ORGANIC ART FARM ETSY STORE OPEN

SOLD!

The blog's been dark while, Richard and I are working hard on getting our new arts and collectables space open in Beacon, NY. In the meantime, check out Organic Art Farm on Etsy.com. I'm stocking the shop with recycled art, collectables and beautiful junk. 

More updates coming soon! 

MONMOUTH MUSEUM TRAINS, PLANES AND AUTOMOBILES HOLIDAY SHOW

TAXI CITY SALVAGED STEEL I-BEAM SCULPTURE BY RICHARD BENASH 

Richard is honored and excited to have his sculpture featured in the upcoming juried exhibition at Monmouth Museum.

MONMOUTHMUSEUM.ORG

November 22, 2015 thru January 3, 2016 

Public Art Commission Work in Progress

Mosaic Work in Progress. I am in the midst of creating a recycled tile and mixed media mosaic. Working with recycled materials creates design challenges. The materials dictate how the artist will manifest a design vision. Working with recycled materials successfully, requires the ability to sacrifice all knowing. Recycling is the process of reclaiming that which has been thrown away. Still,  the various materials challenge one's sense of letting go of the past, while embracing the unknowns of the future. Recycling is a regenerative process. Subsequently, the artwork takes on the values of rebirth, renewal and reinvention. I am thrilled by the challenge and honored by the opportunity to create a mosaic that will bring light, beauty and sustainability to the Stamford, CT community. 

MONMOUTH MUSEUM: PLEASE TOUCH! SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

This photo was taken during the Monmouth Museum's "Night at the Museum" tour for the visually impaired and blind. I was told that the children really enjoyed interacting with the compelling sculptures in the "Please Touch!" exhibition. I'm honored to have my sculptures in this creatively inclusive show where the aesthetic sense of touch is celebrated and where art is opened up to new and underserved audiences. This photo of a visually impaired child interacting with my "Helios Horse" truly warms my heart. 

Collaborative Concepts: Saunders Farm Project 2015

Richard and I will have sculptures featured in the outdoor sculpture exhibition on the 149 acre Saunders Farm in Garrison, NY. We are so very honored and excited to be participating in the 10th Year Anniversary of the Collaborative Concepts  at Saunders Farm Project. It's a beautiful show that celebrates art, community and nature. Opening Saturday, September 5, 2-6PM (Rain dates: Sunday, September 6, or Monday, September 7.) Mid-Run Reception, October, 3, 2-6PM (Rain date: October 4. Last Day Exhibition is open to the public until dusk. October 31, 2015. Horses and cows roam the farm freely. Plan a God's Country picnic for day tripping the Hudson Valley. Hope you can make it! 

COLLABORATIVECONCEPTS.ORG

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The Farm Project 2015, Collaborative Concepts
Collaborative Concepts at Saunders Farm

We're celebrating our 10th ANNIVERSARY
this fall at Saunders Farm in Garrison, NY!

SITE DESCRIPTION
Saunders Farm is located on Old Albany Post Road, the historic earthen highway of the original route between New York City and Albany. The property begins with rolling pastures and culminates on a majestic ridge with 360-degree views of the Hudson Highlands. Black Angus cattle roam free. Sites for art range from intimate woody glens to open fields and dramatic vast expanses defined by stone walls. 

"INVOCATION" CERAMIC MIXED MEDIA MOSAIC SCULPTURE WIP

INVOCATION. Ceramic mixed media mosaic. #WIP I've become comfortable within the chaos of unknowing. It's an integral part of my creative process. #create #ceramics #contemporaryart #creativepractice #art #recycledart #junk #mixedmedia #sculpture #studiopractice #salvagedsteel #assemblage #activemeditation #shelitabirchettbenash #organicartfarm #abstractart #sacredcreativity #mixedmediamosaic #ceramicmixedmedia

INVOCATION. #WIP Feeling inspired. #mixedmediamosaic #mixedmedia #art #visualart #contemporaryart #fineart #studiopractice #work #lifestudio #gallery #gratitude #museum #artist #shelitabirchettbenash #organicartfarm #activemeditation #ceramics #clay #salvagedsteel #recycledart #junk #abstractart #sculpture #upcycle #art

THE FARM PROJECT 2015 COLLABORATIVE CONCEPTS AT SAUNDERS FARM

Richard and I are honored to be participating artists in the fall outdoor sculpture exhibition on Saunders Farm in Garrison, NY. I'm currently, mosaicking a life-sized dairy cow. So excited. Will post WIP photos. 

COLLABORATIVECONCEPTS.ORG

PROUD OWNER OF MY FIRST ELECTRIC KILN

 
Ceramic Sculptor, #tonymoorewoodfiredkiln graciously referred this kiln to me. From what I understand, a potter named, Beth has had this old electric kiln in her basement for years. The exterior is a bit rusted, however it's never been fired! It's 24" x 24" x 13.5"D. It's pretty much a baby kiln. I am so excited! I will now be able to bisque fire my sculptural bead forms and smaller sculptural forms in small batches. Over the last three years, I've observed that most pottery studios have a baby kiln along side the larger electric kilns. It's more efficient and convenient. 
Beth and her potter friend, Lisa have been so kind and considerate regarding passing on knowledge on how to work this old kiln. They are bubbly and funny. They didn't want the kiln, still they were adamant about finding a home for it. Beth didn't want it to end up in a landfill. 

Thank you, Tony, Beth and Lisa for your generosity and for passing the torch onto a newbie potter like me! I will keep the fire alive!

Richard and I are set to pick it up within the next couple of weeks. 
Looking forward to sharing my first firing adventures. 

Gratitude.