Best of Scranton

First Friday Artist Ashley Kujat

Over with wanting to take things too seriously, I started creating to make people laugh and to avoid stuffy, uptight artwork. Working with vintage magazine and book illustration and photos is like stepping into a time machine. The essence of vintage imagery and modern thoughts makes for an amusing combo. Through collage, printmaking, painting, and a well placed pun, I like to experiment and make carefree artwork people could relate to. 

Ashley Kujat (Panther Puke)

First Friday March welcomes the talent of Emily Gibbons

"Aquarelles: A Collection of European Watercolors"

This exhibit is a collection of watercolors inspired by travels to Europe. The paintings capture some of the unique architecture of Barcelona, Paris, Salzburg and Venice. 

Emily's talent shines through in her beautiful use of light, color and brushstroke; capturing the everyday movements of people in some of Europe's most beautiful cities.  You can find more about Emily and her art at http://www.artbyemilygibbons.com/home

 

Matt Rattigan - "Return to Taos"

Our May First Friday artist captures the northern New Mexico landscape, the historic Taos Pueblo, and the current EARTHSHIP movement in his show called "Return to Taos."

These are all photos taken during an internship with Earthship Biotecture in November. Earthships are radically sustainable buildings made out of recycled materials such as tires, beer cans, and bottles.

The money I make from the sale of these prints will go towards my Earthship Academy tuition.   These photos shed light on a beautiful area of the globe, and a group of people who are really trying to better the planet.  

Meet Rebecca Schaffer, our May First Friday artist

Rebecca Schaffer is a photographer currently residing in Archbald, Pennsylvania.  Her fascination with the medium was first piqued at the age of twelve when she discovered her grandfather’s Nikon 35mm.  It was her grandmother’s painting, though, that served as her true inspiration, beginning at a young age and continuing on to this day.
Rebecca’s focus continued to expand after high school via her studies at the State University of New York Brockport campus, where she received degrees in visual communications and broadcast production. Upon graduating, Rebecca moved to Brooklyn, New York, where she was able to explore a number of opportunities that touched on each of her avenues of attention.
After years of honing her talents in the city, Rebecca moved once again to Archbald, Pennsylvania, in order to be closer to family and the environs that first sparked her artistic pursuits.  Nearing two decades documenting her surroundings from behind her lens, Rebecca finds joy in capturing moments that can never be recreated.

More info can be found at www.bexcellent.net

Temporal Limitations - October 2015

S. Makowski|Visual Artist

Fascinated by the unanswered questions life presents, Makowski believes subject offers a new insight into the complexity of the world. Through obvious visuals and obscure allusions knowledge is gained. She wishes to continue exploring these aspects of existence through her work.

Makowski, a Northeastern Pennsylvania native, specializes in fine art, fashion, event, portraits, and still life photography. Makowski has a B.A in Philosophy/Studio Art with a Concentration in Photography. While living in New York, she also studied at the International Center of Photography to further develop her skill set. She develops layered, conceptual work preferring simplistic technique to engage the viewer to mentally involve themselves in the visual. Her work encourages others to see past the obvious and utilizes abstract representation through mixed media whenever possible.

Temporal Limitations, explores the relationship between time & consciousness. Inspired by both natural and mechanical measures of time such as sun dials, waves, and shadows. The show is designed to visually reference how time is valued coupled with the un-traceable nature of time that has passed or is lost referencing personal images of the artist’s subconscious & experience.

Rachael Murphy presents Mindscapes for First Friday August

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Immediately evident in Rachael Murphy's work is her utilization of vibrant colors that showcase a sense of enthusiasm and curiosity. 

Rachael graduated from Boston University with a degree in neuroscience and psychology and plans to pursue a career in medicine. Her paintings often feature abstract portraits, dream symbolism, or stylized human anatomy that depict themes related to the mind and brain. Most pieces are created using watercolors and felt-tip pens.

 “Though we are all similar biologically, we each have a very unique story to tell” She says. Rachael’s art captures her understanding of life as a complex and mysterious adventure through which we’re all connected. Her works are playful, yet serious, as they urge the onlooker to carefully consider what they may signify.


Rachael uses a variety of mediums to create her paintings, but primarily watercolors and felt-tip pens.