A New Place to Discover Local Art

Natur-Tyme Transforms Community Corner Into An Art Gallery

Natur-Tyme, 3160 Erie Blvd. East, DeWitt, NY 13214 - 315.488.6300 - Store Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 am to 8 pm Saturday: 9 am to 6 pm
Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm

Sculptures by Tom Huff and prints and small paintings by Maria Rizzo.

Natur-Tyme is much more than your average health food store, carrying more than 10,000 grocery products (including over 1,000 gluten-free products), over 220 brands of supplements, a wide array of health and beauty products, high-quality pet food and pet supplements, and now providing an art gallery in their Community Corner to promote the talents of local professional artists as well as to bring cultural enhancement to the local community frequenting the store.

I have been selected as Natur-Tyme’s Artist-In-Residence and my goal is to create a thriving local art section in the store. I will be educating the community about the importance of the fine arts through talks and workshops. My responsibilities are:

1. to help the local community find high-quality works of art with different price ranges,
2. to expose the community to our local artists and their art services,
3. to recruit excellent artworks and wares by professionals and trusted local artists and crafters.

I will showcase my original paintings, fine art prints and much more at the store for the entire time I fulfill the role of Artist-in-Residence at Natur-Tyme.

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Along with my art, the store will showcase and promote the work of other artists over three-month periods. From July 1 to September 25, 2015 Natur-Tyme is proud to exhibit my acrylic paintings, the mixed media paintings by Karen Tashkovski, and the sculptures of Tom Huff. Everyone is invited to check out the original works of these local artists during normal store hours. Learn more about the new art gallery at Natur-Tyme by visiting  www.natur-tyme.com.

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The Story behind the 'Unknown Tree'

This week I highlight the story of Bryan and his photo of a unknown tree in Oran, NY. He is one of the eight winners of the Best Onondaga County Tree Photo Challenge, an interactive art project that asked Onondaga County residents to go into nature, find the most beautiful trees in our county, and send their suggestions to me with a photo.

I asked Bryan to share with us who he is, what he does for a living, what are some of his hobbies, why was he compelled to photograph this scene, if he knew what type of trees they are and how did he found out about this challenge. Here it's his response:

Bryan Hills, 64, born in DeRuyter--live in Jamesville, now retired--formerly customer service supervisor for Crouse Hinds in Syracuse, like golf, walking, building wood projects, being outdoors.

I have passed by this tree many times, at different times of the year, it always caught my attention, I look forward to seeing the changes in its appearance every time I go by.

The picture was taken on March 23, 2014. The tree is located in a field on the east side of Oran-Delphi Rd, about 4 miles from Oran, NY. I do not know the type of tree, as far as meaning, the tree just always intrigued me.

 I found out about the challange when you had your art showing at the Half Moon bakery in Jamesville.  My wife and I brought our brother and sister in law to view your paintings.  We had met you at the parade of homes in Jamesville.

The making of the 'Unknown Tree'     

I chose to paint this tree from Oran, NY because I loved its dancing shape against the beautiful winter colors of the background. if you think you know what type of tree this is, don't hesitate to let me know, actually, I would love to find out!

Below you will find the development of this painting:

The final piece is a 24x30" acrylic on gallery wrap canvas finished in February 2015.

Unknown Tree, 24x30" acrylic on canvas, 2015 by Maria Rizzo.

The Story Behind the Gingko Tree

This week I highlight the story of Ellen Leahy and her photo of a Gingko tree. She is one of the eight winners of the Best Onondaga County Tree Photo Challenge, an interactive art project that asked Onondaga County residents to go into nature, find the most beautiful trees in our county, and send their suggestions to me with a photo.

Describe yourself: name, age, location, what do you do for a living and what are some of your hobbies? Hello, I am a ladylike lady who is also a bit feral, living in the old veterinarian’s house in Skaneateles. I like to wonder.

Why did you choose to photograph this particular tree?

I am particularly drawn to gingko trees because their beauty and hardiness. This gingko in particular is rather tall. Gingkos are ancient!

What time of the year was it? It was in the fall - every Fall I watch this tree change from green to yellow.

What is the exact location of this tree? The tree is on the eastern side of the historic Kreb’s Restaurant building on Route 20 in Skaneateles.

How did you find out about this challenge? I think Facebook

The making of the 'Gingko Tree'     

I chose this tree because I was attracted by its shape and color and because I was intrigued by its unique name. After doing some research I realized why the Gingko tree is such a fascinating species. Let me share a couple of facts with you:

"Botanical.com recognizes Ginkgo biloba as 'the oldest living tree on the planet that's been used safely for over 3000 years,' noting that this relic from dinosaur times 'was nearly wiped out during the Ice Age everywhere except in China.' " "Another notable ginkgo tree fact - the bark and leaves of the plant are believed to secrete a sap which acts as a fire retardant. One of the useful functions of ginkgo biloba is thus as a natural means of protection against fires."

Read more:
http://landscaping.about.com/…/fallfoli…/p/ginkgo_biloba.htm
http://www.all4naturalhealth.com/ginkgo-tree-facts.html…

  Below you will see the development of this acrylic painting.

The finished Gingko tree from Skaneateles, NY was painted with Golden acrylic on a 24x18" gallery wrap canvas during the month of Febrary, 2015.

Gingko tree, 24x18" acrylic on canvas by Maria Rizzo, 2015.