The Klein Mezzanine Gallery

Artists in the present exhibit

Benjamin Casiano

Artist and Curator

Native New Yorker, Benjamin Casiano is an accomplished creative director, designer & painter. He received his BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Painting was always his first love. Inspired and influenced by the great masters worldwide, But it's the women also played a crucial role in his life, which is why he pays tribute to them with his paintings.

Casiano’s work fuses expressionism and pop-cubism. Although he uses geometric and abstract shapes in his artwork, a prominent focal point is the one-eye figurative. “Most of my one-eye figurative are a reflection of my alter ego and a self-portrait of my subconscious,” says Casiano. “Im blind in one eye, but the irony is I was painting figures with a single eye years before losing my vision.”

 

Casiano always had a love for strings and classical music. “Music and art go hand in hand. I never learned to play but I at least paint my favorite musical instruments with the ladies,” he says. For Casiano, painting has proven to be a positive emotional outlet. His works have been exhibited in galleries in the U.S. and as far away as China. Recognized with numerous honors & awards. Casiano is currently exhibiting in New York City, Philadelphia & Paris. Numerous pieces are owned by corporations and private collectors.

 

His goal is to simply add something not seen in modern-day culture. Something different, something beautiful, one painting at a time. One exhibition at a time.

Suzana Jovanovic

Suzana Jovanovic is a Sebian born artist based in The Netherlands where she is renowed by her accomplishments. During the first season of the TV painting contest "Project Rembrandt", Suzana  completed the competition as a finalist.
 
Her body of work has been featured in many prominent musea such as: Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Jan Cunen Museum in Oss, Markiezenhof in Bergen op Zoom...Suzana took a part of innumerous solo and group art shows through out The Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal and back in 2018th in Norwalk, CT.
 
Suzana paints magical realism and realism with surreal elements. She is inspired by social phenomena, mythology, nature and the inner world, thoughts and emotions. By delving into certain themes, there are many series emerged such as: “Ancient Temptation”, “Save the Children”, “My Own Mythology”. Recently, Suzana has been working on series called “My Srbija” and “Ethno Art”, in which she depicts her fascination with the power of social identity. In addition to her complex works, in which she paints down to the last detail, Suzana also paints miniatures in order to relax.
 
Since February 2020, Suzana has opened a small-scale painting school in Putte, where she teaches impressionism and fine layered painting in oils. She also gives workshops through The Netherlands.
 
When she has some spare time, she paints commissioned portraits or animal portraits.
 

Jin Yu

Jin Yu, born in 1979 in Heilongjiang Province, China, graduated from Shenzhen University and currently works and lives in Shenzhen and Beijing. Member of Italy FLY ART Association and Shenzhen Artists Association. Jinyu attaches great importance to the expression of personality and spiritual outlook, paying attention to human emotions, emotions, traditions and the present, as well as the integration and evolution of different cultures. The images are shaped using classical aesthetics combined with the transformative interest of self emotions. In a wild and luxurious way, lines and colors are used to create a dreamy and emotional scene, forming its own unique artistic style.

His creations are mainly based on oil paintings, and his works have received widespread attention. They have been exhibited in art museums, centers, and galleries around the world and have been collected by major art institutions and collectors.

Patrice Barrett

I am a designer who loves to paint. What motivates me is making sense of colors and shapes, leading the eye across the page to rest on an important element. Analyzing why choices were made, and sometimes not - just accepting a serendipitous brush stroke or color mix. My purpose is to express myself in color and shapes, and to garner a response from the viewer.

Sometimes I paint because I want to make an image, or design something beautiful for it's color, lines and flow. It's a sheer exercise of power over my sense of composition and the medium(s) I use. There's a deep satisfaction in being skillful and bringing forth something that people look at and relate too, just because they find it beautiful for itself.

 

Sometimes I paint to illustrate an event that has affected me deeply: a loved one's heart attack and surgery, my grandfather's dementia and distant personality. These end up being my favorite pieces because they are emotionally driven and close to my heart. The viewer may see my message, share my emotion, or take away their own, but there will have been a connection made, feelings touched upon.

 

As subject matter, I choose most frequently to paint people. Faces in particular. There's so much to work with from the perspective that people can be enigmatic, fascinating and ever changing. The recurring design style of having two distinct sides of the faces is my way of saying that everyone, always, has one side they show to others, and one side they hide, no matter what the circumstance.

Claudio Altesor

Claudio Altesor was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, on March 20th, 1981. During his adolescence, he began to take drawing classes in Maldonado, Uruguay. 
 

