Temple Sinai Art Fair Displays Variety & Flair
Local artist and retired art teacher Judie Jacobs sent out her “call to action” to sign up local artisans for this good cause.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Temple Sinai reprised its 2023 Art Fair this year on Dec. 7 with a “Spotlight on Talent” reception, art show and sale that was open to the community. Some familiar and renown local names, many of whom have been featured in the Atlanta Jewish Times Chai Style Art column like Temme Barkin Leeds, Fran Scher, Corey Begner, and Rick Berman joined a coterie of others, some “newbies” and other non-Jewish artists. Potential buyers registered at the front door and noted that 30 percent of the sales would go to Temple Sinai with 10 percent of that going to Israel to support the post-Oct. 7 Elem Program.
The evening began with festive charcuterie boards and wine bar before entering the expansive social hall lined with vendor displays. At the west side of the room was a huge screen featuring the Georgia vs. Texas football game which brought cheers and groans in the backdrop.
Impresario/artist and longtime Temple Sinai member, Judie Jacobs, was the master mind behind gathering and organizing. She said, “Last night I had another show at Holy Innocents and another one recently at Angels Among Us, so I’m in full swing. This one is special because a portion of the sales goes to Temple Sinai and a special fund for art therapy in Israel.” Accompanied by granddaughter Gaby, Jacobs had over 100 acrylic paintings and small ceramics, ranging from $5 to $2,500.
Temme Barkin-Leeds showed her works inspired by her summer residency at Chateau D’Orquevaux in the Haute Marne area of France. These prints on canvas sold for $210 each or $600 for a set of four. She explained, “I had a visions of missiles as the worst case had they been available for the Nazis; but my work shows these vines around them noting their defeat, we are still here, and nature ultimately winning.”
One of the Southeast’s major potters, Rick Berman, was on hand with a copy of his book and 30 pieces. One of his favorites was an aqua hued raku fired bowl for $100. Berman, who was an instructor at Georgia State University and Pace Academy, has work in private collections ranging from Jane Fonda to John Portman, and in museums from Echizen Japan, the Chicago Art Institute to Atlanta’s High Museum of Art. A worldwide lecturer, Berman takes inspiration from his sojourns in India.
Fran Scher had one of the largest and boldest corner displays. She said, “I used to do representational art; and five years ago, I changed to abstract in acrylic, starting at $150.” Scher’s work is at The Loft, and L&N Frame, represented by Gregg Irby.
Woodwork artist and retired orthopedic surgeon, Roy Rubin, had a sophisticated display of useful pieces out of species like maple, sapele, walnut, and padauk woods. A member of Temple Sinai since 1978, Rubin was upbeat, “My work tonight is ‘selling like hot cakes.’”
Jewelry artisan Amy Leff’s work was sparkling, unique, certainly in line for Chanukah giving. As “Thriving Stars,” her pieces are solid gold and genuine stones. (Lab grown upon request). Mostly self-taught, Leff also took classes in stone setting and at Chastain Arts Center. Her very dainty tennis bracelets and artistic necklaces, also laced with diamond drops, make for nice Chanukah gift ideas. A one-of-a-kind emerald ring was still three figures.
Newcomer to the show, Laurie Solomon had an eclectic table including mezzuzot and menorahs ranging from $25 to $300. A retired Coca-Cola executive, Solomon learned her craft at Callanwolde Art Center near her home. She said, “They have a variety of classes and programs on the wheel and hand building ceramics. The latter is my métier. And, yes, I drive from the Emory area to attend Temple Sinai.”
Her “Laurie’s Atlanta Pottery” features whimsical and unique items, many with three-dimensional twists, mugs, bowls and platters. That night the prices ranged from $25 to $300.
Mid-evening, a huge roar filled the room as Texas fans suffered humiliation with UGA’s close victory.
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