“The 5 x 5 Show: Seventh Edition” features diverse work of five Lehigh Valley artists, through Nov. 6, Rotunda Gallery, Town Hall, Bethlehem.

Creative friends Richard Begbie, photography; Patricia Delluva, printmaking; James A. DePietro, oil, acrylic painting; Barbara Kozero, mosaics, sculpture, and Jacqueline Meyerson, pastels, accomplish a balanced exhibition while utilizing different media.

According to DePietro, subject matter ranges from nursery rhymes to contemporary political issues.

Fine art photographer Richard Begbie seeks and finds abstract patterns with his images in “Geometrical Progression” (2022; archival print on fine art paper, 16.5 in. x 22.5 in.).

“This one was shot at the Phillips Collections gallery in Washington, D.C.,” says Begbie, “That was the back staircase.” Photographed pre-pandemic, he made his final edits and printed it in 2022.

Pat Delluva’s “English & American Nursery Rhymes” (2021; TetraPak drypoint prints, 4 in. x 5 in. each, 16 in. x 14 in. framed) is a matted grouping of four prints featuring illustrations for “Jack Be Nimble,” “The Itsy, Bitsy Spider,” “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and “Hickory, Dickory Dock.” Each is pulled from an engraved aluminum layer from food cartons manufactured by TetraPak run through a pasta press. Because of the fragility of the plate material, it is one of a series of five.

James A. DePietro’s “(24) Long Time Passing: We Shall Rise” (2022; oil and acrylic on canvas, 18 in. x 24 in.) provides graphic commentary on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Standing amongst sunflowers and war-torn ruins is a muzzled bear on a leash. “‘We Shall Rise’ gives a positive voice to all the negative happenings abroad,” says DePietro.

Barbara Kozero provides artwork in two mediums. “Many Flowers” (2022; mosaic, 15 in. x 20 in.) is an example of what the artist can do with small colorful pieces of glass. Kozero’s mixed media sculpture brings whimsy, and in some cases, functionality to the exhibit.

“Hickory Dickory” (2022; mixed media clock, 6 in. x 8 in. x 23 in.) features two rats inhabiting a messy miniature world inside a dollhouse-like clock made from found materials. According to Kozero, the rodents are handmade by her from roving wool used for felting. “You just sort of stab it with a needle. It’s very therapeutic,” she says.

Jacqueline Meyerson’s “Olive View” (Circa 2014; pastel, 10 in. x 16 in.) is a hyper realistic depiction of savory green, black, and deep purple olives immersed in olive oil. She welcomed the challenge of capturing the glossy finish of her subject matter. “It was just a happy, foodie painting and I enjoyed doing it, very much,” she says.

The exhibition is sponsored by the Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission.

“The 5 x 5 Show: Seventh Edition,” through Nov. 6, Rotunda Gallery, Town Hall, 10 E. Church St., Bethlehem. Gallery hours: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, Closed weekends and holidays.

“Gallery View” is a column about artists, exhibitions and galleries. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com