Artist Spotlight: Seven Maplewood & South Orange Winners From The 2020 Essex County Senior Citizen Annual Juried Art Show

In continuing the Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture mission of ensuring inclusive and accessible art for all, this week’s Artist Spotlight features seven MAPSO award-winning senior artists from the 2020 Essex County Senior Citizens Juried Art Show which was conducted virtually this year.

Of the 33 winners in Essex County, the five from Maplewood are: Peter Astor, with second place nonprofessional acrylic for ‘Undertow’; Mary Franklin, first place nonprofessional acrylic for ‘Hope’; Nila Pusin, first place professional sculpture for ‘Quurtle’; Arlene Silva, second place nonprofessional mixed-media for ‘The Wedding’; and Jill Vondervor, first place professional water color for ‘Atlantic City.’ The two winners from South Orange are: Gail Gardella, second place professional oil for ‘The Flower Station,’ and Annette Kushen, first place professional digital category for ‘Untitled.’

“The talent displayed by our senior artists is truly amazing, and the artwork is inspiring. Essex County has a thriving fine arts community and our senior art show allows our older artists, both professionals and nonprofessionals, with an opportunity to display their work. This is an excellent event for us to promote the arts and inspire our residents to use their talents.” — Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo as noted in the November issue of Essex News Daily.

“The art community in SOMA is strong and always has been. Each year, we have Maplewood and South Orange seniors win awards in the Essex County Contest, and I am so pleased that the competition could continue under COVID. The range of subjects and artistic styles was better than ever, and some of our most talented seniors were able to participate. Well done everybody!” — Cathy Rowe, Coordinator, SOMA Two Towns for All Ages

‘Atlantic City’ by Jill Vondervor
First Place 2020 Essex County Senior Citizen Juried Art Show Professional Watercolor

Jill Vondervor’s award winning painting ‘Atlantic City’ was inspired by her godson Steven Miller's photo. Jill received first place in teh professional watercolor category.

“The sky, ocean and pier remind me Atlantic City is more than casinos.  I evoke the viewer to feel our Jersey shore.”
— Jill Vondervor

Jill Vondervor, originally from Hudson County, has lived in Maplewood since 1971, and is in her current home since 1977. Jill Attended the School of Visual Arts, NY and NJ, DuCret School of Art, and the School of Advertising Art. Jill studied with two New Jersey Premier artists, W. Carl Burger and the late Ed Havas — her friends and mentors. Jill retired in 2001 and serendipitously took a water color class with Elizabeth Horowitz which taught her to love the water color medium . Upon Ms. Horowitz’ suggestion, Jill joined the Essex Water Color Club EWCClub.com to exhibit. Membership in the EWCC, the Garden State Watercolor Society and the Drew Art Association have given to Jill many wonderful lasting friendships. Email: Vondervor@aol.com

“I have success painting commissions of homes, everyone's home is meaningful and I try to capture their precious memories.” — Jill Vondervor

‘Fantasy Sunrise’ by Jill Vondervor

Water Color Irises by Jill Vondervor

Jill Vondervor with Grand Children

‘Hope’ by Mary Franklin
First Place 2020 Essex County Senior Citizen Juried Art Show Non-professional Acrylic

Maplewood’s Mary Franklin received First Place in the non-professional acrylic category for her piece titled ‘Hope’. Mary Franklin has spent many years living in Maplewood and raised two children, Nick and Mike, with her husband, Douglas.  Mary loves the town, the beauty, the quaintness and the many people that she has been privileged to know.  Mary started painting about 10 years ago.  It was a new interest which she embraced with all her heart.  Loving color and the beauty of this earth, it was a good fit for her. 

“I’m learning daily and am very honored that I won a prize.  It has nursed me through bad times and good times, and I Encourage everyone especially during this time to find their creative soul. It has given me peace and is a constant extension of reaching beyond this dimension.”
– Mary Franklin

‘A Life Well Lived’ by Mary Franklin

‘Reaching for Dreams’ by Mary Franklin

Mary Franklin - Leaving summer reluctantly for the breezes of fall Last year in November visiting her mother

‘Quurtle’ by Nila Pusin
Raku-fired ceramic, doll parts, leather glove parts, clay, garden trowel (on underside)
Part of my "Imaginary Zoo" series, which includes works in a variety of media (papier mache, collage, salvaged materials) as well as written descriptions.
First Place 2020 Essex County Senior Citizen Juried Art Show Professional Sculpture

Maplewood Resident Nila Pusin received First Place in the professional sculpture category for ‘Quurtle’, part of Nila’s Imaginary Zoo series, which includes works in a variety of media including papier mache, collage, and salvaged materials. ’Quurtle’ is Raku-fired ceramic with doll parts, leather glove parts, clay, and garden trowel on the underside.

