100 PEARL STREET GALLERY TO SHOWCASE LOCAL 'TV STAR' ARTISTS

Dateline: Hartford Connecticut, March 29, 2009

On Thursday April 30, the Gallery at 100 Pearl Street will host a reception, from 3:30-4:30 PM, marking the opening of a new VIP Group Show featuring an unique cluster of Connecticut artists.

The works on exhibit shall incorporate an unconventional variety of materials; carved brick, sequined plaster, feathers under glass. But they all share a rare distinction: recent exposure on a nationally syndicated TV series. Specifically, on HGTV's 'That's Clever!', which profiles outstanding crafters from every part of the United States. Each artist's 'star' project will be on display, along with other works in their medium of expertise. Streaming videos of their 'That's Clever!' episodes, demonstrating how each artwork was made, will be available for viewing. The exhibit is scheduled to run from April 2 to May 29. Gallery Hours are from 8am - 5pm Monday through Friday. There are limited weekend hours, so please call 860-293-3374 before visiting on Saturday and Sunday.

Additional receptions and opportunities to meet the artists and view their inspiring work will be held on "First Thursdays" , including Thursday April 2, and Thursday, May 7, both evenings are from 5pm to 7pm.

The April 30 artists reception will be the finale event for Arts Week at 100 Pearl, a building-wide campaign in support of t he Greater Hartford Arts Council's annual United Arts Campaign that is a vital source of funding to more than 150 community arts and heritage organizations, arts education programs, community events, and individual artists throughout the Greater Hartford region.

Judy Weinstein, Workplace Giving Director for the Greater Hartford Arts Council, had this to say about the show: “For a community our size, the Greater Hartford region has an extraordinary cultural community with not only institutions, their performances, and their arts education programs, but wonderful individual artists as well. What perfect timing, that 20 talented Connecticut artists will have their work on display in a convenient downtown location, just as the warming weather invites us to take a break from our desks and do something to reduce stress and put smiles on our faces!" Although known as an international jewelry designer, Wendy's "star" project on television was a hand wrought pewter bowl. She demonstrated creating the bowl by starting with a flat sheet of pewter, sinking it into her forms, then polishing and finishing the piece. Elizabeth Marsh, the concierge at 100 Pearl who is employed by The Silverman Group- the building owner- says, "We are excited to be able to offer this viewing opportunity to Hartford residents; to make them aware of the talent that exists in our own state, and to promote the arts in this region."

The Home and Garden Network, America's leader in Home and Lifestyle programming, is one of cable's top-rated networks. A premier showcase for programs focusing on home acquisition & improvement, tours of distinctive dwellings, and general creativity, HGTV is distributed to over 89 million U.S. households. 'That's Clever!'- formerly titled 'Crafters Coast To Coast'- has run nearly 500 episodes (and counting!), spotlighted real-life artisans and their creations. This informative series can be viewed Monday through Friday, at 8:00 AM.

Wendy Black-Nasta (www.wendyblacknasta.com) began her studies of fine art at the age of twelve at The Art Students League in New York City. In the mid 70's she apprenticed jewelry in Northern California with a well known designer, Robert Cronenweth. She then went on to study casting and silversmithing with a master silversmith from the Zuni nation. From there, Wendy returned to New York and received her Master's Degree in Fine Art and Metal from William Paterson University of Wayne, New Jersey.

For over twenty years, Wendy made her mark designing one of a kind pieces in gold, diamonds, and emeralds in Manhattan's Diamond District while also designing lines of silver jewelry for such stores as Macy's, Sak's Fifth Avenue, and Jacobson's. Wendy has created sacred objects in sterling silver and pewter for churches and monasteries in the United States and Asia, and continues to work on commissions for art collectors and private clients internationally.

In 2003 Wendy established her foundation. (www.artistsforworldpeace.org). The Artists for World Peace Foundation is a non profit organization that creates opportunities for artistic expression that fosters world peace and raises funds to benefit humanitarian causes. For Wendy her work fits into her life and she views her roles as wife, mother, artist, and peace activist as a unified experience in life's journey.

For further information, contact:

Wendy Black-Nasta
(860) 347-4219
www.wendyblacknasta.com
www.artistsforworldpeace.org
wendyblacknasta@aol.com

Judy Weinstein at the Greater Hartford Arts Council
Hartford, CT
860-525-8629 ext. 225
judywsings@aol.com

Elizabeth Marsh, Concierge at 100 Pearl Street
Hartford, CT
860-293-3374