Paul Lenz, Colts Neck
"Vermont Brook"
Oct. 2001

Paul Lenz
"Burano, Italy"
Photography

Paul Lenz is being honored by the Edison Arts Society as a Spring 2006 Artist of the Season for his dedication to advancing the fine arts discipline for EAS and his devotion to his love of photography.

Paul received his first camera for his 15th birthday - more than half a century ago. This simple Kodak Retina became a constant companion for class excursions and a few years later military service. In the 1960's a simple darkroom followed, giving him the ability to work on an image from composition to completion.

During a long career as a physician and health care manager, Paul's passion for photography remained strong and was a welcome escape from the stresses of a hectic professional life. With passing years, Paul's work became more sophisticated. Color photography supplemented the old Black and White techniques and computer-enhanced photography uncovered a plethora of new ways of artistic expression in this wonderful medium.

After retirement from health care management, Paul now pursues photography as a full time career. He loves the beauty of nature, scenery, flowers and natural unposed pictures of children at play. He experiments with basic pin-hole cameras and with 19th century printing techniques ("alternative printing") - like cyanotype, Van Dyke and others.

Paul is exhibiting works as a permanent participant in the Kaos Gallery in Wilmington, VT. and his work can be seen in New Jersey exhibits sponsored by EAS, the Art Alliance of Red Bank, and the Guild of Shrewsberry.

Joan Katen
"Andean Man"
Oil

Joan Katen
"Kenny Boy"
Oil

Joan Katen
"Untitled"
Oil

Edison Arts Society is pleased to honor visual artist Joan Katen of Colonia as a Spring 2006 Artist of the Season. Joan has shown enormous commitment to promoting EAS in the community and has been supportive of the many programs that we offer.

Joan has been interested in art since childhood. Her joy was sitting on a park bench and sketching. After moving to Colonia, Joan studied oil painting with Todd Butler at his workshop in Metuchen. During a recent vacation, her love of art rekindled through a watercolor class taken on board the ship. She is currently studying watercolor with EAS member/visual artist Ray Skibinski in his Dynamic Watercolors classes. Joan's work was exhibited at the Woodbridge Township Senior Art Exhibit at the Barron Arts Center this year, and her work is currently on display at the Edison Arts Society's Members Only MMV Exhibit at the Sheraton Edison Hotel at Raritan Center.

Joan presently serves on EAS's "Gardens of the Garden State" Art and Photography exhibit committee. She is an active attendee at the EAS Gala Fundraising Ball every year and she loves to attend Edison Symphony Orchestra concerts. She has also effectively helped EAS raise much-needed funding for various events.

Joan, we thank you very much for your dedication to promoting the arts in Middlesex County and congratulate you on all of your wonderful talents and efforts!