The dream of making art becomes a reality.

“Beauty in nature is everywhere you look!” exults Cheryl Buhrman. “That is where I get my inspiration, and through the use of color and composition on my canvas I hope to portray my connection with all living things.”

Burhman has explored a wide range of subject matter, but has recently been working on a floral series. Like so many artists who explore such imagery, she finds the power of flowers as symbols for life and reproduction, finding these inherent qualities not through overt or pretentious awareness, but through a concentration on the delicacy of the form, petals enveloping the stamen, pistil and ovary of the plant. The idea of a flower representing femininity has long since entered the realm of cliché, but there is truth in every trope, and if the balance of strength and vulnerability expressed in “Orange Delight,” “Georgia On My Mind, or ”White Rose” is any indication, Buhrman has discovered that truth for herself.

"Georgia on My Mind" by cheryl Buhrman, 18x24in, acrylic on canvas (2017), $275 | BUY NOW — *"Georgia on My Mind" by cheryl Buhrman, 18x24in, acrylic on canvas (2017), $275 | BUY NOW*

“Although I taught art for several years, life got in the way and after working for 30 years in a job that wasn't my dream, my dream became a reality in retirement when I decided to start painting! I hope my paintings will fill some people with the joy that it's given me!”

Buhrman studied under Wine Kemple Harrison, Elizabeth Dawn Johnson, and Susan Tolliver, is a member of LVA, and in 2016 became a juried member of the Louisville Artisan Guild in acrylics. She just appeared at the Butchertown Art Fair in June, and will be at The Highlands Festival Sept 9, and Holiday Showcase in November 2017.

Name: Cheryl Buhrman
Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia
Education: BS, Art Education Longwood University, Farmville, Virginia.
Website: http://www.dailypaintworks.com/artists/cherylbuhrman

"Spring Garden" by Cheryl Buhrman, 24x12in, acrylic on canvas (2017), $185 | BUY NOW — *"Spring Garden" by Cheryl Buhrman, 24x12in, acrylic on canvas (2017), $185 | BUY NOW*

"Blue Iris" by Cheryl Buhrman, 12x24in, acrylic on canvas (2017), $185 | BUY NOW — *"Blue Iris" by* *Cheryl Buhrman, 12x24in, acrylic on canvas (2017), $185 | BUY NOW*

"White Rose" by Cheryl Buhrman, 18x24in, acrylic on canvas (2017), $250 | BUY NOW — *"White Rose" by Cheryl Buhrman, 18x24in, acrylic on canvas (2017), $250 | BUY NOW*

"Orange Delight" by cheryl Buhrman, 16x8in, acrylic on canvas (2016), $95 | BUY NOW — *"Orange Delight" by cheryl Buhrman, 16x8in, acrylic on canvas (2016), $95 | BUY NOW*

Are you interested in being on Artebella? Click here to learn more. — *Are you interested in being on Artebella? Click here to learn more.*

Painting

Vignette: Susan Dworkin

Josh Jenkins · June 22, 2017

“You must open yourself to communing with the desires of the paint and flow with it.” — Susan Dworkin

*"Tangled Up In Blue" by Susan Dworkin, 32x24in, vinegar paint (2015)*

Susan Dworkin has been experimenting with colonial painting techniques for fourteen years. Her current endeavor is adapting vinegar painting from its traditional use on flat wooden surfaces to other mediums. Historically used as a means of making common and inexpensive woods appear to be more valuable materials, such as metal, Dworkin experiments with the technique to create unique abstract compositions.

To date, she remains one of the pioneers in this venture, continually exploring and adapting the technique via artist board, foam core, metal, paper, glass, and mirror. “The nature of vinegar paint produces a multilayered spectrum of color that combines elements of impressionism, surrealism and lyrical abstractionism, explains Dworkin. “To work with this medium you must open yourself to communing with the desires of the paint and flow with it.” Her paintings are suggestive of rich landscapes and fantasy realms that allow the viewer to formulate their own personal vision. In one of her previous lives, Dworkin was a private estate gardener in Rhode Island and Massachusetts and finds color inspiration from those gardens and settings, as well as her many travels. She has lived in Lexington, Kentucky since 1989.

