Kate Buggeln

Serene landscapes invite you into the peaceful embrace of nature

Kate Buggeln picked up the camera following a long and successful career in retail and fashion. Whether the work is figurative or abstract, Kate’s intent is to communicate a mood, spirituality, mystery, or all three. The result can be dream-like or a puzzle. Imitating the painters and potters she grew up with, Kate uses a physical process. Many of her abstract images are created by deliberate camera movements in low light and sometimes, what emerges appears a painting. But when the weather, water or place are right, she is drawn to the figurative possibilities. All works contain a single digital exposure and while edited, do not use Al. Any distortions are created by movement, fabric, fog or reflections. Self-taught and with an impatience for post processing, Kate creates provocative instinctual results. Kate also writes a creative blog called “The Snapshack” which shares impressions of art, life and her photography. She is the former Co-President of Piermont Flywheel Gallery, and has been featured in several galleries in Rockland County, NY and the Tri-state area.

Serban Chelariu

Serban Chelariu's Journey from Engineering to Celebrated Painter and Poet

Serban Chelariu, born in 1943 in Bucharest, Romania, combines his engineering degree with a profound passion for the arts. Through mastering the visual elements of shape, tone, texture, color, and form, he dives into the expansive possibilities of painting, where the spontaneous stroke of the brush often leads to unforeseen artistic revelations. Having fled communist Romania in the 1970s, Serban’s transition to a celebrated artist and published poet in the United States is underscored by solo exhibitions across Boulder, Colorado; Manhattan, New York; Durham, North Carolina; and Washington D.C., and annual group shows at the Piermont Flywheel Gallery in New York. His journey reflects a commitment to melding technical skill with creative expression, capturing the delicate balance between structured engineering principles and the fluidity of artistic intuition.

Jan Davis

A Journey of Expression and Resilience, Inspired by Nature and Personal Loss

Jan Davis is an artist whose passion for drawing, painting, and experimenting with color has been a lifelong journey. Influenced by the works of Emil Nolde, Vincent Van Gogh, and Charles Burchfield, Davis has developed a distinctive style that celebrates the vibrancy and expressiveness of the natural world, particularly flowers. Holding a Master’s Degree in Art Education from SUNY. New Paltz, she honed her skills in creating large, expressive paintings on canvas during her college years. For over three decades, Davis dedicated herself to teaching art in Marlboro, New York. Her love for the patterns, colors, and prints found in fabrics led her to pursue summer classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where she mastered painting highly detailed florals and was introduced to gouache paint. Tragically, three years ago, Davis faced the unimaginable loss of her son, a brilliant and handsome 26-year-old, to fentanyl. This profound grief has deeply impacted her life and work. She finds solace in painting and continues to channel her emotions into her art, creating pieces that reinforce her personal path of healing and remembrance.

Elaine Greene

Where Imagination Meets Color: Elaine Greene's Vibrant World of Collage and Assemblage Art

Elaine Greene is a colorful and inventive artist, known for her creative use of collage and assemblage. She has a unique style that captures the eye and sparks the imagination. Elaine loves color, movement and energy. Painting, layering, ripping, and cutting all comprise her mixed media artwork. She invites her audience to let their imagination take flight, explaining “there is no getting it right.” Elaine dedicates her time to creating artwork, after retiring from her previous career as a business owner. With a BFA from Fordham University’s Lincoln Center Campus, and training at the Art Students League NYC and Parsons School of Design, Elaine joined Piermont Flywheel Gallery 10 years ago. Her work has been shown in many regional and national exhibits, and it is included in many private collections. She draws inspiration from artists such as Robert Rauschenberg, Louise Nevelson, and Henri Matisse, incorporating their use of non-traditional materials, wall installations, and patterns and colors into her own pieces.

Harry
Martin

Emmy-Winning TV Journalist to Award Winning Photographer Exploring Underwater World of Fashion

Harry Martin’s journey from an acclaimed TV news journalist to a masterful underwater photographer is a testament to his versatile talents and unwavering passion for the arts. With an Emmy award-winning career that spanned roles as a photographer, reporter, anchor, and talk-show host, Harry has always been at the forefront of storytelling, whether behind the camera or in front of it. His love for photography ignited at the tender age of 7. Influenced by the likes of Picasso, Ansel Adams, and Henri Cartier-Bresson, his work transcends traditional boundaries, offering a fresh perspective on the underwater world. Beyond photography, Harry’s creativity extends to music; his compositions have graced the off-Broadway play “Deceptions,” showcasing his multifaceted talent. Harry’s photography has not only been celebrated in national magazines but also featured in the prestigious “The Art of Fashion” at Neiman Marcus, marking his influence in both the art and fashion worlds. His journey from capturing the news to encapsulating the beauty of the underwater realm highlights a remarkable transition, showcasing his ability to find beauty and intrigue in all forms of expression.

