Artists BJ Tuininga and Karl Hester will be featured during November’s First Friday, and from November 9th to November 27th at The Connelly Gallery on 205 State Street in Binghamton.

Both Tuininga and Hester draw their inspiration from their philosophical beliefs, but their sources differ. Tuininga’s source comes from Native American religious rituals whereas Hester’s source is Buddhism. Tuininga will be featured in the Exhibition Room, and the show is called Philosophical Differences from the Creative Psyche of BJ Tuininga. Hester will be featured in the Main Gallery, and his show is called The Art of Karl Hester.

In reference to the exhibition, Tuininga states:
“Background on painting: A montage of Native American spirit masks from many tribes throughout North America. While the colors are bright and contemporary in appearance they are the traditional colors used in painting by various tribal artists. The mask colors are not depicted as they would have been, but as I chose to contemporize them for the sake of this montage. It was important to me that each mask stands apart from the others, illustrating its uniqueness and its power and strength and their importance as part of the Native American religious rituals.”

Hester states:
“I draw, cook and love life. When I was young, growing up in the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek area of Michigan I found inner peace by spending time on my bikes, reading Buddhist teachings and drawing. When it came time to find a way to support myself I looked at what makes me happy and I decided on the culinary arts. I have been a professional Chef by trade for my entire adult life and find it to be a wonderful way of expression of my art. I draw as a form of meditation and relaxation when I get out of work. I have lived all over the US, San Francisco, LA, Chicago, Portland Mane, Boston, NYC, Saint Tomas VI, Washington DC and now in Greene NY, applying my passions to my cooking, searching for peace and my doing my drawing.

I have continued to draw when I find the time. My art is a reflection of my life, heart and soul. I have a wide variety of prints and cards to showcase my visions. I also do originals, logos and other custom design work. I hope you find this art enjoyable.”

To see Tuininga and Hester’s work, the gallery will be open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is no admission fee for audiences to visit the gallery. For more information, please call (607) 722-9593 or email us at Oswil.Art@gmail.com.

http://www.bjtuiningafineart.com
https://www.facebook.com/artofkarlhester