BY ANDREW OCHAL
July 23, 2020
Photos courtesy of Andrew Ochal
It has been a year since Arlene’s unveiled the mural commissioned by local artist Andrea Hersh. The mural was commissioned because the interior of the store needed to be revitalized, said Donna Garramone, owner of Arlene’s Artist Materials. “Andrea was the first artist I thought of because I love her work .” Plus, she would create “something we’d love to see everyday.” Andrea was easy and a joy to work with and the mural adds much needed color and fun to the space. “We’re absolutely thrilled with how it turned out and love it” Garramone went on to say.
The mural features undulating forms and shapes reminiscent of vines and flowers. Bright electric teal and soft blue combine with rich yellow, deep magenta, pale peach and greens to create an energetic composition that breathes freshness into the space. Hersh is interested in exploring the uglier, more unwieldy aspects of nature. The juxtaposition of feeling on the brink of something potentially disastrous with a strong sense of humor and the absurd. Come check the mural for yourself. Arlene’s is open Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm, Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and closed Sunday.
Andrea Hersh, who earned her MFA at the University at Albany, SUNY and has taught at area universities, has earned an excellent reputation due to her zany, intricately detailed oil paintings that feature abstract creatures and forms. In using these anthropomorphic forms, combined with her affinity for lively color and sensitive rendering, Hersh creates a narrative that tells the viewer about “the precarious hold nature has on humans and humans have on nature.”
Here is a collection of photos the memorialize the creation of the mural.