*"Joy" by Susan Dworkin, 15x12in, vinegar paint (2017)*

2017 has been a busy year for Dworkin, with solo exhibits at The Bar Complex, and the Hunt Morgan House, Bluegrass Trust for Historic Preservation, both in Lexington, Kentucky, and for the month of September she will have another solo show at the John G. Irvin Gallery, also in Lexington. In April 2018 she will be part of a group exhibit at ArtConnects in Lexington.

Dworkin has work in private collections in Lexington, KY, Chicago, IL, St. Petersburg, FL, and Tryon, NC.

Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky
Education: BA, Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI
Social Media: www.facebook.com/DesignsbyDworkin

"Toska" by Susan Dworkin, 28x23in, vinegar paint (2017), $650| BUY NOW — *"Toska" by Susan Dworkin, 28x23in, vinegar paint (2017), $650| BUY NOW*

"Play" by Susan Dworkin, 25x37in, vinegar paint (2017), $650 | BUY NOW — *"Play" by Susan Dworkin, 25x37in, vinegar paint (2017), $650 | BUY NOW*

"The Call" by Susan Dworkin, 33x27in, vinegar paint (2017), $850 | BUY NOW — *"The Call" by Susan Dworkin, 33x27in, vinegar paint (2017), $850 | BUY NOW*

Painting

Vignette: Corie Neumayer

Josh Jenkins · June 14, 2017

“My current work reflects the changes in our climate and the effect on our earth.” — Corie Neumayer

"Angry Wind" by Corie Neumayer, 24x36in, acrylic, latex (2017), $700 | BUY NOW — *"Angry Wind" by Corie Neumayer, 24x36in, acrylic, latex (2017), $700 | BUY NOW*

Painter Corie Neumayer’s latest work is so much more emotional than the last time we saw her on Artebella. There was always signature mark making, but she has here cut loose from much of the intellectual discipline previously evident in her compositions in favor of a near-tempestuous brushwork of unusual vigor and expressiveness. As an artist, she seems riled up, even if her statement remains understated and reserved:

“I am a painter who creates abstracted paintings of the landscape that focus on open spaces; deserts, mountains, lakes, as well as the countryside of Kentucky and Indiana. My work is done in a variety of untraditional and traditional media. My current work reflects the changes in our climate and the effect on our earth.”

"Rain and Rain" by Corie Neumayer, 24x30in, acrylic, latex (2017), $600 | BUY NOW — *"Rain and Rain" by Corie Neumayer, 24x30in, acrylic, latex (2017), $600 | BUY NOW*

The natural world has always played an important role in her work, but this new energy is forceful and imbued with what feels like anger, as Neumayer uses her art as a form of social activism. The turmoil below the surface of the image may not be as overt as marching with a sign because it works more subliminally, but the inference seems clear. The earth is in trouble, a highly volatile organism that has suffered enough abuse.

As an educator, Neumayer helped create and develop the Visual Art Magnet program at DuPont Manual High School in Louisville and was a teacher in that program 1986-2004.

Neumayer has been a member of PYRO Gallery since 2005, and has a show on exhibit here now.

"Burnt Land" by Corie Neumayer, 18x24in, acrylic, latex (2017), $400 | BUY NOW — *"Burnt Land" by Corie Neumayer, 18x24in, acrylic, latex (2017), $400 | BUY NOW*

The Changing Land – A Painting Exhibit by Corie Neumayer, with guest artist Matt Gaddie, runs through July 15, 2017.

Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Education: MA in Teaching, University of Louisville; BA, Georgetown College (Georgetown Kentucky); also attended Savannah College of Art and Design (Savannah, Georgia), California State University-Long Beach, and St. Cloud College (St. Cloud, Minnesota)
Gallery Representative: Pyro Gallery
Website: www.corieneumayerpaintings.com

"Crops on Fire" by Corie Neumayer, 24x36in, acrylic, latex (2017), $600 | BUY NOW — *"Crops on Fire" by Corie Neumayer, 24x36in, acrylic, latex (2017), $600 | BUY NOW*

"Looks Like Snow Again" by Corie Neumayer, 24x36in, acrylic, latex (2017), $600 | BUY NOW — *"Looks Like Snow Again" by Corie Neumayer, 24x36in, acrylic, latex (2017), $600 | BUY NOW*

Painting

Vignette: Andrea Alonso

Josh Jenkins · June 8, 2017

"Birth of immortality" by Andrea Alonso, 48x36in, oil on canvas (2016) $1200 | BUY NOW — *"Birth of immortality" by Andrea Alonso, 48x36in, oil on canvas (2016) $1200 | BUY NOW*

Artist, Andrea Alonso — *Artist, Andrea Alonso*

Andrea Alonso’s painting, “The Birth of Immortality,” represents the birth of the tradition of Day of the Dead. The iconic celebrations now occur all around the globe, but started with the pre-Hispanic culture and Aztec mythology. Mictlantecuhtli was a god of the dead and the king of Mictlan (Chicunauhmictlan), the lowest and northernmost section of the underworld. The arrival of Spanish colonialism and the transforming influence of Catholicism brought about a merging of the beliefs that resulted in the Catrina, the Saints Day, and the Day of the Dead.

“The painting also shows that death can occur to any of us, elder and children, rich and poor,” says Alonso. The story is told by the old man of the corner, who lost his wife and is waiting for death to come for him.”

“My style emphasizes the universality of visual abstraction in highly developed compositions of patterns and forms, I try to suggest space within these geometric arrangements, and my main object is try to establish a sense of place within the painting. I think this is not common in most abstract paintings.”

"Solitary thoughts" by Andrea Alonso, 36x36in, oil on canvas (2017), $600 | BUY NOW — *"Solitary thoughts" by Andrea Alonso, 36x36in, oil on canvas (2017), $600 | BUY NOW*

Currently Alonso is one of the many Louisville artists featured in the Alley Gallery public art program sponsored by the Louisville Downtown Partnership and unveiled by Mayor Greg Fischer on May 11, 2017

Alonso was one of the five finalist in ArtPrize Pitch Night in Louisville with the sculpture project “The Hole,” and is or will be exhibiting work in the EKU Center for the Arts, Lexington KY, the Andersonville 14th annual show at Chicago, IL, the “O” Gallery, Nashville TN, 5-0-LOU Gallery and, Tim Faulkner Gallery Winter show 2017, in Louisville, KY. She has paintings featured in Art Yellow Book #2, by CICA Museum, South Korea.

Hometown: Monterrey, Mexico
Age: 31
Education: Architecture degree University of Monterrey, Mexico; MBA in Administration, Rioja University, Madrid, Spain.
Website: http://www.art-ark.com

"Paranoia" by Andrea Alonso, 48x48in, oil on canvas (2017), $950 | BUY NOW — *"Paranoia" by Andrea Alonso, 48x48in, oil on canvas (2017), $950 | BUY NOW*

"The Date" by Andrea Alonso, 36x36in, oil on canvas (2017), $600 | BUY NOW — *"The Date" by Andrea Alonso, 36x36in, oil on canvas (2017), $600 | BUY NOW*

"Winter Storm" by Andrea Alonso, 30x24in, oil on canvas (2016), $260 | BUY NOW — *"Winter Storm" by Andrea Alonso, 30x24in, oil on canvas (2016), $260 |* *BUY NOW*

Painting

Q&A: Joshua Jenkins

Josh Jenkins · June 2, 2017

Joshua Jenkins is a Louisville based painter and a recipient Great Meadows Foundation grant. He currently has work on display at several locations tonight including at the re-opening of the Butchertown Social (formally known as Louis’s The Ton). He will also have works on display in the group exhibit Queer Voices at OPEN Community Arts Center and he will also be apart of a group pop up show at 209 S. 5th Street, Louisville, KY 40202 along with fellow artists, Sunny Ra & Anne Austin. He is on the staff of Louisville Visual Art.

