Starlight's Side-By-Each Exhibition Series Presents:
"Beneath the Pines" Artwork by Daniel Galas alongside Starlight Artists' Ron Steele and Steve Borgisi

Opening Reception: Friday, September 6th
6-9pm

Exhibit on-view through mid-October!
Curated by Kyle Butler

Artist Statements/ Bios:

Daniel Galas:
Beneath The Pines is a series of mixed media drawings on paper with soft pastels as the primary medium. They were created en plein air (in the open air) from direct observation in various locations around the Buffalo area like Ellicott Creek Park, Amherst State Park, and Tifft Nature Preserve.

These drawing are visual meditations. They are the byproduct of contemplating the sights, sounds, and overall feeling of natural environments. Stylistically they represent a convergence of artistic and musical styles that have moved me deeply. This series reflects my love of jazz and blues, Sumi E painting, Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, and Outsider Art.

My hope is that the audience will feel the wonder and tranquility that I felt while creating these drawings. I wish to turn the audience on to the natural world and open excite their imagination, stimulate they’re senses, and still the mind.

Steve Borgisi:
Steve came to Starlight to retire from his job, but stopping work is the last thing he has done. Steve uses clay, pastel and paint with quiet determination. The expressive lines and colors, like his favorites red and brown, in his pastel work, evoke a sense of romantic storytelling. Steve draws inspiration from the other talented artists at Starlight and uses his own life and whatever is on his mind as a springboard for his art. Imaginative elements in his compositions include colorful sidewalks filled with people from his youth and his other cherished subject: cars. “I like drawing cars…cars are often on my mind”. Steve has been embroidering burlap into small tapestries. He has ideas for larger pieces such as a tablecloth comprised of smaller pieces stitched together.

Ron Steele:
Ron draws and paints people and objects. His favorite singers, bandleaders, presidents, first ladies and other celebrities are sources of inspiration, recalling memories of watching television and listening to the “hi fi.” Ron’s experience with making art began when he was in 8th grade. He first drew cartoon figures, but later took a liking to illustrating cars such as the Bonneville and the Grand Prix. His stylish approach is rendered with a fluid linearity, and this technique is also presented in his portraits. As well, Ron is skilled with crochet and enjoys the collaborative process of making prints. One of his goals is to show his art at established art galleries and other venues.