A Collection of Blown Glass and Mixed Media Art by Sycamore Shade Studios

THE HUMOR REALITY AND FANTASY OF PARENTAL RELATIONSHIPS IN NATURE BY CINDI HARDWICKE AND JUSTIN PETTINGELL OF SYCAMORE SHADE STUDIOS

For the months of October and November Lebanon Picture Frame & Fine Art Gallery is excited to present "Parenthood" an exhibition of blown glass and mixed media art that delves into the complexities of parental relationships and the continuity of life in the natural world. Through a blend of realism humor and fantasy artists Cindi Hardwicke and Justin Pettingell of Sycamore Shade Studios explore these themes in unique and thought-provoking ways. Each piece in the collection stands out through the use of diverse techniques and media showcasing the artists' commitment to pushing boundaries and celebrating the myriad expressions of parenthood in nature. Join us for the artist reception on First Friday October 4 2024 from 5pm to 8pm. The exhibit will remain on display until Saturday November 30 2024.

Cindi Hardwicke's artistic journey began under the sprawling branches of a Sycamore tree on her grandfather's farm in Virginia. As a child she found solace and inspiration in the shade of that tree a place where her imagination would run wild. Even as an adult Cindi envisions herself back in that peaceful spot dreaming up new ideas and creations. Cindi's artistic portfolio encompasses a diverse range of mediums including clay and glass sculptures laser-cut wood collage jewelry and fused glass home décor and ornaments. She finds her greatest joy in crafting mixed media sculptures shadowboxes and window installations frequently collaborating with son and fellow artist Justin. Her work is a celebration of creative exploration blending various materials and techniques to produce visually striking and thought-provoking pieces.

Justin Pettingell's artistic journey was shaped by a unique upbringing and a creative family. His parents taught him that art could be crafted from nearly anything fostering his inventive spirit from a young age. Justin's father managed the SPCA and Humane Society allowing him to grow up surrounded by a menagerie of pets including ferrets monkeys snakes lizards a pet skunk and the more familiar dogs cats and birds. This vibrant environment fueled Justin's creativity and love for all living creatures. As an adult Justin discovered his passion for working with glass through his mother embracing this medium to bring his imaginative visions to life. Now a part of the 'In the Shade of the Sycamore Tree' story Justin works on a torch to create intricate glass pendants whimsical fantasy insects and creatures ornaments memorial cremation pendants and any other captivating glass ideas that inspire him. His work reflects a blend of his early influences and his boundless creative spirit. 

Cindi holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Moore College of Art and Design with a K-12 Art Certification as well as an Associate of Arts in Graphic Design from Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC). Her career in the arts took off while she was still in school working at Quinlan's Scenic Studios in Philadelphia. She also gained valuable experience as a costume designer at HACC and Touche' at the Hilton in King of Prussia. During this time Cindi contributed to the creation of a diverse array of scenery for plays movies The Academy of Music and the Coleco Toy Shows in New York City.

With no formal art training Justin learned from his parents that you could make art from almost anything and helped out with crafts shows that they attended. He also was lucky enough to accompany his mom when she went to work at Quinlan's where he was allowed to help with small creative tasks and experience the magic of scenic design. He later learned to create torchworked glass from Cindi in their home studio.

Cindi and Justin have exhibited their work at the Art Center of Mechanicsburg and Millworks in Harrisburg. Both teach Lampworking (Torchworked Glass) at the Art Center of Mechanicsburg.

Lebanon Picture Frame & Fine Art Gallery has been serving the regional artistic community since 1999. Aside from professional and quality archival custom framing its gallery regularly features exhibitions of local artists as well as unique handcrafted gift items such as jewelry paintings ceramics sculptures and more.

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If you would like more information please call (717) 279-7725 or email at [email protected]

Host or Publisher Lebanon Picture Frame & Fine Art Gallery