“Avant-Garde” would describe the work of this month’s Emerging Artist, Elizabeth “Liz” Streczyk. Soon to have a solo art exhibit at Stroudsburg’s Sarah Street Grill, this smart and talented newlywed is making a name for herself within the local art community.
Liz dabbled in the arts as a young girl in Warwick, NY and always wanted to be an art teacher. A few years after moving here in 2008, she began to seriously explore her talents by participating in creative events at the Living Room, a gallery in the Sherman Theater that attracted many of the younger, innovative area artists. Once the Living Room closed its doors, she started showing her work at Origins Gallery and now, along with Origins, the Pocono Arts Council is her home.
Inspired by a friend, Liz creates what she laughingly calls “textile torture.” First, she takes a canvas and rolls it around rusty nails. She then immerses the canvas and nails in a combination of water, vinegar, bleach and mineral spirits and lets it sit for one month. By distressing the canvas, it satisfies part of her artistic vision. She might then take a pressed flower, mount it upon the canvas and add varnish. The varnish brings out the oxidation, giving the piece a unique and compelling look. Adding a gilded frame completes it and her masterpiece is created. It is this process that she used for her “Autumn Memory” which sold at the art council’s recent Emerging Artist Exhibition. It is this process which also allowed her to create “Poet’s Heart” which can be seen in the current ARTSPACE show, “Autumn Impressions”.
Liz, the young girl who always wanted to be an art teacher, will soon see that become a reality. She will be teaching art to 1st – 4th grade students at “Growing Concern,” a Montessori school in Tannersville. Her endless talent and creativity will most certainly be a positive influence on the students lucky enough to have her as their teacher.
Liz’s solo show at the Sarah Street Grill in December and January is not to be missed!
Article by Jack Swersie
Andrea Robbins-Rimberg was honored by the Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts with The Sterling & Dorothy Strauser Award for her outstanding contributions to the Arts and the Community.
The Art of Marty Carr & Sean Turrell: ‘Skin & Bones’, Artists’ Reception, October 27th, 7-9PM, at Turrell Art Studios. 4 North 6th St. Stroudsburg.
