Sandra Eckstein featured artist in Midland Art Show

MIDLAND, Pa. -- Artist Sandra Eckstein loves to work in oil.

Motorcycle fork oil, to be specific. Medium weight, also known as grade B. She mixes it with overglaze powdered paints to paint on tile and other porcelain.

"When I go to a motorcycle shop and ask for a couple of quarts, I get some weird looks. I'm not a motorcycle chick," she said.

The Industry Borough resident has been chosen as the featured artist for this year's Summer Gallery of the Midland Arts Council.

A selection of her works, including acrylics on canvas as well as her porcelain paintings, will be on display to accompany the juried art show July 1-6 in the Atrium of the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center in Midland, Pa.

The show is open to all area artists 17 and older. Entries framed and ready for hanging are to be delivered Tuesday, June 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lincoln Park.

Eckstein trading quilt-making for lessons in porcelain painting lessons when living in California. It was there she learned the trick of mixing motorcycle fork oil with overglaze powdered paint. "I've been using it for 30-some years so I'm comfortable with it," said Eckstein.

Painted porcelain objects are fired in a small electric kiln, permanently and durably fusing the image into the glazed surface.

Works submitted for the Summer Gallery may not exceed 36 inches high or wide. Artists may enter a maximum of three pieces, at a fee of $10 per piece, or $25 for three works.

Questions about the show may be directed to Evelyn Adams, Arts Council president, at 724.643.9968.

A reception and awards presentation for artists and guests is to precede the show opening.

The show is free and open to the public, with viewing from 6 to 8 p.m. daily July 1 to July 6, except for Monday, July 4, when hours are 1 to 7 p.m.