Art Gallery Commemorates 9/11

Art has always helped move society forward, communicating the essence of the human condition in glory and defeat and express extreme emotions. Historically, all forms of art have contributed to society's ability to remember and understand the past. 

The 10th anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks has been one such historic event reflected in art.

This Sunday, Sept. 11, from noon to 4 p.m., Jabo’s Trading Post & Art Gallery on Highway 92 will host a Gallery Showing and sidewalk sale with featured artist, Sandy Hubeli.

Owner and artist Michael Jablonowski said he believes art can help the individual move forward, reaching beyond past memories, such as the memories of 9/11.

The memories of 9/11 help shape us but should not define us, Jablonowski said.

“Sometimes we encounter things in through our experiences that are hard to leave behind us and we don’t have to dismiss them or ignore them but we should use them to guide us into something better than to just stay there," he said.

For Jablonowski, moving into the future means celebrating art and redefining what an art gallery is.

“I just think it’s a day where people need to maybe not forget about the past but remember to move into the future from that, you know, to the next thing.”

Since Jablonowski is a musician, he likens his definition of an art gallery to that of various genres of music.

"I think if your mind is only on fine art, you miss a lot of that whole genre of art. If I did that as a musician, I wouldn’t be of much value to other musicians,” he said.

Jablonowski performs as a drummer in two bands: Rocksmith on Wednesday nights for biker night at The Tavern on Bells Ferry Road and Block Party around Atlanta.

Describing himself as a musician, songwriter, woodworker, painter, stained glass maker, writer, filmmaker, lover of art and the creative process, Jablonowski said he’s trying to do something different with his gallery.

“I just wanted to try to open some place where local artists could consign their work and have it on display and get some recognition for it and stimulate the artistic mind, like the zeitgeist of Woodstock," he said.

Jablonowski's gallery, which offers art lovers a unique collection of folk art, opened in April 2011. While imported goods are more common in many art galleries, his goal has been to create a venue to celebrate local work.

“I like folk art, and I find a very eloquent charm in folk art."

Jablonowski said what people enjoy about an art gallery is as random as art is subjective and can be affected by life experiences, like the anniversary of Sept. 11.  

"The things that happen to us not only in our personal lives but in our collective lives are not meant to be hitching posts where you just tie yourself down and stay there. It’s a guide post to move to the next thing,” he said

Jablonowski said he met Sunday's featured artist through a sketch he purchased at the Dogwood Festival. When he decided to open his gallery, he contacted Hubeli so she could showcase her work in his gallery. 

While Hubeli's work is not 9/11 specific, she’s excited about displaying her work on Sunday for the sidewalk showing, Jablonowski said, who already displays several of Hubeli’s collection on the walls of his store.

Hubeli will also be bringing additional large pieces to display.

“She’s very talented and works in several different mediums, including adding a sand embossed kind of texture in paintings,” he said. 

Through the creation and enjoyment of art, Jablonowski said he believes people can sooth their minds and hearts. 

"I’m indifferent to what I produce—the process is soothing," he said. 

Artists showcasing their work in Jabo's Gallery include the following:

• Brian Hammer – Wood-turning arts
• Sandi Hubeli – Oils, Acrylics, pencil, lithograph
• Vasil Vasilev – Oils & Acrylics
• John Lyes – Oils, Acrylics & multi media
• Rory Herman – Acrylic pop culture art
• Darlene English – Soap, incense and tarts
• Sasha’s Spice mill – International proprietary spice rubs
• April Cagle – Watercolor, Acrylic & pastels
• Bruce Weinzetl– Metal / Garden art
• Loramel Glass Company – Fused, blown and kilned glass items
• Mica Jablonowski – Mystic Rose stained glass
• Mike “JABO” Jablonowski – Cross media art using 7 standard art formats.