Silberkleit, Diroff Featured in Schoharie

SCHOHARIE — The walls of Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) have again been turned into an art gallery by the Schoharie Arts Council. This time, the work comes from a pair of artists whose subject matter and treatment are remarkably similar, though the media and techniques are quite different. Both are fascinated by the outdoors, by natural scenes and organic forms; both are realists and skilled detailers; both have a flair for dramatic composition. Both favor black and white, with maybe a hint of color.

The show’s title, “The Path Will Bend,” seems like a prediction, or the words of a guide who’s been where you are going and wants to help you find your way. It is a fine collection of work from two people who spend a lot of time walking in the woods and fields, looking for places to experience, capture, and share.

George Diroff likes to work large. Several of his pieces are picture-window sized, yet highly detailed. His skill at rendering is impressive, whether working in detail or in broad strokes. He works in charcoal and pencil as well as wood block engraving. One of the pieces upstairs draws your attention to the satin surface of a tree’s roots, splayed like a bird’s foot. It confronts the viewer with its unusual texture and position.

Amy Silberkleit creates amazingly precise lithographs. Her beautifully composed landscapes draw you in and invite you to imagine what lies just around the bend. Her still-lifes seem to breathe. As a lithographer, Amy uses special crayons to draw on limestone blocks and transfers her drawings to paper with an old-fashioned, hand-cranked printing press. She has mastered the various arts of preparing the stone, fixing the image, inking and printing to produce editions of identical artworks.

Between Diroff’s massive works and Silberkleit’s evocative lithographs, the walls of SEEC are covered with visual delights. Be sure to go upstairs to see the entire show.

“The Path Will Bend” is on display through October 15 at SEEC: 288 Main Street, Schoharie.

On August 15, the gallery will be open from 5-8 p.m. for a "Meet the Artists" event. On September 13, there will be a printmaking demo at SEEC from 2-4 p.m. On October 4 & 5, as part of the Schoharie County Driveabout, there will be artists’ demos and discussions at SEEC.