Elisha Ben-Yitzhak - Artist - News Articles

Elisha Ben-Yitzhak: ‘Art Is My Life’
By Peggy Sue Dunigan
February 23, 2010

Painter Elisha Ben-Yitzhak, raised in a farming community in Israel, began his art training in the 1960s. After milking cows in the morning, he would travel two hours by bus to Tel Aviv to study at the Avni Art Institute. Thus began Ben-Yitzhak’s many productive years as an artist. In 1985, however, Ben-Yitzhak came to Milwaukee to pursue American citizenship and another career. Following a long absence from painting, the artistic impulse re-emerged in 2006. Once again, Ben-Yitzhak attained world acclaim—he recently returned from the 2009 Florence Biennale art show in Italy.

How were you chosen to exhibit at the 2009 Florence Biennale?
This Biennale began in 1997 and a group of international judges decided to invite me the year before. A whole year I worked on this with 77 artists from the United States, the largest contingency. There were 800 artists from 80 countries in Florence. It lasted nine days and I took my two daughters. When I returned I was so inspired I painted a picture, My Song.

Did your upbringing create challenges to your art career?
I had incredible challenges as an artist. I was born on a farm and there was resentment toward artists. They said I needed to work in the fields and milk cows. The community doesn’t let me paint and I am so depressed. But then I go to Tel Aviv, and they give me a little room, a studio to paint at the academy. And I just painted and painted. Then in the 1980s I was sent to Milwaukee, to educate the Midwest on Israeli culture and politics. So I came with only $250 in my pocket. I started a travel business, married my wife, Merle, and I quit painting for 21 years. Then, in 2006 I painted again… the art just exploded.

Are there more exhibitions for you in 2010?
Yes, I’ll be in a famous catalog, The International Contemporary Masters, from the show at the Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Art in April 2010. I’ll be exhibiting the picture I painted after the Biennale. Also, the artists from Florence had a meeting and wanted a show in America. The NY Arts magazine also owns a gallery, Broadway Gallery in SoHo. On Sept. 16, 2010, we’ll be opening the U.S. Biennial Artists show. Fifty artists will be opening in New York. Then I’m waiting four more years to work and I hope to exhibit all over the world when I retire.

What does beginning to paint again after all this time mean to you?
The art is my life and my life is my art. There’s nothing more important in my life. Artists have to be free, not think about what people will say or if they will buy their art. You must let your emotions out and go free. That’s the way I live my life. Art is expressing your emotions.

Source: express milwaukee.com
Link: http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/article-9939-elisha-ben-yitzhak-l.html

Wisconsin Artist Elisha Ben-Yitzhak Selected to Exhibit at Prestigious International Art Event
November 19, 2009

Receiving one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a contemporary artist, Elisha Ben-Yitzhak of the Milwaukee suburb of Glendale has been invited and will exhibit at the world-renowned Biennale International Art Exhibition from December 5-13 in Florence, Italy. Ben-Yitzhak will become the first Wisconsin artist ever to exhibit at that exclusive contemporary art festival event and is also one of only 77 artists from the entire United States who will be exhibiting there.

Ben-Yitzhak came to Milwaukee from Israel in 1985 after studying art at the Bezalel Art Academy in Jerusalem and at the Avni Art Institute in Tel Aviv under the guidance of master artists. He achieved fame in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa when his paintings were exhibited in museums, galleries, art festivals and private art shows across that area, including one painting that was shown at the famed Tate Gallery in London in 1968. In 1974, one of his works, called "At Last," was selected by the Tel Aviv Art Museum for its collection. Elisha’s art also appeared in numerous magazines back then.

After moving to Milwaukee, he gave up his art career to start his Heavenly Tours travel agency. He stayed away from art for the next 21 years, until, in 2006, his passion for painting was rekindled, and he began anew creating numerous images that have also now been exhibited and sold across this country and abroad. Among those are some of the finest art pieces of his career, including "Emotions," "Tears," "Heart Strings," and "A Village on a Mountain." He was featured this past summer in the New York ARTS magazine and will be featured in a 2010 edition of International Contemporary Art Masters’ magazine.

“Naturally, I am greatly honored even to be invited to this important, worldwide art exhibition,” Ben-Yitzhak stated. “To get noticed by this international organization after having been absent from my beloved vocation for so long is especially gratifying. I am so looking forward to being amidst some of the greatest contemporary artists and artwork in the world.”

More information on Elisha Ben-Yitzhak and views of his paintings may be obtained at his Website, www.elishasart.com.

