Guest Artists
Lancaster Art Vault represents a number of Guest and Gallery Wall Artists. These are artists who market and sell their work through Lancaster Art Vault but do not need studio space. Our Gallery Wall Artists rotate every 2 months so there is always something new to see at Lancaster Art Vault.
The imagined perception of a pattern or meaning where it does not actually exist such as “the man in the moon”. Merriam Webster.
It was after a number of juried art exhibits along with finishing a book The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, that I would even consider admitting to myself that possibly I could be artist. I made the mental shift one summer morning. I told my wife I was headed to work as I loaded my kayak and camera in the van and headed to the Susquehanna River in search of reflections. I found what I was looking for in amazingly short time. A large outcropping of stone that I had paddled by many times but this day my pareidolia moment was a life shift. I found the image of The Wizard. Calm water levels, time of day, plants, wood debris, mud and silt had hidden him before, but this day he was clear and shining. I sat there laughing at the amazing gift that had been given to me at that moment. I have never seen this image on the river again. I find the same stone has morphed into other images. Since that time I have photographed other lakes, such as in the Adirondacks, Georgian Bay, Canada, and lakes of western states. I have discovered that we all see the same images of rocks, reflections, symmetry, but we find different meanings within the images we behold.
Stephen Pidcock
Julia Swartz
A lifetime resident of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, I have always been captivated by beauty. From an early age, art, flower gardens, and home decor were my passions. My artistic journey began with my mother’s oil paints, and though my formal training was minimal during my school years, my dedication never wavered. After graduating from Lancaster Mennonite High School in 1970, I studied briefly under the late Jay McVey before family commitments took precedence.
Returning to art later in life, I joined the Lancaster County Art Association, studying with prominent local artists and attending influential workshops. Overcoming non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1999 profoundly impacted my perspective, propelling my art to new heights. Inspired by visits to New York’s art scene in 2001, I embraced oil impressionism, developing a distinctive style characterized by bold, textured palette knife techniques.
Amber Swartz
My inspiration and creative drive, though somewhat similar and overlapping, are also different. When I find inspiration for a new piece of art, I simply can’t not create. Sometimes I paint or create because I think something is beautiful or because I feel the need to tell a story. Sometimes I create because my heart is overwhelmed with emotion, and I need to let the paint take me where words cannot reach.
My creative drive is fueled by two primary things. First, creating art that is a little unexpected and clever, causing a momentary pause for someone to think twice. Second, creating art that touches another’s heart, forming a connection to someone in a way that words won’t. As Edward Hopper said, “If you can say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.”
The Spring Collection & On the Horizon Collection were both created out of an inspiration of color. While the Spring Collection is bright, vibrant, and full of life the On the Horizon Collection is filled with moody hues and horizon views. I love how each collection evokes different feelings and connects to a person in different ways.
Tim Ellis
Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1966, Tim Ellis self-identified as an artist from an early age. Ellis earned his BFA from Alfred University in New York, renowned for its distinguished ceramic art program. Excelling in his studies, Ellis earned the title of Art Student of the Year for two consecutive years and graduated with honors.
In his early work, Ellis delved into large-scale figure sculpture, working with media such as clay, plaster, steel, and bronze. His fascination with color led him to explore themes of perception and distortion, which have become central motifs in his art.
Over the past decade, Ellis has focused primarily on painting, employing a bold and spontaneous style that imbues each stroke with urgency and vitality. His work both captures the essence of his subjects and delves into their inner worlds.
Drawing inspiration from his eclectic background and human experience, Ellis created two distinct painting series: the Artist Series and the Jazz Series. The Artist Series pays homage to art world luminaries like Salvador Dali and Frida Kahlo, capturing their physical likenesses and creative personas. The Jazz Series celebrates jazz pioneers through vibrant compositions that blend abstraction and representation.
Since relocating to Los Angeles in the 1990s, Ellis has continued to evolve and innovate. His work has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions and galleries, and is collected both domestically and internationally. Ellis remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of his craft, exploring new avenues of expression, and inviting viewers into his imaginative world.
Al Moretti
Al Moretti is a formally trained musician and a self-taught visual artist. He has a Master of Music Degree in Composition and Trumpet Performance and a BS in Music Ed., from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Playing trumpet commercially for many years, Al has performed with world-class jazz guitarist Pat Martino and forged friendships with Stan Getz and other notable artists.
