Splendora and Upchurch at UpFront

Posted 8/21/12

PORT JERVIS, NY — A collection of approximately 400 paintings by artists Joe Splendora (1916-1996) and Wendell M. Upchurch (1946-2000) will be on exhibit at the UpFront Exhibition Space, 31 Jersey …

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Splendora and Upchurch at UpFront

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PORT JERVIS, NY — A collection of approximately 400 paintings by artists Joe Splendora (1916-1996) and Wendell M. Upchurch (1946-2000) will be on exhibit at the UpFront Exhibition Space, 31 Jersey Ave. There will be a reception on Saturday, March 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. with refreshments and live music by Walt Edwards. The exhibit can also be viewed by appointment prior to the reception by calling 845/754-5000.

These mid-century paintings range from landscapes, seascapes, portraits to bizarre, as both artists had dark periods in their lives. Splendora was a fine artist, known to work in oils on canvas and mixed media on paper. His usual subjects were historical, nautical, landscape and village scenes painted in neutralized earthy colors. He lived and painted in the Shanna House, an historic roadside tavern from the 19th century located on Route 209, six miles south of Milford near the Indian Ladder waterfall, until it was demolished for the canceled Tocks Island Dam project. After that he lived above the Dimmick Inn in Milford, where he continued painting.

Wendell Upchurch died in 2000 at the age of 53. His widow, Marlene Upchurch, said she thinks his lifestyle likely contributed to his death. Upchurch’s obsession with painting kept him sleep-deprived for many years. He painted people as shadows, demons, freaks and wild animals.

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