James Michael Elia to be featured artist at June First Friday Open House
Join us on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 5 to 8 pm for a First Friday open house at the beautiful Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess House located at 123 N. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA, in the heart of Gallery Row. We will be hosting artist James Michael Elia for a one-night-only pop-up art show.
Meet the Artist: James Michael Elia
Originally from East Meadow, N.Y., I relocated to Pennsylvania in 1994, currently in Lancaster with my wife Dana and I have four children. My day job is in the healing arts, where I have been a practicing family physician since 1997. As a youngster, I have always had a passion for making art from grade school projects through high school, yet in recent years I have taken it to a new level by self-teaching the creative process as well as learning online and in person classes.
“By night,” I have been expanding my art portfolio, taking art courses in my hometown of Lancaster, PA, at the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, Lancaster Museum of Art, Lancaster Art Association, and on-going watercolored classes with local artist Steve Wilson. I have attended several workshops, including some acclaimed contemporary artists Tom Lynch and Sterling Edwards. I am currently a member of the Lancaster Art Association and the Lancaster Museum of Art. My work has been exhibited at both of these organizations as well as the West Lampeter Community Fair and the Rehoboth Art League in Delaware. My most recent large work, “Reflections at the Pinnacle,” was commissioned by and installed at the Penn State Hershey Lancaster Medical Center.
The comment I hear most often is, “Is ALL of this work ONE artist?” Yes! I consider myself versatile in many mediums, such as graphite/charcoal, pastel, and oil, but I am especially drawn to watercolor. I enjoy the traditional mat, frame, and glass presentation of my watercolor paper, yet I am exploring alternate methods, such as watercolor ground on various substrates or varnishing a finished painting on paper once affixed to a panel so the viewer can see the intended matte finish without any glazing. Moreover, I have begun to promote my photographs themselves as an art medium.
My hands have also recently crafted ceramics with local artist Kevin Lehman and glassblowing with Michael Peluso. When I am not doctoring a patient, I can be found making homemade wine, caring for our backyard chickens or aquarium fish, skiing the slopes of Vermont, bicycling on a rail trail, zooming around the streets of Lewes and Rehoboth Delaware on my Zuma scooter near our campground, playing with our rescued cats Jasper and George or our yellow lab Champ, or simply spending time with my family.
My inspiration comes from my own life experiences, using select images from my vast archive of photographs as reference material. My attention to detail in medicine has also been an attribute that serves me well in my artwork as my work tends to fall between photorealism and impressionistic, yet I am now exploring more abstract content. I may relate to curious animals, a unique still life, a stunning landscape, a desire to create something beautiful out of the ordinary, or a travel destination.
My travels include sites around the US, such as Alaska, Hawaii, the East and West Coast, Arizona, and National Parks, such as Yellowstone. Internationally I have visited Europe, Curacao, Honduras, and Mexico. Those who know me can spot my Canon camera (or iPhone) nearby that continues to capture a lifetime of experiences which can translate into creating something I hope will have an emotional impact with the viewer.
I am excited about writing this next chapter in my artistic vision storybook by sharing my online storefront to showcase my current body of work on my website, www.artistrybynight.com, accepting commission assignments, exhibiting at local public institutions, or participating at a local art fair.
My work is mainly watercolor, although I also use oils and pastels. I have a full range of types of work, including landscapes, still life, people and pet portraits, and abstracts. I will have available original art, prints on paper, metal, canvas, or wood, Christmas ornaments, coasters, tote bags, and greeting and Christmas cards.
For additional details and images about James Michael Elia, visit www.artistrybynight.com.
Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County Items for Sale
Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County
The Trust was established in 1966 to help “stem the rapid destruction of historic properties in Lancaster County.” Through the years, the Trust has been active in helping to preserve many historic properties in Lancaster County that contribute to their respective communities as unique places for people to live, work, and play.
Our equation for success has been working for over 50 years. Look around you and know that our advocacy and direct action have resulted in saving hundreds of historic structures and other sites throughout the county. The flip side is that not everything can and should be saved. The Trust continually faces this delicate balance and works closely with all parties involved to reach an equitable decision for all. Sadly, it sometimes takes an irreplaceable loss to a community before preservation moves higher on the priority list.