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‘Jason’ by Mary Lou Chibirka

CLARKS SUMMIT – Michaelangelo’s Restaurant in Clarks Summit will host the art show “Organic. People. Clay” on Friday, April 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The show will feature works from Nannette Burti, Marylou Chibirka and Linda Lee Nicholas.
“I have shown my work there for a long time,” said Chibirka, of Dalton. “I invited the two other artists to come along. Linda Nicholas has very large abstract paintings and I feel like they are organic, just like at Michaelangelo’s the food is excellent, exquisite and organic. Nan Burti is a potter, so there will be bowls and other types of serving dishes, just like at Michaelangelo’s when they serve food,” she said.
Chibirka described her work as large vases with painted faces, varying in size from three by four feet to three inches by four inches. “I thought my art fit in because it is all faces just like at the restaurant, it is all people,” she added.
Fleetville resident Burti said her work is “hand-built stoneware clay vessels that have been gas or wood fired. The works are functional, but made with a sculptural vision and process,” she said. “My inspiration for this work is the natural world,” she added.
“Our art is an extension of his restaurant,” said Chibirka. “I thought it was a very nice balance and I brought it together,” she added.
Both Chibirka and Burti are professional artists. “I have my own studio and support myself solely from art. I have always painted my whole life,” Chibirka said.
Burti added: “I own and operate Burti Ceramics Studio and Supply. We provide pottery classes, materials, work space, repair and firing services to other ceramic artists. After all these years I am richly blessed to be able to do something I love as an occupation.”
Additionally, Chibirka also offers lessons. “I teach a lot to great young aspiring artists. I have quite a few students that are very dedicated and committed. You just have to keep at it and make it your passion. I painted at least one hundred portraits before I called myself a portrait artist,” she added.
“A lot of painting, I think it comes naturally to the artist. You need to develop your own style and technique. Put in your personality. You just have to put the work in, like a pianist practices the piano,” added Chibirka.
Chibirka has a degree in painting and said she has studied with many private and well-known portrait artists. She has owned her own studio for the past ten years and has added a gallery since then.
Chibirka and Burti said they have been interested in art their entire lives. Chibirka added that she has loved art ever since she won a chocolate bunny for an Easter poster contest in kindergarten. Later, she attended the Governor’s School of Excellence for her art. There will be a cash bar and complimentary snacks at the exhibit. Michaelangelo’s Restaurant is located at 894 Old State Road in Clarks Summit. Reach them at 586-0755.