The Top of West Virginia Summit Art Gallery artists will be showcasing their work at Martha’s Gallery located at 736 Charles Street, Wellsburg, WV on Thursday, July 29 from 6 – 8pm. Twelve artists will display with a variety of mixed media. The event will be hosted by owners and operators of Martha’s Gallery, Chatman Neeley and Dr. Harry Sanford.
Artists being featured at the gallery are as follows…
Dale Biesecker- Dale studied art in his youth and indulged in artistic pursuits through the years, but started seriously painting a few years ago. He utilizes a variety of media, but primarily acrylics. His subject matter is eclectic, and his style is impressionism and realism.
Bob Watson- A watercolorist, Bob’s art began at an early age. He started out painting in multiple medias until transparent watercolor became his dominant choice. He has won numerous awards, and is a Signature Member of the Georgia Watercolor Society.
Mike Swartzmiller- A unique signature isn’t the only uniqueness of the works of self-proclaimed “painterly impressionist” artist Mike Swartzmiller. Although Mike’s paintings are primarily created with acrylic paint, the application is not limited to traditional canvas. Swartzmiller’s one of a kind originals are on recycled advertising cardboard, including pizza poxes, ceiling tile, old sheet music and mannequins.
Nancy Wright- Nancy, and impressionist painter, is a retired schoolteacher. She volunteers her time and talent by teaching art classes to both children and adults, art for fundraisers for organizations, and volunteers having art classes in several area schools. Her work is displayed at Summit Gallery, Morganton Gallery in North Carolina and local libraries. Nancy was one of the founders of the Top pf West Virginia Arts Council, and one of the organizers laying the groundwork for the opening of Summit Art Gallery.
Joyce Beatty- Joyce, who works with acrylics and oils, has a style somewhere between realism and impressionism. She is one of the three founders of the Top of West Virginia Arts Council, and was involved in the development of the Summit Art Gallery in Weirton.
Amy Franey- Cunningham- Amy paints from her imagination. She began in watercolors, which she says “I love the idea of transparency of color, and how to create shadows, which brings depth to art.” She also has another adventure which is jewelry making. Amy has published a poetry book about nature titled “Third Rock from the Sun.”
Savannah Schroll- Guz- Savannah is a mixed media artist whose work has illustrated numerous literary journals. Several examples are American University’s Folio, and venues like Pittsburgh Glass Center, New York Cities Artists Space and the Foundry Art Centre outside St. Louis.
Dennis Jones- Dennis has been pursuing his passion of capturing local nature scenes, after retiring from his engineering career. He seeks the beauty of sunsets, sunrises, moonrises, moonsets, weather, and wildlife. All of the photographs are local to our Tri-State area.
Diane Kessler- A watercolorist who taught art in private and public schools, as well as adults. Recipient of numerous art awards. She is currently displaying her artwork at Crosscurrents Stifel Art Centre in Wheeling.
Michelle Mitchell- Michelle works with acrylics, alcohol ink, wood, and fire. Michelle says “Art can be more beautiful than real life. My world is colorful and full of movement.”
Paul Spencer- Paul, who uses oil pastels and acrylics, has been painting for 10 years. He has his work displayed at Summit Art Gallery in Weirton, and has been a featured artist with the Steubenville Art Association in March of 2020.
Garen DiBartolomao- A commercial photographer who takes “A fine arts approach to commercial photography.” After decades of producing a variety of images for corporate, editorial and advertising clients, Garen has become an award winning fine arts photographer, most recently recognized by the 2021 APA-LA (American photographic Artist) Off the Clock competition.
The artists hope to see you for a wonderful evening of enjoyment, and to be able to share their beautiful artwork and stories.
