B Inspired

Daniel Price made a strategic choice in college to earn certification as an elementary education teacher while he decided what future direction to follow.  Politics "called" him briefly; radio appealed, but his combined talents and interests and his commitment to the betterment of his hometown community called him to his current position as executive director of the nonprofit Mosaic Community...

Trudy Moore explains her “pouring” technique and offers tips and insights about the process. Trudy comes to art following a full life teaching English—as department chair, TV producer—she and I have much in common! But she adds all sorts of skills to her repertoire in house building, interior design, traveling, exploring an art lesson now and then—always experimenting. A truly impressive Renaissan...

I loved getting to know Wendy Fox –how she first started her work “taking pictures” for her son and how she’s evolved as a fine art photographer who creates the atypical and tells a story with each piece. Wendy creates books of her photographs accompanied by quotes she loves. She continues to learn by doing, by participating in theme-related challenges with other photographers, by taking classes o...

We had such a great time! Adriene Billet, Building a Better Boyertown's social media manager, was the "first responder" to my Facebook meme requesting random advice, so we made a date to get to know one another and then to share the advice that my Facebook friends and former students happily sent for discussion. "No Gifts, Please," an essay I'd written for Studio B's 8th book of poetry, prose, and...

John Yamrus, writer, and Jane Stahl, host of "B Inspired," could talk about writing and books all day! Jane started the episode talking about one of her favorite novels--Ray Bradbury's novel Dandelion Wine, commenting that John's writing style and substance bear similarities to Ray's and offering some examples from one of John's 32 published books. John writes about what's in front of him in a min...

Jon Bond's long-time art career in graphic arts, painting, and sketching take inspiration in the rural landscape he loves. Nature's elements become props in his artwork and hidden symbols that reveal a world view he shares with poets, musicians, and his audiences who love the land, solitude, and simple beauties.  Find more information about Studio B Fine Art Gallery on our website: studiobbb....

While Denise Sedor's earliest school experiences did little to develop her artistic talent, she found ways throughout her artistic journey to learn and nurture the spirit within her that calls her to create--the most recent, during the pandemic, exploring digital classes in figural and portraiture studies that "saved her sanity" during lockdown. An admirer of abstract expressionists, using bold co...

Jay Ressler has stories to tell that could take a lifetime to share. He tells his stories in digital composite photographs that combine images reflecting his experiences and views on singular subjects or themed "statements." Current artwork includes painting and encaustics. Current projects include tending to a newly-planted forest, traveling, and supporting artists and friends around the world.&n...

Fabric artist Martha Ressler’s series of art quilts explore places she’s visited and loves and themes that capture her commitment to making her world a better, more livable space. Martha's “paintings” employ the skills and knowledge of composition in art: color, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value involving principles of balance, emphasis, harmony, movement, pattern, proportion, repe...

Artist and teacher Cindy Maguire wants you to think--hard, broaden your perspective about life, art, creativity--actually, everything! Out of war-torn places and homelands ravaged by poverty and lack of opportunity, Cindy inspires students to find meaning and beauty in their artistic expression. Born into a family of talented artists, Cindy creates work translating human experience into images and...

Rachel Conrad wants you to be remembered. Through her portrait photography, Rachel stages her photo shoots to tell the stories and to capture the personalities and passions, relationships, and contexts--particularly of multi-generations of women. "You never know what tomorrow brings" is the mantra that motivates her work to save the memories. She offers inspiration in her own story, her decision t...

Artist and teacher Sandy Camomile, transplanted long ago from Utah, retired from teaching digital art classes at Lasalle University, professed computer "nerd," calms herself when watching the news by capturing their ugliness in drawings as "swamp monsters," then creating them in 3D, then photographing the sculptures, and finally transforming them into digital photographs to express her disgust at...

Once upon a time Jane deGruchy took the only art class offered: a class in watercolor. And the medium she has mastered and that commands her afternoons offers her a chance to speak of the beauty of nature--of birds, flowers, vegetables--and common objects--items that in themselves hold more meaning than meets the eye, the beauty of living, and a legacy she skillfully fashions with her brush. ...

