Highspire Ballet Academy to show art and movement, Feb. 27
By Lele Galer, Columnist, The Times
This Saturday, February 27th, the Highspire Ballet Academy in Downingtown will be hosting a very unique art event that will be a thrill to all your artistic senses. From 10am -5pm there will be a multiple live sessions of art and movement. Under the directorship of Gleidson Hoffmann, ballet dancers will perform throughout the day.
The youngest students will start in the morning, followed by warm up session and moving to professional dancers in the afternoon. Respected Chester County artists were selected to capture the ballet movements in their respective art mediums in a plein air day of sketching and painting to the music and movement of the ballet performances.
The local esteemed artists include painters Adrian Martinez, Jeff Schaller, Randall Graham, Teresa Haag, David Katz, David Oleski, Brian Eppley and Diane Cirafasi. What fun to see these great artists at work!
Highspire Ballet Academy owner Tracy Hoffmann will act as concierge and will be available to describe the classes and workshops presented at the ballet academy. Gleidson Hoffmann will act as the master of ceremonies, to introduce the various movements and routines. This lively and colorful event is free to the public, from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.
There is ample free parking, and light refreshments will be served throughout the day. There will be an exhibition opening reception for the completed artwork on Friday, April 1st, and everyone is welcome to attend. The Highspire Ballet Academy is located at 534 Trestle Place in Downingtown, and this intriguing event was organized by still-life painter David Oleski, who also runs the Downingtown Arts Festival in the Summer.
Refugees, by Helena Stockar showing at Mala Gallerie in Kennett Square.
In Kennett Square, the big draw would be the latest collection of new artwork at Mala Gallerie. This month Mala is showcasing two internationally famous artists Endre Penovac and Helena Stockar. Endre is from NoviSad Serbia, and while he has exhibited all over Europe, this is his first exhibit in the United States. Helena is a refugee from Czechoslovakia who moved to Chester County. Her work often recalls her memories and experiences as a refugee, and places them in the context of universal struggles.
Local artists Abigail Patterson, Lele Galer, painter Carrie Barcomb, Leander Fontaine and Monique Sarkessian all have works at the gallery as well. Stella’s ability to completely transform this very small gallery space every month is nothing short of magic. From Mala Gallerie, walk to the Longwood Gallery which offers a wonderful assortment of local artists’ works, from painting to jewelry. By the way, Mala Gallerie has done up their gallery window to reflect the “National Parks” theme of this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show. Vote for their window display at https://www.facebook.com/theflowershow/app/1263557903659533/ to put Kennett Square on the map!
