Leadership Wilkes-Barre hosts batik art fundraiser for Verve Vertu Art Studio in Dallas on Feb. 8
From a press release:
Verve Vertu Art Studio is an arts apprentice studio located in Dallas, Pennsylvania developed in conjunction with the Deutsch Institute in Scranton. It focuses on tapping into the creative energy of individuals living with emotional, physical, and intellectual development disabilities.
Verve Vertu (Verve, meaning high energy, and Vertu, meaning excellence in objects of art) instructors introduce a variety of mediums, including watercolors, acrylics, fibers, batik, wool needle felting, and inks to create one-of-a-kind art pieces. The artwork is proudly displayed for sale in the studio’s onsite gift shop.
Leadership Wilkes-Barre seeks to develop informed and committed leaders from all segments of the community who will serve, strengthen, and improve Northeast Pennsylvania. As part of their nine-month journey with LWB, Team Art Story is working with Gwen Harleman, director of Verve Vertu, and their friends at the studio to improve the existing kitchen space to better accommodate the diverse needs of the artists they serve.
Art Story, a group of local professionals from the Leadership Wilkes-Barre Class of 2020, will host an art show at Verve Vertu’s studio (24 Main St., Dallas) on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. to help raise funds for the facility improvements. The show will feature Verve Vertu’s local artists and some of the actual pieces they’ve created in the studio. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or at the door the night of the event.
Guests will also have an opportunity to work with Verve Vertu’s artists to create batik art. Batiking is an ancient art that has been practiced for 2,000 years in Southeast Asia. The process uses dye-resistant wax to create elaborate patterns and designs on a cloth or paper medium.
Participants can enter their unique piece of art for a chance to win a framed piece from the studio’s collection. The additional cost to batik the night of the event will be $20 to help offset the cost of supplies.
Those who can’t attend the show but want to help can make donations via mail. All checks should be made payable to Leadership Wilkes-Barre with “Art Story” on the memo line. Donations should be mailed with attention to Mr. Kevin T. Hosler, 651 North Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705.
Art Story’s wish is that the successful completion of this project will allow Verve Vertu and Harleman to better accommodate the needs of the artists while affording them new avenues to express their talents. Team Art Story is Patrick Creedon (Commission on Economic Opportunity), Leah Fuller (Benco Dental Supply), Kelly Gulvas (FNCB Bank), Kevin Hosler (InterMetro Industries), Megan Mundy (King’s College), Samuel O’Connell (Coal Creative), Anne Rodella (F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts), and Tara Wagner (Geisinger).
The Verve Vertu Art Studio is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
