Renowned mixed media artists in Middletown

MMCA Marketplace Artists are scattered throughout the nation. In February, their work is under one roof for the first time and it is happening in Central Pennsylvania.

Middletown, PA - Not only have most of the members never met in person, the MMCA Marketplace Artists have never shown their work in a gallery as a group. This month, Arts on Union Gallery and Studio, 203 N. Union St., Middletown, exhibits their art. An opening reception will take place Saturday, Feb. 7 from noon to 5 p.m. There will be free refreshments and artists will be on hand to talk about their work.

MMCA Marketplace Artists opened for business in mid-2008, as the Dow was plunging downward. Its charter members were already online acquaintances through the MMCA, a larger network of artists who share tips and news and offer critiques on the work of other members. National and regional online and print publications have featured the work of the group.

The MMCA Marketplace artists exhibiting at Arts on Union have successful exhibition, publication and teaching credits. Despite the economic downturn and the frenetic pace of life, they continue to live and work as professional artists. Among the group are two Middletown artists, Elaine Brady-Smith and Christine Goldbeck. In addition to mixed-media paintings and collage on canvas and paper, the Arts on Union exhibit includes jewelry, note cards and three-dimensional work.

“It felt like Christmas all over again when the art for this exhibit started arriving from Wisconsin, California, Florida and other places. I am so glad to be able to show the work of this group and I am in awe of the talent and skill each has. The necklaces one artist sent are amazing. She hand drills each pearl, for example. The craftsmanship in these pieces is incredible,” Goldbeck, who owns Arts on Union, said.

Arts on Union opened in February 2008. Visit http://www.christinegoldbeck.com/ for more information about the February exhibit and workshops. Mixed media collage and mixed-media painting workshops are on February’s studio calendar to coincide with the exhibit.