*A much younger Jenkins working on a painting in his college studio (back in 2008).*

When did you first think you would be an artist?

I think I've known I would be an artist to some degree since I was a pre-adolescent. I've always had an interest in art, but more particularly with drawing and in cartoons. I remember when I was around twelve years of age that I wanted to become a great comic artist like Bill Watterson (Calvin & Hobbes) and during early high school years become a creature concept artist. I didn't really get into "fine art" until my senior year of high school and didn't really think about being an actual artist until my mid college years—where I quickly built up the confidence to start calling myself one.

If you could do anything else but make art, what would it be?

If I had ANY musical talent I would quite easily pursue a life as a musician, but unfortunately for me I lack that skill to a great degree. I couldn't sing if my life depended on it and I have horrible rhythm. In high school I tried just about every rock instrument, but sucked miserably at each one.

"When Lovers Sleep" by Joshua Jenkins, 48 x 36 x 1.5 in, Acrylic and mixed media (2015) — on display at the Butchertown Social — *"When Lovers Sleep" by Joshua Jenkins, 48 x 36 x 1.5 in, Acrylic and mixed media (2015) — on display at* *the Butchertown Social*

What challenges you more than anything?

Coming from a dysfunctional and low-income family my life has always been challenging. I've always had a bit of a big ego and for some reason have always had high standards for myself. So I think what challenges me is ultimately myself—to always do and be better than where I came from. I've also always had this drive in me to prove everyone wrong that ever told me I couldn't do this or couldn't have that.

In particular to art itself: when I see other artists succeed in life or in their work I immediately think to myself - if they can do it then so can I. This mind set constantly pushes me to do better as an artist. As soon as I feel comfortable in my art process I immediately want to push myself back into the uncomfortable zone, because I think that is where true challenge lives.

You just returned from a trip to Los Angeles funded by A Great Meadows Foundation grant What were your impressions of L.A. as a city and/or arts community?

I never imagined L.A. to be so big and spread out like it is. It's definitely different than most North Eastern cities that I'm used to and the complete opposite of the "Big Apple". This was my first trip to the West Coast in general let alone to L.A. For some reason I thought it would be a little more laid back, more glamorized and way more artsy than what I found it out to actually be (thank you movies & television for letting me down again!) Traffic was miserable and a lot of the people seemed to give off this "judgy" or competitive vibe. Granted, I only visited for a week and had my own agenda and schedule to keep up with. So, it's probably not fair of me to judge so quickly. I will attest that the weather was absolutely perfect though—and the plant life was out of this world. (I really enjoy plants.)

*Jenkins (on the left) viewing a painting in the "Kerry James Marshal: Mastry" exhibition at the MOCA in downtown LA.*

In regards to the city's art community; There were definitely plenty of public murals scattered around the city, along with street art, but for some reason or another I didn't get any sense of an "arts community". Clearly the city is home to some amazing museums and galleries, but I felt like there was a great disconnect between them all. Maybe it was the distance? Maybe I didn't spend enough time in the city? I'm not sure, but all I do know is that, having visited other big cities, I really didn't seem to get the vibe of a "scene" there. But then again I was only in L.A. for a week, so who am I to say?

Did you encounter any celebrities? If you could meet any celebrity who would it be and what would you ask them?

I walked past a person that looked like a hipster-girl who I may have seen on an indie film or that could have appeared on HBO's Girls, but then again most hipsters these days all look alike. Overall, no celebrity encounters for me. I'm not one to be in awe over a celebrity anyways and I didn't really keep an eye out for any. If I did come in contact with one though I would probably want to ask them if they liked art and if so, would they be interested in buying some of mine—like a true hustler.

"Sunbathers" by Joshua Jenkins, 24 x 24 x 1 in, acrylic and mixed media on canvas (2017) — on display at the "Queer Voices" exhibition at OPEN Community Art Center — *"Sunbathers" by Joshua Jenkins, 24 x 24 x 1 in, acrylic and mixed media on canvas (2017) — on display at the "Queer Voices" exhibition at OPEN Community Art Center*

How important is the community you live and work in? Do you think about relocating?

