Page 20 Thursday, February 22, 2007 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION Kean Art Exhibit Remembers WAA Member Hella Bailin By MARYLOU MORANO Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times Jennifer Mazza’s Work Carries AREA – For nearly 90 years, artist Hella Bailin touched the lives of all who had the good fortune to know her. Now, nearly a year after her April ‘Scarlet Intent’ at UCC’s Tomasulo 2006 death, the essence of her extraor- By MARYLOU MORANO kind of story: that of the forbidden Mason Gross School of the Arts. dinary life – as a teacher, a world trav- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times fruit, the unspoken word, the face She is the recipient of an Individual eler, a humanitarian and, above all, a CRANFORD – Her artwork is shrouded by the veil. Artist Fellowship from the New Jer- distinguished artist – can be seen and small in size and dwarfed by the In many of the works comprising sey State Council for the Arts, and she felt at a retrospective exhibit presently pristine gallery walls surrounding “Scarlet Intent,” images are there and has exhibited her work in various at CAS Gallery at Kean University. it. then they are not. Ms. Mazza has an galleries throughout New York and Mrs. Bailin’s children and grand- But the messages projected by figu- explanation for the dichotomy of her New Jersey. children organized “Hella Bailin: Vis- rative painter Jennifer Mazza’s cre- work. She says, “…[In] sadness, there The Tomasulo Gallery is located in ceral Impressions,” which is curated ativity are multiplied many times over can be pleasure; in happiness, pain; in the Kenneth Campbell MacKay Li- by Professor Neil Tetkowski, Kean’s the physical size of the individual violence, humor.” brary on the Cranford Campus of director of university galleries. “My work portrays this varied ex- Union County College, located at The exhibit represents the first perience by combining rich color and 1033 Springfield Avenue. showing of her work since her death, luscious handling of paint with imag- Contact the gallery at (908) 709- and it showcases 39 of the more than ery that appears both sensuous and 7155 for hours. For more information 2,000 oil paintings, watercolors and Courtesy of Sarah Bailin painful.” about Ms. Mazza, visit jenmazza.com. drawings created by Mrs. Bailin dur- LEAVING A ‘VISCERAL IMPRESSION’...Kean University will honor the life Partial facial features and fingers of artist Hella Bailin, who, for nearly 90 years, touched many lives as a teacher, feature predominately in Ms. Mazza a world traveler, a humanitarian and, above all, a distinguished artist. pieces, many of which are, as the ing her lifetime. of instruction was direct and to the exhibit’s name implies, dominated Vic’s Picks “This exhibit is a celebration of point…One of her particular pet by the color red. Hella Bailin’s life and art,” grand- peeves was ‘too much fussiness.’ She “By focusing on the interaction The Darkness: Permission to Rock daughter Sarah Bailin said. “For her, was encouraging and told me what between body and object, or body they were one and the same.” was right with my paintings but never Jennifer Mazza – “Scarlet Intent” and body, my paintings explore the By VICTORIA McCABE remember me? I used to sit next to Born in Düsseldorf, Germany, in hesitated to point out the short pieces of her artwork. tension and tenderness that com- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times you at school/We’d indulge in all the 1915, the artist began her studies at comings,” Ms. Johnson added. Ms. Mazza’s exhibit “Scarlet In- prise the compacted relationships Looking at The Darkness is like extracurricular activities, we weren’t the Berlin Art Academy and the “She had the ‘old school’ approach tent” is on display at Union County between persons and between one’s looking through a time machine. particularly cool.” Hawkins then lists Reiman School. to criticism,” Mr. Bailin said. “She College’s Tomasulo Galery through self and one’s own body,” Ms. Mazza There’s the long hair. There’s the every kind of club from badminton She fled Nazi Germany for the was the hardest on those students she March 3. said. wardrobe that looks like it was lifted to bridge club to needlework, and all United States in 1937, eventually set- liked the best.” Many of the artist’s oils on canvas In addition to her oil paintings, from Aerosmith’s old closets. There’s roads