(Courtesy of Kaplen JCC on the Palisades) The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades Waltuch Art Gallery presents “Gathering of Waters,” a breathtaking collection of pastels by Mozelle Forman. The show will be on display December 1-30, with a meet-the-artist reception on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

In this exhibition, Forman explores sea and sky as metaphors for sustaining life and humanity, and as majestic sources of inspiration to artists. The connection between the sky and the sea (a gathering of waters) is elucidated in the first sentences of Bereshit, the first book of the Torah, and serves as the source of Forman’s creative ideas and the title for her show.

“I believe the urge to create is inherent in all of us and I love creating something that didn’t exist before,” said Forman. “I started painting in watercolor and was told it was the hardest of all mediums, but I loved the luminosity and ethereal quality of watercolor, until I picked up a pastel. Then I was hooked. Pastels are not chalk or crayons. They are pure pigment and I find they offer the most versatility, forgiveness and instant gratification—no need to wait until it dries! My work is personal and intuitive and my hope is for it to make people feel. That, to me, is the ultimate measure of its success.”

The Waltuch Art Gallery is a community space that exhibits thematically Jewish artwork, or art produced by Jewish artists. All gallery exhibits and receptions are free and open to the community; JCC membership is not required. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Saturday and Jewish holidays.

For more information on gallery exhibitions, contact Nina Bachrach at 201-408-1406 or [email protected].