Tradition

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Gallery on Grant’s current exhibit gives homage to Axelrod’s Performing Arts Center’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof." Tradition consists of 7 artists, including one photographer. Themes covered in this exhibit are: Life in Lithuania, cycles of seasons, cycles of life, photos of Israel, and modern Op-Art created by an artist with Ukrainian roots.

 

Well-respected Maine artist, Joyce Ellen Weinstein, has 2 works of art included in Tradition. One prominent woman biblical figure is represented in the show.  Specifically, a great work of art (both painting and collage) portraying Sarah and Hagar. Sarah unable to become pregnant, arranges for Hagar to become a surrogate for her child and later, an unpleasant relationship develops between the two women. Interestingly enough, such topical women’s issues have been prevalent for over 5700 years.

 

The characters in Fiddler sing about the importance of tradition. In fact, the concept of tradition is most important in Jewish culture in terms of family life and rituals.  The above biblical figure’s story of jealousy, rivalry, strength, and leadership are fundamental themes in Fiddler.

 

The story of Fiddler takes place in rural Ukraine/ Russia. The borders of these countries have been changing for years. During the time that Fiddler takes place, Lithuania was part of Russia. Fiddler takes place in the forests of Russia, very far from the city. In the story of Fiddler, the characters deal with sadness and despair as they deal with a Cossack raid during a wedding attended by the residents of the village. In addition, the entire community is ordered to leave their homes and vacate their land, because of their practice of Jewish customs and beliefs.

 

A focal piece in the exhibit is Joyce Ellen Weinstein’s mural of the Kovno Ghetto. Joyce visited Lithuania and brings back the idea of despair in her mixed media piece with artifacts from her visit. Specifically, photos of houses erected before 1900 (similar to the time frame of the story of Fiddler) are included in this mural, as well as pictures of the residents of these houses, found during her research from reading Yiddish books. This piece of art (both painting and collage) is the cornerstone of this exhibit. Themes of cycles of seasons and cycles of life are derived from this Lithuanian work of art.

 

Well-known artist, Claire Boren is included in Tradition with her two works of trees, one in watercolor and one in oil on canvas. Again, chosen as a reference to the setting of Fiddler, Ukraine/ Lithuania.

 

Talented Guild member and photographer, Ellen Rubinstein is also included in Tradition. Selected are photos of Lithuania, a sunset over the Baltic Sea, winter scenes, trees, and scenes of Israel.

 

Kenneth Weiner’s unique styles and techniques are included in the exhibit. Dreams and ghosts are important to the story of Fiddler, and in fact, two of Kenneth’s selected art works well with these themes. Also included in the art show is a picture of his Lithuanian great-grandfather, Louis Weiner, who was a Rabbi in the Lubavitcher Hasidic Movement. His picture dates back before the year 1900, similar to the story timeline of Fiddler.

 

Art Professor at Brookdale Community College and Guild member Arlene Smelson is included in the exhibit with her portraits of mothers and children, brides, and the elderly. Again, the theme of cycle of life is prevalent in Fiddler.

 

Nancy Karpf has been selected to exhibit in Tradition with her unique perspective of capturing moods in her figurative works. She has exhibited in museums and galleries in four states across the US. Her application of paint and expressive brushwork creates wonderful portraits and landscapes. Her selected work includes portraits of the elderly and two landscapes: one landscape of Israel, and one landscape depicting spring.

 

Tradition ends with Op Art by David Levy. David is Co-President of The Guild of Creative Art, an award-winning teacher, and a prolific artist. David was inspired by the exhibit” The Responsive Eye” in 1965 at The Museum of Modern Art. His Op Art image of the Jewish Star illustrates the resilience and tenacity of the Jewish people. David’s family roots originate in Ukraine.

 

Art Director Randye Krupnick curated this exhibit to mirror the storyline in "Fiddler on the Roof." Many of the themes portrayed in Axelrod’s production are also seen in this exhibit. This exhibit completes Axelrod’s overall entertainment experience.