Art @ the J: Michele Guttenberg

Our newest art exhibit features the work of Michele Guttenberg. Guttenberg, who works with various media including watercolor and oil paint, began cultivating her talent as a young woman. She took up drawing as the mother of three young children, searching for something to sustain her beyond her household life. Initially amazed to find that she could draw, this first foray into art sparked a lifelong passion.

Guttenberg credits many others in her life with teaching and inspiring her to create art of her own. Her brother Steven pointed her in the direction of drawing when she was seeking purpose and gave her helpful tips to improve her craft. Her cousin Alice helped her learn watercolor. Guttenberg’s passion for art is shared with her husband Neil Besignano—she recalls that when they took up oil painting, they were each other’s teacher and muse. Another influence on her work was Jeanne Meisels, an instructor at the Art Lab in Snug Harbor. Today, Guttenberg gives back to her many teachers, and to all that art has given her, by teaching other students in her own classes at the Lab.

Michele Guttenberg’s work is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to learn something new or discover one’s passion. It also reminds us that we should share our talents with one another—we never know where inspiration will come from!
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Come see her work at our exhibit on display at the Murray Berman Art @ the J Gallery at the Bernikow building. An Artist’s Reception, free and open to the public, will be held there on Thursday, November 21st from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The exhibit will be open through December.

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