Local Artist Brings New Art Experience to Morris County
There is one thing local artist Matthew Chelel is clear on when he talks about his latest venture PAINT the TVTM, “this is not your usual paint and sip art class,” he explains.
What it is, is an art experience that took Chelel decades to create. “PAINT the TVTM is a way of moving the art world forward combining new digital technology with old world painting so everyone can create their own unique artwork.” And in Chelel’s new Rockaway studio, which opened in April of 2019, people can do just that.
Chelel and his wife Jennifer always had a love of art. Jenn is an art teacher, and Matt studied mathematics and visual arts in college. Back in 2000, the two started Creative Notions – a business that focuses on teaching art in nursing homes, hospitals and assisted-living facilities. They quickly began to see the power art can have at bringing people together and renewing the spirit. “I love to see people just being in the present moment – totally connecting to what they are doing.
“Art can do that,” Chelel says. “I began to see that if I could design really good processes anyone could do it.” It is this concept that became one of the key elements in Chelel’s philosophy – finding ways for anyone and everyone to create dynamic paintings. Over the years, he developed Creative Notions’ processes. “It was so empowering for people, and I tried to find better ways for them to be successful at it,” he says. The business expanded and today they have run a whopping 23,000 workshops all designed by Chelel.
Constantly innovating, it was during his evolution of creating workshops and his love of art history that he had the idea for PAINT the TVTM. He points out that throughout time, art has evolved with each generation. “As culture changes, art should change with it,” he says. As he sees it, PAINT the TVTM is just a progression of art catching up to today’s collaborative world.
Fast forward to today, and Chelel’s dream is a reality. PAINT the TVTM, located at 100 Hibernia Avenue, 2nd floor in Rockaway, offers solo and collaborative art experiences. “We wanted to create an environment where people can connect,” Chelel says. “Art can bring strangers together.” With this in mind, each person working at one of the side-by-side stations is encouraged to listen to their favorite music, bring refreshments, quiet the mind and get in touch with their inner artist. A creative and welcoming setting, the studio is a hub for individuals, couples and groups.
Being a father of two, Chelel will offer Family Days on Sundays where one adult and one child (10 years and up) can create a painting together. The studio can also be rented out for events such as corporate team building and adult parties.
Chelel’s seamless process is simple: choose the design that speaks to you (from a selection of portraits, animals, iconic artwork and more); the TV is your easel, paint on it using a step-by-step process; and (in about 90 minutes) walk out with a totally unique piece of art ready to hang on the wall. To add to the experience, the completed painting is not revealed until the very end when it is “unveiled” and every participant receives a time-lapse video of the process from start to finish.
For more information on PAINT the TVTM, visit their website PAINTtheTV.com and Facebook.
