Crafts on Stage Coming to SUNY Purchase

World-class artisans from Massachusetts to Michigan will display their works at The Performing Arts Center on Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6, when Crafts On Stage returns to the Purchase College campus, 735 Anderson Hill Road in Purchase, N.Y., for its 17^th year.

Unusual one-of-a-kind crafts featured will include decorative arts and home accessories, fine art, leather handbags, metallic belts, handwoven clothing, jewelry, toys, games and other gift items. The Crafts On Stage show is a singular annual event. A benefit for The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College, it is a volunteer undertaking, produced by the Prompters, the volunteer group associated with the Center.

Show hours are Saturday, November 5 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $15 for a weekend pass. Children under 12 are admitted free with an adult.  For further information, call 914- 251- 6222 or visit http://www.artscenter.org/community/crafts.aspx

A Sampling of Westchester Artists

Suzan Waldinger of South Salem, N.Y., zwaldinger@optonline.net, is known for her creative expression, unique approach and unconventional methods. Basically a self-taught artist, Waldinger finds inspiration in the playful innocence of life which is evident in many of her colorful canvases. She uses the acrylic paint full-strength enabling her to make bold, vivid brush strokes of color. This impasto technique provides texture allowing the paint to pop off the canvas, creating works of art that are not only visually alluring, but also appeal to one’s sense of touch. Her work is on the walls of many homes throughout the United States and internationally in Hong Kong, Spain and Norway.Waldinger has donated many paintings to local charities, including the permanent installation at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, N.Y. Her most recent project is “Hope for the Hands of Haiti,” Waldinger’s first book, created solely to raise funds for children’s education in Haiti. Waldinger says the book brings a country torn to pieces into a more positive light.

Self-taught designer Brian Toohey, btoohey2@optonline.net, who works out of his studio in Port Chester, N.Y., creates one-of-a-kind high quality belts with Italian leather and rhodium buckles that never tarnish. He also produces a number of accessory items, such as handbags and jewelry, which are sold at art shows. Toohey’s work is sophisticated, sculptural and totally original.  His background is in the fashion and beauty industry; he once designed for Bill Blass and top stores in Manhattan.

Lanni Sidoti, lannij@optonline.net, designs and handcrafts jewelry made with silver, gold and enameling powders in her studio in Armonk, N.Y.  All her enamel works are kiln-fired multiple times to achieve the brilliant colors for which she is noted.  “Color and texture are all around us, waiting to be treasured, worn and adored,” says Sidoti, who designs each piece with the vision of a painter who has a blank canvas to fill.  Sidoti’s work is vivid; colors are encased in silver settings, and some pieces are accented with gems and gold for additional shine.  Behind almost every piece is a heart cut out of the back to let the wearer know it was made with love.

A bold geometric and architectural look characterizes the jewelry of Wendy Lynn Beizer of Scarsdale, N.Y.,fashionista@verizon.net.  A corporate attorney drawn to creating jewelry that she herself would wear, Beizer creates different collections, yet she is known for her distinctive clasps that secure her pieces.  The clasps are designs in themselves and can be worn to the front, back or side.  Whether contemporary or classic, Beizer’s jewelry makes a singular statement that lends a new look to everyday sportswear or business clothing.