Please join us for a First Friday Reception on October 2 from 5-8pm to view over 30 works of art, representing both individual & collaborative works at Mulberry Art Studios.

(a portion of the proceeds of this show will be donated to local groups supporting individuals in recovery from alcohol & drug addiction.)

Joel Ember

Joel is a self-taught artist, who grew up in Pennsylvania. Painting for 44 years, He has completed over 550 paintings.  He creates in many mediums, including acrylics, oils, photography and mixed media. Joel has had both solo, group and collaborative shows in Lancaster, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Soho & Brooklyn (NYC), and Colorado Springs. While living in Tampa, he ran an art gallery, and also worked as a community muralist in Ybor City, the City’s Cuban quarter.

Joel began to collaborate on art with Pete in October 2024 and is very proud to now have the chance to paint with him. Joel had his last collaborative show over 20 years.  Meeting Pete, and seeing his talent & painting style, they decided to leap into collaborative painting for this show.  The first collaborative project was a 17’ commissioned installation – spanning 8 paintings wide - completed in January 2025. Their art opening on June 6, 2025 at Mulberry Art Studios, was their first show together, and it will feature 30 new paintings completed in 2025.  Joel is thrilled to now share a show in October 2026 with Pete and their friend Brad Bertinot. This will be Brad's first public showing of his work.

Pete Hansinger

Pete is a self taught artist, who grew up in New Jersey.  He first discovered his love for painting in University where he studied graphic design.  He used his learned design skills to paint on the side.  He started painting at 20 years old and fell in love with the freedom of expression right away.  He has participated in group shows in Brooklyn, NY and Philadelphia, PA.  

As an abstract painter the thing Pete loves most is the battle between composition and emotion. When a piece is too precise it seems to lack some emotion but when too chaotic it seems to lack discipline. The balance between strong emotive brushstroke and a clean composition is what he strives for in his work. 

Pete is a multi-discipline artist who also writes and produces music.  Artistry has been within him since he was a child.

Brad Bertinot

Brad Bertinot is a self-taught artist who grew up in the swamps south of New Orleans. Although he has only been painting for two years, art has been an integral part of his life since childhood. His earliest creative expression was shaped by the deep musical traditions of New Orleans blues and the Cajun music that surrounded him. That influence led him to write music, lyrics, and poetry reflecting the culture, experiences, and emotions of his upbringing.

 Brad served 21 years in the United States Army, including three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Throughout and following his military service, art has played a tremendous role in his process of healing and self-expression.

Brad's transition into visual art was sparked by his friendship with artists Joel and Pete. He regularly spent time with them during painting sessions, playing music while they collaborated on their work. They referred to their creative space and collective process as "The Factory." Inspired by their friendship and the visual art they were creating, Brad eventually began directing his own creativity into painting. For Brad, painting became another language—an outlet for emotions and experiences that can be difficult to express through words alone. His work explores emotional struggle, healing, impermanence, and Buddhist concepts through symbolism and abstraction. Rather than offering literal interpretations, Brad's paintings invite the viewer to find their own meaning within the shapes, symbols, textures, and emotions of each piece.