Artists mixing their media

Abstract art display shown in Cranbury

By: Lacey Korevec
   In Stephanie Madelbaum’s abstract acrylic painting "Polygons at Play," which shows shapes including triangles and parallelograms inside a golden rectangle, the mathematics of every dimension are precise.
   "The ratio of the width to the length has to equal the ratio of the length to the width plus the length," she said.
   Math and much more will be on display at the Gourgaud Gallery, starting Nov. 3 at 6 p.m., when Ms. Madelbaum, of West Windsor, and Ruth Bruh, of Monroe, hold the First Friday Reception of their exhibit titled "Diversity." The exhibit will run through Nov. 26.
   The title was drawn from the women’s variety of media, which include pastel, acrylic, watercolor, oil and mixed media, along with their use of abstraction and realism.
   "Most people, when they have a show, it’s either all abstracts or all realism," Ms. Bruh said. "We’re having all things, so it’s going to be a diverse showing."
   The two women have been exhibiting together for years, and even though their styles are different, they agree that their artwork goes well together.
   Ms. Bruh’s pieces are landscapes and portraits and abstract Picasso-like designs, while Ms. Madelbaum, who teaches math and art at Rider University, always tries to incorporate math into her work.
   "A lot of it is the interplay between organic forms and geometric forms, between rough texture and smooth texture," Ms. Madelbaum said. "They’re sculptural wall pieces."
   The compatibility of the artists’ work is what led the gallery to choose them for the exhibit, Gourgaud Gallery Chairwoman Amy Amico said.
   "Their use of watercolor, oils, acrylics and mixed media add to the depth of the upcoming November exhibit," Ms. Amico said. "The two artists are well-matched given the close connection in abstract style and use of color they both give to their individual work."
   Every original piece exhibited in the gallery will be for sale, but Ms. Bruh said giclee prints of the artists’ works also will be available for purchase. Giclee prints are done with archival ink on acid-free watercolor paper and are excellent quality, she said.
   "It’s a new print that is supposed to be the new standard prints," she said. "They last up to 100 years without fading."
   But whether you’re looking to buy or just looking, Ms. Madelbaum said there should be something for everyone at the exhibit.
   "I think if you like art at all, you’re bound to find something you like in it because it’s so varied," she said.
   Ms. Bruh said she hopes a lot of people attend the opening reception because it is a great opportunity to see the art and discuss it with the artists.
   "It’s always nice to be at a reception because you can discuss the work with the artist," she said. "If they have questions, we’re there to answer them, whereas if they go by themselves, there’s no artist around. And I know people generally like to meet the artist."
   Both artists’ work can be viewed on the Web at www.paintingsandmore.com. But Ms. Madelbaum said the paintings that will be featured in the exhibit are new and cannot be viewed on the Web site.
   The Gourgaud Gallery is located on the first floor of Town Hall and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.