When you think of Congregation B’nai Amoona, striking glass sculptures, layered watercolor paintings and abstract digital designs might not be the first things that come to mind. But starting this month, the synagogue’s art gallery is hosting a stunning new exhibit showcasing the talents of five local Jewish artists, each with a unique medium and story.
“The artists were chosen, first and foremost, for their skill and artistic talents,” said Lester Goldman, who oversees the gallery. “There is no overall theme for this show. This show will be very eclectic.”
Meet the artists: Barry Gross
For Barry Gross, a retired software developer, discovering fused glass became a creative outlet in retirement.
“Cutting and designing glass is very cathartic,” Gross said.
His work integrates techniques like dichroic glass, vitrigraph, frit and twisted cane and his love for glass continues to grow as the studio glass industry evolves.
“It’s intriguing that today’s studio glass industry is constantly changing with new products and techniques,” he added.
Gross, who jokes about having “three addictions: running, pickleball and fused glass,” finds joy in creating pieces that blend color, texture and pattern into something entirely new.
Elianna Dryer
Meanwhile, painter and paper artist Elianna Dryer’s work explores personal and collective history.
“An image is a powerful thing; it asks us to look into it and see and imagine another’s experience, while simultaneously projecting our own,” Dryer explained.
Her pieces balance fun and playfulness with heavier subjects like identity and political upheaval.
“I depict thoughts on everyday life—often through mundane and recognizable objects and scenes—that ask the viewer to look more closely at the world around them,” she said.
Using materials like watercolor, fiber and metal leafing, Dryer aims to challenge perspectives while embracing experimentation.
Laura Singer
Laura Singer’s mixed-media creations blur the lines between digital and traditional techniques, drawing on her lifelong love of art and fascination with nature.
“I approach the creation of each image with the outlook of a mixed-media painter,” Singer said.
“My creative process involves taking a pre-existing image, breaking it down and then building it up until it becomes something completely new and different.”
Singer’s work reflects her deep appreciation for the microscopic and macroscopic elements of nature, often weaving abstract concepts into vibrant, textural designs
. “I constantly seek new ideas and look forward to implementing them as my work continues to evolve,” she said.
Gary Kodner
Gary Kodner, a longtime graphic designer and past president of the St. Louis Jewish Light, brings his experience and love of design to his acrylic paintings.
“My goal is to achieve an accurate but modified realism and to honor familiar and favorite subjects,” Kodner said
His pieces range from portraits of famous personalities to landscapes and cityscapes, all distinctive for their smooth finishes and bold colors. Since formally retiring in 2015, Kodner has produced more than 140 paintings in styles ranging from illustrative realism to abstract geometry.
Reflecting on his career and artistic journey, Kodner added, “Throughout most of my design career, I worked as a creative consultant to the St. Louis Cardinals, designing brochures, promotional pieces, signage, logos and even uniforms.”
David Alper
David Alper’s precision glasswork brings a bold, cultural perspective to the exhibit. A production artist for nearly three decades, Alper uses flameworking and other mediums to create visually stunning cultural statements.
“I’m endlessly inspired to use various techniques and physical mediums to create order from chaos and play with perceptions,” Alper said. His artistic process blends craftsmanship with experimentation, resulting in pieces that are “far greater than the sum of their parts.”
B’nai Amoona Art Show
What: B’nai Amoona Art Show
When: Thru April 19
Where: Congregation B’nai Amoona, 324 S. Mason Rd. St. Louis, MO 63141
More Info: Call (314) 576-9990 for gallery hours or visit them online.
“There are only a small number of venues in our community where such a variety of high-quality art can be seen,” said Goldman. “We believe our gallery is not only a benefit for our congregation and community but it is also a benefit for the many artists who have such remarkable talent. It gives them an important opportunity to display their works and have them widely appreciated.”
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