Watch a collaborative public art project being installed in Somerville's hub on May 27

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Artist's sketch of the sculpture, by Bob Richardson.

In celebration of community, Memorial Day and the 77th Tour of Somerville Cycling Classic bike races, Arts on Division presents the live construction of an interactive outdoor sculpture on Division Street in the hub of downtown Somerville on Saturday, May 27. (Across the street from Gallery on Main.) New Jersey artist and arts educator Bob Richardson has conceived and designed the sculpture, and has been creating its components with the participation of students from Immaculata High School in Somerville, Somerville High School, Middle Earth (a nonprofit agency providing services to teens and adolescents in Somerset County), and Richardson's own students from Arts High School in Newark, where he's been a teacher for 19 years. The public is invited to watch Richardson and the participating students assembling the sculpture on-site, which will take place from 9:00 a.m. until about 11:00 a.m.

Students from Immaculata, Arts High and Somerville High School will contribute eight original paintings to the assemblage. They, along with students from Middle Earth, are also making little wire sculptures of bicycles that will become part of the larger piece.

After the sculpture has been assembled, other students and community members are invited to use a black or red permanent "Sharpie" marker to add their own contribution to the sculpture on the themes of "community, Memorial Day, and/or the Tour of Somerville." Markers will be made available, or bring your own.

The outdoor sculpture will remain on view on Division Street.

About Bob Richardson:

Known for his assemblage sculptures made of found objects and reclaimed materials, Bob Richardson's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout New Jersey and New York, including the Montclair Art Museum, Monmouth Museum and the Newark Museum, among others. His outdoor sculptures have also been on display at New York City's Central Park (in conjunction with Earth Day), and in various New Jersey towns such as Madison, Newark and Mountain Lakes. In addition to his work as a professional artist, Richardson has been a teacher at Arts High School in Newark — the nation's oldest public high school for the arts — for 19 years. Recently, he collaborated with his students on a site-specific outdoor installation at Newark's Branch Brook Park called Cherry Blossoms in Winter, which was featured in a short film by DreamPlay Media.

Prior to his tenure as an art teacher, Richardson worked in the exhibition department of the Museum of Natural History in New York City for three years. He also spent nine years with MJM Studios, an architectural sculpture service, working on landmark preservation in New York City and other projects. A graduate of Pratt Institute in New York as a sculpture major, he lives in Madison, NJ.

Artist of the Month Exhibition: Darlene Foster

Darlene Foster, "And the Band Played On," photographic montage, 2017. Image © Darlene Foster.

Darlene Foster, "Night of the Iguana," photographic montage, 2016. Image © Darlene Foster.

Darlene Foster, "The Skeleton Keys," photographic montage, 2014. Image © Darlene Foster.

Darlene Foster, "Tread Lightly at Twilight," photographic montage, 2016. Image © Darlene Foster.

Darlene Foster, "All the Pretty Little Horses," photographic montage, 2014. Image © Darlene Foster.

Darlene Foster,"As the Crow Flies," photographic montage, 2013. Image © Darlene Foster.

Darlene Foster, "Groundhog Day," photographic montage, 2014. Image © Darlene Foster.

Darlene Foster, "A Different Point of View," photographic montage, 2015. Image © Darlene Foster.

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Darlene Foster's works on view at Gallery on Main

Darlene Foster's works on view at Gallery on Main

From May 1 through 31, Gallery on Main's "Artist of the Month" series of exhibitions showcases Plainfield, New Jersey-based artist Darlene Foster's work in photography montage — the technique of producing a new composite whole from fragments of photographs.

Meet the artist at a free opening reception at Gallery on Main on Friday, May 5 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Each individual piece has a story to tell, and you will have the opportunity to ask her in person for her take on each of her pieces. Refreshments will be served. Join us for what's sure to be another memorable evening!

Initially using photography as a reference source for drawing and painting, Darlene Foster soon began experimenting with different techniques within the photographic medium itself. The love of photo montage from her darkroom days drew her into digital, when she was introduced to the computer as an art tool. Her affinity for old buildings and abandoned properties along with crows, ravens and blackbirds is apparent in the majority of her work. Gathering elements from her own images as well as characters from vintage photos she acquires at flea markets and antique shops, she blends them together forming new and often storytelling compositions.  Darlene's work has been described as mysterious, moody, wistful, surreal and sometimes dark but always thought-provoking.

