check us out at https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LemonStreetGallery
LemonStreetGallery and Instagram
#lemonstreetgallery .
Stay Safe, Stay Busy, Stay Healthy
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November 15, 2020
When I was asked to write or contribute to a blog about Lemon Street Gallery (LSG), I immediately agreed. But an hour later I thought “What exactly is a ‘blog’?”. So, referring to my friend Google, I found this definition the most helpful:
• a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.
Keeping this definition in mind, I will let the readers in on what it is like to work at a non-profit art gallery: Lemon Street Gallery & ArtSpace. I will introduce you to some of the artists, patrons, students and others that make this Gallery such a jewel, for not only the Union Park neighborhood, but for Kenosha as a whole. My first blog is an introduction to a few people and member artists that visited the Gallery on a cold, blustery Sunday- a Packer Gameday Sunday.
One of the things I enjoy most about the Gallery are the people. I love that member artists stop in just for conversation and a cup of coffee. Sherri Wistrom stopped in for a hot cup Sunday morning. Sherri is a member that creates the most beautiful botanical silk pieces you will ever see. She also works in wool and other fibers to create scarfs, shawls, and cocoons.
Sherri usually visits with her canine buddy Lily Bear. Lily Bear is the sweetest Wheaton Terrier you will ever come across! Their visits bring a smile to my face and just starts the day off on a good foot-or paw!
Another pleasant surprise was one of our Clay Studio artists, Peggy Peroni visit. Covid-19 has restricted the gallery from opening the Clay Studio to the Public, but that has not stopped some of our patrons from creating at home. She stopped in to show me what she has been working on. This beautiful berry bowl is stunning! I can’t wait to see it glazed and finished.
Who else came in to visit? Gabriel from Serendipity on 7th (4706 7th Ave.)! It was the first time I had met him, and his first time in the Gallery. What a great conversation-and yes-masks and at least 6 feet apart. Gabriel is a funny, outgoing conversationalist. We talked about how he started Serendipity on 7th, which is very interesting story in itself. We talked art (we are in an art gallery, after all) and that his Dad is a prolific painter. Just a delight!
As I wrote previously, many artist members stop in. Mr. and Mrs. Tim Rozwadowski came in to do some Artistree shopping. Tim is a phenomenal oil painter. He does portraits, landscapes and still lifes. This is one currently at Gallery, but sorry people-SOLD! You can also find Tim’s works at Anderson Art Center.
Did I mention Artistree? Artistree is LSG Annual Holiday Gift Show. This year it is from November 12-Christmas Eve. This show has soooo much, I don’t know where to start. It is giftable art, under $100, by so many talented artists and craftsmen. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, we cannot have a normal Second Saturday reception, but our Board of Director President, Dale Mellor and member artist Morgan Adams have been doing Facebook Live receptions. They are a fun and informative tour of what is going on the Brick Gallery. The next Live reception is December 12 at 6:30PM. Tune in and ask questions and view the art.
Well, I think that is about it for my first blog. Please stop in and visit me and the other Artists, Associates and all the wonderful art at Lemon Street Gallery located at 4601 Sheridan. Or check us out at https://www.lemonstreetgallery.org/, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LemonStreetGallery and Instagram #lemonstreetgallery . We are a welcoming friendly store in the Union Park Arts District. After visiting us, check out Re:Vision Art Gallery, Artworks, Alpaca, Serendipity on 7th and then have a meal at Union Park Tap or one of the other local establishments in Union Park.
Stay Safe, Stay Busy, Stay Healthy
Lemon Street Gallery & ArtSpace is located at 4601 Sheridan Rd
Kenosha,WI 53140
262-605-4745
This article/blog first appeared in the 11/19/20 issue of the Smart Reader