lead to “dancing on a Friday tling in New Jersey, marrying and Throughout her lifetime, Mrs. Bailin are smaller in size than a standard several gouache on paper drawings frontman Justin Hawkins. night with you.” The song is as catchy having two children – a son, Michael was the recipient of more than 100 piece of computer paper. of red coral are part of “Scarlet In- Hawkins leaps around with his as the lyrics are silly, propelled by and daughter, Bobbi. awards for her work from such notable Only a gifted artist is able to cap- tent.” over-the-top falsetto matched only some great guitar work and She resided in Union from 1954 organizations as the Allied Artists of ture the essence of expression within The artist holds a Bachelor of Arts by his over-the-top appearance – he’s Hawkins’s unique vocals. until shortly before her death. America, The American Watercolor such small dimensions. degree in Studio Art from Mary Wash- got a starved look that fits with his “Permission to Land” is like a great After relocating to New Jersey, Mrs. Society and the National Society of Their unique size forces Ms. ington College and a Master of Fine one-piece jumpsuits reminiscent of musical joke where you’re not ex- Bailin continued her artistic studies at Painters in Casein and Acrylic. Mazza’s paintings to tell a different Arts degree from Rutgers University’s an early Steven Tyler or Robert Plant. actly sure if they’re joking or serious. Newark School of Fine and Industrial The New Jersey Watercolor Soci- And then there’s the music. If they’re joking, they really pull it off Arts, where she trained under ceramist ety awarded her the Silver Medal of The boys of The Darkness bring well. If they’re serious…well…they and painter John Grabach, Russian– Honor, its highest award. back seventies and eighties hair metal really pull it off well. The element of born painter and li- Mrs. Bailin was a 20-year member of in a big way. Their concept could be a the ridiculous is what makes the Dark- thographer Bernard the Westfield Art As- disaster wide open to mockery, but ness so alluring, and by the time you’ve Gussow and portrait- sociation. She is listed the songs on their debut, “Permission finished laughing at their dated quirki- ist E. Stanley in “Who’s Who in to Land,” are good enough to make ness, it’s hard to get their songs out of Turnbull. American Art,” and their time-travel sound not only per- your head. Her art was her works have been missible, but strangely enthralling. Fans of This is Spinal Tap, hair strongly influenced published in six vol- Singles “Get Your Hands Off My metal or unitards, look no further – by these mentors, as umes of “Best in Wa- Woman” and “I Believe in a Thing The Darkness has landed. well as by other well- tercolor.” Her paint- Called Love” earned the band some known artists. Kean ings have been exhib- serious chatter, especially off of the Town Book Store University art histo- Iberian Landscape ited in museums in strange spaceship adventure of the rian and professor New Jersey, through- latter’s odd music video. Donates 643 Books Robert Yoskowitz has compared Mrs. out the United States and abroad. Cuts like “Growing on Me” and WESTFIELD – Former President Bailin’s work to Gustave Courbet, “For as much as she derived satisfac- “Givin’ Up” are instant attention Kathleen O’Neill Lynch of the Junior Henri Matisse and Paul Cezanne. tion from selling her art, it was equally grabbers, with hooks that could have League of Elizabeth-Plainfield accepted Several of Mrs. Bailin’s pieces dat- as important to her for the work to be in stood out in the genre’s heyday. an invitation to the Westfield Town ing to the time she studied with Mr. the public view,” Mr. Bailin said. The Darkness’s 2005 sophomore Book Store’s moving sale upon learn- Grabach are part of “Visceral Im- “Hella Bailin: Visceral Impres- album failed to recreate the electric- ing that any leftover children’s books pressions.” sions” will be on exhibit at CAS Gal- ity that shoots through their debut, would be donated to a worthy cause. Prolific in watercolor, casein, oil lery at Kean University until March and last fall, Hawkins left the band. When former storeowner Grace Roth and pen and ink, Mrs. Bailin described 9. The gallery is located in the Center Susan M. Dougherty for The Westfield Leader and The Times VISUAL ART, MUSIC AND WORDS COMBINE…As a Yugoslavian woman, So “Permission to Land” might be said a