I moved to Louisville in 2011 and never planned on staying, but this city grew on me very quickly. Over the more recent years I have set permanent roots here. A community is important to have if you want to thrive and want to pursue your dreams. Louisville has just that. It has the small town feel that is comforting and missed when living in bigger cities. I've found it so easy to connect with people here. More importantly I have seen such an impressive growth and evolution in just the past five years that it excites me to be apart of Louisville. The sky is the limit for this city!

"Staubling Nonsense" by Joshua Jenkins, 48 x 36 x 1.5 in, acrylic and mixed media on canvas (2013-2014) — on display at the Butchertown Social — *"Staubling Nonsense" by Joshua Jenkins, 48 x 36 x 1.5 in, acrylic and mixed media on canvas (2013-2014) — on display at* *the Butchertown Social*

How do you feel about the local art scene in Louisville? Would you change anything about it?

The local art scene here has definitely grown since I first moved here. I'm excited about the advancement in the Portland area and think it has the potential of becoming a great arts district. There does seem to still be a bit of disconnect amongst the arts community as a whole, but I have hope it will all come together soon.

If there was anything I would change about the local art scene is with its consumers. Everyone wants pretty pictures of the Kentucky cityscapes/landscapes, of horses, and/or of bourbon memorabilia. I love all of those things too (minus the horses), but there is so much talent in this city and it's being washed over with the constant demand for lackluster art. I think it's up to the galleries & businesses that showcase local art to be the ones to change the consumers mines by showcasing art that isn't just pretty to look at. I think it would then encourage a lot of artists to work on the pieces that they really want to work on. Every artist has their own voice and they should have the opportunities to showcase it prominently.

What is your favorite music to listen to when making art?

If I really want to get inspired I usually need something with a heavy bass, but generally when I'm creating art I listen to everything and anything; from Indie/Folk to New Orleans inspired Jazz to Electronic to Oldies to 90's Rock/Alternative to Classic Blues to Hip-Hop/Pop music. Needless to say all music inspires me.

What advice would you give a young artist just out of college? Tell us about an important moment of transition for you as an artist?

Despite the pressures from family, work, and society just don't let your art practices get away from you. I think it's very easy for artists to quickly "give up" on their art after college, because of the lack of opportunities and the pressures of "getting their career started". Life is to short to be spent behind a desk the rest of your life. I believe the twenties are key years for inspiration, exploration, and for living life to it's fullest. Take advantage of your youth while you have it. You can sit in a chair at a "real job" when your back starts hurting because your age caught up to you.

Hometown: Poughkeepsie, NY
Education: BA Graphic Design minor in Studio Art, Marist College
Website: h ttp://www.joshuajenkinsart.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuajenkinsart/

*"Caught In A Moment Of Stillness" by Joshua Jenkins, 36x24x1.5in, acrylic and mixed media on canvas (2017) — On display in the group pop up show at 209 S 5th St*

Painting

Vignette: Cheryl Buhrman

The dream of making art becomes a reality.

Vignette: Susan Dworkin

“You must open yourself to communing with the desires of the paint and flow with it.” — Susan Dworkin

Vignette: Corie Neumayer

“My current work reflects the changes in our climate and the effect on our earth.” — Corie Neumayer

Vignette: Andrea Alonso

Q&A: Joshua Jenkins

When did you first think you would be an artist?

If you could do anything else but make art, what would it be?

What challenges you more than anything?

You just returned from a trip to Los Angeles funded by A Great Meadows Foundation grant What were your impressions of L.A. as a city and/or arts community?

Did you encounter any celebrities? If you could meet any celebrity who would it be and what would you ask them?

How important is the community you live and work in? Do you think about relocating?

How do you feel about the local art scene in Louisville? Would you change anything about it?

What is your favorite music to listen to when making art?

What advice would you give a young artist just out of college? Tell us about an important moment of transition for you as an artist?