Untitled by Will Kasso.
The Corner by C.A. Shofed.
Corn by Rory Mahon.
Common Threads art show is set to return to Hopewell Valley Vineyards.
The show features six artists influenced by or tied to the Trenton art scene.
This year’s theme is “Trenton Inspires the World Takes.” Artists have been asked to show a piece of work that they have not shown previously or that has taken their vision to an unexpected place.
Artists include C.A. Shofed and his guest artists Rory Mahon, Robert Lowe II, Will Kasso, Jamaila Hernandez and Marisa Benson.
Mahon grew up in New York City and attended The Cooper Union. He worked at The Johnson Atelier from 1976 to 2004 and has since pursued his teaching aspirations at area educational facilities teaching secondary level students and adults.
He currently runs his own sculpture foundry and photography studio from home in Hopewell Township.
Lowe, who studied art history at Swarthmore College, has been a lifelong photographer. He is not limited to his camera, Lowe also experiments with other mediums, such as oils and watercolors.
He is an associate member of the Garden State Watercolor Society and maintains pieces at the Farnsworth Gallery in Bordentown.
KASSO, born Willie Condry Jr., is a Trenton native known for his graffiti. After studying fine arts and illustration at the College of New Jersey, KASSO worked under legendary graffiti artist Daniel “POSE 2” Hopkins.
Today, KASSO is primarily known for his unique portraits and aerosol-based murals. He is a pioneering force in the Trenton’s art scene. With the help of S.A.G.E. Collective and the Vicious Styles Crew, KASSO has produced dozens of murals throughout the city and across the east coast.
Hernandez, of Franklin Park, was born and raised in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines She is a graphic designer who plays with other mediums, like watercolor.
Hernandez uses her artwork to raise funds for her friends and family who lost their homes during Typhoon Haiyan. In addition to her own art, she uses her talent to help non-profit organizations design campaign T-shirts and logos to raise awareness of those who are suffering in the Philippines.
Benson is a hip-hop and spoken word performance artist and lyricist who has been performing since age 12. Her lyrics focus on international issues and relationship issues that are not often discussed. In addition to her music, Benson is an international arts consultant and has managed a diverse range of cultural and academic programs.
Shofed, a photographer, was born in Fort Dix and attended Assunpink Vocational School to study graphic arts. He has also dabbled in other mediums like acrylics and mixed pen and ink. His work brings attention to objects in urban landscapes.
Shofed’s work is in private collections located throughout the Mercer County region including Blue Lotus Kitchen and Bath Design and The Wellness Center of Lawrenceville.
Common Threads 2 is scheduled for 12 to 5 p.m. Feb. 1 at Hopewell Valley Vineyards, 46 Yard Road, Pennington.
More information is online at hopewellvalleyvineyards.com
