Trapped to Triumph. How to get there with art and hope.

 

“If you build it, he will come.”
—Ray Liotta in Field of Dreams

 
 

The Story of The Warren Court Art Walk

Three artists, a pandemic, and hope!

Four years ago, Sybil Archibald, Wendy Bellermann, and I found ourselves trapped at home, missing the vibrant energy of our art community. We decided to take matters into our own hands, and the Warren Court Art Walk was born! With the generous support of our neighbors, we transformed their lawns into art galleries, inviting 18 exceptional artists to showcase their work on one beautiful block.

The morning of the art walk dawned a clear and beautiful day, but we had no idea what to expect. Would anyone come? Would artists sell their work? Well the answer was yes and YES! The community came out in droves, armed with masks. People reconnected with their neighbors and friends. The art was captivating. It was a magical resounding success! 

Now in it's 4th year, boasting 25 artists, food, and music, the Warren Court Art Walk has become a beloved community event! You must come celebrate with us! There'll be deomnstrations, raffles, margaritas, and I will be performing a short set of original music Saturday afternoon. Its gonna be a pARTy! 

May 11th and 12th from 11am-5pm, Warren Court, South Orange, NJ. In the heart of the beautiful Montrose Park Historic District.

See you soon! Love,
Leslie
xo

 

Come party with me!

 

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
—Mae West

 

During the opening show at the Pierro Gallery I stood next to my portrait of Carol Lane, “Behind The Lens.” Carol was a wonderful photographer and terrific person I met through Studio Montclair.

 

Saturday night, we blew the roof off the brand-new Baird Center during the grand reopening of the Pierro Gallery of South Orange, New Jersey. The place was packed to the gunwales! I'm honored and humbled that my painting hangs with the work of other incredibly talented artists in the show. 

Our mayor, Sheena Cullum, was there along with Judy Wukitsch, who co-founded the gallery in 2001 with her late husband, Lennie Pierro. Pierro was a fine artist and longtime South Orange resident. He sought to create a cooperative effort between fine artists and the town. The celebration continued upstairs to the cafe, where a jazz band entertained as folks enjoyed a fantastic spread of food and drink. The entire building has been reimagined and updated beautifully. The evening was a wonderful and vibrant celebration of South Orange, our community, and our artists. The gallery is state-of-the-art, and it's spectacular. The show is running through June 12th, go see it!

I have so many wonderful events coming up. Come party with me at all of them. And reach out here to meet me at any of the galleries and I’ll show you around. Life is short, lets have fun!

  • THIS WEEKEND!!!
    THE ART OF COMMUNITY #1
    Sunday, April, 28th, 3pm – 6pm
    488 Summit AvenueSouth Orange, NJ, 07079

  • THE WARREN COURT ART WALK
    Saturday, May 11th & Sunday, May 12th 11:00am – 5:00pm.
    36 Warren Court, South Orange, NJ, 07079

  • THE CHATHAM LIBRARY SOMA STUDIO TOUR ARTISTS SHOW
    Opening reception, June 9th 2:15 – 4pm.
    214 Main Street, Chatham Township, NJ, 07928

  • PAINTERS IN THE PARK
    Saturday, May 18th, 10am – 3pm
    Memorial Park, Maplewood, NJ, 07040

  • THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER
    Opening reception, September 19th 7pm – 9pm.
     Gallery Roshana, 120 rue de la Boétie 75008

  • WILD CHERRY ART PARTY
    Saturday, Oct 26, 2024, get on the A-list for the information

Stay tuned, more to come! Make sure you’re on the Wild Cherry Art mailing list so you don’t miss a beat!

 

Own a spectacular work of original art and see your investment skyrocket

 

"Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one."
— Stella Adler

 

Above is a small sampling of Wild Cherry Art pieces that live in permanent homes across the globe and will increase in value!

 

Do you own a piece of Wild Cherry Art? I am thrilled to tell you its value will increase this Fall! So far, I'm participating in nine shows this year. I'm creating so much new work that I can feel myself growing! I'm grateful that my collector list is rapidly expanding. After I attend the residency in France this September, followed by a show in Paris, the prices of Wild Cherry Art will go up.

Why now? Demand has increased, and the cost of everything has nearly tripled. The silver lining is that this is excellent news if you own a piece of Wild Cherry Art. If you've been thinking about purchasing a painting, now would be a great time to buy. You'll own a spectacular new work of art, and your investment will grow automatically in October 2024. Make an appointment to meet me in my studio by clicking the button below.

I'll honor my current commission fees, but they will increase after October as well, so if budget is on your mind, make the appointment for a discovery call right now to discuss your dream project!

