Exhibit features works by Newton artist

Newton - An ongoing exhibit of paintings by Jennie Traill Schaeffer, artist/owner of TraillWorks in Newton, will get under way with an opening reception from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, at The Snack Bar diner in Denville. The Snack Bar, owned by Sparta residents Rob and Melissa Luba, is located at 38 1st Ave. The reception is open to the public. The Lubas invited Schaeffer to exhibit after admiring her work at Hilltop Country Day School’s annual art exhibition and sale. Schaeffer’s paintings feature period kitchen appliances, lending a home-style feel to the 1950’s retro diner. The paintings will be for sale, with a portion of the profits to benefit Hilltop. The ongoing exhibit, titled “Appliance Portraits: A Solo Show of Oils,” will be on display from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. Schaeffer likens her work to “pop artists” like Andy Warhol, Wayne Thiebauld and Claes Oldenburg, She depicts objects of daily life, including appliances that have “defined female roles,” drawing inspiration from the conflict between modernity and domesticity. The “Appliance Portraits,” as she refers to the series of 8” x 10” paintings, are so named for their resemblance to human portraiture. Schaeffer is an award-winning artist who has exhibited regionally in N.J. and NYC. In addition to exhibiting her work, she recently designed and painted the set for the world premier of Home by NYC-based dance company, ACFDance, Inc. A review of the production in the Village Voice noted the “terrific set by Jennie Traill Schaeffer.” Schaeffer earned her bachelor of fine arts from Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and taught art before founding TraillWorks: Painting & Design Studio in 2005. The studio is located in her Newton home, where she creates her work and teaches private art lessons. For information, call 973-383-3418.