Buffalo, NY (WBEN) This weekend marks the summer's first big art festivals in many communities, and if you're interested in people who 'espresso themselves' check this one out: The Allentown Art Festival features a number of unique works, including one who dabbles in something most of us have with our breakfast.
"I paint with coffee," with John Kindelan of Espresso Your Art. "Coffee is my primary medium that is used. So it's similar to like watercolor. Some watercolor paint is added to the coffee, but pretty much everything is painted with coffee," he explains. He says he uses a mixture of instant coffee to create his paintings, and when it comes to getting the right color, that's been trial and error. "I learned how to add color by using some watercolor paint and blending with the coffee, or maybe like a watercolor pencil that can blend with the coffee as well and add different highlights. But people come into my tent and ask me why I like brown so much, before they realize that most of the paintings are done with coffee."
Kindelan says he specializes in pop culture, especially Marvel, as well as Buffalo locations.
Another painter chosen to exhibit is Melita Jaha, who specializes in acrylic painting. "I'm very honored and very excited to showcase in Allentown Art Festival. I absolutely love it. The community is incredibly supportive and full of curious art lovers. It's always energizing to meet people who are really engaging with the work," says Jaha. She's relatively new to Buffalo. In fact, on her second day, she went to the Allentown Art Festival.
Jaha is originally from Kosovo, and says there's a big art scene there. "There are a lot of talented artists there. However, I think art is a little different from what it is in the US," says Jaha. "I think, coming from war into our countries, the art there is more based in emotions and experiences. And in America, in general, art is trying to be more innovative. It's more focused on innovation and the current life experiences that they have."
She says selling the artwork is a huge motivation and help for her as an artist and entrepreneur, and the awards are always a huge help, because it's another way to prove as a successful artist.
The Allentown Art Festival runs Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 6pm.