See you soon,
Leslie
xo

Check out all of my upcoming events! Meet me at the Openings:

🍒 PIERRO GALLERY Spring ‘24 EXHIBITION

OPENING RECEPTION

Wednesday, April 17th, 6:30-8:30pm
5 Mead Street, South Orange, New Jersey 07079
Wednesday, April 17, through Wednesday, June 12, 2024,


🍒 THE ART OF COMMUNITY

ARTIST SALON SERIES #1

Sunday, April 28, 3:00pm — 6:00pm
488 Summit Avenue, Maplewood, 07040


🍒 WARREN COURT ART WALK

Saturday, May 11th & Sunday, May 12th, 11:00am to 5:00pm.
Warren Court, South Orange, NJ, 07079


🍒 CHATHAM LIBRARY SHOW

OPENING RECEPTION

June 9th 2:15—4pm.
The Chatham Library, 214 Main Street, Chatham Township, NJ, 07928
Saturday, June 1, through Sunday, June 30, 2024, 10:00 AM—5:00 PM


🍒 THE WORLD IS MY OYSTER

OPENING RECEPTION

Thursday, September 19th 6pm—9pm
Galerie Roshana, 120 Rue de la Boétie, 75008 Paris
Thursday, September 19, through Sunday, September 22, 2024


🍒 WILD CHERRY ART PARTY

Saturday, October 26th—RSVP for details


🍒 STUDIO TOUR SOMA

Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, 11 AM—5:00 PM
Wild Cherry Art (map) and throughout South Orange and Maplewood, NJ



 

Want to conjure a world of possibilities and pearls of wisdom?

 
 

The oyster has taken what was at first an irritation and intrusion and uses it to enrich its value.”
― Susan C. Young

 
 

First stop in New Orleans was the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter. Andrew and I met up with my friend, Devra Dedeaux for cocktails and oysters.

 

This year is shaping up to be off-the-chart stupendous! My trip to New Orleans was sensational. I introduced NOLA to my boyfriend, Andrew, and we did everything and more. One of my favorite things about NOLA are the oysters. For over 30 years, I’ve been collecting oyster photos with a plan to create a series of Oyster paintings, and after this latest trip, I’m finally ready to start! I’m excited to focus on a subject I have loved and enjoyed for so long, which conjures a world of possibilities and magical transformation. After all, the world is your oyster, filled with pearls of wisdom. I will present the first oyster paintings at the Warren Court Art Walk on Mother’s Day weekend.

Click the button below and head to my events page to see all the fun things I’ve got coming up. Meet me at the opening of the Pierro Gallery show in April and the Chatham Library show in June. If you’re planning that trip to Europe, make sure you plan your visit to Paris around my two-woman show at the beautiful Gallery Roshana, mere steps off the Champs Elysees opening September 19th! Check out Andi Ipacktchi's work. She’s my cohort in Paris.

I’ll be attending the NG Artist Residency in Provence for two weeks before my Paris show. I’m thrilled to be going with my art buddy, Sandra Charlap. When I return from Paris I’ll be prepping for my Wild Cherry Art Halloween pARTy, and I’ll wrap up the year with our beloved Studio Tour SOMA. Go to my website now and get on my A-list to learn about all my events, times, and locations. Don’t miss any of the fun!

See you soon!
Love,
Leslie

 

Holiday Open House! This Sunday, December 3rd, 1pm–6pm. COME!

 
 
 

WILD CHERRY ART HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Join me on Sunday, December 3rd, from 1 pm till 6 pm. 
36 Warren Court, South Orange, NJ
Sip, snack, shop, and socialize. The first ten people receive a free gift. 
Our connection is what brings me the most joy. Come and celebrate with me!

 
 

I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful. Now it's time to gear up for the season of giving. Because you're on my list, you're invited to a unique, private Holiday Open House. Everything is even more sparkling for the holidays. Join me for a nosh, a chat, and some holiday cheer. Pick up a print or a painting for a gift or yourself. I have new Cherry and Northern Lights paintings and a few new Quarantinis and Landscapes, plus Cherry and Nutcracker totes. I also offer gift certificates. A beautiful piece of ART serves as a positive catalyst for enhancing our well-being. Art has the power to heal, inspire, provoke, challenge and offer hope. Now that’s a meaningful gift for the person who has everything!

 

The delightful Sandra Charlap will be joining me on Sunday. Come and have fun with us!

 

Sandra Charlap will join me again and sell her beautiful paintings, mosaics, and greeting cards. We had such a great time together during the studio tour we thought we'd buddy up again. Stop by and enjoy the fun. If you're nice, I'll play you my original holiday song! And if you're naughty, I've got something for you too!

