The Vermont Arts Exchange Presents Drawings and Paintings of Joey Bishop at the Brown Cow Cafe

Vermont Arts Exchange (VAE) is pleased to announce the exhibition of drawings and paintings of local artist Joey Bishop. The Opening Reception will be held Friday, June 2^nd from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Brown Cow Café, 139 Main Street Bennington, Vermont. The exhibit will be on display for several weeks during regular business hours.

Joey was born in Bennington 1960 and attended Brandon Training School at a young age. He then enrolled in Special Education classes at Catamount School and then at Mount Anthony Union High School, graduating in 1982. Joe has worked at P & C Foods and Hannaford bagging groceries, Big Boys Toys, Shaftsbury Country Store and NSK. He currently lives in Shaftsbury with Kevin Bushee and his family and can be seen observing and plotting his next drawing on the bench at McCullough Library, Earl’s Gas Station or at Willy’s Variety Store.

For over 10 years Joey has called VAE his art studio. In this time he has created hundreds of drawings and paintings, which now have been curated for an exhibition and sale. Working closely with Joey over the years, artist-teacher and VAE Executive Director Matthew Perry says, “Joey’s focus and inspiration are his community and friends. He is no stranger to Bennington, which he observes on a daily basis. He then records on paper and canvas the subjects of Bennington and North Bennington’s Main Street; the markets, churches, libraries and the hustle and bustle of traffic. It’s all exciting to him.” VAE teaching artist Matthew Marks worked closely with Joey for two years, drawing mainly out on the sidewalk and in cafes during the colder months to keep warm and enjoy coffee. Marks echoes Perry’s thoughts on Joey’s process saying, “All of this flows out of Joe like water. It flows effortlessly and joyfully. Just like Joe.” Joey’s work also shows his imagination with pieces like the one on the exhibit post card, “New York City as I imagine it”, and a painting of Hawaii, a place he’d like to visit. Joey also works from memories of favorite times and places like summers at Camp Thorpe. Perry states, “Joey’s artwork is pure and honest. When asked to think and respond to questions about why he makes art or how it feels to make art, his response is simply….’ ”It makes me happy’. ”

VAE is pleased to continue its 20+ year partnership with United Counseling Services in providing art services to their community. A special thanks to Brown Cow Café, which hosts this and many other art exhibitions for our community. Some café items will be offered for sale during the reception. Brown Cow Café is an accessible facility. For specific accommodations and Café hours, call 802-681-7489 or find them on Facebook. For more information on this exhibit, VAE summer camps and VAE programs,  call 802-442-5549.