From Raw To Refined

SCULPTORS TRANSITION FROM RAW TO REFINED

From Raw to Refined will run October 16, 2012 to November 17, 2012, featuring the work of artists Harold Gubnitsky, Paul Kant, Jason Schultz, and miChelle Vara. Sculptures retain the rawness intrinsic to their materials, even after the process of shaping them into something new and different. The work’s simplified stylized forms and weathered textures of metal and wood are evocative of a rustic, broken-down environment.

Harold Gubnitsky, currently living in Ravena, NY, is a sculptor who lived out many different lives—as a lithographer, a soldier, and a furniture refinisher--before stumbling into fine art. He sculpts figures in wood, ranging in size and style—some raw and loose, some elegant and polished. Gubnitsky’s work has brought him much recognition, including first place in Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit.

Paul Kant is a longtime teacher and artist who immigrated to the US from Germany in 1953. He earned a teaching degree at SUNY Buffalo, going on to teach art at Niskayuna High School for 33 years. Kant has displayed his work in more than 20 solo shows throughout his career. His sculptures are made of wood and metal--some depicting animals, others nonobjective and seemingly utilitarian.
Jason Schultz is a landscape designer and artist, specializing in wall art and garden sculptures. He takes pride in working with mostly recycled materials, which he scavenges for in flea markets, dumpsters, and Adirondack back woods. Schultz’s wall pieces, metal garden sculptures, totem poles, and stone works have a kitschy, whimsical quality to them that is simultaneously relatable and inviting.

miChelle Vara has sold personalized art services, including airbrushing, hand and vinyl lettering, painting, and welding for the past 30 years. She was trained as an industrial welder, then decided to marry her welding skills with her affinity for fine art. Vara has been commissioned to do over 18 pieces for public and private institutions, including a sculpture called “The Guide,” created for the Adirondack Museum in 2011.

The opening reception for From Raw to Refined will be held on Friday, November 2 , 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p .m. at Albany Center Gallery, 39 Columbia Street, in Downtown Albany.