Joann Moy's work expresses the innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life, a hypothesis known as biophilia, introduced by Edward O. Wilson. Seeking to find this connection, this commonality among humanity--then and now--she paints her abstract figures in all colors and poses. Not content with one "signature style," she offers landscapes that capture the radiance of sun...

Carrie Kingsbury's career as a fine artist started early. Immersed in a family of artists, following an artistic journey was no surprise. Primarily a figural artist, Carrie seeks to capture the spirit of her subjects in her murals and personal work. Employed all over the world as a mural artist--inside restaurants or schools or outside throughout a community--alone or as part of a team of students...

Jolie Chylack's artistic life began almost randomly. A biology major, Jolie took a course in art to satisfy a curiosity. This minor spark ignited what has become her mission: utilizing art to educate and inform her audiences--students in her classes or adults drawn to the beauty in her artwork--about issues in the natural world that need care and attention. She sees positive change and feels hopef...

Cyndi Arnold liberated herself from thinking that her art had to be "perfect." Weaving color and texture into her expressive mixed media work, she explores her inner world with quiet abandon. Leaving the corporate environment to focus on her artwork satisfies a life-long call to create.  Find more information about Studio B Fine Art Gallery on our website: studiobbb.org, on Studio B’s Faceboo...

FIRSTS: Before Studio B's "Birds" exhibit even opened, artist Sandra Seaman's "Sunday Brunch with Birds" worked its charm and became the exhibit's FIRST sale. And while Ashley Kolpak's first love is to work in Mixed Media, she returned to oil paint for "Beauty and the Beast" and earned a FIRST PLACE award for technical achievement. Both artists create their magic in a variety of mediums. Sandra is...

Artist and teacher Nicole McGonigal shares the ups and down of new motherhood in the middle of an historic pandemic: the frightening reality of learning to care for her newborn and the loss of personal identity coupled with the glorious bond and intimacy that can only be developed in isolation--learning all the "firsts" together. Learning "fluid art"--full of bright color and free expression--sign...

Multi-talented Krysta Bernhardt explores the Light and Dark that life offers in the everyday challenges and obstacles we all face in many forms throughout our lives. Finding balance between what we offer others and taking care of ourselves while riding the waves of joy and despair are the themes that Krysta feels compelled to express in her performance, visual, and literary art.  Find more in...

Fine artist Laura Gelsomini calls herself a "rebel," a seeker of solutions, challenged by new ideas and her own artistic journey. Laura's figural work explores human relationships, struggles for identity, and the quest for independence from rigid rules and expectations.  Find more information about Studio B Fine Art Gallery on our website: studiobbb.org, on Studio B’s Facebook page, by contac...

Drew Carlson: Today a hobbyist creating mobile art from found wood and laser cut steel and offering surprising "trout trees" that hide his art among the leaves throughout spring and summer and reveal themselves in autumn. Tomorrow--an artist determined to paint the jeweled beauty of the trout he loves.  Find more information about Studio B Fine Art Gallery on our website: studiobbb.org, on St...

Albert Ciervo captured a "Best in Show" award and the essence of Buddha in his painting "Don't Worry, Be Happy," currently showcased in Studio B's exhibit "New Day / New World." Albert's unique style utilizing Venetian plaster, wax, and wood is best appreciated in person for its texture, subtle palette, and whimsical details. Albert's Buddha shows us how to chill out in these crazy times. Also inc...

The Casinos--inspired and inspiring: Jamie and Jeff Cascino invited members of the community to add their wishes to the Wishing Tree that decorated their front lawn during December 2020.  On the same day that Studio B hung its first exhibit of 2021 entitled "New Day / New World" and the country welcomed its 46th President, Jamie shared the wishes that adorned their tree and her own wishes for...

“Anyone alive and well-associated with our community knows Tessi from her past leadership at the Gilbertsville and New Hanover YMCA’s and her position at St. John’s Lutheran Church,” offered Greg Herb, president of The Foundation for Boyertown Education, in July 2016, when he introduced her as the Foundation's executive director. “Her positive energy and enthusiasm are well-known and respected by...