His art education began in the early 1970s, when he had the good fortune to participate in the avant-garde movement in New York City. Music compositions were multi-media experiences then; mixed artistic disciplines blended to create greater dimensions in composition. Music, painting, poetry, electronic and acoustic instruments, recordings, found objects, newly created instruments, and electronic effects mashed together to form a "life is art" presentation.
Though his artistic experiences have been predominantly in music, today Al focuses on painting. His works can be seen at West Chester University, Wells School of Music and the Science Engineering Center and Commons building on WCU campus, Meridian Bank, Malvern, local galleries, restaurants, art and music festivals.
Judith Gresh
My artistic practice centers around sculpture and drawing, which I see as complementary processes. Rather than drawing from personal history, convictions, or imagination, my work is primarily inspired by the world around me and how I perceive it through my senses and chosen media.
In my drawings, I am particularly captivated by rendering textures - the folds and drapes of fabric, for instance. I use the pen almost like a sculptural tool, using it to model forms and planes on the page. This allows me to create a sense of depth and dimensionality.
For my sculptures, I am drawn to portraiture. The human face is already so expressive and meaningful that additional embellishment is often unnecessary. I model each of my portraits from careful observation. Then, in the final casting, I experiment with different materials, to give each piece a distinct quality - whether that be fragility, tactility, or a particular aesthetic.
Diana Shannon Young
"I aspire to create a space of imagination through color, shapes and texture thus evoking an emotional relationship between my artistic expression and the viewer. I hold a steadfast belief that only through art can stories be captured without words. "The Art of Life is The Life in Art"
I am Diana Shannon Young - A renowned multicultural - multi-dimensional artist working in Acrylic, pastel and mixed media, residing in Riverside, CA. A working artist since the early 1980's there is no other life for I to desire as this gift of art completes me.
As the past owner and curator of several California galleries fostering the careers of other artist along side my own work - my life long love of art is undeniable. Watching my younger brother sketch and draw from an early age inspired me to do the same. Some formal training but primarily self - directed. I have always been on a ubiquitous journey to hone my artistic skills through workshops with master artist and other acclaimed visual creators using a myriad of materials and methods but relying on my own freeform expressions to create pieces uninhibited and unbound by structured discipline.
Currently, In my art practice, my stylized figurative works imbue everyday life of joy, experiences and relationships often encompassing abstracted female figures of professionalism and sisterhood while celebrating the uniqueness of the female form. My florals dance with color, mood and vibrancies, again creating a connection to you the viewer through spiritual and intimate composition while bursting with color. Through my abstracts I strive to connect with the viewer mentally and emotionally communicating and sharing my expression of life as I see it through color, shape and form.. My art is a conversation and destination between you and I and as my creation resonates with you, the viewer our journey is complete.
Aubrey Maurer
Nature has always been a profound source of inspiration for me as an artist. Its intricate beauty, boundless diversity, and inherent balance provides a canvas upon which I try to convey my unique perspectives on the relationship between humans and the natural world. To me, nature represents a sanctuary, a place of solace where I can reconnect with my primal roots and find tranquility amidst the chaos of modern life. I seek to capture this essence, portraying serene landscapes with lush forests and pristine lakes, as well as more abstract visions that hopefully beckon the viewer to explore and cherish the wonders of the natural world.
I believe that nature's depiction can serve as a reflection of humanity's complex relationship with the environment. It serves as a reminder of our dependence on the Earth's resources for survival, but also highlights the devastating consequences of our exploitation and disregard for its delicate balance. I hope that my work grows a deeper appreciation of our wondrous planet within my viewers and make others more mindful of issues that plague our earth like deforestation and pollution. My goal is to inspire my viewers to recognize the urgent need for responsible stewardship of the planet.
In addition to these overarching themes, I delve into the intricate interplay between humans and nature on a personal level. I explore how individuals experience and perceive the natural world, from the profound sense of awe and wonder that can arise from observing a breathtaking sunset to the sense of insignificance in the face of vast, untouched wilderness. These intimate moments of connection with nature are often a source of spiritual or emotional inspiration for me, as I strive to convey these deeply personal experiences through their work.
