Susan M. Twardus

"Most of my subjects are humble people of simple surroundings. A common theme throughout my work capitalizes on the subtle, yet powerful strength and courage shown by a few."
-Susan Twardus

The powerful theme of those who are disenfranchised in our society infuses Susan Twardus' work, both charcoal drawings and paper sculptures, with a noble sadness. Her figures, in their genteel shabbiness, evoke empathy rather than harsh judgment. Twardus' paper sculptures are of special interest, especially the one in which each figure rises out of a stack of actual New York Times newspapers, forming the pedestal.

A recipient of many awards, Twardus has exhibited both her drawings and her sculptures locally at Phillips' Mill, Arts Bridge, and the Coryell Gallery. Twardus was represented in the 2005 exhibition The Contemporary Eye at the Michener Art Museum.

Education and Training
Studied Drawing, Painting, and Art History, Bucks County College, Newtown, Pennsylvania
Self-taught as an artist
Independent studies include four years as a frame and art restorer, working on many of the Bucks County Impressionists' work as an apprentice, rebuilding and gilding frames by Harer and Badura
Gallery owner and a custom fine art framer for six years, specializing in American Impressionist frames
Attended workshops as member of the Pen and Brush Inc., The Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, and the Salmagundi Club in Manhattan, and Artworks, in Trenton, New Jersey

Teachers and Influences
Camille Claudel and Alberto Giacometti (sculpture), George Bellows and Earl Horter (drawing), Theresa Bernstein and Charles Rosen (painting)

Connection to Bucks County
Twardus has been working in the local Bucks County art scene, specifically Lambertville, NJ, for more than twelve years. She is a painter of the area, as well as a resident and a gallery owner.

Colleagues and Affiliations
Joseph Crilley, Miles Cavanaugh, John Williams, Thomas Hugo Williams (artist and collected frame maker)
New York colleagues include Jean Kruber, Guy Wiggins, and Carey Boone Nelson

Affiliations and Memberships
The Pen and Brush Club, Inc.
The Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club
The Salmagundi Club
Artworks, Trenton, New Jersey
Artsbridge
Philadelphia Sculptors

Solo Exhibitions
Riverside Theater, Bristol, Pennsylvania, 1995, 1997
Merrill Lynch Corporate Gallery, Plainsboro, New Jersey, 1997
Cranbury Station Gallery, Princeton, New Jersey, 1998
Cornerstone, Art Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1999
Morningstar Gallery, Lambertville, New Jersey, 1999
Papier Sun Gallery, Lambertville, New Jersey, 2003

Group Exhibitions
Artworks (Assorted Art & Sculpture Shows), Trenton, New Jersey, 1993, 1994, 1995

Awards
Anna Hyatt Huntingdon Award for Sculpture, 53rd Annual Juried Show, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, 1999
Lila Katzen Memorial Award for Sculpture, 105th Annual Exhibition, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, 2001
Elliot Liskin Memorial Award, 53rd Annual Juried Show, Pen and Brush Club, 1999
Lila Katzen Memorial Award for Sculpture, 103rd Annual Exhibition, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, 1999
Excalibur Sculpture Award, 50th Annual Sculpture Exhibition, The Pen and Brush Club, 1996
Best in Show, Sculpture Exhibition, Artworks, 1994
Corporate Award for Sculpture, 98th Annual Exhibition, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, 1994
First Place Award for Sculpture, 102nd Annual Exhibition, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, 1998
Merit Purchase Award, Mercer County Artists Show, Mercer County Community College, 1994, 1998
Patron's Award, Annual Juried Exhibition, Coryell Gallery, 1997
People's Choice Award, Members Show, Artsbridge, 1996
People's Choice Award, Annual Juried Exhibition, Coryell Gallery, 1997
Sculpture Award, 51st Annual Sculpture Exhibition, The Pen and Brush Club, 1997
Second Award for Sculpture, Members Show, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, 1999
Honorable Mention, Juried Show, Artsbridge, 1998
Honorable Mention, Annual Juried Exhibition, Coryell Gallery, 1997
Honorable Mention, 52nd Annual Sculpture Exhibition, The Pen and Brush Club, 1998
Honorable Mention, Tinicum Annual Juried Exhibition, Erwina, Pennsylvania, 1994