Source: PRWeb
Links: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/11/prweb3221644.htm

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/wisconsin-artist-elisha-ben-yitzhak-selected,1052200.shtml

http://www.livinglakecountry.com/userstoriessubmitted/70376192.html

Meet Famed Milwaukee/Israeli Artist Elisha Ben Yitzhak’s at Café Forté in Mequon
December 21, 2007

After a 21-year hiatus from painting, Israeli-born artist Elisha Ben Yitzhak, who now resides in Milwaukee, will be displaying his world-renowned paintings from now through Monday, Dec. 31, at Café Forte, 10530 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon.

The exhibit will feature prints and lithograph pieces, some of which have been shown in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Great Britain, Switzerland, Spain, Israel, and across the United States. A special "Meet the Artist" reception will also be held on Saturday, Dec. 29 from 3 - 6 p.m., and will be open to the public. Guests can meet and talk with Ben Yitzhak about his art and growing up as an artist in a farming community in Israel. The paintings will be on display during shop hours, Monday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information on Café Forte, call (262) 241-8819, or visit www.cafefortemequon.com.

Ben Yitzhak was born in Kibbutz Kfar Blum in Upper Galilee in Israel and studied art at Bezalel Art Academy in Jerusalem and at the Avni Art Institute in Tel Aviv. He moved to Milwaukee in 1985 to focus on his business Heavenly International Tours and just recently got back into painting.

"Prior to living in Milwaukee, my whole life was art. It has been hard being away from it so long," Ben Yitzhak said. "It's burning inside of me, coming out, and now I can't stop painting."

One of his most popular works, In Jaffa, will be on display at Café Forte. Ben Yitzhak said he painted the picture after a visit to the Port of Jaffa in Israel. He left the faces blank to illustrate that feelings are more important than identity. Ben Yitzhak's prints will be available for purchase, $150 framed and $100 unframed.

All of Ben Yitzhak's works reflect personal experiences and symbols of life. "Most of my images combine both figurative and surrealistic elements. They might appear to be from a different world, but, upon closer inspection, are quite realistic and intriguing," he said. His paintings can be viewed, along with an extended biography, on his personal Web site at www.elishasart.com.

Written By Sara Pellowski

Source: MyCommunityNOW
Link: http://www.mycommunitynow.com/story/index.aspx?id=699152

This article was also featured in MequonNOW on Dec 1, 2007:

Source: MequonNOW
Link: http://www.mequonnow.com/story/index.aspx?id=692076

Ben Yitzhak’s art on display at Café Forté
December 10, 2007

Israel-born Milwaukee artist Elisha Ben Yitzhak is exhibiting some of his artwork at Mequon’s Café Forté, 10530 N. Port Washington Rd., through Dec. 31.

The exhibit, featuring prints and lithographs, includes one of his most popular works, “In Jaffa.”

Educated at Bezalel Art Academy in Jerusalem and Avni Art Institute in Tel Aviv, Ben Yitzhak bases his work on personal experiences and symbols of life, according to a release.

There will be a “Meet the Artist” reception at the café on Saturday, Dec. 29, from 3-6 p.m.

Source: Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle - What's Nu?

Art Reborn
May 2007

After a 21 year hiatus from painting, Israeli-born artist Elisha Ben-Yitzhak is back at his easel. For the past two decades, he has been building his business, Heavenly International Tours, and has had little time for such pleasures of soul. But at age 63, the Israeli-born Glendale resident is now back with an artistic vengeance, brush in hand.

After returning from a tour last November, he again got the urge to start painting. In February, Ben-Yitzhak subsequently participated in an exhibition and the Eisner Museum in Milwaukee. Spurred by that success, he then continued preparing for his current show, "Emotions," at Donnybrook Fair in Whitefish Bay.

This frenzy of brush strokes was nothing new. Earlier his career, Ben-Yitzhak's paintings had been shown in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Great Britain, Switzerland, Spain, Israel, and the United States.

A "sabra," a native Israeli, Ben-Yitzhak was born in Kibbutz Kfar Blum in Upper Galilee. His father, Asher, was a devoted music fan who emigrated to Palestine from Russia in 1936. His mother, Havah, emigrated there from Lithuania in 1934. "Since I was a youngster, painting and sculpting have been major parts of my life," he says. He started painting after being injured in a military training exercise. Ben-Yitzhak studied art at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem and at the Avni Art Institute in Tel Aviv.

