For artist Susan Biebuyck, gallery director for Studio B, the hills of her neighborhood are alive with art!
“Almost twenty years ago, after my scientist husband Gavin and I bought an old house in the hills of Oley as our home, we were delighted and amazed to find so many talented artists living close by,” Biebuyck shared. “As time passed, I learned the names of these talented artists: Jack Coggins, Alma Wood, members of the Maguire family who are all so talented, Karla Trinkley, Will Dexter, Amy Forsyth and Charlie Farrell,” she offered.
“Over the years, artist and Studio B volunteer Bonnie (Maguire) Wren and I talked about exhibiting the work of Alma Wood, a collection her brother Steve owns,” said Biebuyck. “I knew that Alma’s husband was Jack Coggins and that his work was celebrated by the formerly named Wyomissing Institute, as many friends have a piece of his work, and I thought it would be fun to show Alma’s work in conjunction with an exhibit of Jack’s work at what is now the Yocum Institute. Then, last fall I got a call from Natalie Barnes who invited us to the home she shared with her late husband Bob with the intent of staging a solo exhibit of Bob’s work at Studio B.”
“Bob’s sculptures by themselves would make an outstanding exhibit,” continued Biebuyck. “But I also noticed a nice number of Nonnie’s own lovely watercolor paintings around their home. I remembered Jack and Alma and thought of my other neighbors Amy Forsyth and Charlie Farrell, Will and Karla, and I had the idea of a union of coupled artists’ exhibition. It didn’t take long to add Smokie and Harry and a few others. The concept for ‘Til Death Do Us Art was formed.”
‘Til Death Do Us Art, a unique exhibit featuring fine art created by seven couples who have lived together as husbands and wives or in committed relationships in the hills of Oley, opens at Studio B, 39A East Philadelphia Avenue in Boyertown, on Friday, Sept. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. The exhibit’s opening is free and open to the public.
In addition to the work of the Barnses, Wood and Coggins, ‘Til Death Do Us Art will also feature artwork from several other artistic couples including Karla Trinkley and Will Dexter, Jim Meehan and Deborah Maguire-Meehan, Amy Forsyth and Charlie Farrell, Smokie Kittner and Harry Anderson and Jack Grebinger and George Kramer.
The work of the late Jack Coggins is offered courtesy of Greshville Antiques. Steven McGuire is furnishing artwork by the late Alma Woods.
“I’ve already set up a new group of coupled artists who live beyond the hills of the Oley for next year,” Biebuyck said.
The exhibit runs until Oct. 10. Studio B is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., during classes or workshops or by appointment. Contact Susan Biebuyck at sbiebuyck@mac.com for additional details.
Studio B, located in the heart of historic Boyertown, is the home of the Arts and Activities Alliance, a committee of Building a Better Boyertown, a nonprofit Main Street program dedicated to revitalizing small towns.
Studio B celebrates lifelong learning, creativity and personal involvement in the visual and communication arts and seeks to be a dynamic part of Boyertown community, a “go to” destination for learning, fun and friendship. The studio seeks to showcase the work of fine artists in themed exhibits, some juried, some open to all, and welcomes art in diverse media. In addition to art exhibits, workshops and classes, Studio B also hosts activities and informal gatherings on assorted topics for small groups or meetings, gallery talks and “Getting to Know You” opportunities.
Visitors are always welcome to view the changing exhibits; take lessons in the visual, literary and communication arts offered by highly-trained local artists and teachers; and schedule small events or parties in its elegant facility. The studio proudly collaborates with the many unique businesses in the Boyertown community.
