By Maria Prato-Gaines, Staff Writer
CRANBURY — For those residents who intend to start their Super Bowl Sunday off right, they may want to catch a pre-game show with the A-TEAM at Cranbury’s own Gourgaud Gallery.
For the third year in a row, the gallery, 23A N. Main St., will be hosting its Art from the Heart exhibit this month.
The gallery plans to kick off the show Feb. 1 at an earlier than normal time, from noon to 2 p.m., to accommodate those who want to tune into the big game.
The A-TEAM are a group of artists, most of whom are self-taught, who dabble in several different mediums and who ultimately have a few commonalties: their connection with the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen as many of these artists have or still use its services; and a deep-rooted passion for art.
”I’ve become a real fan,” said Amy Amico, the gallery’s chairwoman. “They’ve created a family of artists. They may all come from different places, but they come from an artistic point of view.”
Every Tuesday, the A-TEAM meets at the kitchen to create, share and discuss their artwork and exhibit these pieces all over the state.
”Life is pretty precarious and unpredictable for many of these (artists),” said Susan Darley, a coordinator for the group. “This is the first show of the new year. It’s good for building confidence and optimism in the coming year.”
A handful of the approximately 15 artists featured in the show will be attending the gallery’s reception to discuss some of the 30 to 40 pieces that will line the walls, Ms. Amico said.
As the pieces are sold, more will replace them, giving the exhibit an extended life, Ms. Amico said.
These works have become extremely sought after items in the art world, with connoisseurs avoiding the mundane and looking for a fresh approach to the craft, she said.
”No one really told them what’s right or wrong,” Ms. Amico said of the A-TEAM. “It’s the kind of group that is highly appreciated by the art community.”
The exhibit’s art also comes with an affordable price tag, ranging from $25 to $150, with all the proceeds going to benefit the A-TEAM, she said.
Throughout the month, the gallery will be accepting any donations in the form of art supplies, frames, fabrics and craft supplies to help the group continue its work, Ms. Amico said.
With the exception of President’s Day on Feb. 26, the exhibit will run between Feb. 1 and Feb. 22, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the third and last Sunday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m.

