Category: Art Career

On View at Trenton Makes Jazz

When: February 13–March 22, 2026
Where: Trenton City Museum at the Ellarslie Mansion
Opening Reception: Friday, February 12, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

I’m pleased to share that my painting, Brass in Full Voice, is currently on view at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion as part of the Trenton Makes Jazz exhibition.

The piece reflects my ongoing interest in the figure and scenes from everyday life, and in this case, how rhythm and movement can be translated visually. Jazz has a physicality to it — an improvisational energy — and I approached this work with that same sense of immediacy and responsiveness.

Trenton Makes Jazz is a juried exhibition featuring artists responding to the history and spirit of jazz across a range of media. The show runs through March 22, 2026, at Ellarslie Mansion in Cadwalader Park, Trenton, NJ.

If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll have a chance to see the exhibition in person.

Accepted to Salmagundi Club’s “Connections” Exhibition

I am proud to announce that my painting, “Three Brothers” (18″x24″, Acrylic on Canvas), has been accepted into the Connections Exhibition at the historic Salmagundi Club in New York City. 

This piece is particularly meaningful as I begin the new year as a newly inducted Artist Member of the club. “Three Brothers” captures a quiet, candid moment—a typical scene at home after dinner—exploring themes of brotherhood and the visual language of unity that shapes our daily lives. 

The exhibition will be on display at the club’s iconic brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue from February 3–27, 2026.

Exhibition Details:
When: February 3–27, 2026
Where: Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Ave, New York, NY
Opening Reception: Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 

If you are in the city, I invite you to stop by the galleries to see the show. Admission is free and open to the public during gallery hours.

My painting was juried into the Ellarslie Open 42 held at the Ellarslie Mansion, Trenton, NJ

When: June 21 – September 7, 2025
Where: Ellarslie Mansion, Trenton, NJ

I was honored to have my painting “Three Brothers” juried into Ellarslie Open 42, a prominent annual exhibition held at the Trenton City Museum in the historic Ellarslie Mansion. The setting itself is a gem — a beautifully preserved 19th-century Italianate villa nestled in Trenton’s Cadwalader Park, adding a layer of elegance and history to the show.

The opening reception was exceptionally well attended — in fact, it was crowded, with a lively mix of artists, collectors, and supporters of the arts. I was proud to have my work exhibited in a gallery room filled with very strong and compelling paintings, making the inclusion feel especially meaningful.

Being part of this longstanding regional exhibition, now in its 42nd year, was a rewarding experience that connected me with a vibrant creative community and an appreciative audience.

Stilled Resistance: Solo exhibition at Outliers Gallery, Jersey City, NJ

When: April, 2025
Where: Outlier’s Gallery,
157A First Street, #246, Jersey City, NJ

My solo exhibition, Stilled Resistance, at Outliers Gallery in Jersey City, NJ is on display through the month of April, 2025. The show features a series of still life paintings that, at first glance, might seem playful or nostalgic — familiar items like Twinkies, Lay’s Potato Chips, and Kentucky Fried Chicken rendered in vibrant detail. But beneath their glossy wrappers and bright branding, these foods served as symbolic stand-ins for the everyday person, caught in the currents of larger societal forces.

Each painting in Stilled Resistance was a meditation on the social and economic issues shaping our times. The Twinkies piece, for example, addressed The Great Replacement Theory, repurposing the iconic snack cake as a satirical but unsettling metaphor for how conspiracy rhetoric can dehumanize and distract. The bag of potato chips in Price Gouged takes on the issue of corporate price gouging, referencing how even the most mundane products reflect growing inequality and corporate overreach. Another painting featuring Kentucky Fried Chicken explored the intersections of class, cultural identity, and mass consumption.

The show invited viewers to confront these tensions through the lens of still life — a traditionally quiet genre reimagined here as a subtle but pointed form of resistance. By elevating junk food to the realm of oil painting, I aimed to draw attention to the overlooked, the discarded, and the deeply personal ways we all navigate a world shaped by profit, power, and disinformation.

Fourth Annual ArtVenture Plein Air Quick Draw 2024

First place winner at the 4th Annual ArtVenture Plein Air Quick Draw.

When: October 20th, 9am – Noon
Where: Dvoor Farmer’s Market
Frenchtown-Flemington Road, Flemington, NJ

The fourth annual ArtVenture Plein Air event took place this year at the scenic Dvoor Farm, a historic and beautifully preserved site that offers endless inspiration for plein air painters. With partial sun and a light breeze, the weather provided just the right mix of challenge and charm.

I’m honored to share that my painting was awarded First Place, selected by this year’s juror, the esteemed artist Barbara Kaiser. Her thoughtful and deliberate judging made the recognition especially meaningful, and I’m grateful to have been chosen from such a strong group of painters.

