The Art of Illusion In Person in 2022

Art comes in many forms. Throughout art history artists have tried to trick the viewer in believing what they see is actually real or optically real. In this series of workshops, we will explore the artists that tried and succeeded. Artists such as MC Escher, Victor Vasarely and the Op-Art artists of the 1960's will be introduced. We will also explore the work of Josef Albers (the Father of color theory) and Trompe l'oeil artists. Lastly, we will also discover how a mirror is used to create interesting mirror images. After each artist or art form is introduced, the participants will create their own work inspired by the masters. This residency will culminate with an art exhibition of the seniors’ work with an “artists talk-back” at the senior center.

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  Mixed media artist, Steve Palermo, has been a Teaching Artist at Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts since 2012, and at the Poppenhusen Institute since 2013. In addition to creating and facilitating mixed media and painting workshops for young people, adult groups, and senior centers, he has been requested to assist other teaching artists at FCCA for the past three years. His "All Saints Day" workshop with fellow educator, Tina Seligman for FCCA's Halloween Remix event was attended by over 300 families. Combining art history and cultural references with technique through presentation boards and hands-on demonstration with the materials, Steve Palermo emphasizes experimentation with the materials, and encourages each student to discover his or her own voice and style. Specializing in collaging, sculpting, and weaving paper, his projects cover a wide range of subjects. Having worked at Lee's Art Shop from 1994-2009, Steve has a wide range of knowledge and experience with a variety of art media. Steve's work has been featured in national and international group exhibitions include First Person Plural,  Frenzy into Folly, St. Paul the Apostle Church, NYC, 2012; Drawing Connections, The Siena Art Institute, Siena, Italy, 2011; Jazz and Zen, JMC Gallery, NYC, 2011; The Bitten Image, The Queens Museum, Flushing, NY, 1982 and many more. 

  Steve Palermo