Arts Society exhibit debuts this weekend
BY JAY BODAS
Staff Writer

Edison Art Gallery

EDISON - Come experience a free afternoon of art this Nov. 12 at an upcoming local art exhibit.

"This is our 12th show, and we have two a year," said Nina Hand, the Edison Arts Society's executive director. "They are very elegant. We have food and jazz music playing, and we acknowledge all of the artists. The shows provide both professional and amateur student artists with exhibiting opportunities."

The art exhibit's opening, to be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the Sheraton Edison Hotel, will feature the work of over 30 New Jersey artists. The exhibit will be on display for the next five months.

Fords resident and painter Lois Hartnack-Nagy is one of the exhibitors. She has been involved with art since she was a young girl.

"I started drawing in the second grade and just kept drawing," Nagy said. "I would draw when I was frustrated about things and also when I was not. Then later on, I went on to college, majored in painting and art education, and became an art teacher."

Nagy said that she returned to painting about 10 years ago, when she found herself with more free time after her children grew up. Six years ago, she went back to school for a master's in art therapy for counseling.

"I got my credentials and am going to take the test to be board certified on Nov. 18, because then I can be an art therapist in private practice," she said. "I believe in life education for everyone, and that is what keeps me going. People should always be learning and doing things."

Exhibitor Renate Shanahan of Edison says photography is her current form of expression.

"I have been taking photos all of my life, but with the advent of digital cameras, so much more became possible," Shanahan said. "You don't have to worry about a darkroom, and you can see your results immediately."

Last December Shanahan opened Kreans Gallery and Boutique, a gallery and custom design shop, on Main Street in Metuchen.

"If you need something designed, I will do it," she said.

Shanahan said that her specialty is to take pictures of ordinary things and turn them into something very different.

"For example, I have one picture that is three images that are combined into one," she said. "From the surface, it looks like a flower, but it is actually made up of an image of leaves, a flower, and a picture of a girl's silhouette."

Shanahan encourages anyone who finds themselves interested in art to pursue it further.

"I think some people take a piece of paper and pen, and after finding they can't draw, they say they cannot be an artist," she said. "But I think creativity comes from persevering and continuing to do it. It took me many years as an illustrator to get to the point where I could say, 'I really can draw,' even though I was interested in it for many years."

The Edison Arts Society offers classes for anyone interested in art, including those just starting out.

"We have had a lot of beginners take our classes," Nina Hand said. "They can join as members and meet other artists who can help them grow. We have a lot of artists who have joined for comradeship."

But Hand welcomes all members of the public to attend the society's upcoming art show.

"You don't have to be an artist to appreciate good art," she said.

To learn more about the Edison Arts Society, call Nina Hand at (908) 753-ARTS or go to www.edisonarts.org.