local artist

"What's the TableTop ArtShow? It’s this awesome, totally one-of-a-kind art exhibition that happens every March. Let me give you the lowdown on how this whole shebang got started.

So, picture this: Melissa Flint and Brian Kemp are shooting the breeze, brainstorming like mad scientists. They’re thinking, “How can we bring some artsy goodness to the people during the crazy times of COVID?” Galleries are shut tight, nowhere to show off cool art. But then, a light bulb moment! Melissa goes, “Why not slap it on place mats?” And just like that, boom, the TableTop ArtShow is born!

Here’s the scoop: artists can submit up to 2 pieces of their fabulous creations. No charge to enter, correct, it's FREE.  All the submissions get showcased in a virtual gallery online for the whole wide world to see. Then, our yearly featured judge(s) pick the cream of the crop - 15 pieces to strut their stuff on the walls of Eli Fish Brewing in Downtown Batavia. Talk about prime real estate!

New this year! We're putting together a Look Book featuring artwork from this year's enties. But wait, there’s more! We’re talking prizes, folks. The top dogs from those 15 chosen pieces snag some sweet rewards for their talent. Plus, those lucky pieces get double exposure - they also get featured on snazzy place-mats displayed in 30+ local restaurants all month long. It’s like your art gets to be the star of its own culinary show!
And hey, mark your calendars for Tuesday March 4th, 2025, 'cause that’s when the opening reception goes down at Eli Fish Brewing. There’s even a People's Choice Award up for grabs, so you can vote for your fave while sipping on a cold one.

Now, here’s where you come in. Wanna be part of the action? Swing by a participating restaurant in March and feast your eyes on the creativity on display. If you’re an artist yourself, or you know someone with any artistic skills, why not throw your hat in the ring and submit some pieces? Deadline’s February 2nd, 2025, so don’t dilly dally!
And hey, if you’re feeling extra generous, we’re always on the lookout for sponsors to help make this shindig a reality. Community support makes all the difference, so big thanks in advance!

So there you have it, folks. Get ready to dive into a world of creativity and fun at the TableTop ArtShow this March. See you there! Click here for more information: https://tabletopartshow.secure-decoration.com

A new exhibit featuring the work of local photographer Susan Meier is on view at the Gallery at Blue Pearl Yoga through the month of January. The show is free and open to the public during gallery hours.

Meier, a lifelong resident of Genesee County, currently resides in East Pembroke. A self-taught artist, she began taking photographs as a preteen.

“I won a camera in a coloring contest and that sparked my interest,” she says.

After graduating from Genesee Wyoming BOCES with a degree in Cosmetology, Susan operated a hair salon out of her home for several years but continued her interest in photography, joining the Batavia Photography Club in 1995. She began photographing weddings in the late '90s and by 2001 she graduated from Genesee Community College with an AAS in Commercial Art. In 2010 she moved her business to the Harvester Artisan Center. She is a member of the Professional Photographers Association, past president of the Batavia Photography Club, and is active in 4H and the Genesee County Fair.

She continues her professional development by attending workshops throughout the country where she’s learned techniques like off-camera flash and studio and portrait lighting. Her work has been shown at the Richmond Memorial Library where she’s won multiple People’s Choice Awards, Moon Java Café, Genesee Community College, GoArt!, and Muller Quaker. Aside from her work as a wedding photographer, Susan’s professional work includes high school senior portraits, professional head shots, as well as newborn, family, and maternity photos.  

“The 11 images in the Blue Pearl exhibit feature a mix of fashion/glamour, boudoir, concept shoots and some photo digital art,” Meier says. "Concept shoots are ideas or unique concepts brought to life.

The concept images on display include Feather, 1940s Glam, Steampunk, Snow Princess and Flower. Her training as a cosmetologist allows her to construct elaborate styles for her models.

She is available for private photography lessons. You may contact her at 585-861-0415 or visit her studio at the Harvester Artisan Center, 56 Harvester Ave., on the first floor. Her social media presence includes Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, 500px, Google Plus, Shop Batavia.

The exhibit can be seen during gallery hours on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m.; Monday through Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.

For more information, call Blue Pearl Yoga at 585.230.5430.