Art has the power to challenge and question our assumptions about the natural world and our place in it. In conclusion, my interpretations and perspectives on nature and its relationship to humans are as diverse as the ecosystems they seek to capture. Whether through serene landscapes or sculpture and personal reflections I try to continually shape and reshape my understanding of the human connection to the natural world. Through my work, I hope to encourage all to appreciate, protect, and contemplate our place within the intricate tapestry of nature, fostering a deeper and more conscientious relationship between humanity and the environment.
Nicole Wesoloski
In my body of work I use bold and saturated colors to delve into the rich and intricate nature of human experiences. Color isn't just a visual element for me it's a way to tap into and express a wide range of emotions and personal stories. Whether it is the intensity of joy, the depth of melancholy, or the vibrancy of fleeting moments, these colors are carefully layered and applied to build up a strong emotional tone. The interplay of light and dark invites viewers into a space where color becomes a powerful narrative element, mirroring the intricacies of human emotion and perception. The interaction with these tonal varieties is intended to evoke an endless range of responses, welcoming viewers to connect with the underlying themes and narratives embedded within the work.
Dane Tilghman
"Using paint and pencil I create full color narratives calibrating the common moments of humanity chronicled thru nostalgic black and white photography"
A full time artist for 41 years now, Dane has taken his artwork towards new dimensions going from realism to a stylish combination developing his own interpretations of surrealism and primitive elongation. He has established himself as one of the premier painters of African American Art. He has a creative approach to artistic images of the common man, woman and child. Dane’s images are inspired of African Americans in and out of daily life, popular entertainment, and the world of sports. He has exhibited his works throughout the United States at art festivals, galleries, trade shows, convention centers and sports arenas where he has received numerous awards.
His work has been exhibited at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, and also in one-man shows at Howard University, Widener University, West Chester University, University of Pennsylvania, Penn State and the Butler Institute of Fine Art in Youngstown, Ohio. He was recently commissioned to create artwork for the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey that is displayed throughout the arena’s public spaces, private suites and corporate offices. Fifteen paintings for MBNA private collection. … Two murals in major league Ball parks .Also the 2nd black artist to have painting in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Also on display at Negro League museum.
Collectors of Dane’s artwork include notables such as Dave Winfield, Nelson Mandela, Bill Cosby, the estate of Ossie Davis, Nabisco Corporation and Astra-Zeneca. In 2004 Kutztown University commissioned him for a commemorative poster for the 50th Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education. Dane has participated many art festivals and has had many one man shows in the past 40 plus years.
Dane’s creative philosophy is to bring to the audience his interpretative views of life on canvas. This is reflected in his diverse presentations as he shares his artistic gift with his audience. His unique style clearly defines his mastery of the craft. Using black and white photos as a starting place I attempt to connect to the souls of those who have gone on to glory before me .Immortalizing the everyday man on canvas.
Jeff Sibbett
Jeff Sibbett is an artist who has developed his skills independently, creating from his home studio in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His artistic repertoire encompasses abstract and multimedia forms, with many pieces reflecting a balance of line constraints and visually rich textures, infused with a raw material quality.
Additionally, Jeff employs various washes and chemical techniques to produce distinctive finishes in his artwork. His latest series merges elements of industrial design with organic forms, resonating with mid-century modern influences. Jeff seeks to demonstrate that structured line work and organic textures can harmoniously coexist. While his creations often exhibit a symmetrical aesthetic, this equilibrium serves to accommodate and highlight the diverse textures, tones, and narratives present within each piece.
Summre Inama-Patricella
Summre Inama-Patricella is a ceramic artist currently based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, whose creative journey began over 20 years ago in Lancaster; a journey that started with computers and graphic design. This experience shaped her keen eye for texture and composition, which she now brings into her ceramic practice. Over the years she has studied with Deb Slatha at the Banana Factory and Renzo Faggioli at the Baum school, as well as workshops in many different aspects of clay and glaze. Summre’s work is a fusion of her love for nature and the inherent tactile qualities of the clay she uses. Each piece is carefully crafted - clay bodies chosen for their texture and raw color, and then careful and intentional finishes; a design contrasting the raw material with beautifully glossy glaze patterns. For Summre, working with clay is more than just creating pottery—it is an expression of her deep connection to the natural world and a way to share her unique vision with others.