With love and gratitude,
Leslie
xo

 

What's not to be thankful for? I get mangos in January!

 
 

"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."
— Marcel Proust

 
 

This is a chalk painting of a pasture raised, organic turkey that created when I worked at Whole Foods painting signs.

 

As I prepare my home and pantry for the holiday, I'm connecting to all I'm thankful for: family, friends, my boyfriend, good health, extraordinary experiences, a beautiful home, a wonderful community, and all my creative gifts. I'm grateful for living in this time of indoor plumbing, heated car seats, electricity, grocery stores, pillow top mattresses, mangos in January, and everything available in this modern world. Most of us live like kings and queens. It’s an amazing time to be a human. It's also a very turbulent time in a frightening world. I get through it by focusing on the light and practicing gratitude.

This holiday feels especially powerful, and I'm grateful for my freedom and ability to help others. I volunteer at a nonprofit, the WConnection, where widows help widows rebuild their lives. This organization was instrumental in my healing journey. Right now, every donation is being doubled through a matching grant! However you give, and whatever you do to help others improves the world. It has a ripple effect. Wouldn't it be awesome if we could turn that ripple into a tsunami of love! Let's not give up until we succeed. Let’s honor our earth and each other, appreciate all we have, and give back from our hearts. Each of us can make a difference.

Wild Cherry Art holiday open house

Join me on Sunday, December, 3rd from 1pm till 6pm.
36 Warren Court, South Orange, NJ
Sip, snack, shop, and socialize. The first 10 people receive a free gift.
Our connection is what brings me the most joy. So come and make my day!

From my table to yours, wishing you and yours an abundance of blessings this Thanksgiving.
With love and gratitude,
Leslie

 

Art is a powerful force that unites, heals, and enriches our lives.

 

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
― Pablo Picasso

 

On the porch with my latest painting, “Looking For Cal Pep/Barcelona.” See it in the Studio Montclair Critique Group Show. The Opening is Friday, June, 16th 6 pm till 8pm, at the Studio Montclair Gallery, 127 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, NJ.

 

I'm delighted to recount the experience of the Warren Court Art Walk: an event that captured the essence of artistic splendor. Let me paint you a picture of this wonderful weekend and express my deep appreciation to everyone who joined this unforgettable outdoor salon.

Nestled in the heart of our vibrant community, the Warren Court Art Walk unfolded as a celebration of art, connecting artists, art lovers, and the community with a great burst of creative energy. Lucky for us the weather was fantastic. Inspired by visionary local artists this event breathed life onto the usually quiet street, transforming it into an open-air gallery where colors and stories blended with excitement. I set my porch up as a gallery space where I displayed my paintings and performed live music with drummer Glenn Healy and bass player Phil Cohen. You know it was a pARTy! Glenn also pitched in to help for the entire weekend! The variety of media on display on this one block in the historic Montrose Park District was awe-inspiring — from captivating paintings with vivid hues to intricate jewelry made from either precious metals or denim. The atmosphere was a symphony of colors and textures.

 
 

One of the best things about the art walk was the opportunity for meaningful interactions. Conversations sparkled like the lights in my latest painting, "Looking for Cal Pep/Barcelona." Artists and attendees engaged in dialogues, sharing insights, inspirations, and personal stories behind their creations.

As one of the organizers, along with Wendy Bellermann and Sybil Archibald, I am grateful to the participating artists who made the event such a success. Wendy, Sybil, and I worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every detail of the Warren Court Art Walk was an unforgettable experience for all who participated.

Thank you for wandering the art-filled street and embracing the magic of creativity. Your presence and support are invaluable, reminding us that art is a powerful force that unites, heals, and enriches our lives.

If you didn’t make it to the Art Walk or if you came and want to see more, click the button to schedule an appointment to come for a studio visit. We can meet in person or on Zoom. I can’t guarantee cocktails but coffee and tea are always available. And I’m always happy to play you a song!


See you next time!
Love,
Leslie
xo

 

Oh My Gosh! The Warren Court Art Walk Is This Weekend!

 

You can read all about it right here. I'll set up on my porch with new work hot off the easel. Have a margarita with me and talk art, travel, music, buy an original, pick up a print, commission a piece, or shoot the breeze. It's a super fun event that fellow artists Sybil Archibald, Wendy Bellermann, and I curated to make The Warren Court Art Walk a fantastic weekend of arts immersion for collectors, connoisseurs, and art lovers of all ages.

I’ve started working on paintings inspired from my recent travels. You see it here first because you’re on my list. See them in person this weekend!