Says Darlene, "I've always been a collector at heart, so my photography naturally evolved from concentrating on a single composition in the camera as the end product, to capturing images of anything that intrigues me for later use in a montage. Antique and vintage objects that have had previous lives are elements I collect that eventually find their way into my work. It's difficult to predict what will be a starting point for a new piece: A landscape with an unusual tree, a mysterious abandoned building, or the haunting eyes peering from a vintage portrait. Once I have a starting point, I bring components together piece by piece digitally in Photoshop until I'm satisfied with the composition. From there, I experiment with multiple filters, tones, colors and textures until the final image is as close as possible to the original idea in my mind's eye."

Say Michelle Mundt, co-owner of Gallery on Main, "Darlene's work is a natural fit for our space because it represents art, photography and antiques at the same time. We were immediately drawn to Darlene's work because we share a love of not only art, but also images and objects that resonate with echoes of the past and help tell a compelling story."

Co-owner Shaun Daley continued, "Our visitors will recognize her work, because we've displayed individual pieces of hers since we first opened, and her work has been a top seller. This is a great opportunity to see more, and perhaps add one to your collection."

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Darlene Foster studied drawing and painting at The Sarah Brown School of Art before moving to Plainfield, New Jersey in 1977. An interest in photography led to a 17-year employment as the retouch artist for a prominent studio, and provided on the job training when digital came along in the 1990s. In addition to producing her own artwork, she is currently self-employed, providing photographic painting, retouching and restoration to photographers and the general public.

Darlene regularly exhibits at various galleries and venues throughout the New Jersey area, including River Queen Artisans Gallery in Lambertville, Hamilton Street Gallery in Bound Brook and Gallery on Main in Somerville. Her work is held in private collections throughout the United States.

Find of the Week: Vintage metal picnic basket, ca. 1950s

Picnic time is here again! Tote your personal feast in this hip metal picnic tote/cooler from the 1950s, an estate sale find. This great collectible has a stylish brown and tan basketweave pattern. It has an unhinged lid and brown metal handles. Very retro or country living style, and nice for storage in between picnics. It measures about 14 x 10 x 6 inches (length x depth x height).

Sunday, April 23 is not only Antiques Appraisal Day at Gallery on Main, it's also National Picnic Day! What's your favorite picnic location in Somerville? Share your advice in the Comments area below.

You can purchase this piece either in person at Gallery on Main, or through our Etsy shop.

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Artist of the Month Exhibition: Jeffrey Sanders

Throughout the month of April, Gallery on Main's "Artist of the Month" series of exhibitions features drawings and prints by Manville, New Jersey-based artist Jeffrey Sanders.

Meet the artist at a free opening reception at Gallery on Main on Saturday, April 1 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. See Jeff's works on view, and mingle with other artists and art lovers. Refreshments will be served.

After graduating from Manville High School in 1988 with a core understanding of mechanical drawing and basic art, Jeff studied at the Art Institute of Philadelphia, where he acquired the initial training required to pursue a career in the visual arts. During the Gulf War in 1990, seeking additional training and a broader challenge, he enlisted in the United States Navy hoping to pursue a career as an illustrator/draftsman. Despite advice from Naval counselors not to pursue this job or "rating" due to its highly limited acceptance rate, Jeff dug in to prove them wrong. This rating was to be a perfect fit for Jeff as it offered several disciplines including drafting, illustration, photography, videography as well as cartooning. After extensive training and qualifying over the following year while stationed in Pensacola, Florida and throughout the Mediterranean, Jeff went on to earn several awards and commendations throughout his eight-year enlistment. His greatest accolade was being presented with the Navy Achievement Medal for Outstanding Achievement as an Illustrator/Draftsman and Exemplary Performance as a United States Sailor.

Find of the Week: NY Mets 1969 World Series pennant

This rare, original stadium souvenir was sold only at Shea Stadium during the 1969 World Series. Proclaiming "National League Champions" and "World Series," it features a scroll listing the full New York Mets team roster plus "Mr. Met" looming above Shea. The pennant is from one of the most memorable World Series in baseball history, when the Miracle Mets would take on the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles and defeat them four games to one. Among those listed on its team roster scroll are Hall of Fame greats Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan and manager Gil Hogers.

