FACES & PLACES
ART & HISTORy
JULY 2007

Sock Monkeys Rule!
Exerpted from press release by Soraya of The Frame Shop & Gallery and "Everything's Coming Up Sock Monkeys" by Kristin Pazulski, Art Matters Staff 06/05/2007

Ralphy lived alone in Elaine Golak’s car until he was joined by Bunny, another Sock Pet. Together they took on the open roads of Bucks & Hunterdon County, enjoying the plein aire and the occasional chatter of the local arts scene. Ultimately Ralphy and Bunny moved out of the car and now reside in Elaine’s studio where they keep company with a number of fellow art loving Sock Monkeys.

The sock monkey is a stuffed animal that dates back to the 1950s. It was created from the red-heeled woolen socks made by Rockford Mitten and Hosiery, based in Illinois. When the sock is cut up and sewn back together into a monkey, the red heels create the perfect sly smile and little red buttocks. Since their creation, sock monkeys have been both a beloved toy for children and a collector's item for many adults.

Elaine Golak’s colony now totals about 55 and has inspired a series of portraits by a number of area artists, including Mike Geno, Gail Bracegirdle, Ken B. Miller, and Dot Bunn, not to mention being included in a recent book by Bonnie Kraus Connelly. The paintings and book are all featured in a unique exhibit (which runs through July 200), Sock Monkeys Rule! When Sock Monkeys Inspire Art, at the Artist Gallery in Lambertville, NJ. The Opening Reception in June drew record crowds.

Inspired by their charm and charismatic nature, the artists have successfully portrayed this whimsical collection of Sock Monkeys in their own personal styles. Mike Geno who created his portraits in oil, has a spontaneous style that grabs a viewer of any age. Colors are bold and images are expressive, a perfect combination for a Sock Monkey portrait!

Gail Bracegirdle created her version of the Sock Monkey colony in a series of watercolor monoprints. Gail’s monoprints are soft and whimsical, and each individual image captures a sweet characteristic of her subjects.

Dot Bunn created an award winning oil painting that depicts the colony as a grouping nestled atop a mantle. Dot has managed to provide another rich and homey atmosphere in her painting. It feels like each little Sock Monkey has rested there forever.

Ken B Miller uses photography and a computer to create imaginary monkeys made from materials other than socks ... a shoe monkey, vacuum cleaner monkey, lock monkey, and others. These odd photo collages show monkeys that were never meant to be, that only exist in his mind. Unnatural creatures stitched together from things never meant to be stitched together.

In addition to the visual experience, Bonnie Kraus Connelly will be featured with her recent book "Everything is Coming Up Monkeys: The Art, History and Business of the American Sock Monkey". You can get a preview of Bonnie’s book May 30th on NBC10 Philadelphia’s morning show where she will be interviewed to promote her new release.

So, if you are monkey over Sock Monkeys, don’t miss this show, which runs throughout July 2007! Take home a Sock Monkey and start your own colony! The Frame Shop & Gallery is located at 39 North Main Street, Lambertville, hours are daily 11-6pm. For additional information you can call 609.397.8939.