Beautiful weather painted the scene for the fifth annual “Art in the Garden” show held by Lang’s Garden of Linwood on Sunday, Sept. 14. Artists displayed their botanical creations among the flowers as attendees strolled through the gardens and viewed the artwork. This year’s event hosted 17 artists, including seasoned exhibitors as well as newcomers to the scene. Guests could listen to the live music of Marlene Howell while enjoying refreshments from local food vendors Goji of Somers Point and Twist Pretzels and Ice Cream of Linwood.
A variety of art forms could be found at the exhibition including mosaics, jewelry, pottery, glass and metal artwork, mixed media, and painting. One of the artists, Rachel Isaac, creates unique, whimsical botanical collages from materials found in nature such as cicada wings, lanternfly wings, flower pods, leaves, and seeds. MudGirls Studios was represented with their lovely display of both decorative and utilitarian pottery. Based in Atlantic City, this nonprofit clay studio offers job stability and income to at-risk and disadvantaged women through training and employment. Among their artwork displayed at the Lang’s Garden show were handcrafted vases, dishes, and earrings. They look forward to opening a new studio on Arctic Avenue, Atlantic City, in a few months. This new studio will be open to the public and will offer classes in pottery-making.
Jeannie Bell, a self-taught mosaic artist from Galloway, returns for a second year to the show. She combines glass, tile, gems and “found pieces” to create mosaics that often include painted scenes as part of her mixed-media artwork. Diane Hulse-Hiller, of “Wholeness” Collage Therapy, especially loves the freedom of watercolors. She is inspired by nature and collects natural items such as seaweed to use in her artwork. She also uses hand-painted watercolors and upcycled items such as old calendars and greeting cards to create her collages. She believes the focus required for the tedious work of piecing together the collages is therapeutic, creating “wholeness” once again.
Nancy Rubin and John Hagan use reclaimed objects such as glass and metal to create fascinating conversation pieces for the garden. Some of their one-of-a-kind creations included glass flowers and innovative birdbaths. Artist Jenn Hallgren showcased her vibrant and bold gouache paintings as well as oil paintings. Taking inspiration from her own garden, her work features butterflies, sunflowers, irises, coneflowers, and caterpillars.
The art show also featured the work of talented artists Nicole Cannone, Helen Clymer, Nikki Fiore, Stephanie Gerace, Annaliese Guinta, Monica Kurtz, Chuck Law, Victoria Katherine Marigold, Jeff Quicksall, Jill Snyder, Stephanie Stefanik and Moments by Moonbird, and Emma Johnson.
Owners of Lang’s Garden, Joe Duff and Stephanie Santini-Duff, were enjoying the show as well, mingling among the visitors of the event. Santini-Duff said, “Our fifth annual Art in the Garden exceeded expectations — from the perfect weather to the incredibly talented artists, it was a day that truly showcased the best of nature-inspired art, music and community. We look forward to continued growth of this event next year.”
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
