Artist Helen Crispino's 'Lazy Afternoon.'

Artists of the Waichulis atelier will celebrate their biennial homecoming with a select expose of realist endeavors including still life, Trompe – L'oeil, landscape, portrait, and figure renderings in graphite, charcoal and oil.

A meet-the-artists reception will be held Saturday, Nov. 7 from 5-8 p.m. and will include a gallery talk by artist Timothy Jahn on “The New Realism Movement” and remarks by Sharon Lloyd Hourigan, president of the Cultural Council of Luzerne County, beginning at 6 p.m. The evening’s events are open free to the public.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; closed Friday; and Saturday and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Waichulis is a native of Mocanaqua, Pa. He attended Luzerne County Community College and completed his formal art studies at Schuler School of Fine Arts in Maryland. He has achieved national success as a Trompe L'oeil artist, offering a brilliant dimensionality regarded by his peers as effective as the two most well known American Trompe L'oeil artists — John Peto and William Michael Harnett. His works have appeared on a regular basis in such magazines as The Artist’s Magazine, American Art Collection and Fine Art Connoisseur. He has also earned numerous awards and honors in the most respected national and international competitions cementing his place as the vanguard of his craft. In 2006, he became the first Trompe L’oeil painter to be granted Living Master status by the Art Renewal Center.

In 1997, Waichulis returned to his hometown and founded The Waichulis Studio. The studio has provided training to many who have gone on to the forefront of the art world, earning prestigious awards and placement in national exhibits and publications. This exhibit brings them together to join the next generation of Waichulis Studio artists in an effort to share their endeavors with the area that gave them their start.

In addition to Waichulis, other artists featured in the exhibit include:

Leah Waichulis, represented by The Principle Gallery in Virginia and the San Marino Gallery in California, has gained a national following for her brilliant landscapes and interiors. Her artwork has been featured in national and international publications such as American Artist, The Artist’s Magazine, Drawing, International Artist, and the cover of Art Calendar. Later this year, she will be featured in the book “Strokes of Genius: Light and Shadow” by North Light Books. Waichulis has received awards from The Artist’s Magazine, American Women Artists, Salon International, and International Artist’s Magazine.

Adam Vinson, represented by the Artist’s House Gallery in Philadelphia and The Principle Gallery in Virginia, has become one of the most sought-after painters of today. Vinson has made numerous appearances in many national publications and was featured recently on the cover of American Arts Quarterly. Later this year, Vinson is scheduled to exhibit in the National Portrait Gallery as part of the prestigious Outwin Boochever Portrait exhibition.

Joel Carson Jones, represented by Cavalier galleries in Massachusetts, has been awarded distinguished honors this year at both the Salmagundi Club in New York and the Roberson Museum. His works are highly prized by knowledgeable collectors from across the country. Last year, Jones became the second Waichulis Studio artist to be granted Living Master status by The Art Renewal Center.

Helen Crispino, represented by Principle Gallery in Virginia and Meyer Gallery in New Mexico, continues to gain national recognition for her animal-themed work. Her work has also been showcased in a number of venues throughout the country, including the John Pence Gallery in San Francisco and the Salmagundi Club in New York. Helen recently received international acclaim for the United Kingdom’s “Wildscape’s” Wildlife Painter of the Year competition.

Jay Davenport, represented by The Meyer Gallery in New Mexico and Galerie Kornye in Texas, has participated in a vast array of exhibits across the country. His list of awards is impressive, including The Bosque Conservatory Silver Medal and honors in the annual competition of The Artist Magazine. He has appeared in numerous publications, including the North Light book, “Strokes of Genius, The Best of Drawing.”

Justin Balliet, represented by The San Marino Gallery in California and the Atlanta Art Gallery in Georgia, has built an impeccable reputation for his meticulously rendered works. An impressive string of awards, including the Art Renewal Center Scholarship, has placed Balliet among a select few. Continued appearances in The Artist Magazine’s Drawing Board columns have introduced Justin’s signature works to an ever-widening audience.

Steve Mihal, also represented by The San Marino Gallery and the Atlanta Art Gallery, recently gained massive notoriety by appearing in the American Artist Magazine’s Self Portrait Competition. Additional accolades, including the Hazleton Art League’s annual exhibit’s Best in Show, have brought Mihal even more attention. Later this year, he will appear in the new North Light publication, “Strokes of Genius 2: The Best of Light and Shadow.”

Terese Rogers, represented by The San Marino Gallery, has recently participated in a number of successful shows with her beautiful floral works, including The San Marino Gallery’s recent “Explosion of Blooms” exhibit. Appearances in The Artist’s Magazine and American Arts Quarterly have brought additional attention to Roger's work. Recently she was chosen to appear in “Pasadena Showcase House of Design.” Seen on HGTV, it is the largest showcase of interior design in the United States.

Michael E. Hockenbury, represented by Principle Gallery and The Atlanta Art Gallery, has won numerous awards for his work both as a fine artist and as a graphic designer. His unique and playful paintings have garnered much attention on a national scale and continue to be sought after by avid collectors.

Omar Rodriguez, represented by the Atlanta Art Gallery, has continued to build a large following for his strong personal and spiritually influenced work. With numerous awards and publications under his belt, including appearances in The Artist’s Magazine and high honors in the Art Renewal Center’s International Salon competition, Rodriguez’s efforts continue to deliver with as much power as ever.

Kate Sammons, also represented by The Atlanta Gallery among others, has developed an impressive reputation for exquisite portraiture. Winning The Artist’s Magazine’s All Media Competition earlier this year and earning honors in the Art Renewal Center’s Salon Competition, Sammons’ work has been lauded by collectors time and time again. She was also chosen to have her work included in the prestigious Outwin Boochever Portrait exhibition at The National Portrait gallery later this year.

Rounding out the exhibit roster will be the introduction of the newest artists to join the Waichulis Studio. Among the talented newcomers are Academy Ducret and Jahn Studios founder Timothy Jahn, California-based artist Emma Hirst, celebrated floral artist Brian O'Neill, New York artists Star Galler and Jeremy Lebediker, and Pennsylvania-based artists Sharon Lloyd Hourigan, Edward Dillon, and Victoria Posatko.