Mario Merchan

Infusing Ecuadorian Heritage and Human Emotion into Every Brushstroke

Mario Merchan is an artist whose work is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of his Ecuadorian heritage and the universal experiences of human emotion. Drawing from the vivid memories of his childhood in Ecuador, Merchan sees the world through a lens that captures the unique character and soul of everything around him. His art is a celebration of life in all its forms, aiming to immortalize the essence of his subjects with a raw, emotive intensity that transcends mere visual representation. Merchan’s distinctive approach to art is characterized by his keen ability to infuse his pieces with a sense of vitality and energy. Whether he’s painting a portrait, sketching an animal, or capturing the serene beauty of a landscape, his work invites viewers to engage on a deeper level, sparking an emotional dialogue between the piece and the person observing it. At the core of Merchan’s artistic philosophy is the belief that all things, regardless of their state of motion or stillness, possess an inherent character waiting to be explored and expressed.

Kevin Murray

From Corporate Advertising to Capturing the Extraordinary in Fine Art Photography

After dedicating over a quarter-century to the fast-paced world of New York corporate advertising, Kevin sought a change towards a more reflective and profound engagement with the world through photography. This journey led him to embrace fine art landscape photography. Inspired by Robert Frank’s philosophy that “The eye should learn to listen before it looks,” Kevin’s work invites viewers to pause and see the world from an unexplored perspective, capturing the extraordinary within the ordinary. Beyond photography, Kevin merges his passion for music with visual art, playing the guitar at art exhibitions. This blend of auditory and visual experiences offers attendees a unique, immersive encounter, encouraging them to connect with art on a deeper level. Through his lens and music, Kevin transports people to a place where they can rediscover beauty in the overlooked nuances of life.

Gigi Perez

Transforming Recycled Materials into Art - A Bold Statement on Sustainability, Identity, and Creative Expression

Gigi Perez has a distinctive approach to her work by transforming recycled materials—paper from magazines, books, and catalogs collected over years of attending protests and events—into compelling artworks. Her method isn’t just a creative choice, it’s a statement on sustainability and the power of art to repurpose the everyday into something extraordinary. Perez’s arsenal includes acrylics, spray paint, tape collage, and mixed media on canvas. Through these mediums, she explores gestural painting and printmaking techniques, creating pieces that are rich in both expression and interpretation. An active member of the LGBTQ+ community, Perez ensures her work resonates with themes of identity and representation. Her artistic journey began under the tutelage of her mother, an abstract artist who introduced her to the works of Georgia O’Keeffe, Marcel Duchamp, and Francis Picabia. Her work not only challenges the traditional boundaries of art but also celebrates its capacity to inspire change and reflection.

Gary Phillips

Blurring the Lines Between Art and Archaeology: Gary Phillips Unearths London's History Through Mixed Media Collages

Gary Phillips is an artist whose unique approach to creativity blurs the lines between art and archaeology. His pieces are not merely artistic expressions but are imbued with the rich tapestry of over 1,000 years of London’s history. From the remnants of Roman occupation to the periods of brisk commerce, Gary’s art encapsulates the essence of London’s dynamic past and present. Specializing in mixed media collages Gary ensures that each creation is a one-of-a-kind treasure with its own unique narrative. At the heart of Gary’s artistic philosophy is the belief that every object has a story waiting to be told. Gary also uses his artistic talent to bring everyday objects to life - his New York City manhole cover (right) is a great example. Through his innovative use of found and recycled items, Gary not only creates beauty from the forgotten but also enriches our understanding of the past, making history accessible and engaging for all.

Sally Schaedler

Intuitive Exploration of Art Through Color, Texture, and Life's Experiences

Sally Schaedler’s artistic journey is one marked by an unwavering dedication to the craft, driven not by choice but by an inherent obsession with art. From early on, Schaedler found herself compelled to express through painting. Financial necessities initially guided her towards a career in design and illustration, yet she remained steadfast in her commitment to painting. The birth of her children marked a pivot to portraiture, a genre that allowed her to balance her artistic pursuits with the demands of motherhood. Schaedler’s work is a reflection of her life experiences, deeply influenced by her travels, notably to Mexico and Turkey. These journeys enriched her palette, introducing texture, depth, and an intricate dance of spatial forms into her abstractions. Her approach to art is deeply intuitive, a method rooted in the teachings of a former professor who advocated for the evolution of color and shape on the canvas without preconceived notions. This philosophy has led Schaedler to embrace the unpredictable nature of her work, where shapes and images emerge organically, revealing hidden depths and narratives within the canvas.

Michael Scowden

Elevating Everyday Scenes into Emotional Masterpieces Through Realist Art

Michael Scowden, drawing inspiration from the traditional realists of the 19th and early 20th centuries, has established himself as an artist who seeks to convey the subtle poetry inherent in everyday scenes. His work, though varied in subject, consistently aims to transcend the mundane, inviting viewers to connect with the deeper emotional undercurrents present in the ordinary. Scowden’s artistic journey is one of constant exploration and discovery. Whether it’s the nuanced play of light on a still life, the quiet dignity in a portrait, or the unspoken stories hidden in landscapes, he approaches each piece with a reverence for the inherent beauty and complexity of his subjects. His technique, honed over years of practice, reflects a commitment to capturing not just the physical likeness but also the ephemeral essence of these scenes and people. Beyond his technical skills, what sets Scowden apart is his ability to connect with his audience on a personal level. This connection is the heart of Scowden’s artistry, making his work not just a visual experience but a deeply emotive journey.

