Press Release August 13, 2009

Bay Gals featured art exhibit during September "Meet the Artists" Saturday, September 12 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Vineland Public Library is featuring the “Bay Gals” in an art exhibit during the month of September. Thirteen local women artists are showing original paintings created in watercolors, acrylics, oils and pastels. Also on display are hand painted porcelain and the Japanese paper art of Ane-sama. Artists in the “Bay Gals” group are Carol Capozzi, Dorothy Connor, Terry Ely, Irene Ganter, Joan Getsinger, Hilde Joseph, Maxine Lewis, Michele Morgen-Hogan, Sachiko Ogata, Frances Ono, Jeanne Rechsteiner, Liz Sherman and Ellie Sorantino. A reception to meet the artists takes place on Saturday, September 12 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the library’s Doris Tripp Room. Refreshments will be served.

The “Bay Gals” have been meeting each week since 1997. The focus of their art is South Jersey and they are especially interested in the environment. Joint statement from the Bay Gals: “Getting ready for this show has involved many months of soul-searching and self-doubt about our individual talents. It has been an adventure in making us focus and stretch ourselves!” About the artists:

• Carol Capozzi studied decorative art for nine years with Vicki Schwarz of Vineland and takes weekly lessons with Ellie Sorantino. She participated in a five-day watercolor workshop with Elderhostel given by Barbara Cox in Cape May.

• Dorothy Connor has a background in animation featuring Popeye cartoons. She teaches china painting in her Upper Deerfield studio. She especially loves painting outdoors.

• Terri Ely enjoys sketching and watercolor painting on location in Fortescue and along the Delaware Bay. She is continually learning new concepts and painting techniques and has taken art courses at Cumberland County College and with Ellie Sorantino.

• Irene Ganter is a retired secretary/office manager who enjoys painting in acrylics and watercolor. She has taken classes with Bobbi Berg and is currently studying with Ellie Sorantino.

• Joan Getsinger is a retired executive secretary from Kimble Glass in Vineland. She enjoys being a watercolor artist and homemaker in Bridgeton. She has taken workshops with Kay Klotsbach, Andrea Workman, James McFarlane and Howard Watson. She attended a one week watercolor workshop with Barbara Cox recently.

• Hilde Joseph began her study of watercolor with Belva Prycl. She has exhibited at various South Jersey art shows and enjoys the relaxing time spent with co-artists.

• Maxine Lewis has taken courses at Cumberland County College and is studying with Ellie Sorantino. She enjoyed a watercolor camp last fall called, “Transparent Watercolors by the Sea”.

• Michele Morgen-Hogan enjoys working in watercolors and oils. She has received several awards in art competitions. Her late mother was an accomplished artist and designer who ignited Morgen-Basile’s interest in the arts. She is currently taking art courses with Ellie Sorantino.

• Sachiko Ogata is a professional designer and seamstress from Japan. She designed costumes for the Japanese Skakespearean Theater. Ogata is skilled in Japanese Kirigami (folded paper doll) art and is showing examples of this craft in the show.

• Frances Ono has studied with Belva Prycl and watercolor is her favorite medium. Flowers and water scenes, especially boats, are some of her favorite subjects.

• Jeanne Rechsteiner has always been involved in art. She studied with Raymond Galliecci, Edward Lis, Winnie Garrison and Belva Prycl. Rechsteiner paints many subjects in a representative style and enjoys sketching on location. She has received many awards and is also a member of the Society of New Jersey Artists.

• Liz Sherman spends summers at Gandy’s Beach on the Delaware Bay. She is fascinated by the marsh and its wildlife. Often Sherman can be found marveling at the color changes of the marsh which she strives to capture on canvas. Her desire to share this beauty with others prompted her to contact artists to join in the experience and in the summer of 1997, she formed the Bay Gals.

• Ellie Sorantino has taken art classes in high school and college. She has studied with private instructors, taken many workshops, and given art instruction to children and adults. She recently opened “Wind Whistle Studio of Art” where she currently gives art classes.

The exhibit is available for viewing during regular library hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Friday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Closed on Sundays (April – September). All areas of the library are accessible to people with disabilities.