A new direction for Forest Hall Studios

The art exhibit on October 12 at Forest Hall Studios marked the beginning of a new direction for the studios — looking inward to the local art scene. The studios previously held exhibits by New York artists, Christopher Makos and Paul Solberg. The success of the October 12 opening was impressive, with 250 people attending. Bill Rosado, head of the Milford Hospitality Group, which owns the studios, said, “The level of attendance we had last night was a big show of support from the community. This organic attendance hit every age group and that has been a part of out overall goal.” Rosado was particularly pleased that Jerry Cooney, a legendary heavyweight boxer, shared his evening at the event.

Steven Rosado compared appreciation for the arts in Milford to appreciation for the outdoors, “The overwhelming attendance is a great example of just how many people in our area live here because of an arts scene that has existed for so many years,” he said. “We felt it was our duty to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing talents that live in Pike County. In an election year with people so divided, it is amazing that people can set aside their political differences and come together to enjoy the arts. It is a statement of what this small town can do when we all work together.” The plan for the studios is to continue these free events as long as the community supports them.

The event on October 12 was the opening for the series. It was curated by Kasia Lojewska, who has a shop in the Lumberyard and has done a variety of artistic projects like dealing with antiques, doing interior design at 403 Broad, and dealing with artists. Lojewska said, “We need things like this to connect people together.” There were three groups of artists displaying their work — all local talent. This free exhibit is open to the public and will be available until December 15.

Joe DiMaggio and Joanne Kalish called their work “Side by Side.” They are both extremely talented well-known photographers. Di Maggio’s 1981 “Sports Illustrated” Cooney vs Holmes cover earned him a “Best Picture of the Year” award by “Time” magazine. His work for advertising photography has netted him a list of Fortune 500 clients. He and Kalish are life partners and often work together. She has worked for “Sports Illustrated” as well. She was the only photographer at the Long Beach Grand Prix who made the photograph of the famous jump shot involving Mario Andretti and James Hunt. As a visual artist, her specialties are portraiture, beauty and sensuality, which has become an on-going series. Her current project is a new series on happiness.

David Richard is a well-known collector of aboriginal art. He spent a lot of time in the remote town of Alice Springs in Australia’s northern territory. He brought some very interesting pieces to the exhibit. His collection is called “Echoes of the Outback.”

Eddy Segal (named after her grandfather) was raised in Milford and learned to paint at DVHS. This multi-talented artist is a painter, sculptor, metal artist, and wedding dress artist, which is perhaps her most unusual talent. She started by taking her mother’s wedding dress and painting on it. The dress was from a bad relationship, but Segal thought that by painting on it she could transform it to a celebratory memory. “I like the idea of taking it away from ownership and making it about you claiming your own magic, instead of a man owning you.”

The pictures she paints on the dresses often tell a story and are like a time-capsule reflecting the era of the dress. One dress takes about a few months to make. However, her piece de resistance is a humongous dress called “our mother, the mountain.” It’s like a mountain and it also could be worn as a tent. It took Segal a year to make and it is larger than life. She actually did wear it once. It’s befitting that her little exhibit is called “Wild Daughter.”

The evening was a great success, and the live music provided the perfect ambiance for the art.

For more information about forthcoming artistic events at Forest Hall Studios, call 570-300-8020 or email info@milfordhospitalitygroup.com.