The Giving
Original Oil painting
Meaghan Troup, 2020
A vibrant blanket of bluebells signal spring each year in the meadows of Oxford University. Basking in the filtered sunlight that kisses the woodland floor before the full canopy casts its shade, the sea of deep violet, lilac and periwinkle blossoms provide a needed release from the cold, damp England winters. A symbol of constancy and everlasting love, this exquisite flower is beautifully paired with motherhood.
After a long season of anticipation, the earth transforms from an icy tundra to an elysian rhapsody. Pushing through the frozen ground this delicate flower initiates a season of rebirth and awakening – a wonderful reminder that spring is a beautiful gift full of hope, joy, and rejuvenation.
About the Artist:
A Contemporary Impressionist, Meaghan paints using oils and palette knives on stretched canvas. Dynamic texture formed from an expressive impasto technique is characteristic of her work, allows for an amplified sense of depth in each piece. Use of vibrant color creates unique energy that draws the observer into the painted space. Many describe her work as simultaneously vivid and peaceful – a quality that she believes stems from a three-year battle with leukemia as a teenager and her deep faith in God.
Inspired by nature, Meaghan believes that the beauty around us is one of the most amazing ways God touches us daily with His presence. Akin to her own experience with the healing abilities of art, the goal of her work is to provide a visual resting place where viewers can escape, unload the burdens of their day, and be reminded of the joy and splendor all around us.
A 2006 graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY, with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art and Graphic Design, and a 2009 graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications, Meaghan’s education afforded the opportunity to study Renaissance Art and Architecture at Oxford University and travel Europe. This experience greatly influenced her artistry by developing new skills and techniques. She studied classic works in person. Her art articulates memories of these travels.
Currently, Meaghan lives and works in Central Pennsylvania. This area, as well as the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State, where she grew up, heavily influence the panoramas of her art. Her work has been displayed at numerous regional galleries and arts festivals in Pennsylvania and New York State. Meaghan’s work is on permanent rotation at the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg, Pa. Heavily involved with art in healing, she has worked with the House of Care at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pa., Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY, and Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where pieces are being used to provide a more soothing and uplifting environment for patients.
Rampant Meadow
Original Fabric Collage
Martha Ressler, 2020
“A fantasy-enhanced landscape of a place well known to me, the lower meadow on our property, looking out onto Blue Mountain. Wildflowers run rampant: Joe Pye and milkweed in the summer, and goldenrod in the autumn. An old apple tree provides nesting for the birds and food for deer.
I used top quality batik cottons plus Holland wood batting for the middle layer. The quilting (the stitching that holds the three layers of the quilt together) is free-motion machine work in patterns that enhance the design.
I always ask myself, ‘Why create this artwork using fabric?’ I preserve some element of fantasy in the materials I use, inviting the viewer to see it differently than a painting. I may use drawings, postage stamps, and found objects, along with fabrics and hand embroidery. They are reborn in a stitched story with evidence of new and old secrets to be discovered.
An object discarded might merge with pages of timeworn books or sheet music, or swatches of rescued embroidery, unfinished quilt tops, or linens.”
About the Artist:
Martha Ressler is a member of Cloth in Common, an international group of art quilters, and a Juried Artist Member of Studio Art Quilt Associates. She was a painter before turning to art quilts. She studied art at Oberlin College in Ohio, University of Michigan, and learned art quilt techniques through numerous workshops.
Art Quilts are growing in popularity since bursting upon the art scene in the 1970s. Martha uses a raw edge applique method with either elaborate machine free motion quilting or hand quilting and embroidery.
Growing Together
Fused Glass and Bronze
Bonnie Hinz, 2020
The artist envisioned an artwork that would erase the divisiveness in our communities and would embrace all people, regardless of their race, beliefs, abilities, and gender. The artist wants people viewing this artwork to be able to find their own identity reflected within the artwork. We all have hopes and dreams and are much more alike than we are different from one another. She wants this artwork to inspire unity and optimism in our communities. This sculpture is created from kiln-formed glass and steel.
About the Artist:
Bonnie resides in the Minneapolis area, and although she took classes to learn the basics of metal working, glass blowing, and kiln-formed glass, she is largely self-taught. She loves a challenge and enjoys figuring out how to do things on her own. As an introvert, she enjoys creating her artwork solo.
Bonnie’s creative path is different than most. Although creative as a child, she didn’t pursue art until much later. She began working first in a law firm. Yearning for more creativity, she then pursued interior design for more than 10 years. When that still wasn’t satisfying the creative “itch,” she found glass blowing and eventually made the transition to full-time artist.
Bonnie shows her artwork in a local gallery in Minneapolis, but mostly works with art consultants around the country, creating site-specific work for healthcare, commercial and residential settings.
The Warblers
Original Acrylic
Lauren Castillo, 2020
Up in a tree branch, a warbler couple awaits the arrival of their babies with anticipation. This original art was created by transferring a line drawing with acetone solvent using a bone folder — a method resulting in a look similar to a woodcut. Once transferred onto Arches Hot Press paper, the artist painted in layers over the textured transfer lines, using fluid acrylic paints.
About the Artist:
Lauren Castillo is the author and illustrator of the 2015 Caldecott Honor winning children’s picture book, Nana in the City, as well as the popular new illustrated chapter book series, Our Friend Hedgehog. She studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art, and earned her MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. These days, Lauren happily draws and dreams in Harrisburg, Pa. To learn more about Lauren, please visit laurencastillo.com.