cause had not yet been identified, herself as an expressionist. for Academic Success building. Kean Carla Phoenix recounts the haunting experience of being raped by soldiers who the best we’ll ever get, but the album Ms. O’Neill Lynch informed her about Forever in search of the human University is located at 1000 Morris invaded her village while fellow actress Noelle Tate, left, ponders the weighty words. is worth all the attention it brought the league’s partner, The Kings Daugh- experience from which to create art, Avenue in Union. Ms. Tate, a Mountainside resident, not only produced The Vagina Monologues, held the British boys. ter Day School (KDDS) in Plainfield. Mrs. Bailin visited 49 countries, in- For more information and gallery last weekend at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit, but also directed The songs on “Permission to Land” The 643 books were brought to the cluding many in the Middle East, hours, contact Professor Tetkowski and acted in the two-act play, which benefited the Eastern Union County’s YWCA. are inspired – whether it’s the absurd school and distributed as part of the Asia and Africa. at (908) 737-4407 or e-mail him at lyrics and titles they get away with league’s annual book drive for KDDS. She particularly loved the Greek Is- [email protected]. TAKE THE STAGE (see “Love on the Rocks with No With this donation, the league has land of Hydra, where she built a home Ice”) or the searing eighties-worthy surpassed this year’s goal of collect- and returned each summer to create art. Town Book Store To V or Not to V: Not guitar solos that Hawkins’s brother ing 3,350 books for the school’s chil- “It was good that she traveled; it Dan lays down all over the place. dren to read with their families. was important that she did so, and we Hosts Two Meet/Greets Monologues’ Question Lyrically, “Friday Night” is just If interested in donating new or didn’t have any objections,” her son WESTFIELD – The Town Book phenomenal – a random premise gently used children’s books, contact said. Store in Westfield will host two meet- By SUSAN M. DOUGHERTY own daughter birth a child. taken to the limit. “Hey you, do you (908) 756-7788. Mrs. Bailin’s landscapes range from and-greet book signings for three au- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times Ms. Tate proved herself to be not the hills of New Jersey to the cliffs of thors on Saturday, February 24. MOUNTAINSIDE – For Baby only a talented producer/director, but Spain. Her renditions of people and Ray Sette and Carlo DeCarlo will Boomers and those women in their actress/singer as well, with two pieces Full Count Big Band places are realistic. The pieces that are appear from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to auto- 70s and 80s, “vagina” might not be a at the end of each act. part of the “Visceral Impressions” ex- graph copies of their most recent work, word used comfortably in everyday She said she “used artwork and hibit were selected by Professor “The Planets Align So Rare: Twelve conversation. music to enhance creation, to develop Swings into The New Year Tetkowski and represent Mrs. Bailin’s Dimensions to the Human Potential.” For the audience gathered at the the show…to bring the audience WESTFIELD – The Full Count (CDC) Community Theater in brightest and most cheerful work, ac- In this book, the authors explore Visual Arts Center of New Jersey closer to our purpose.” Big Band will be the featured per- Cranford. This year’s benefit show, cording to her daughter. the idea that the world teeters on the (VACNJ) in Summit for last Friday’s And it did. The VACNJ is an im- former during the annual fundraiser Swingtime at CDC, will feature many In other works, however, “one can edge between annihilation and salva- sold out opening night, the word “va- pressive, modern facility on Elm for the Cranford Dramatic Club of the stars and vocalists from the feel the hardship and suffering from tion. The authors suggest that the gina” became the center of fascina- Street right off Morris Avenue in Sum- CDC roster. The show starts at 8 p.m. lingering painful memories as a Ho- people inhabiting the world have the tion and information at The Vagina mit. The spanking clean, two-storied Westfield’s Painter and runs for two consecutive eve- locaust survivor,” Bobbi said. power within themselves to tip the Monologues, a two-act play by Eve white walls, adorned with eclectic nings on