Julie Scholz

Embracing Life's Contrasts Finding Beauty in Chaos Through Vibrant Photography and Abstract Paintings

Julie Scholz, from Piermont, NY, is an artist known for her vibrant photography and abstract paintings. Her art combines bright colors, soft lighting, and unique compositions to invite viewers on a reflective journey. Scholz skilfully mixes realism with abstraction, offering a fresh perspective for exploring personal thoughts and feelings. Through her work, she aims to encourage people to see the beauty in the chaos of life and to find moments of joy and inspiration. Her approach to both painting and photography is about more than creating art; it’s about sparking curiosity and offering a sense of peace amidst disorder. Julie believes in the power of art to inspire and to reveal the hidden harmony in the world’s complexity. Ultimately, Julie Scholz’s work is about connecting with viewers, encouraging them to embrace the mix of order and chaos in their lives. Her art serves as a reminder of the beauty that exists around us, prompting a deeper appreciation for the world’s inherent contrasts.

Tony Seker

The World of Abstract Painting Reflecting the Strife of a Civil War

Tony Seker was born in Beirut, Lebanon and had to flee the country with his family during the Lebanese Civil War. His style of “action” painting was developed during his diasporic experience, when he resorted to painting his toy model fighter planes with pieces of cardboard. Seker abandoned using traditional camouflage colors and embraced bold, colorful paint, which became part of his statement against war. Although his style and technique are similar to Richter and Pollock, Seker attributes his greatest influences to be the great comedic and cinematic performers of that era, such as Peter Sellers, Bruce Lee, and Victor Borge. He still channels their uniqueness when painting, which results in his self-taught technique involving bold movements, and colorful paint. In each painting, he incorporates elements of design and randomness, mirroring his life experience. The message of his work is greater compassion for those who have been dealt more challenging lives randomly. In 2023, Seker founded a non-profit called Diaspor’Art to help combat future diasporas by hosting art events that empower activism on related topics. His work has been exhibited throughout the NYC area and in Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Basel, Dubai, Malé (Maldives), and Beirut.

Suzanne Sunshine

Abstract Expresions of Light, Sound and Touch Through Artistic Risks

Suzanne Sunshine is an artist whose abstract work delves into the exploration of edges derived from the everyday experiences of light, sound, and touch. Suzanne’s creative process is driven by her commitment to intelligent risk-taking, a method that allows her to express deep emotions while remaining acutely aware of her artistic boundaries. Recently, Suzanne has ventured into experimenting with alcohol inks, drawn to their vibrant colors, fluid movement, and the unique effects and transparencies they offer. The dynamic and contrasting environments of New York City and Piermont, where she divides her time, significantly influence her artistic direction. The bustling urban life and serene natural landscapes serve as a constant source of inspiration, reflecting in the diversity and depth of her artwork. Beyond her life as an artist, Suzanne is a successful realtor, specializing in luxury properties in Manhattan. She balances her professional endeavors with her personal life as a devoted wife to Bill and a mother to two adult children, Alex and Marc.

Rachele Unter

Exploring the Tangible and Abstract Revealing the Deeper Meaning Below the Surface

Rachele Unter immerses herself in the vibrant dance of art, always on a quest for a deeper understanding and a unique way to peer into the essence of both the tangible and the abstract. She not only examines the object at the heart of her work but also delves beyond its surface, pondering its significance in her life and finding the most effective means to convey that insight. Her distinctive artistic approach is shaped by a rich tapestry of experiences and passions, ranging from tango and Latin dancing to running a café in New York City, and from extensive travels to dedicated studies in printmaking and painting since earning a Fine Arts degree from college. Her artistic journey has been further enriched by training under two influential figures in oil painting and printmaking, which has refined her skills and contributed to her unique artistic perspective. Unter draws inspiration from a diverse group of artists, including the likes of Miro, Picasso, and Richard Diebenkorn, as well as the Fauvists.

Ron Wohlgemuth

Exploring New Horizons from Traditional Painting to Innovative Digital Hybrid Art

Since joining the Gallery in 2012, Ron Wohlgemuth has showcased the depth of his artistic journey, spanning over five decades from traditional painting to embracing the digital art sphere. This transition represents not just a change in medium but a broadening of his creative horizon, where digital tools have provided a new canvas for his ever-evolving artistic explorations. His evolution into ‘digital hybrid art’—a blend of painting, drawing, and photography through digital techniques—highlights his refusal to be confined to any single artistic style. Ron’s work, ranging from abstract to almost realistic, embodies eclecticism, challenging viewers to explore and interpret his diverse portfolio. This approach not only demonstrates his versatility but also his ability to adapt and innovate within the digital landscape. At the core, Ron invites his audience into ‘his playground,’ a space for exploration and engagement with his multifaceted digital creations, underscoring his commitment to pushing the boundaries of visual expression.