Since the 1960's the
Gallery at the Presbyterian Church has embodied the church's commitment to the
belief that the arts are a vital expression of the human spirit. The Gallery is
part of our mission, providing an arena for artists to exhibit their work and
an opportunity for the community to experience that work.
Believing that the human spirit grows when stretched by the
encounter with different visions and ways of expression, The Gallery offers
quality works that challenge and engage the viewer, as well as those that
comfort and affirm accepted viewpoints. In selecting artists and work to be
displayed, The Gallery will choose works (conventional and unconventional) that
affirm the goodness of God's creation.
--Mission Statement
The Gallery at the Presbyterian Church has chosen artists ranging from the young, emerging artist, to recognized, accomplished artists in North Jersey and the New York Metropolitan area. The Director of The Gallery since 1997 is Carol Mainardi who has volunteered since she began to be mentored by Cornelia Baker in 1992. Carol's talents as an artist and printmaker and her track record of being two term past President of "Salute to Women in the Arts", and an expert in Paper Restoration and bookbinding having worked at The New York Botanical Garden led her to being chosen as The Gallery's Director. Her love of PCFL and The Gallery Mission statement are true to her heart. Her personal mission is to consistently expose fine art to the surrounding community.
To book your show or for exhibition information, call the church at
(201) 891-0511. Carol Mainardi will assist you in any way to help you prepare for your exhibit.
Shows are booked each month, September through June.
Former Gallery Director
Cornelia Baker continues:
"It enhances all of our lives and society to see this kind of creativity. The artists and shows include various media, from the traditional to the very experimental. We choose artists from diverse ethnic groups. We have the full backing of the minister. It's a dialogue in the church community. The audience is the whole community. This is a way for us, as a church to reach out to the whole community. To bring all kinds of people, Muslims, Jews, Fundamentalists, Christians, whomever, into the gallery and into the church setting. I think it is our way of saying, we all need to get along. It may sound a little sweet and saccharine, but it really isn't. People begin to discuss what should be shown, what should not be shown. They'll say, this is the most fantastic show you've ever had. Then others will say, when it more abstract, more esoteric, not so obvious, 'I don't understand it'. It is is an opportunity for us to educate the public and help them to see beyond their expectations. It's a very wide and diversified audience. We invite the artist to give a gallery talk, which gives the audience some idea of where the artist is coming from. It is important to give the artists an opportunity to express what their intention was and to give the public a chance to ask questions."
May 2009
Jean Jaicks
Wheaton
The Gallery of The Presbyterian Church at Franklin Lakes is pleased to present the work of NJ artist Jeanne Jaicks Wheaton. Wheaton, who works in oil, mixed media and acrylic, will show her work from May 2-26; an artist’s reception will be held at The Gallery on Saturday, May 9 from 5-8PM. The reception is free and open to the public.
The exhibit, titled “Between The Lines,” will consist of approximately 35 works. Wheaton’s most recent work has evolved to embrace her love of decorative pattern. She uses intense colors, metallic, and glittery paint to achieve dense compositions that engage our imagination and introduce us to her own magical world. One cannot escape reference to maps and aerial views of the landscape, but her wild use of color and patterning reflects an artistic sensibility and a life spent engrossed in design. Wheaton breathes creativity.
The Gallery, located in The Presbyterian Church at Franklin Lakes, 730 Franklin Lake Road, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, is open M-F 9AM-3PM, Sat 9:30-11:30AM and by appointment with the artist: 201-652-3753 or jejaw@optonline.net. For directions please call 201-891-0511 or visit us at pcfl.org.