 His first painting classes were with the artist Derrick Quarles in Stamford, Connecticut. In the past several years Claudio has studied at Silvermine Art Guild, Greenwich Art Society, School of Visual Arts, and New York Academy of Art.

At the same time, his work has been selected for exhibitions in Connecticut and New York City, including the Bendheim Gallery, Flynn Gallery in Greenwich, CT; Prince Street Gallery NYC, Pleiades Gallery NYC, Stamford Museum, Sheraton Hotel,  Ferguson Library, The Stamford Art Association, the Palace Theatre, and the UConn Gallery, Stamford, CT, also he is a Cofounder of Liber-Art painters association and member of the Loft Artists Association. 
 
He was also the Art Assistant for the photo-realistic painter, Steve Smulka from 2006 to 2009, now Claudio creates paintings on commissions. Since he began surrealistic painting several years ago, has focused on existential themes that involve a human being.

Nancy Breakstone

I’m a full-time photographer. During the last eight years, I’ve developed a new form of abstract photography: extracting patterns never seen before from the objective…first in nature on the beach, now inland, even in the built world. It started in 2014 on a scorching beach in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, when I saw the ocean cut extraordinary patterns in the volcanic sand.

At first I collected them like seashells at the high tide line, but over 13 return visits, I discovered how to find more exciting images. Eventually, I joined the ocean in its process capturing patterns that only lasted for the seconds of a small wave. Then with the sun, sea and lens all at the correct angles, I made natural colors appear in the water and on the sand. I never Photoshop. The unique images you see are what I saw.

John Anthony Bright

Short bio: John Bright is a Connecticut based artist. Drawing from rich memories and cultural customs of his upbringing, John's work often features wood, found objects, metal work and casting. His creative process is profoundly conceptual, prompting viewers to engage with his art on a level that sparks personal memory and interpretation.
John's work is a reflection of his values and beliefs. It positions art as a powerful tool for cultural expression and personal introspection. Despite the accolades and exhibitions, John's primary goal remains constant: to continue creating art that challenges and inspires.
Instagram: @blackmalephotographer
Facebook: John Bright
CONTACT INFO: 917-886-8214

Iryna Chaboryk

Born in Ukraine, Iryna Chaboryk was raised with a family history in fine art. With art as a constant background (her mother and grandfather were artists), she became interested in fashion and landscape design. In 1998 she graduated from Kalush State College of Art and Culture, majoring in Folk and Decorative Art. In 2004 she earned a degree in Art and Landscape Design from the State University of Senior Personnel of Culture and Art in Kiev.

Upon immigrating to the United States in 2007, Chaboryk had taken a keen interest in the role of a fine artist, fusing her previous learnings to give a unique vision and breath to a canvas. Chaboryk is now a multi-disciplinary artist currently working with multitudes of media: paintings, sculptured light installations, and digital media. Her artwork is featured in many galleries and group shows in the US and Europe and she has received numerous awards and publications. Her broad knowledge and infinite range of artistry give her the ability to stretch her art beyond the bounds of a singular canvas. Iryna’s work is extremely expressive and highly symbolic, focusing on interpersonal psychology and a woman’s attempt to find individuality.

Yvonne Claveloux

Yvonne’s passion for art was sparked while studying fashion design at Marangoni Instituto in Milan. Since then, her creative journey has taken many forms, from running her own interior design firm to working as head stylist for AtHome Magazine.

 

After taking classes at Silvermine Arts Center, the primarily self-taught artist began experimenting with different mediums, including acrylic, graphite, gesso and watercolors, finding joy in combining them all in her mixed media paintings.

Yvonne paints from her home studios in Westport and Miami, and sells and exhibits her work in several galleries and interior design stores.

Yvonne derives inspiration for her work from her many travels, Cuban roots, and colorful winters in Miami. She is often told that her artwork is a reflection of her personality…bright, bold, honest and with a lot of soul.

Jennifer Faye Colombo

Jennifer Faye Colombo is a watercolor artist living in Norwalk, CT creating Soul Nourishing Art.
For Jen, watercolor is a love affair with spontaneity, where every brushstroke is a chance to be surprised. She lets the colors flow, embraces the mess, and dances with the serendipity of each stroke. Jen's art is about finding joy in the unexpected, capturing moments when the paint takes on a life of its own. It’s not about perfection; it’s about embracing the beauty of the process.

n addition, as a lover of all things personal growth, Jen creates journals and card decks with her artwork to add beauty and elevate those transformational tools.

She weaves her experiences as a Fine Artist, Scenic Designer, Energy Practitioner and own personal experiences whether she is creating a collection or commissioned work to create uplifting unique watercolors.