I'll perform a short set of LIVE MUSIC with Glenn Healy and special guests on both days.
Not sure what time. You'll just have to get lucky! 

The restaurant, Miti Miti, will set up a food tent and serve their scrumptious empanadas. You can park right on the street. South Orange has a few great new restaurants too, and the weather is going to be spectacular! Don't miss it when you're out and about.

The Warren Court Art Walk
Saturday, June 3rd & Sunday, June 4th 
from 11:00am to 5:00pm

22 Exceptional Artists on One Block

It's going to be a pARTy!

See you this weekend,
Leslie
xo

 

Saturday Night, 11/19, the pARTy is on! Who's with me?

 
 

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”
— Oprah Winfrey

 
 

I've been working on contrast. The dark and the light. You can't have one without the other. Combining this with my wild cherry metaphor has led me to my Black Cherry Series. After several years in the making, I'm thrilled to share it with you.

 

I'm beyond excited to see you on November 19th at my Holiday pARTy. You wouldn't believe how much I've missed you. And now, I feel great. The house is spruced up for the holidays. The pARTy is on! Mark your calendar and click the button below to RSVP right now; I'll wait!

Wild Cherry Art Holiday pARTy
Saturday, November 19th
8 pm till 11 pm
Art, Live Music, Booze, Snacks, Fun
Bags, Cards, Ornaments
Birdsong Soy Candles

The party will be super fun with wonderful people and a delicious signature cocktail. The band is fantastic this year with (the infamous) Glenn Healy on drums, (the incomparable) Philip Cohen on Bass, and (the I can't believe he's playing with me!) Stuart Klinger on lead guitar. That puts me on vocals and rhythm guitar. We'll be playing a short assortment of originals and a holiday cover or two. It's going to rock!

 

I've continued exploring with my Sennelier Oil Pastels, from Paris, breathing life into the inspiration from my trip to France, Austria, and Hungary this year. See them all at the pARTy!

 

We can sip, shop and celebrate the season together. All art will be for sale during the party, along with bags and notecards. You can invest in your own collection, purchase a gift, or make an appointment to discuss a commission. My friend, Martha of Birdsong Soy Candles, will be offering her beautiful candles. More than anything I want you to come and have fun with me.

Let’s get the party started!

Love,
Leslie

PS Please be up to date with your vaccines and don’t come if you’re sick.
Thanks!

 

See how to navigate new frontiers with inspired fun, and magical growth

 

“Where flowers bloom so does hope.”
—Lady Bird Johnson

 
 

Inspired Landscape

Opening reception Friday, July 29th, 5 pm – 7:30 pm

July 16th through August 27th
West Orange Arts Council
551 Valley Road, West Orange

When you come to the opening for “Inspired Landscape,” you’ll see some of my recent European landscape work alongside work presented by six other artists. We came together as strangers from different backgrounds, working in various media and with different practices. We’ve met monthly for six years to critique each other’s work and support our artistic growth. During our meetings, we present work and discuss composition, value, subject matter, color, technique, inspiration, and the joy of the creative process. Having ongoing support and consistent accountability helps on the road to mastery. The mastery and the magic are evident when you view the show. I’ll be there for the opening. Meet me there, and we’ll celebrate like it’s 1999!

Participating artists:

Dan Epstein
Leslie Goldman
Marlene Hendrian
Ann Kraus
Fernando Mariscal
Denis Orloff
Katy Repka

 

I used the photographs I took in Monet’s garden to create my recent series of art using my new jumbo Sennelier Oil Sticks. In 1887, Gustave Sennelier, a devoted chemist, established the Sennelier palette as the ultimate standard of quality for Oil Pastels.

 

Navigating unknown mediums creates new neural pathways. Texture, viscosity, pigmentation, and substrate play a role, as do attitude, beliefs, and goals. Using new materials forces us to explore new ways of doing things. My Sennelier Oil Pastels are pushing me into unforeseen frontiers. I have to put on my thinking cap. More importantly, I put on my feeling cap. I approach the process with positivity and creative abandon. My studio is a great place to play and investigate without judgment. I play great music, infuse some delicious essential oils, dance around a bit, and have at it. The bottom line is when you try something new, you can’t help but grow. So much joy comes with exploring fully in the moment with childlike wonder. When I have fun with it and enjoy the ride, magic happens. See and feel the magic at my latest show!

I’ll be at the gallery all day this Saturday, July 23rd from 11am – 4pm. Come for a special tour of the show and I’ll share some of the observations from our critique sessions. People really love hearing about how the artist sees things and I’m happy to share. See you soon!

Love,
Leslie