First Show At New Art Studio Will Feature Maplewood Artist's Unique Works

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — This past spring, Emily Konopinski of Maplewood opened her small business, Green Door Studio, in downtown Millburn, promoting local artists.

Now, she's gearing up to finally open the Green Door to the public with the first show starting this Friday.

There will be an opening reception Friday at 6:30 p.m. to kick off a display of the works of Sandra Charlap, a former Maplewood resident now living in East Orange.

The exhibit, "A Walk In Her Shoes," will run through Oct. 29.

It's free to attend the opening or to see the exhibit. Gallery hours are by appointment.

So who is Sandra Charlap? The artist says, "I have been making art of every kind for over 30 years. The most recent is mosaics in glass, ceramics, and seed beads. The work is totally unique and original. There are pieces to hang on the wall as well as sculptural."

After attending Parsons School of Design and getting my degree in Illustration, "I created a company designing and creating custom tabletop ceramics for noted department stores, such as, Barney's, Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus, ABC Carpet and Home."

She combined her love of animals and watercolor painting to create: www.theillustratedpet.com.

"I continue to explore art in many different mediums," she said. "Mosaic art has been my focus for the past four years. Using primarily glass and found objects, I make art for indoor and outdoor use. Teaching has also been a source of joy."