Art at Overlook

Paintings by Shirley Wallitsch

February 1, 2026 – May 31, 2026

About the Artist:
Shirley Wallitsch, a Wyoming-born artist, has forged a remarkable career deeply intertwined with nature and avant-garde artistic expression. Her artistic journey commenced under the guidance of a mentor in Wyoming who introduced her to a rich tapestry of arts, music, poetry, and philosophical insights, laying the foundation for her early creative pursuits.

In her twenties, Wallitsch found herself at the Rochester Folk Art Guild in upstate New York, where she immersed herself in a vibrant artistic community and began her exploration into painting. This transformative period also provided her with an opportunity to apprentice under a painter from New York City and refine her skills further at the Art Students League.

Driven by a desire to sustain her artistic endeavors, Wallitsch ventured into sculpting large-scale artworks using vines and wood sourced from her natural surroundings. Her innovative sculptures quickly garnered attention, adorning prestigious storefronts such as Bonwit Teller in New York City during the culturally rich era of the 1980s.

Continuing her artistic evolution, Wallitsch relocated to Westchester, where she established “Vine Works,” creating sculpted furniture, baskets, and other artistic pieces. Her creations gained popularity among floral shops in Connecticut and beyond. She received diverse commissions, ranging from a 60-foot Sukkah in Greenwich, CT, to designing elaborate wine rooms and international window displays.

In 1997, Wallitsch moved to New Jersey and dedicated herself to painting. By 2020, she opened her own gallery, Wallitsch Art, showcasing her profound artistic journey and featuring her latest works.

Wallitsch’s artistic vision and mastery have earned her recognition among esteemed artists exhibited at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. Her exhibitions have graced prestigious venues nationwide, including the Montserrat Gallery and Agora Gallery in New York City, where her emotionally resonant and visually compelling pieces captivate audiences.

Her contributions have been celebrated in prominent publications like The New York Times, New York Daily News, Hudson Valley Magazine, and Gallery & Studio, underscoring her reputation for blending natural inspirations with avant-garde techniques. Wallitsch has carved out a distinct niche as a visionary artist unafraid to push creative boundaries.

Beyond exhibitions, Wallitsch actively engages with art enthusiasts through Wallitsch Art Gallery in Westfield, NJ, offering personalized art experiences and bespoke commissions tailored to individual tastes and spaces.

Driven by an unwavering passion for innovation and a profound reverence for the natural world, Shirley Wallitsch continues to evolve her artistic journey, inviting viewers to explore and contemplate the enduring beauty imbued in her dynamic creations.

Click here for a list of Shirley’s Exhibitions

The “Art at Overlook” program highlights the work of local artists within the halls of Overlook Medical Center. Program exhibits rotate every three months, and artists from the local community are invited to participate. All the art displayed is available for sale, with twenty percent of proceeds benefiting the Overlook Medical Center community.

If you are interested purchasing art, stop by or call the Overlook Auxiliary Gift Shop & Bloom at (908) 522-2117. Art is displayed on the main floor–ask the front desk for a map to the exhibits. Interested artists should contact Alison Schilsky at overlookauxiliarygallery@gmail.com for more information about the “Art at Overlook” program.

Photos of some of the exhibition pieces are shown below.