Size Matters at Era Contemporary’s ‘Small Beauties’ Art Exhibit

The Cynwyd Club hosted “Small Beauties” art exhibit, providing a spacious setting and ample room for guests to mingle and study displayed works.

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent Van Gogh

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

It really is about the little things, isn’t it? I used to wish that one – just one – gentleman caller would know me well enough to gift me with a blade of grass, a pine cone or even a dandelion – you get the idea. Don’t get me wrong: I’d never turn up my nose at any offered gemstones, swanky vacations or the like. It’s just that I’m substantive enough to know that an acorn given is a terribly tender gesture and, in my world, safe deposit box stash-worthy. Barring the box, at least kept with cherished love letters tied with delicate, pretty ribbons.

Era Contemporary‘s Jessica Libor understands. She curated and hosted in February at the Cynwyd Club in Bala Cynwyd, her sixth exhibit (mark your calendars–show number seven arrives June 28th at the same venue!), entitled “Small Beauties.” Her philosophy and vision consist in promoting the plethora of talented artists whose works may not receive the recognition they so well deserve. There was a second “Small Beauties” show days later in New York. In addition to being a full-time painter at her Manayunk studio, Jessica’s passionate conviction as promoter and influencer of said artists is an extraordinary selfless measure in the name of Art.

Jessica manages to fit into her already prolific and busy schedule these traveling shows, pop-up exhibits staged at various venues with the aim of insuring gallery exposure as well as creating an exquisitely staged and planned event, during which the artists can promote and display their works. Additionally, the exhibits address a critical business aspect so important in most trades – that of networking and contact-making. It’s noble effort, a highly appreciated cause.

I asked Jessica where her exhibit ideas come from and was told from pretty much anywhere, often in the shower and while driving. I get it: my own best ideas and problem-solving measures arrive when I’m out in nature, running. Jessica further explained the impetus and just how “Small Beauties” took hold. Basically, these are the small beauties that, while often overlooked, make life worth living. For instance, she mentioned the detail that goes unnoticed in a broken window pane. Fascinating. It was hard for me to see the world again without filtering it anew from this perspective.

When not painting the day away, Jessica works on planning her next shows, which are typically three to four months apart. In addition to the art-centric display and environment, there is always a lovely set-up of cheeses, fruit and other light bites as well as wine and other beverages. Music is often involved. I was charmed by the live duo at a previous exhibit. Creating atmosphere encourages and lends even more beauty, connection, engagement and relating to these events.

Whatever show idea she next envisions, I’m pretty sure that when the call for artists’ submissions comes, I can submit my first painting, wherein I graduate from stick figures sketched on a paper napkin to a, say, grass blade on actual canvas using artsy brushes and acrylic paints … not an easy task, but I do aim to step up. Tee.

Note reference to the aforementioned June 28th show, “Summer Light.” According the Era Contemporary’s web site, attendees are in for a special treat. Check this: “Guest curator for this exhibition is Patrick Rodgers. Patrick is the Galleries Director for Montgomery County Community College. He’s curated exhibits in museums galleries, historic sites, and cultural centers across the U.S. since 2002 and previous worked at the Rosenbach Museum & Library (Philadelphia), Fonthill Castle (Doylestown) and the Scott County Historical Society (Minnesota). He has a Masters degree in Museum Studies from the University of Toronto.”

In the meantime and before the next exhibit, I await my blade of grass, acorn or pinecone, for it really is the little things that most matter.

If interested in purchasing a piece, please contact Era Contemporary Gallery at eracontempory@gmail.com.

The Cynwyd Club was a perfect setting for the exhibit: its backdrop did not clash or detract from the art.

Curator Jessica Libor poses with two of her works.

My Underwater Love by Saskia Huitema, acrylic on panel, $400.

Girl with Emerald Earrings by Crescent Seo, acrylic on wallpapered wood panel, $500.

Girl Wearing Glasses, by Crescent Seo, acrylic on wallpapered wood panel, $500.

A Horse in Durham by Antonietta Kies, watercolor on paper, $125.

Exhibit curator Jessica Libor captures guests’ undivided attention with art speak.

Undecided Lace by Gabriel Echaveste, oil on panel, $600.

Vigil by Justin Brooks, oil on canvas, $500.

A Swift Stroke by Stuart Snoddy, oil on panel, $600.

Art aficionados sign-in and receive a warm welcome.

Iridescence by Lynn Snyder, oil on board, $450.

Sam by Richard Buchanan, oil and copper pigment on linen, $500.

Weekends by Ekaterina Popova, oil on panel, $250.

New Light by Ekaterina Popova, oil on panel, $200.

There’s talent aplenty to go around in this group snap. Hanging with artists and artsy sorts is a creativity boost.

Nude I by Michelle Haberl, graphite and watercolor on paper, $300.

Velvet by Catarina Mantero, acrylic polymer and glass beads on wood panel, $200.

Water Over Rocks by Bryan Gugielmi, oil on canvas, $900.

That Wild and Wondrous Time by Saskia Huitema, acrylic on panel, $400.

Jessica Libor and Sharon Kozden pose with two of her sold (to me!) pieces.

Jessica Libor’s, oil on canvas,$75. It’s off the market: I purchased this small beauty.

Jessica Libor’s, oil on canvass, $75. Also sold to the woman (me!) who bought the “sister” painting above.

M. Aguilar by Gabriel Echaveste, oil on linen, $200.

Meghan in Gold by Hilary McCarthy, oil on canvas, $500.

Artist Nathan Durin and guest happy to pose before his works.

The Beginning of the Future by Jessica Libor, oil and 23 karat gold leaf on linen, $1,100.

Awakening by Jessica Libor, oil and silver leaf on linen, $920.

Lady in Red by Jessica Libor, oil and 23 karat gold leaf on linen, $680.

Searching for Pegasus by Jessica Libor, oil and silver leaf on linen, $1,220.

Dappled Path by Michele Libor, acrylic on canvass, $300. Proud mother and artist in her own right make for a double-threat. That’s a lot of creativity.

Enjoying the evening–made clear by the cheery smiles.

Food brings people together, for sure. Such an artful platter, and the cheddar stage left was among the best I’ve tasted.

I love this crudité staple at most events. Get both veggies and a sated belly that satisfies enough to prevent gluttony when faced with other tantalizing offerings.