Let's Put on a Show!

Three friends, two galleries, one afternoon I'm really looking forward to.

The opening reception is Sunday Jan. 14, from 2 to 4 pm at the Watchung Arts Center.

All at the Watchung Arts Center from Jan 13 to Feb 10

I am honored to be presenting my art this month with Rochelle Rubin and Janice Belove.

I’m not just honored; I’m jumping out of my skin.

Just like when the New York Times ran my first article in 1993 or when my first book came out out in 2006. There is adrenalin, pride, anticipation and — in this post- or maybe not post-Covid world — fear that I’ll get Covid and not be able attend my own opening.

But back to Rochelle and Janice. Because they are both what I have been calling “real artists,” as opposed to how I’ve thought of myself. They went to art school, they’ve been painting for years. They’re the real thing. Check out their portfolios on their websites. As for me, and I swear this is not false humility, I’m the junior member of this trio. I’ve only been at this for six years. I not only didn’t go to art school, I didn’t even like going to museums until six years ago.

I was a writer, officially, ever since my parents brought home my grandfather’s typewriter for me after his funeral, when I was in fifth grade.

But I’ve really taken to this art thing, which you probably know if you follow me on social media. I haven’t been shy about posting my paintings. I’ve become an artist by making art. Whether I’m a “real” artist is another question. Luckily, unlike law or dentistry, there’s no test you have to take.

What you will see at this show, if you come, are my iPad paintings blown up to poster size, intermingled with poster-size iPad paintings by Janice. Rochelle’s work — very large, very joyful abstract paintings — will be displayed in the large gallery upstairs.

I’ve wanted to try blowing my iPad art big since I saw the David Hockney show at the Pace Gallery last year. But it felt like hubris. Maybe it is. But I still want you to come.

The Watchung Arts Center is located at 18 Stirling Road in Watchung NJ.