Nila Pusin grew up in Essex County and has lived in Maplewood for 24 years. Nila attended Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem for three years. Nila is a professional Hebrew teacher. She is married and has two children in their 20’s. Email: moranehama54@verizon.net

“Art is about seeing; making stuff is secondary.”
—Nila Pusin

‘Coyote’ by Nila Pusin
2015
Violin case, architectural piece, leather

‘Lion’ by Nila Pusin
Child's toilet seat, scrap metal, forged iron nails, folding rulers, lamp parts
First Place, 2014 Essex County Senior Citizen Juried Art Show, Non-Professional Sculpture
First Place, 2014 New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show, Non-Professional Sculpture

Nila Pusin [Selfie]

‘Undertow’ by Peter Astor
Second Place 2020 Essex County Senior Art Show Nonprofessional Acrylic
Depicts the visible and invisible forces of ocean currents as they meet the resistance of gravity and the beach

Peter Astor of Maplewood received second place in the nonprofessional acrylic category for ‘Undertow’ which depicts the visible and invisible forces of ocean currents as they meet the resistance of gravity and the beach.

A Maplewood resident for 45 years, Dr. Astor spends his free time painting, tutoring mathematics, and seeing his grandchildren, one of whom is shown in a submitted painting. “Surprisingly, mathematics and the arts are not conflicting, but simply different versions of creativity,” says Peter. Astor worked with metal and clay when he was young, but turned to painting over the last four years. He currently studies under the Chilean artist, Lorena Vera. 

“I prefer to work in oils and acrylics because of the appearance of texture we mortals can achieve through those media." — Peter Astor

 You will be able to see Peter’s masterpieces in his Maplewood studio — when the current pandemic is in the rearview mirror! Peter has about a dozen works in oil and acrylic, some paintings are for sale; some are not.  You can inquire by writing to env.partners@verizon.net.

‘Birch & Stream’ by Peter Astor
2020 Acrylic
Depicts a bucolic and diverse landscape we need during this turbulent year

‘Isla & Bennett’ by Peter Astor
2018 Acrylic
Gift to son and daughter-in-law thanking them for a beautiful grandchild  

Dr. Peter Astor with his BFF

‘The Flower Station’ by Gail Gardella
Second Place 2020 Essex County Senior Citizen Juried Art Show Professional Oil

Gail Gardella of South Orange received second place in the professional oil category for ‘The Flower Station’. For many years, underneath the train station in New Brunswick, New Jersey, there was a flower shop which offered commuters a view of beauty as they traveled to and from work.  It was a view and a concept that captured Gail’s imagination which she has finally revealed from her perspective.

“Having passed the Flower Station many times, I finally feel that I have shown its uniqueness and the uplifting feeling that it gave to those who passed it.” — Gail Gardella

Moving to South Orange two years ago placed Gail Gardella in a community of caring people and surroundings that are truly inspirational. An artist for many years, Gail’s formal study began with Diane Greene and the Greene Studio in New York.  Gail’s art is linked to her love of yoga and Qigong, the combination of which enhances her work.  Nature is Gail’s inspiration with both its overt and hidden beauty. 
GailGardella.com|womensartpower.com|E-mail: ggart1120@comcast.net

“Being a naturalist in our present technological world, my art seeks to provide a path back to the simplicity, beauty and softness, capturing the light that emanates from my subjects and inspires my creations.” — Gail Gardella

‘Tomorrows’ by Gail Gardella
Oil on Canvas, 14” x 18”

‘Quiet Moments’
As she readies herself, she is lost in the thoughts of her dance.
Her quiet moments are filled with feelings of the inspiring world in which she is about to enter.

‘Quiet Moments’ by Gail Gardella
Oil on Canvas, 14” X 18”

‘Tomorrows’
The past is in mind;
The present is here.
The path leads to our future.

Gail Gardella

Annette Kushen of South Orange received first place in the professional digital category for ‘Untitled’. Arlene Silva of Maplewood received second place in the nonprofessional mixed-media category for ‘The Wedding’.

‘Untitled’ by Annette Kushen
First Place 2020 Essex County Senior Citizen Juried Art Show Professional Digital

‘The Wedding’ by Arlene Silva
Second Place 2020 Essex County Senior Citizen Juried Art Show Nonprofessional Mixed-media

To see the full story of the 2020 Essex County Senior Citizens Annual Juried Art Show and the 33 Essex County Senior Artist winners in the Essex Daily News November, 4, 2020 Issue visit: https://essexnewsdaily.com/arts/92211

The mission of the Division of Arts & Culture, under the Community Service Department is to foster a creative community of artists and organizations, enhancing the quality of life for residents of Maplewood by ensuring that artistic and cultural experiences are inclusive and accessible to all.