PHOTOS BY HEATHER N. GRIMMER/CONTRIBUTOR

A packed house opened Market Street Studios' latest exhibit, a showing of three of Lockport's premier artists, Joseph Whalen, Jeffrey Watkins and Mark Weld.

An opening reception offered visitors a chance to discuss the works with the artists and wine tasting by Schulze Winery.

The Whalen, Weld & Watkins exhibit, which runs through May 11 is the art center's second of the year. The Black & White exhibit was ran from Feb. 9 to March 22.

Of the artists at hand, the most well-known, Joseph Whalen, actually prefers to be called a painter rather than an artist. He is a second-generation apprentice of Raphael Beck. Beck taught respected artist Sister Mary Julia S.S.M.N., who in turn taught Whalen. He continued his studies at RIT including noted watercolorist Ralph Avery and completed his art education at the University of Buffalo, Niagara University and Buffalo State. He worked for time as a medical illustrator for Roswell Park and a technical illustrator at the Cornell Lab. Whalen spent 35 years as an art teacher in public schools and NCCC.

Jeff Watkins, a practitioner of the Plein Air style of painting primarily works in watercolor. He paints primarily from the local landscape. During the past 40 years, Jeff taught public and private watercolor lessons, including at the Birchfield-Penny Art Center, where his work is featured.

Mark Weld is a self taught artist and a member of the Buffalo Society of Artists.  He has exhibited in numerous shows including the Allentown Art Festival and the Adirondacks National Exhibition. A member of the Buffalo Society of Artists and the Central New York Watercolor Society, his favorite scenes to paint come from his other great interest, Jazz.

---

Don't miss any updates from East Niagara Post.
Follow us by email for daily updates of all our stories delivered straight to your inbox.