March 2 and 3. In addition to her artwork, Mrs. scale one way or the other. Ensler. artwork, set the tone for the play. Stars in Living Out “We are excited to have a return Bailin was a founding member of the Ken Rashbaum will appear from 2 In the playbill, talented Impressive lighting design by Luke WESTFIELD – Living Out, the 2003 visit by Full Count supporting the Yom Hashoah Holocaust Committee to 4 p.m. to autograph copies of his Mountainside resident Noelle Tate, and Jason Flamos spotlighted the nine play by Lisa Loomer about the rela- CDC,” notes show producer Roger of Central New Jersey. book “Someone Else Ago.” A daugh- the 24-year-old producer/director and actresses who sat on two small plat- tionship between rich suburban women Hayden. “It will be an exciting week- Mrs. Bailin taught art for many years ter is filled with guilt for saying hurt- an actress in the two-act show, ex- forms facing an audience that was 99 and their Latina nannies, will have its end for great music and plenty of at various locations in New Jersey, in- ful words to her father, and then, pressed her own trepidation about percent female. New Jersey Premiere at the Summit room for dancing.” cluding Kean University and the Visual shortly afterward, she apparently loses directing the controversial play. With The Vagina Monologues be- Playhouse on February 23. The play’s Tickets for the event are $20 for Arts Center of NJ in Summit (VACNJ). him during 9/11. “‘Vagina’ is a word that is not al- ing presented worldwide as part of V- director, Michael Driscoll, calls Liv- theater-style seating or $30 for cabaret- Ginger Johnson was a student in The public can come and meet these ways received in the best of Day Reclaiming Peace 2007, we’re ing Out “a bitingly funny and deeply style table seating up close to the dance the very last watercolor class that authors in The Town Book Store’s ways…vaginas do exist and they are told, “V-Day stands for Victory, Val- poignant play, combining the dilem- floor. Complementary refreshments Mrs. Bailin taught. new location at 270 East Broad Street not going to disappear if we ban the entine and Vagina.” mas of young motherhood with the will be available during the show. “In class, the spark of acute obser- (at the corner of East Broad and Elmer word,” it read. In the last nine years, the V-Day universal aspects of class struggle.” At these shows, Full Count will vation, intellect and creativity was Streets). Anyone unable to attend The Obie Award-winning 1996 play movement has raised $40 million for The play features Beth Painter of entertain the audience with a perfor- still shining brightly in her light blue these events can call the book store at is episodic in nature, with narration charities that help stop violence Westfield as Nancy, a wealthy liberal mance featuring the CDC vocalists eyes,” she remembered. (908) 233-3535 and reserve between the monologues that some- against women and girls. lawyer and new mom, and Carla singing traditional big-band favorites “Every time I paint, I still hear autographed copies of the authors’ times are one woman’s words, and at This local presentation of The Va- Francischetti as Ana, her smart, proud and a number of new arrangements Hella’s voice coaching me. Her style most recent works. other times, a compilation of a num- gina Monologues raised awareness, as Salvadoran nanny. featuring Full Count’s newest addi- ber of women’s remarks. well as money, for the YWCA of East- Living Out opens the weekend of tion, Aubrey Parasolle, a young jazz Playwright Ensler interviewed ern Union County, where “women and February 23 and 24 and will have vocalist who has played local crowds NJ Workshop Offers more than 200 women from all over children in need are never alone.” performances on March 2, 3 and 4, and in jazz clubs and performance set- the world to amass the information. March 8, 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. with a 2 tings throughout the area. At the end of each monologue, County Observes p.m. matinee on March 4. The matinee For more information or tickets Pre-School Arts Program appropriate music blasted from the is also an audio-described, signed regarding Swingtime at CDC, call WESTFIELD – Young children love learning experiences through speakers and the actresses either sang Youth Art Month assistive-listening performance. (908) 276-7611. The theater is lo- to express their creativity, and the New