Tu B’Shevat

By Annette van de Kamp-Wright

The theme for Friedel’s 2007 celebration of Tu B’Shevat is “Make the World a Better Place”.  Art Teacher Julie Philips and her students have some special help this year in getting ready for and learning about this holiday. Artist-in-residence Janie Lynn York has visited the school several times over the past month to teach the students new skills that include drawing, story telling, and machine quilting.

            York is a quilter and textile artist who works from her home studio. She began her quilting by using traditional patterns and settings, but eventually shifted her focus towards using her art to help others. Janie has a degree in Family Science from the University of Omaha with a minor in Art History. “Art is an integral part of any students’ education”, York said. “Through art, students learn how to plan and follow through on that plan. They also learn that sometimes the smallest step can make a difference in the outcome of a project.”

At Friedel, York has worked individually with students, as each of them created artwork that expressed their plans for improving the world.  The students designed their own story board that was transferred onto fabric and subsequently quilted in the shape of a tree. York assisted the students with each step, as they learned how to create their own stories and use the machine quilter. York explained that “in the case of this project, the students discussed Tu B’Shevat and certain scriptures surrounding the project. Creating trees and writing stories gave them a more personal understanding of Judaism.”

            The kindergartners were very enthusiastic about the whole process. Ilana Mc Namara wrote about sharing: “It is nice to share clothes. I gave a dress to my sister. She was so happy”.  Isabella Wright said” I had fun. And nobody got their fingers stuck in the machine. We were all very careful”. Gabby Witkowski stayed within the theme as she described how she makes the world a better place: “I like to plant trees. Trees are special because they give us food and shade from the sun. G-d waters the tree when he cries.” Another student who connected with nature was Ethan (>>>>) who wrote: “My backyard isn’t very pretty. I talked to my dad about it. We decided to plant flowers”.   “My favorite part of working with Kindergartners is their honesty and lack of fear.” York said. “They are willing to try anything.”  The older kids, according to York, often bring a more mature attitude to the table: “They better understand the long term effects of their actions on family, community, and the earth.”  When asked what she would like her students to take away from this experience, York said “I want each child to leave with a sense that he or she has the power to make the world a better place. Even very small acts can make a difference.”

All trees are proudly displayed at Friedel for everyone to enjoy. Janie will be back in March for another session with the students. Until then, her work can be viewed at www.janielynntextiles.com.  Janie’s residency was sponsored by the Nebraska Arts Council and by Friend of Friedel Dr. Eric Phillips, and organized by Principal Cookie Katskee and Art teacher Julie Phillips.

Julie Forch-Phillips is a local artist, born in Kearney Nebraska, mother of four, and married to Dr. Eric Phillips. She holds a B.A. from UNL and is currently enrolled in the M.A. Studio Art-Venice Program at NYU. Julie grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, and is the daughter of Paul Forch and Marcia Liska. During the last fifteen years, Julie has worked as a volunteer art teacher for both District 66 and Friedel Jewish Academy.

Fifteen paintings under the title Sogni D’oro (“Golden Dreams”), inspired by her 2007 studies in Venice, will be displayed at Anderson O’Brien from June 14^th, 2008 through June 27^th. The official opening reception will take place on Saturday June 14^th, from 7-9 pm, and is open to the public. Wine and dessert will be served; visitors will have a chance to meet the artist.

“My paintings are painted tapestries of pattern, color, and rhythm.

I use different mediums such as enamels, oil stick, acrylic, vintage fabric, lace and wallpaper collage, airbrush, spray paint and stencils to create my paintings. I use Baroque, Rococo and Art Nouveau imagery inter-“woven” with contemporary graphic elements and the patterns found in vintage lace.  Do we want ” brand new” or something antique and hand made that shows some signs of wear from living a life, a treasure with a soul? I believe there is a yearning for a fresh view of the sentimental in our own lives and I strive to offer this feeling in my work.”

                                                                                    -Julie Phillips

For additional information, please contact:

Anderson O’Brien Fine Art Gallery

8724 Pacific Street Countryside Village       

Omaha, NE  68114                                                                           

Phone: (402) 390-0717        

Eighteen Questions with Ophir Palmon

By Annette van de Kamp-Wright

Ophir Palmon is a photographer who lives and works in Omaha. Ophir was born in Ramat Gan, Israel; he moved here in 1987 together with wife Roni Reiter-Palmon, and their two children. His work will be shown at the Jewish Community Center’s gallery from May 30 through July 30, 2008. The public is invited to the official opening reception on Sunday, June 8, from 2 to 4 pm

JP: Why did you become a photographer? 

