On view through Dec. 31 at Greiser’s Coffee & Market are 26 framed landscapes by the talented local artist and art teacher Lee Skalkos.
Lee, who spent most of her life in Easton before a recent move just across the Newtown border, is a pastel artist, metalsmith, and certified art teacher in the state of Connecticut. She has been teaching art for 17 years.
Lee has lifelong experience with metals and has recently found an incredible passion for soft pastels. She visits Maine, Montana and Wyoming often to explore our National Parks and to share her experience of them with her students.
“As a teacher,” Lee says, “I know that before I teach a subject, I need to teach my students who I am and to share my love of art with them. It’s important to me to be aware of how I think of and represent myself: I don’t wish to be viewed as an art expert or person who definitively knows whether a work of art is ‘good’ or not. Instead, I consider myself a skilled and enthusiastic teacher who promotes students’ critical thinking and creations.”
Lee said she believes that art education should focus on children’s ideas. “Their experiences must be valued and built upon. Then art lessons can be not just successful, but also relevant.”
Adrienne Burke, Greiser’s proprietor, said the exhibit of 26 new pastels and oil paintings is “really stunning.” An opening art reception on Sunday afternoon at Greiser’s drew area residents and artists to meet Lee and mingle with one another. Music was provided by the duo Moxanne & Ian.
“Many other talented artists in town showed up to support her, including Robert Brennan, Patricia Scanlan, John Forgione, and Paul Richards,” Burke said. “We sold several pieces of art. Many are local landscapes and others are scenes in Maine and the Midwest. It is priced so reasonably, I won’t be surprised if we sell most of it during the holidays.”
All artwork is framed and prices range from $95 to $2,000 with most priced under $300.
Music was by the duo Moxanne & Ian. 
Moxanne & Ian provided the musical accompaniment.
