Studio B Fine Art Gallery Announces Award Winners from Its FACE exhibit.

"Selfie" by Susan Biebuyck

by Jane Stahl
Studio B Fine Art Gallery presented over $1,000 in awards to 14 artists at the opening of its exhibit entitled “FACE” on Friday, January 27, 2023. The opening attracted community members, artists, and friends that “packed the house” according to Susan Biebuyck, Studio B’s gallery director.

The exhibit continues through April 23, 2023. An awards ceremony and virtual tour hosted by Amy Muzopappa of Muzo Media Productions, was held and is available for viewing as a Facebook event on Studio B Art Gallery’s Facebook page

Biebuyck offers, “While we have had even greater attendance at many of our openings, tonight’s gathering was the largest we’ve had since COVID. It was great being able to gather together again.”

“I’ve missed being here,” Jack Lignelli, local oral surgeon, admits. Lignelli and his wife Linda, are long-time donors and patrons of the studio—one of the first members of the studio’s “Beamer Club.”

Jack Lignelli comes nose-t0-nose with  Susan Biebuyck's painting at Studio B's premiere opening exhibit in December 2008. Wife Linda enjoys the encounter. 

“Beamers” are patrons whose donations supported the studio’s founding and its future. “Beamers’” names can be found on the studio’s ceiling beams honoring their support. The studio relies on artists’ memberships, donations, grants, and sales of art for its on-going support and welcomes new members and donations year-round.

Over 80 artists submitted artwork in all media for the 2023 members’ renewal exhibit. Many artists submitted work for the first time; others have been submitting work to Studio B’s exhibits since the gallery opened in December 2008.

“Our local area is rich in artistic talent,” continues Biebuyck; “we are always gratified at the loyalty of our member artists and yet happy to see artists from outside our local area participate.” Artists generally come from 60 miles in all directions to submit work.

Best in Show was awarded to Marky Barto for “Memories.”

Second Place was awarded to Pirjo L’Esperance for “Wind in My Hair.”

Third Place award went to Bill Timmins for “Am I Blue.” Timmins notes that the subtitle for the piece "Big Girls Don't Cry" resulted from an accident during the painting’s finish.

Robert Seabourne earned a fourth place award for his oil painting titled “Boldface.’

“Alecia Miller” earned fifth place for “This Too Shall Pass.”

Honorable Mentions were awarded to the following artists:

Anne Mitchell Reid for “Surface Designs.”

Albert Ciervo for his plaster Preservation Hall.”

David Reimer for “Sanctuary.”

Jim Meehan for “Ballpoint Daddy”

Marilyn Basehoar for “The Plaza.”

Martha Ressler for “Ice Cream Day.”

Marta Tomosy-Herman for “Sad Madonna.”

Judy Lupas for “Broken Open.”

Lauralynn White for “Floral Self No. 2.”

In the Call to Artists, Biebuyck encouraged artists to explore the many definitions and uses of the word “face” or "facade" to inspire their responses. Portraits of people and animals line the gallery walls in salon style mounting. Other artists chose to exhibit faces of flowers, mountains, buildings, fabric facing, doors, walls, and gardens, for example.

The exhibit is sponsored by a grant offered by Suzanne Biesecker, loyal patron of the arts who, along with her late husband Fred, has supported art and culture through donations to Boyertown’s Arts & Activities Alliance even before Studio B opened its doors and their sponsorship of several fiberglass sculptures as part of the community's public art project Bear Fever that debuted in 2005.

Juror for the exhibit was fine artist Merrill Weber, an award-winning artist whose work is included in exhibitions and museums world-wide. Weber’s portrait “Frida” is on exhibit in the “FACE” exhibit and represents 57 other oil portraits in her collection Inspirational Women that has won the attention of galleries and collectors everywhere.

Studio B:

Studio B, located in the heart of historic Boyertown, is the home of the Arts and Activities Alliance, a committee of Building a Better Boyertown, a nonprofit Main Street program dedicated to revitalizing small towns.

Studio B celebrates lifelong learning, creativity and personal involvement in the visual and communication arts and seeks to be a dynamic part of Boyertown community, a “go to” destination for learning, fun and friendship. The studio seeks to showcase the work of fine artists in themed exhibits—some juried, some open to all—and welcomes art in diverse media. In addition to art exhibits, workshops, and classes, Studio B also hosts activities and informal gatherings on assorted topics for small groups or meetings, gallery talks, and “Getting to Know You” opportunities.

Visitors are always welcome to view the changing exhibits; take lessons in the visual, literary, and communication arts offered by highly-trained local artists and teachers; and schedule small events or parties in its elegant facility. The studio proudly collaborates with the many unique businesses in the Boyertown community.

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