Park Row Gallery News

The art of Halloween is coming to Park Row Gallery as George Gruel and Cathy Kaplan present "Spirits of the Season" October 15th through November 2. An opening reception will be held at the gallery, 2 Park Row, on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m.

The exhibition consists mainly of the fine art photography by George Gruel, as well as selected Halloween antiques from the collection of Cathy Kaplan and original Halloween sculpture by Mary Piester.

Gruel, a graphic designer, has a passion for photography and has won praise for his art. "... I want to tell you about George, the photographer," said renown illustrator Elwood Smith. "He's one of my favorite photographers. Right up there with the best.

"He has the gift of capturing exactly the right moment, the perfect light, the conversation of elements to create perfect images. He mucks about with his pictures in Photoshop, but his touch is never gimmicky. George somehow adds, or subtracts, only that which hones a great shot into an outstanding one."

Kaplan collects all manner of Halloween memorabilia from vintage Halloween costumes to decorations.

"The chill autumn air, the crunch of leaves underfoot and Halloween decorations in the store windows all evoke memories of childhood, dress up and parties. I derive great pleasure from collecting the remnants of years of Halloween celebrations," says Kaplan.

Piester's sculptures of witches and Santas have been featured in Early American Life Magazine four times. She is also endued in the Directory of American Craftsmen, The Hancock Museum Show, The Hingman Winterfest for the Historical Society. Her work has also been exhibited in the Wilton Historical Society American Craftsman Show, which featured her Santas on the covers of their 2003 and 2005 brochure.

Piester uses plaster, dental stone, paper mache', porcelain and vintage fabrics in her one-of-a-kind folk art works. She travels far and wide to antique shows to collect fabrics, toys and trims to complete her pieces.