A THOUSAND WORDS

STORY & PAINTING BY ROBERT BECK

SLUGGER

A FEW MONTHS AGO, I painted woodworker Mark Sfirri in his studio. While we knew of each other, we didn’t meet until we both had concurrent shows at the same venue. Mark is known for his wood turning, which is very different from the bowls and vessels that come to mind when you hear the term. He is proficient in other mediums, too, but wood is his thing.

If you’ve been to the Michener Museum, you might have seen his Rejects From A Bat Factory on display in the main hall. It depicts a set of baseball bats doing decidedly un-batlike things. He’s made many of those. Most have been turned and carved from ash, some from exotic woods, and all with a wonderful sense of humor.

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Robert Beck is a painter, writer, lecturer and ex-radio host. His paintings have been featured in more than seventy juried and thirty solo gallery shows, and three solo museum exhibitions. His column has appeared monthly in ICON Magazine since 2005. www.robertbeck.net

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exhibitions

Ken Burton, Round Jewelry Box, walnut, poplar, milk paint

Works in Wood 23rd Annual Juried Exhibition New Hope Arts, 2 Stockton Ave., New Hope 215-862-9606 Newhopearts.org Fri., Sat., Sun. 12–5 and by appointment November 19–January 7

Works in Wood traditionally celebrates the woodworking heritage of Bucks County as expressed in the work of contemporary artists.“The national draw of this exceptional exhibition features the finest contemporary examples of furniture, turned objects, sculpture, and innovative uses of the wood medium,” says Carol Cruickshanks, New Hope Arts executive director.

The exhibit features the work of more than 50 artists, and includes ten new exhibitors into the fold of seasoned woodworkers who consider Works in Wood a holiday tradition. Sponsored by The First National Bank of Newtown.

Salvatore J. LoSapio, Curved-leg Stool, w/ live edge seat, cherry wood

6 ICON | NOVEMBER 2022 | ICONDV.COM Woman at Breakfast, 12 x 9 inches, oil on board

Desmond McRory: Solo Exhibition Silverman Gallery Route 202, just north of PA 413 4920 York Rd., Holicong, PA 215-794-4300 Silvermangallery.com November 5–December 4 Opening Nov. 5, 5–8 & Nov. 13, 1–4 Wed.-Sat. 11–6, Sun. 11–4 & appointment

With the gallery since 2014, McRory's calm and atmospheric oil paintings will be augmented by his recent sculptural work.

He could aptly be titled a Renaissance man, but Desmond McRory is really a man for the ages. His interest in art is always evolving with his commitment to travel and keep learning from the past. Yet, he is not afraid to learn, to grow and step into the future. what goes around... (part one) The Snow Goose Gallery 470 Main St. Bethlehem, PA 610-974-9099 thesnowgoosegallery.com November 13–December 18 Gallery hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11–5 Opening: Sun., Nov. 13, 1–5

This show is about the symbiosis between a parent and child, in this case, mother and son. Mary Serfass has been an award-winning artist (ink/ mixed media) for most of her life, and her son, David, grew up watching her work evolve on her drawing table. Years later, David is taking photographs of subjects he believes will inspire her. Here, she’s been galvanized by the photos he’s taken, which have been, in turn, influenced by her own work.

What goes around, indeed.

This show is dedicated to Doug Serfass, Mary’s husband and David’s father, with a sequel coming in November, 2024.

Leaping Deer , Mixed Media Blue Mary Serfass,

Reference photo by David Evan Serfass for Blue.

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exhibitions

Purple Steel, by Ward Van Haute 7”x 9” Fused glass panel, glass on glass

Holiday Show Bethlehem House Gallery 459 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA BethlehemHouseGallery.com 610-419-6262 Through January 7 Tues., by chance or appointment Wed, Thurs, 11–7, Fri, Sat., 12–9, Sun, 12–5 Open every day from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23

Join us for the Holiday Show featuring six local artists: Jonas Arguello, Nancy Bossert, Thomas Kelly, Jeffrey Ludwig-Dicus, Christine McHugh, and Ward Van Haute. Enjoy the gallery’s display of original modern art in a fully designed interior. Our fine art, applied arts, jewelry, décor and ornaments make beautiful gifts. Happy Holidays.

Nancy Bossert, Arousing Poppies, 28” x 22.”Mixed media

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Amber earrings by Bernadette Suski-Harding

AOY Fine Craft Show 949 Mirror Lake Road, Yardley PA Artists of Yardley aoyarts.org November 12 & 13

Holiday shopping made easy. Give something worth giving. Our passionate, accessible and insanely skilled artists invite you to see their one-of-a kind, unique products. They are authentic and exclusive and embody the spirit of good design. Meet the makers, hear the stories, and discover the inspiration behind the creative processes of our talented artists. Enjoy a two-day artisanal experience of holiday shopping in the charming and historic Janney House on Patterson Farm in Yardley.

Bracelet by Virginia DeNale Painting by Lennie Pierro

Paintings, Prints and Drawings: Holiday Show Swan Boat Gallery, 69 Bridge St, Lambertville 332- 400-6651 Swanboatgallery.com Opening Reception: November 5, 5:00 Lecture on Surrealism: Nov. 5, 3:00

Paintings, Prints, and Drawings features surrealist Juan Miró. Miró and Lennie Pierro, artists who express themselves with diverse styles leaning toward the surreal.

Miró combined abstract art with Surrealist fantasy. His style evolved from the tension between his fanciful, poetic impulse and his vision of the harshness of modern life. His work laid a great foundation for the ensuing Abstract Expressionist movement.

Lennie Pierro’s paintings captured the mood and feeling of 20th century Sicily. Pierro uses a calligraphic script known as sgraffito, which he integrates into his large and moving works. For hours and updates, visit swanboatgallery.com.

Print by Juan Miró

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