In the early 1970s, he worked for the Israeli ministry of tourism and was a spokesman for Jewish causes, during which time he was based in South Africa and in Milwaukee from 1980 to 1983. Around this time, he met a Milwaukee-based travel agent and the two discussed forming a tour company. Subsequently, Ben-Yitzhak moved permanently to Milwaukee. After 12 years in the tour world, he married Merle, his business partner; the two still run Heavenly International Tours.

On his latest trip to Israel this past March, he visited Art 107, a prestigious gallery on the trendy Ben Yehuda Street, to speak with the manager about considering an exhibition of his latest pieces. Establishing such connections are important, according to Ben-Yitzhak. "Don't be shy," he suggests as advice to other artists. "Approach galleries to see about doing shows. What good is it not to share your work?"

"Prior to living in Milwaukee, my whole life was art. It has been hard being away from it for so long," Ben-Yitzhak says. "It's burning inside of me, coming out, and now I can't stop painting."

All of Elisha Ben-Yitzhak's works reflect personal experiences and symbols of life, he says, adding "My idea of painting is to find good composition. That's the hardest part. I like to paint symbols and feelings."

With newfound enthusiasm for his craft, Ben-Yitzhak doesn't expect there will be another decades-long wait between art pieces. "I will now paint until I die," he says.

Written by Martin Hintz

Source: M Magazine

The Mil
City Guide 2007

Before leaving his job at Israel's tourism ministry, Elisha Ben-Yitzhak was a well-known realist painter. Then he moved to Milwaukee to start Heavenly International Tours, and his craft fell idle. His foreign accent can make things tricky here, he says. "Otherwise, I love my life here." His business primarily arranges trips for Christian groups  (including, once, Reggie White) to the Middle East and elsewhere. Last December, Ben-Yitzhak suddenly started painting again, and in an unexpected cubist style. "It exploded, it came out," he says.

Written by Matthew Hrodey

Source: Milwaukee Magazine

Artist Ben-Yitzhak to exhibit after long hiatus
April 10, 2007

Israeli-born artist Elisha Ben-Yitzhak, who moved to Milwaukee in 1985 and put his painting aside to focus on his business, Heavenly International Tours, recently started to paint again.

To mark his return to art, Ben-Yitzhak, whose work has been shown in Israel, across the U.S. and in five foreign countries, will display his paintings at Donnybrook Fair, 427 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay, from March 19 - May 20. Donnybrook Fair is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Born in Kibbutz Kfar Blum, Ben-Yitzhak studied art at Bezalel Art Academy in Jerusalem and at the Avni Art Institute in Tel Aviv.

The public is invited to a reception to meet the artist on Saturday, March 31, 4 - 8 p.m., at Donnybrook Fair.

Source: Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle
Link: http://www.jewishchronicle.org/current/20070209/people%5Fwhatsnu.htm

After a 20-year-plus hiatus, Israeli artist Elisha Ben-Yitzhak is ready to return to the world of art. Whitefish Bay’s jewelry shore, Donnybrook Fair, is happy to be the first venue in a long while to display the symbolic, highly personal work of this heralded artist. Starting Monday, March 19, Donnybrook Fair exhibits a group of new paintings by Ben-Yitzhak, who now calls Milwaukee home. The shop continues to exhibit these works through May 20, and the artist himself stops by on March 31, 4 - 8 p.m. for a meet-and-greet.

Written by Ashley Tibbits
Source: Shepherd Express

Reception Celebrates Elisha Ben-Yitzhak's Return to Art

Israeli-born artist Elisha Ben-Yitzhak, who now resides in Milwaukee, will appear at a special reception this Saturday, March 31, 4-8 p.m., at Donnybrook Fair, to mark his return to painting after a 21-year hiatus. Ben-Yitzhak will meet with guests and talk about his collection of paintings on display at the jewelry store at 427 E. Silver Spring Drive in Whitefish Bay.

Most paintings are recent works, but there are also pieces that were shown previously on tour in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Great Britain, Switzerland, Spain, Israel, and across the United States. The reception celebrates the opening of the display titled, "Emotions," that will continue through May 20 during store hours, Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both the reception and the art show are open to the public, free of charge. More information on the display is available from Donnybrook Fair at (414) 332-0996.

"I had a very good name before I stopped painting and entered the business world 21 years ago," Ben-Yitzhak said. "I would like people to see my art again as I reestablish my name."

A painting he created this past December, titled "Emotions," is included in the display at Donnybrook Fair and also appears on a prestigious Israeli art Web site: www.israelartguide.co.il. His paintings can also be viewed, along with an extended biography, on his personal Web site at www.elishasart.com.

