West Milford artist celebrates his first exhibition and his 21st birthday

| 28 Sep 2011 | 02:51

    WEST MILFORD—On August 6, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Pinecliff Lake Clubhouse, West Milford artist Adam Schechter will be holding his first solo exhibition. It will be a celebration of his twenty-first birthday, two major milestones for the young artist. Schechter has achieved much recognition for his artwork through numerous awards while attending West Milford High School and after graduation, through local art shows. Adam, a lifelong resident of Pinecliff Lake, explains why he has chosen his lake clubhouse for his first solo show, "I grew up on this lake and spent every summer down by that clubhouse, and I wouldn't have this show any other place." Family and friends are helping with this huge endeavor, providing a dinner buffet and beverages. This special evening promises to be an unique visual experience to be enjoyed with a beautiful view of the lake, good food and company. A pivotal point in Adam's art education and development came in the summer of 2004 when he seized the opportunity to study with the nationally respected representational painter, Burton Silverman. Schechter reflects on the experience stating, "In five days I learned as much as an entire year of college. I got the chance to watch a master artist paint right in front of me." Needless to say, Adam entered his sophomore year of college with an edge. Schechter will be a junior this fall as a painting major at the highly acclaimed Maryland Institute College of Art. Adam is now taking more independent classes and is beginning to develop his own personal expression. It is evident that he has a love for drawing , but his paintings do not depend on it: his most recent paintings depict spaces occupied by figures, but the spaces are ambiguous and the figures become distorted. He explains, "The paintings become less about what is real and more about painting, dealing with the interaction of color and what the paint can do." This exhibition will combine past and recent work, and will represent how Adam's form of expression is beginning to mature. By visiting the show's website http:/student.mica.edu/aschechter, one can see sample images, learn about the various features of the show, and even read the delectable menu to be provided by Beaver Creek Catering. There will be a suggested donation of $10. There will be live piano music, food and drink. For additional information, visit the website and the artist will personally respond to any questions.