Exploring the idea of creating an intentional living community for creatives, and the Hudson Valley, led us (Idelisse and Joanne) to the small town of Catskill, NY where we were enchanted to find an "ArTchaeological Museum" in the window of the Open Studio on Main Street. Its owner Dina Bursztyn, 72, is a visual artist and writer. We were transfixed by her gallery filled with whimsical found art assemblages, sculptures, ceramics, art books, drawings and paintings. Dina's work was described in a New York Times review as “original work that defies reigning art world fashions.” Born in Argentina, Dina, a would-be writer, came to New York after college and was surprised to discover that she was a ceramicist who excavated strange creatures at the bottom of the mugs she was crafting. It was just the beginning of her inventive art practice.
”Always leave while you’re still having a good time!” - Joanne Sandler
“If it pleases me, I will.” - Idelisse Malavé