Jack and Jill’s White and Black Noir Themed Art Show

Photo Credit/ Elizabeth Deczynski The new gallery hosts the artwork of Jack and Jill Swersie, two married local artists who focus on photo-realistic artwork.

Elizabeth Deczynski

Contributing Writer

Photo Credit/ Elizabeth Deczynski

Jack and Jill went up the hill… to the Fine and Performing Arts Center.

Jack and Jill Swersie are local artists opening the 40th season of the Madelon Powers Gallery located in the Fine and Performing Arts Center. Their exhibit is called “White and Black: Jill and Jack” and is set to run from Sept. 3-29, 2019.

The couple is excited to be showcasing their work at the campus gallery. They say it’s a great way for students and artists to display their work.

“I want students to see that doing something different and unique is a good thing,” Jack said. “I want people to appreciate the images I created from just taking a photo. I want them to see the uniqueness of what I do.”

Jack Swersie says this exhibit is an introduction to his series “Vintage Necktie Abstract Photo-Art.”

Jack photographs his funky neckties and edits them to create extraordinary images. He also enjoys using small toys and game pieces in his work. 

Photo Credit/ Elizabeth Deczynski

“As a collector of loud and colorful neckties, I decided to start shooting the unique fabric patterns found in many of my neckties. After shooting, I play around with the image in editing and create some unusual, eye-pleasing images” Jack says in his artist’s statement.

Jack has already won three awards and has some of his work on display at the Eastern Monroe Public Library in Stroudsburg.

His wife, Jill Swersie, is an oil painter who has been painting professionally for over 35 years. Her work is highly awarded and has been displayed in galleries around the country including New York City, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Colorado. You can even view her mural “Art of the Dance” in our own downtown Stroudsburg.

“It’s good for students to see what you can do with art,” Jill said. “I usually work with color, reds, but I wanted to try something different.”

Photo Credit/ Elizabeth Deczynski

Jill says she is inspired by people going about their everyday lives, especially women.

“I try to capture moments where women are empowered to do what they enjoy most. And it need not be anything profound. It’s about life and how we move through time. It’s how we survive from day to day. It’s about being you.” Jill says in her artist’s statement.

Many students and local residents attended the reception on Sept. 3, 2019, dressed for the occasion in black and white outfits. The attendees were able to enjoy a variety of finger foods as they strolled through the gallery surrounded by a unique artwork.

The exhibit at the Fine and Performing Arts Center is open to the public free of charge. The gallery will be open Monday, Tuesday and Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Email Elizabeth at:

edeczynski@live.esu.edu