by Village Insider on January 31, 2010
Don Patterson with photo of his younger self
Artist Don Patterson was honored by family and friends on his 80th birthday at the Cock ‘n Bull Restaurant on January 31st. Peddler’s Village in the heart of Bucks County is a fitting spot to celebrate the life of this internationally recognized watercolorist–known for his work in light and texture, composition and color–much of his work features the unique landscape and light of Bucks County.![Autumnal[1]](http://myvillageinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Autumnal1-150x150.jpg "Autumnal[1]")
During Patterson’s distinguished career, his work exhibited in galleries and museums across the U.S., Canada and Japan. His mastery of the medium gained him membership in the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, and the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society where he is an Honorary Life Member. Among his many awards include The Rouse Gold Medal in the 2003 Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors, The Phillips Mill Juried Art Exhibition 2004 Best Traditional Landscape, Galaxy 2004 Best of Show and Award Winner in the Artist’s Magazine’s 2005 Art Composition. Patterson is regularly featured in such publications as the Artist’s Magazine, American Artist Magazine and U.S. Art Magazine.
Don Patterson with wife Margie
Patterson, with wife Margie by his side, mingled with friends and family members at the luncheon birthday party. Patterson said he was touched by the outpouring of love and good will. He said he was very thankful for having so many wonderful people in his life, including close friend Mark Spangler, Vice-President of Finance at Peddler’s Village, who planned and organized the party with help from Patterson’s son, Steve.
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! My party was perfect in every way…Everyone keeps telling me how much they enjoyed themselves. It should be no surprise. Put all of these great people into that beautiful venue and something truly good has to happen!” said Patterson.
The Travis Gallery in New Hope features Patterson’s work in their permanent artist exhibition. The fine art gallery is located at 6089 Lower York Road (Route 202.) Click here to view Patterson’s work and the gallery information on the Travis Gallery website.
by Village Insider on January 31, 2010
Artist Christopher Willett (left) shows one of his paintings on display to Rep. Bernie O'Neill (right)
An unusual exhibit of Bucks County Impressionists is on display in the East Wing Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol building now through March 9. The show, “Back to Back,” features over 35 works by artists Christopher Willett and Joseph Barrett. Hosted by State Rep. Bernie O’Neill, the display highlights a collaboration of this renowned team that has not been on public display for many years.
The artists will be formerly introduced on the House floor on Tuesday, March 9 by Representative O’Neill.
“Our state Capitol building is a great source of pride in Pennsylvania with its history and beauty, and I am proud that these wonderful artists are enhancing it with their work,” said O’Neill in a recent statement. “There are visitors from literally all over the world that come to see the Capitol building, and there are only a few times per year that artwork is displayed, so this is a great honor for our Bucks County artists. They also honor our heritage in Pennsylvania as many of the works feature Pennsylvania landscapes. Willett and Barrett are representatives of the great art talent that is prevalent throughout our area. My colleagues and I are proud of the Bucks County artistic contributions through our state Capitol.”
Hanging art in the East Wing Rotunda:(left to right) Village Artworks Gallery Director Russ Gaskill, artist Joseph Barrett, artist Christopher Willett, and Riverside Fine Art Gallery Director Vinnie Howe.
Willett is the owner of Village Artworks in Peddler’s Village, Bucks County, and Riverside Fine Art of Lambertville, New Jersey. His family connection to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is through his fourth great grandfather, Augustine Willett, who served from 1787-1792. Another Willett later served from 1873-1890. Also a descendent of artist Edwards Hicks (Peaceable Kingdom), Willett is a painter in the New Hope Impressionist style and frequently portrays landscapes and scenes of beauty from the southeastern region of Pennsylvania.
Barrett is the owner of his own gallery, which also serves as an antique shop and art studio in Lahaska, near Peddler’s Village. Barrett is the last of the painters with direct ties to the New Hope School of Impressionists, a group of distinguished artists with roots in the Pennsylvania Impressionist School.