One exciting development this year was the growing reach of the event—we welcomed artists from outside the area, which added new perspectives and a fresh energy to the day. It’s clear that ArtVenture is gaining a reputation beyond the local scene, and it’s been exciting to watch the event expand year after year.

As always, ArtVenture did a fantastic job organizing the day. After three hours of focused painting, the post-event food spread was a much-appreciated treat and a great chance to unwind and connect with other participants.

It was a rewarding day of painting, community, and celebration. I’m already looking forward to next year.

2nd place at the 3rd Annual ArtVenture Juried Show

When: July 26-August 17, 2024
Reception: July 26, 6-9pm
Where: 95 Main Street, Flemington, NJ (formerly Red Vanilla)

The 3rd Annual Juried Show featured a diverse selection of work from artists across the region. This year’s juror, Jeff Charlesworth—a respected painter known for his richly atmospheric landscapes and longstanding presence in the Bucks County art scene—curated a compelling exhibition that balanced technical strength with individual voice.

The opening reception was well attended, drawing collectors, art enthusiasts, and members of the local arts community. The energy in the gallery was lively, with many guests engaging with the work and several pieces selling on opening night.

I was honored to receive 2nd Place in this year’s exhibition for my painting “Too Much Energy on an Oppressively Hot Day”, oil on canvas, 36″ x 24″. Now in its third year, the show continues to grow in reputation, offering both emerging and established artists a valuable opportunity to exhibit in a professionally juried setting.

Vanishing Environments: A Solo Exhibition at Outliers Gallery

When: June, 2024
Where: Outlier’s Gallery,
157A First Street, #246, Jersey City, NJ

Through June, I’m presentng my solo exhibition, Vanishing Environments, at Outliers Gallery in Jersey City, NJ. This body of work focused on the devastating impact of climate change on wildlife, specifically highlighting endangered animals whose habitats are rapidly disappearing.

Painted in an expressive, urgent style, the works were created using house paint on builder’s paper — a deliberate choice of materials meant to echo the fragility and impermanence of the natural world. Builder’s paper, often used to protect surfaces during construction or demolition, served here as both canvas and metaphor: a reminder that the world these animals depend on is quite literally being paved over.

Each painting captured a species on the brink — not as specimens, but as living presences marked by energy, emotion, and a sense of looming disappearance. From melting ice caps to vanishing forests and rising oceans, Vanishing Environments explored not only the ecological crisis but our complicity and responsibility in confronting it.

Plein air painting as a juried artist at “Artists on Location”, Knoxville, TN

When: April 15-20, 2024
Where: Knoxville, Tennessee

In April 2024, I was honored to be juried into Artists on Location, a prestigious plein air painting event held in Knoxville, Tennessee. This annual event brings together selected artists from across the country to paint on location throughout the Knoxville area, capturing the character and beauty of East Tennessee’s landscapes, neighborhoods, and landmarks.

The experience was both energizing and rewarding. The organizers were extremely friendly and helpful, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere throughout the week. I was also fortunate to stay with a wonderful host family who are deeply supportive of the arts and generously welcomed me into their home.

Being part of this event allowed me to connect with fellow painters, immerse myself in a new environment, and exhibit work created on-site in a culminating public show and sale. I’m proud to have been included among such a talented group of artists.

Third Annual ArtVenture Plein Air Quick Draw 2023

Me holding my third place painting titled "Building Blocks 2"
Third place winner Francisco Silva holding his painting titled “Building Blocks 2”

When: October 15th, 9am – Noon
Where: Dvoor Farmer’s Market
Frenchtown-Flemington Road, Flemington, NJ

This was the third year of the event and the competition seems to be improving year after year. The day began cloudy but the sun came out at around 11am although it became a bit windy. The juror was Jeff Charlesworth, a reputable painter from the Lambertville/New Hope area, who patiently took his time examining each painting. I was lucky enough to receive third place. After the awards were given out, Jeff offered constructive critiques to anyone that wanted them. As always ArtVenture did a great job on the food; after 3 hours of painting it’s always appreciated.

“Accidental Masterpiece” at The Outliers Gallery, JCAST 2023, Jersey City, NJ

Video of Accidental Masterpiece at the Outliers Gallery, JCAST 2023

When: October 11-October 31
Where: The Outliers Gallery, Art 150, #246
157A First Street
Jersey City, NJ

The Jersey City Art and Studio Tour is always a big deal for the Jersey City arts scene. This year it was combined with Artfair 14C and a week of events leading up to JCAST. At Art150, the Outliers Gallery had an exhibit titled “Accidental Masterpiece”. The Outliers consist of four artists: Dorie Dahlberg-photographer, Ed Fausty-photographer, Brad Terhune-collage/painter and myself-painter. We’re an unlikely combination of artists but this leads to interesting themes unique viewspoints.