Ben-Yitzhak was born in Kibbutz Kfar Blum in Upper Galilee in Israel and studied art at Bezalel Art Academy in Jerusalem and at the Avni Art Institute in Tel Aviv. He moved to Milwaukee in 1985 to focus on his business, Heavenly International Tours, which takes groups of people to the Holy Land, among other destinations, and just recently got back into painting after more than 21 years.

Source: WhitefishbayNOW.com
Link: http://www.whitefishbaynow.com/story/index.aspx?id=583086

Gala reception for Elisha Ben-Yitzhak's art show, "Emotions"
March 31, 2007
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Israeli-born artist Elisha Ben-Yitzhak, who now lives in Milwaukee, will appear in person at a special reception at Donnybrook Fair, 427 E. Silver Spring Drive in Whitefish Bay, where guests can meet and talk with him about his numerous paintings that have been shown in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Great Britain, Switzerland, Spain, Israel and across the United States. The reception celebrates Ben-Yitzhak's art show, "Emotions," which started March 19 and goes until May 20. The reception is open to the public, and there is no cost to attend.

Source: Small Business Times
Link: http://www.biztimes.com/cal/community-events/2007/3/31/gala-reception-for-elisha-ben-yitzhaks-art-show-em

Show Opens March 19 for Israeli Artist Elisha Ben-Yitzhak

After a 21-year hiatus from painting, Israeli-born artist Elisha Ben-Yitzhak will mark his return by displaying his world-renowned paintings from March 19 through May 20 at Donnybrook Fair, 427 E. Silver Spring Drive in Whitefish Bay.

Additionally, on Saturday, March 31, Ben-Yitzhak, who now resides in Milwaukee, will appear in person at a special reception, also at Donnybrook Fair, where guests can meet and talk with him about his numerous paintings that have been shown in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Great Britain, Switzerland, Spain, Israel, and across the United States. The reception will take place from 4 until 8 p.m. and is open to the public. Otherwise, the paintings will be available for viewing during store hours, Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The phone number for Donnybrook Fair is (414) 332-0996.

More information on Elisha Ben-Yitzhak and his paintings can be found at www.israelartguide.co.il and www.elishasart.com.

For more information on the show, please e-mail Sara Pellowski at Ron Sonntag Public Relations, sarap@rspr.com.

Source: WhitefishBayNow.com
Link: http://www.whitefishbaynow.com/story/index.aspx?id=576831

Israeli-born artist to be featured at Bay shop
3/15/07

Elisha Ben-Yitzhak, an Israeli-born artist, who now lives in Milwaukee, will show his world-renowned paintings from Monday, March 19, to Sunday, May 20, at Donnybrook Fair, 427 E. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay.

Source: North Shore Herald

Elisha Ben-Yitzhak's art show, "Emotions"
March 19, 2007
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

World-famous, Israeli-born artist, Elisha Ben-Yitzhak, who currently resides in Milwaukee, will be displaying his paintings for the first time in 21 years at Donnybrook Fair, 427 E. Silver Spring Drive in Whitefish Bay. The paintings will be displayed during store hours, Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number for Donnybrook Fair is (414) 332-0996.

Source: Small Business Times
Link: http://www.biztimes.com/cal/community-events/2007/3/19/elisha-ben-yitzhaks-art-show-emotions

Israeli-born artist to be featured at Bay shop
3/8/07

After a 21-year hiatus from painting, Israeli-born artist Elisha Ben-Yitzhak says he's been away from his passion long enough.

To mark his return to art, Ben-Yitzhak, who now lives in Milwaukee, will show his world-renowned paintings from Monday, March 19, to Sunday, May 20, at Donnybrook Fair, 427 E. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay.

Additionally, Ben-Yitzhak (will) be honored at a reception Saturday, March 31, also at Donnybrook Fair, where guests can meet and talk with him about his paintings that have been shown in Zimbabwe, Great Britain, Switzerland, Spain, Israel and across the United States. The 4 to 8 p.m. reception will be free to the public. A cellist will play and refreshments will be served. The theme of the show will be "Emotions."

Ben-Yitzhak was born in Kibbutz Kfar Blum in Upper Galilee in Israel and studied art in Jerusalem and at the Avni Art Institute in Tel Aviv. He moved to Milwaukee in 1985 to focus on his business Heavenly International Tours, and just recently got back into painting.

All of Ben-Yitzhak's works reflect personal experiences and symbols of life, he said.

"Most of my images combine both figurative and surrealistic elements. They might appear to be from a different world, but, upon closer inspection, are quite realistic and intriguing," he said.

The paintings will be displayed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Information is available at Donnybrook Fair, (414) 332-0996.

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