Penny adds the finishing touches to her latest painting.
Join Penny Nisson, Nina Molk, Essie Perlmutter, and many other talented JCC artists for the Interactive Artist Group Art Show Opening Reception on April 24 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm. Light food and drinks will be served.
Although Penny Nisson is retired from her role as the Director of Education at The Mizel Museum, the artist still finds ways to inform and inspire those around her through art.
The Interactive Artist Group, which she spearheaded during her time at the Mizel Museum, had been together for a decade before moving to its new location at JCC Denver. The group is a space for established artists to work independently, with guidance from instructor Boris Shoshensky. They meet at the J on Tuesdays from 10 am – 2 pm, excluding the summer months.
“I was a professional artist for eight years,” Penny explains, a journey that took off with her participation in the first ever Cherry Creek Arts Festival. She later sold her work at many other outdoor art shows before transitioning into the museum world.
“Tune In to Peace” by Penny Nisson.
“By Your Light we See Light” by Penny Nisson.
“I go to art shows and galleries anytime I’m traveling. Art is in my soul, and my mother was also a talented artist so it’s just innate to me,” she adds.
Penny prefers to use an acrylic base with mixed media overlays that include pencil, water pencil, pen, ink, permanent black line, and metallics, and she loves continuing to grow as an artist with the group.
“Even though I’m retired, I don’t think my job as an educator is done. My paintings have evolved with storytelling concepts. I want to educate people,” she says of her Jewish-themed art, which includes ritual elements such as kiddush cups and doves, and Israeli symbolism like the Tree of Life and red poppies—the State’s official flower.
“The show is an opportunity for many different Jewish and non-Jewish communities to come together to look at art and interact with it and each other.”
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Nina Molk adds another fish to her underwater drawing.
Nina Molk, another member of the group, has always been an artist. After graduating from the Colorado Institute of Art, Nina worked as a commercial artist for many years, gravitating towards portraits done in black and white using pencil and charcoal.
“I started throwing in tiny bits of color here and there to contrast with the black and white,” she says, before switching entirely to realistic nature scenes depicted in vivid color.
Nina describes her style as “realistic, but the colors allow me to be a little different and get more creative,” she offers. Nina was also a member of the Interactive Artist Group during their days at The Mizel Museum with Boris, relocating together to the J.
The most enjoyable part of being in the group is that “we talk and help each other, sharing our opinions,” further explaining, “when you work by yourself you can keep going without realizing you might be on the wrong track.”
Now, Nina draws everything imaginable under the sun, from a glittering expanse of ocean to custom Ketubot (Jewish marriage contracts), to shockingly realistic animal portraits, the latter which she loves drawing because “they never complain I make their nose too big,” with a wink.
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A large mural created by Essie Perlmutter.
You would never guess that the bright and sharp Essie Perlmutter is 90-years old. Yet, judging by her artwork, it is clear she has no plans to slow down.
“I have been both an artist and connected to JCC Denver my entire life,” she adds before we are approached by a familiar face. “I talk to your mom once a week. You look fabulous like the sun,” she says fiercely before turning back to me, a glimmer in her eyes.
Essie was never formally trained, but always took art classes at the JCC, first as a young girl and then when raising her kids here. Now as a great-grandmother, many generations of Perlmutters frequent the J.
“What is so special about the Interactive Artist Group is we grow together in our painting. Everyone is very different, and I appreciate the critiques from other students who influence and open me to a broader aspect,” she adds.
As someone who is constantly learning and striving to push her own boundaries, the ever-evolving Essie made the bold switch from traditional art to adopting a more contemporary style and even dabbled in sculpture and needle work at one point.
This beautiful flower was crafted by Essie Perlmutter.
Essie works both with the group as well as her in-home studio, sharing, “I like design, color, the feeling of achievement, and what art has taught me, of patience and curiosity.”
A defining element of her work is mixing colors and shapes, plus Jewish-themed abstracts, like her recent piece in honor of the hostages and a 7-panel series that is hung up at the Hebrew Educational Alliance.
“Jewish community, everyday life, and travel inspire my work,” Essie tells me. “The Interactive Artist Group Art Show is a chance for us to show both our artwork, and the JCC, to the public,” before excusing herself to say hi to visiting familiar faces entering the lobby.
Stop by the Interactive Artist Group Art Show Opening Night April 24 at 5:30 pm, where Essie and our other seasoned artists will be showcasing their work.
The gallery will remain open for casual viewing through May 5, during regular JCC hours. Learn more here.