This great-looking pennant, which measures 30" long, is bright orange with blue and white graphics. It's in very good, solid condition with just three tack holes (one on each corner). It is missing the blue trim and tassels on the wide end.

See it in person at Gallery on Main. To see additional photos showing condition and details, visit our Etsy shop.

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Artist of the Month exhibition: Emiliano Gonzalez

Throughout the month of March, Gallery on Main's Artist of the Month series of exhibitions features photography by Somerville, New Jersey-based artist Emiliano Gonzalez.

Meet the artist! On Friday, March 3 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Emiliano will host a free opening reception at Gallery on Main. The public is invited to attend to see his works on view and to mingle with other artists and art lovers. Refreshments will be served.

Says Emiliano, "Growing up in Somerville I never understood my mother's need to constantly take pictures and document events. Why photograph when you can live it? After her passing, I looked through the thousands of photos she took. I finally understood that capturing an image is capturing a priceless moment in time. The hobby quickly turned into a passion. I am particularly fascinated with capturing minute details and documenting the passage of time, regardless of subject. I view all my works as an homage to my mother, and the artistic spirit she instilled in me."

Artist of the Month series launches: Karina Jimenez, Feb. 1–27

Starting February 1, Gallery on Main launches its "Artist of the Month" series of exhibitions with a selection of works by local artist Karina Jimenez. Her works will be on view through Monday, February 27.

Join us for an opening reception at Gallery on Main on Friday, February 3 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Meet the artist, see her works on view, and mingle with other artists and art lovers. Refreshments will be served, and admission is free and open to the public.

Karina Jimenez works in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, sculpture and special-effects makeup art. She recently completed her Associate's degree in fine arts at Raritan Valley Community College. While a student, her work was selected for a number of juried exhibitions and awards, including The Morris Museum's statewide Fresh Perspectives exhibition in 2014.

A self-described "hobbit lover" and "tree climber," Karina says that she's much-inspired by "the dark and witty mind of Tim Burton, the stories in J.K. Rowling's magical head, and what seems to be mostly nature," and that she enjoys challenging herself by experimenting with different mediums.

Following the inaugural exhibition featuring Karina Jimenez, throughout March Gallery on Main's "Artist of the Month" series will feature photographs by Emiliano Gonzalez.

Find of the Week: Photos by Jacko Vassilev

We are thrilled to have recently met and acquired several black-and-white photographic prints by Jacko Vassilev, an internationally acclaimed art and press photographer who has actively working in the field since 1983.

Born in 1951 in Stara Zagora in Bulgaria, Vassilev's work has been widely shown around the world in museums and galleries, institutes and private collections. His photographs are included in the permanent collections of the International Center for Photography in New York City, the European Center of Photography in Paris, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. Since 1996, Vassilev has been residing and traveling around United States documenting the North Americans in a book of portraits, soon to be published. We were honored that he recently visited Gallery on Main.

Stop in and see the powerful Vassilev photos we have available, which were taken in Bulgaria, Romania and the U.S., respectively.

Black-and white photos © Jacko Vassilev.

Find of the Week: Thirsty monkey wind-up toy, 1949

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Just look at that face. But wait, there's more! This vintage, wind-up mechanical "Thirsty Monkey" toy was made by Alps Japan in 1949. The toy is in perfect working condition, with a nice strong winding mechanism. So fun to watch in action —  his tail starts twirling, he pours his glass, and takes a drink. It is in excellent aesthetic condition, with nice bright, clean clothing, shiny plush fur, and beautiful colors. The only minor flaw is a few stains on the clothing, which doesn't add up to much. The body is made of tin, with plush "fur" and tail, and a plastic cup and bottle. This very unique and attractive toy will make a great addition to any vintage toy collection. And who doesn't love a good monkey? (We do!)

Thirsty Monkey measures 6½" high x 3½" wide & deep. See him in person and witness him in action at Gallery on Main. To see additional photos showing condition and details, visit our Etsy shop.

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Photo © 2016 Gallery on Main