By Amy Batista, Special Writer
CHESTERFIELD — The Artful Deposit Gallery is presenting its “Winter Gala,” celebrating the beauty of winter through new works of art on display.
”We had a wonderful open house and enjoyed many sales,” said Artful Deposit Gallery owner C.J. Mugavero in an email.
The gala was held at The Inn at Fernbrook at 142 Bordentown-Georgetown Road on Feb. 28.
”It is a group show for the artists of the Artful Deposit Gallery,” she said.
Approximately 400 people attended the gala, according to officials.
Some of the artists featured in the gala were Richard McKinley, Sarah J. Webber, A.R. Tucker, Eleinne Basa, Hanneke deNeve, Marge Levine, Alan Fetterman, Anna Wainright, Cynthia Dawley, Louis Russomanno, Al Barker, Tom Kelly and Michael Budden. Artists used different mediums, ranging from oils to pastels and more.
”The painting in the exhibit of mine is ‘Artist in Motion,’” said Mr. Fetterman, of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in an email.
The painting he featured was a 20-inch by 24-inch oil on linen in a hand-carved frame and gilded.
”The inspiration for that particular piece is actually my own approach on painting plein air and the relevance of an artist getting in front of a live situation and following an emotional path, rendering a complete outcome of artistic embrace,” he said.
It was not his first time being featured in the gala.
”I have had 35 solo exhibits, and my work is included in collections throughout the region and the U.S.,” he said.
His work is included in such collections and locations as Gettysburg College’s Eisenhower House, University of Pennsylvania, Bucks County Community College, Bucks County Courthouse and Doylestown Hospital as well as many private collections.
He said his studio is an old gristmill near Doylestown, Pennsylvania, where he survives exclusively as an artist.
Ms. Wainright has been represented by The Artful Deposit for the past five years.
”I was thrilled to be a part of this wonderful art event, which was generously provided by C.J. Mugavero of the Artful Deposit,” she said in an email. “Myself and the other artists that are lucky enough to be a part of her group of represented artists were featured at this one-night event, one of many she has planned, bringing art to the people as well as a permanent home in the gallery or, happily, a collector’s home.”
She said it was a wonderful day and evening of food and drink, fireplace chat, and enjoyment of original art in its natural setting.
Mr. McKinley featured some of his pieces he painted while staying at the Inn at Fernbrook in 2014, Ms. Mugavero said.
She said she usually invites one or two guest artists to generate new attendees and new art for their loyal patrons.
”This year, our guest sculptor was Susan Hogan,” she said.
Artful Deposit Gallery opened in 1997 and is at 142 Farnsworth Avenue in Bordentown City.
She said since it is a smaller, more European pocket gallery venue, she is committed to having its openings and events at other locations throughout the region.
”I will now bring some of the remaining paintings and sculpture to the gallery at 142 Farnsworth,” she said.
”C.J. and The Artful Deposit represent a wonderful connection between artists and patrons of the arts,” Mr. Fetterman said. “Her wonderful spirit, longevity and commitment to the arts reveals her to be a diamond to be found in the appreciated.”
