JOEL EMBER

Working in studio, Joel wields his brushes with a flurry of colors, and inspirations from emotions and items found in nature.  He presents a palette of hues and unorganized patterns that jolts the viewer from the hum-drum of theirs daily toils.  

Ember paints whatever he is subconsciously feeling at any precise moment.  This mode of painting lends itself to the blending of colors and shapes that may or may not have any meaning in regards to one another once a work is completed.  Often asked to explain a piece at an exhibit, he is often unable to do so - - they are spontaneous results of emotions that often c cannot be expressed in words.  

Joel Ember spent his formative years in and around both the Ephrata and Lititz areas, both in Lancaster County.  Joel is a self-taught artist, who currently calls downtown Lancaster his home.  He has been putting paint to the canvas for over 29 years.  His heart firmly entrenched within the art world, Joel worked as a photographer, muralist and gallery manager in the past.  

Primary working in acrylics, stains and enamels, and frequently using recycled paints and materials in his pieces, to create his expressionistic ‘room shapers’.  

His work is held in private collections in 18 states, and he has a loyal customer base, many of whom own multiple pieces of his work.  Since 2004, Joel has had 21 shows and art walks in Pennsylvania alone.  While living in Florida in the early 1990’s for 5 years, Joel worked on many community and commissioned mural projects in both Tampa, and the city’s Cuban Quarter, Ybor City.  

Ember has donated many paintings to non-profit groups and fundraiser auctions, and continues to do so today.  Arguably, Joel ‘s  favorite spot to get away and create is Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in the state of Jalisco.  Ember spent 7-10 days per year for 5 consecutive years in a 4 bedroom villa.  Casa Mi Casa is open, without any real walls.  “It inspires me – both to create and bond with my friends,” Ember mentions.  “To experience a different, more relaxed way of life.  We stay in the historic old town, very far from the tourist areas of the resort … barely anyone speaks any English where we stay, and we all speak very little Spanish, which makes communicating with the villa’s staff of three, challenging and fun.”  The first two years, Ember could be seen trading Spanish language lessons for art lessons for the staff’s young children.  

DONATIONS, NON PROFITS & CHARITIES
Winonah Wingert Benefit
Molly's Pub
May 12, 2008
Two Limited Edition books
of Joel's artwork
$100 retail value
 
Fulton Opera House Spring Gala
("Dressed to Kilt")
March 15, 2008
"Zepfino" original painting
$695 retail value (sold for $1,100 !!)

Lancaster Day Care "Night on the Town" Auction
November 3, 2007
"Magyar II", gouache and oil pastel on paper (framed)
$150 value

Fulton Opera House Gala
September 26, 2007
"Vtlama", original painting
$ 595 value

Hospice of Lancaster County Auction
September 1, 2007
"Hyperia", original painting
$495 value

"Common Roads" Tropicanza
June 17, 2007
"Macawo", original painting
$595 value

Demuth Museum Garden Gala
June 9, 2007 - silent auction
"Crucio I", original painting, framed
$595 value

"Common Roads" Winter Arts Festival
January 20, 2007
"Gypsy Dog" and "Gypsy Dance" 
2 paintings donated for silent auction,
$790 combined retail value 

Lancaster DayCare Center
Auction
November 4, 2006
"Miysha" - $695 value

Crispus Attucks
Art & Jazz Fest II
September 30, 206
"Gypsy" 
2 paintings donated for silent auction,
$590 combined retail value 

Fulton Opera House,
Fulton Gala
October 8, 2005
"Ik-Sandria", $ 440 value

Molly's Pub
Fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina Victims
September 13, 2005
"Basilico"  $ 495 value

Hospice of Lancaster County
Labor Day Auction
September 2, 2005
"Spanish Mission, Key West" $ 595 value

Fulton Opera House
Le Fete du Vin (Wine Gala)
June 2005
"Wine Rumba" (acrylic) - $ 400 value (sold $450)
(This piece was the highest grossing item in the silent auction portion)

Lancaster Mounted Police Auction - Molly's Pub
January 2005
"Luna" (oil) - $ 595 value

Board and Community Involvement

Keystone Art & Culture Center - 2004-2007 - Board Member - Development
418 Pearl Street, Lancaster, PA
www.artfoundlancaster.org

Demuth Foundation, Board - 2007 - 2008 and 2001-2004  Collections Chair, Education Committee member and Garden Tour Co-Chair
Lancaster, PA
www.demuth.org

Habitat for Humanity - volunteer (1999 - 2002)
www.habitat.org

OTHER LINKS:

Lancaster Museum of Art
www.lmapa.org

George Mummert (artist)
www.georgemummert.com

Mulberry Art Studios (gallery and studio space)
www.mulberryartstudios.com

Studio Weit (Hand Woven Rugs and Bags)
www.studioweit.com

Tin Roof Designs (website design)
www.tinroofdesigns.com