Donna L. Hargrove

Donna works predominately in graphite and acrylic. Her drawings are highly detailed representational images primarily of women and children. The images are influenced by both domestic and international human rights and child labor issues in the news.

 

A cubist influence can be seen in her abstract drawings and paintings, which use strong vivid colors of African symbols, designs and masks. Donna was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she attended the University of Michigan. Donna currently lives in Norwalk.

Christopher Jones

Christopher Jones is based in Norwalk, CT. Starting in 1973, Jones developed a career as a painter in New York. In 1988, he put his career as a painter aside in order to raise a family. He is now painting full time, picking up just where he left off. His work is available for purchase.

Education: MFA, Washington University 1972, Bachelor of Architecture 1970, Washington University. Member of the Silvermine Guild of Artist, the Artist collective of Westport and the Ridgefield Guild of Artists

Edmarie Martinez

Edmarie Martinez, born and raised in the exotic island of Puerto Rico. As a child she was always surrounded by art and creativity. However, it was not until the year 2021 that she discovered her true passion. On her way to discovery, she listened to her inner voice, grabbed her old sketchbook and decided to complete an unfinished drawing. Little did she know that this simple act would ignite an undeniable spark within her.

 

This desire to expand her artistic abilities led Edmarie to find the Milan Art Institute. With unwavering belief in her talents, she made the bold decision to enroll in the Mastery Program. It was here that she truly honed her skills and discovered her true potential as an artist.

As Edmarie fully immersed herself in the world of art, her life underwent a remarkable transformation. She began to see the underlying beauty within herself and made a conscious choice to believe in her abilities. Her journey towards self-discovery and creative expression became a powerful force that shaped her identity. By opening the doors to endless possibilities, she has embraced her true self and is ready to explore all that the world of art has to offer. With unwavering passion and a newfound sense of purpose, Edmarie Martinez has embarked on a creative journey that knows no limits.

Russell Miyaki

Since 1984 Russell has been working as a graphic artist, illustrator, fine artist, and a creative director. Throughout his career he has worked for several design studios and advertising agencies winning his share of industry awards and recognition. From the One Show Interactive to multiple Webbys. But his most fulfilling moment of his career was when he risked everything he had and started his own greeting card design studio where he designed, painted and published his own lines of work.

Russell established a national fan base of followers (pre-Twitter and Facebook) working with a unique technique of design markers onto metallic paper. He called them “marker paintings”. He hand painted every single card that went out the door. His technique utilized a special stencil in order for him to marker in vibrant colors that seemed to swirl and come to life right on the surface of the metallic paper. This became a distinctive look that adorned the shelves of many boutique gift and gallery stores across the U.S.

Nicole Salva

Nicole Salva, a passionate and lifelong artist, is set to grace the exclusive arts show with her profound talent and distrinctive work. Born and raised in Connecticut, Nicole brings the essence of her love for the ocean and her passion for creating art into each piece she crafts. Her fascination with the sea and its many mysteries can be seen in her mastery of the traditional Japanese printmaking process known as Gyotaku.

 

As the mastermind behind the well-known Reeled Ink, based out of Oxford, CT, Nicole's work echoes her profound respect for nature's immense beauty and her dedication to her craft. Nicole's acdemic achievements include a Master's Degree in Fine Arts from Western Connecticut State University and a Bachelor's Degree in Illustration from Paire College of Art. These accomplishments have only enhanced her natural talent and have further established her standing in the art community.

Over the years, Nicole's unique approach to art has led to civic commissions and multiple exhibits that have earned her numerous awards. Yet, she remains as dedicated as ever to nurturing the next generation of artists. Currently, Nicole teaches Art & Color Theory, sharing her wealth of knowledge and boundless enthusiasm for art with her students.

 

Nicole's admiration for the sea and the art she creates is the beating heart of Reeled Ink. The fusion of her passion and craftsmanship manifests itself in the beautiful and inspiring pieces of art. It is her journey, her interpretation of nature's wonders, that breathes life into the canvas, inviting everyone to share in the majesty of the ocean as seen through her eyes.

Janice Sweetwater

I attended the Chicago Art Institute, studying painting and sculpture. It was at The Institute where I was inspired to paint in oils and acrylics. Being primarily a landscape artist I frequently explore New England looking for Mother Nature's best work to transpose and interpret, sketching and photographing on location and then returning to my studio to put brush to canvas.

I recognized my passion for art early in high school and with encouragement from my art teachers and artistic family, I began to transform my surroundings into landscapes of Color as Light.

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The Klein is sustained by the generosity of our community.  We offer a wide range of programming and the ONLY tuition- free after school arts program in Bridgeport, Klein Theatre Arts. The Klein is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Your donations are tax-deductible. 

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