Chapin Art Gallery Hosts 'Re-Inventing Nature' Exhibit

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by Chapin School.

The Gallery at Chapin will feature the works of two artists, sculptor Dana Stewart and printmaker/painter Annelies van Dommelen in an exhibit entitled “Re-Inventing Nature” from March 26 thru April 27, 2012.  

A reception for the artist will be held on Wednesday, April 4, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Dana Stewart was born and raised in California, where he developed interests in art, animals and surfing. During his Master’s program at San Diego State University, Stewart met Herk Van Tongeren, who introduced him to ceramic shell bronze casting. Van Tongeren invited Dana to come east in order to do “research” at the Johnson Atelier.

A two-week visit turned into 31 years (and counting)! Dana’s career evolved from being the head of the ceramic shell department at the Atelier in 1977 to operating his own commercial casting facility called Steward Sculpture Casting. The facility, located in Lambertville, N.J., is where Stewart produces his sculptures in bronze as well as providing this service to many other artists.

Stewart’s lyrical sculptures of his whimsical east are a delight to see and enjoy. Their stance portrays emotions and their gestures evoke feelings of whimsy and light heartedness and in some, and lament, loneliness or alarm in others. Stewart states, “If someone passes one of my sculptures and smiles, I feel the making of the sculpture was worth the effort.”

Annelies van Dommelen is a multi-talented artist who is always looking for new ways to express herself.  As a printmaker, she explores all forms of printmaking, adding some innovative techniques of her own. She works in watercolor and oil as well, but it doesn’t end there. She is also known for her beautiful archival boxes.   

“The abstract qualities of my work” explains van Dommelen, “are for the imagination to pursue. There may be recognizable images within the works, however, it is an exercise in composition, balance, color, energy, movement, aesthetics, shapes, detail and real and imaginary dimensions—not  to repeat the real, but to capture the essence of what exists in a different way.”

Van Dommelen has studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, the Hussian School of Art, Montclair State College and has an extensive private studio. She has been a recipient twice for a Fellowship from the NJ Council of the Arts. She has had numerous exhibitions in museums and galleries. Van Dommelen also teaches and is building a new studio at her home where she intends to hold classes.

In addition to the artists’ reception, the exhibit can be viewed by appointment during school hours between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The Chapin School is located at 4101 Princeton Pike, Lawrence Township, N.J. To make an appointment to visit the gallery, please call (609) 924-7206.