puppetry, acting, pantomime and along, lip-synced or pantomimed the AREA – Each March, schools around The Summit Playhouse is located cated at 78 Winans Avenue in Jersey Workshop for the Arts (NJWA) theater games. This portion of the lyrics. the nation observe Youth Art Month at 10 New England Avenue and is a Cranford. gives these youngsters an experience class also includes dance and creative Actress Donniee Barnes portrayed (YAM). The primary goal of YAM is to fully handicapped-accessible theater. For more information about The in Kids ‘n’ Arts, a drop-off program movement. her character with charisma and a emphasize the value of art education Tickets are $17. For more informa- Full Count Big Band, including a for 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds. Experienced teachers, who enjoy touch of wonder. for all children and to encourage sup- tion and to purchase tickets, call (908) complete performance calendar, visit The weekly two-hour session, an sharing their love of the arts with Katie Burdett’s rendition of “My port for quality school art programs. 273-2192. fullcountbigband.com. exposure to art, music and drama, is children, guide the students in Kids Angry Vagina” showed a range of Artwork created by students in available on Tuesday, Wednesday or ‘n’ Arts. Diane Burkam, art instructor emotions, her comfortable stage pres- grades K-12 from Union County will Thursday mornings from 9:30 to and practicing artist, holds a Bachelor ence and dancing ability when she be on display at IKEA Elizabeth from 11:30 a.m. or on the same afternoons of Arts degree in Art Education. She cut loose to Madonna’s “Express February 28 to April 1. Students and from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. The present has been an instructor in the art Yourself.” their families are invited to attend the spring session continues until May department of the Westfield Summer Carla Phoenix played a Yugosla- artists’ opening reception on Febru- 31, and enrollment is ongoing. Workshop and the NJWA. vian woman who was repeatedly ary 28 from 6:30 to 8 pm. Weekly themes, such as “Discovery Valerie Pineda, a graduate of the raped by soldiers who invaded her This exhibit is coordinated under of Self,” “Discovery of Others” and Manhattan School of Music with a village. It was hauntingly poignant. the direction of Carrie Davey, with “Discovery of the World,” encourage Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Christine Nicolosi’s riveting char- help from Camille Leonow, Charlotte the students to express their natural Performance, helps the children to acterization shared remembrances of Banks and Karen Pilkington. All art- talents. After an introductory meeting appreciate music and theater crafts. A sexual abuse through the years. work from this exhibit can also be seen on the Rainbow Rug, the children vocal music instructor at the NJWA During “Under the Burqa” with online at: artsonia.com/unioncounty1. continue to the art area, where they Music Studio, Ms. Pineda is also a Ms. Nicolosi and Katie Burdett, words The following teachers and their use a variety of mediums to create director of the Little Opera Company came alive with the dramatic cutting respective schools are represented in arts and crafts while listening to clas- of New Jersey and the Theater of the lights, so that the audience this Union County YAM exhibit: sical music. Workshop and Showcase Theater of experienced the blackness of being Patricia Novy, Lincoln School In the music segment, children use the Westfield Summer Workshop. inside the claustrophobic gown and (Garwood); Lynn Slotkin, Deerfield their voices and percussion and tonal To register a child for Kids ‘n’ Arts, headpiece. School (Mountainside); Marylee instruments while they learn about call (908) 789-9696 or visit the NJWA “I Was There in the Room” in- Massenzio, Franklin School rhythm and pitch. During this spring at 150-152 East Broad Street in cluded Ms. Nicolosi and Robyn (Westfield), and Helen Mastrangelo, OUTLIVE…Beth Painter of Westfield, left, and Carla Francischetti play em- semester, they will also be introduced Westfield. Log on to Henning’s stirring version of a Edison Intermediate School ployer and nanny in the New Jersey premiere of Lisa Loomer’s Living Out at the to the violin. njworkshopforthearts.com for more mother’s recollection of helping her (Westfield). Summit Playhouse. The drama curriculum includes information.