OP: I chose to be one after realizing the creative abilities it allowed me, and the endless possibilities it brought.

JP: How did you end up in Omaha? 

OP: My wife Roni accepted a position as psychology professor at UNO, and I have a well-developed habit of following her around anywhere in the world.

JP: Is there something you can see in a photograph that you can’t see with the naked eye? 

OP: A photograph allows you to study an instant over eternity.  All physical properties, emotional states, and other currents that may be hidden from view in normal time, are given an opportunity to be more visible to the knowing eye.

JP: How is a photographer different from other artists? 

OP: The photographer’s work is instantaneous.  His work is created in a split second.  A photographer who is working in an evolving scene must constantly evaluate the given situation, make quick artistic decisions, and choose the right time to create his photograph.

JP: Do you think the easy access to digital cameras has caused people to appreciate the Art of photography differently? 

OP: It might.  Digital photography, and access to digital tools has made photography more accessible to more people; people who would have shunned photography before.  The instant results that are available with digital cameras make it possible for anyone to take photos.  The popularity of cameras in other gadgets (built-in cameras in cellular phones, computers, etc.) may have extended the range of experience required of one to take a photo.  Before digital photography, a novice photographer had to know a few things in order to even begin taking pictures.  Now a novice needs to know nothing about his camera or about photography, and his pictures will still turn out okay.

JP: What makes a really good picture? 

OP: When it makes the viewer feel what the subject in the picture felt the instance the picture was taken. 

JP: If you could take any picture, anywhere, what would it be? 

OP: I did, and I do.  See my portfolio! 

JP: How many pictures have you taken in your life? 

OP: 998,537.  I plan to host my one million picture gala at Chuck E Cheese (get it? Cheese) I’ll have you write that press release also   

JP: Do you know if a picture is good the moment you take it? 

OP: Yes. Always. 

JP: Who is your favorite photographer, and why? 

OP: I appreciate many people’s work, but don’t feel as having a favorite one.

JP: If you couldn’t take pictures, what would you do with your time? 

OP: Go back to engineering, and look for an alternative to fuel.  It’s the root of all evil. 

JP: Do you have any pictures in your wallet? 

OP: Just the one on my driver’s license.  I look cute. 

JP: What is the worst picture you have ever taken? 

OP: It was a picture of two people who didn’t want to be together, but were forced to by the situation.  I thought I erased this one from my memory, but it still freezes me over when I think of it.

JP: What will people see at your exhibit? 

OP: Images that will make them think, and wonder.  Abstracts that take the mind for a tour. 

JP: What do you hope people will take away from your work? 

OP: An inspiration to create themselves, and look at the obvious with a more challenging perspective.  I would also hope that they take at least one image home with them. 

JP: Will the photographs at the exhibit be for sale? 

OP: Funny you should ask…  They are! 

JP: Do you like being on the other side of the camera? 

OP: Yes.  It’s a position where you can remain silent, create a lot, and inspire people in ways they do not expect. 

JP: Any exciting plans for the future? 

OP: Yes.  Making more plans. 

Re: Ophir Palmon Press Release
Annette van de Kamp-Wright
05/2008

Ophir Palmon is a fine arts photographer and the owner of Omaha’s Artistic Visions Studio, which he founded in 1993. Ophir’s projects focus on individuals as well as families in every phase of life. His work ranges from portraiture to fine arts to commercial photography.

Ophir Palmon was born in Ramat Gan, Israel; he moved to Omaha in 1987.

His latest project titled “Body Lines” will be on display at the Jewish Community Center’s gallery, from May 30 until July 30, 2008. The official opening reception will be held Sunday June 8^th, from 2 to 4 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

The JCC gallery is open Mon-Thu 8A-10P, Fri 8A-5P, and Sun 9A-5P, and is located at 333 S. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154. Admission to the show is free.

“My photographs depict life and the human experience in all its forms.  Light is my brush; I use it to capture mood and atmosphere.  The essence of geometric shape has always intrigued me, and I often search for new meaning and new perceptions within the visually common.  My take on the combination of graphic patterns and the human body lead to the success of the first Body Lines project in 1999-2000. I recently found myself at the same creative intersection, and decided to take a fresh look at this concept.  This time around, I frequently used more than one body in my images, and I used color in addition to black & white.  Using multiple bodies in the same shot has allowed me to explore additional dimensions, while continuing to work in abstract.  As always, I am excited to learn the various perceptions others will have of my art.”

                                                                                                                                    -Ophir Palmon

For more information, please contact:

Ophir Palmon
Artistic Visions
6658 South 85th Avenue
Omaha NE 68127
402-597-6842

http://avpol.com

Ophir@avpol.com