News

Pair offering helping hand to young artists

By Katherine Landergan
correspondent
Published: July 10, 2009

AMESBURY — The town is an up-and-coming artists' playground, with numerous galleries from which to choose. But Wick'd Kool Gallery is unique in that it welcomes young artists who might not have much experience.

Artists Vivian Earabino and April Surowiec, who both have had their work displayed in Wick'd Kool, invite young and emerging artists to a free Portfolio Workshop on July 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the gallery. They will offer tips for creating a solid portfolio in a workshop divided into staggered time slots, giving the artists one-on-one attention.

The pair, who are both relatively new artists themselves, know how difficult it is for an artist to get their work shown. Unfortunately, many galleries view emerging artists as inexperienced and tend to reject their artwork. With this free workshop, Earabino and Surowiec intend to give young talent a chance.

"(We hope) to offer support to young and emerging artists, to give them a place where they can start off," Earabino said. "We want to make that first step very accessible to people."

For the month of August, those who participate in the workshop will have their artwork featured in Wick'd Kool Gallery at no cost. A reception night will be held on Friday, Aug. 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. This night will allow for the artists to make contacts with clients, meet one another and, potentially, sell their work.

Deborah Drew, the owner of Wick'd Kool Gallery, firmly believes that new artists possess a certain talent.

"Deb has been a mentor for both of us; she is very supportive of the arts and is very supportive of new artists and getting their names out there," Earabino said.

Earabino is an equine photographer, combining her love for horses and art. She describes her style as "abstract," and her photos range from a horse's dark silhouette to the vibrant image of a horse amidst nature.

She recently graduated with an associate's degree from the New England Institute of Art. She has shown her work at the Cedar Street Studios open studio tours in Amesbury, had a feature show at Wick'd Kool Gallery in March and is scheduled to display her photos at the Gallery Della-Piana in Wenham from Aug. 18 through the end of October.

She has also been featured in several Newburyport Art Association shows, with one of her photos winning the Best in Show award.

Surowiec, a fantasy artist, depicts her style as "abstract yet bold" and primarily paints mermaids, fairies and butterflies. She uses rich colors, and her artwork stimulates the imagination.

She has taken art courses at Northern Essex Community College, shown her work at the Cedar Street Studios open studio tours in Amesbury, and in February had her first feature show at Wick'd Kool Gallery. She is currently featuring her paintings at the Seabrook Starbucks.

Wick'd Kool Gallery is located on 15 Friend St. in Amesbury. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

To view Earabino's portfolio, go to www.vephotography.com; to get a taste of Surowiec's work, visit her Web site at http://www.aprilsurowiec.com/.

To contact Earabino, go to www.vephotography.com, and for Surowiec, e-mail april_the_artist@live.com.