I consider myself to be a multimedia artist as my portfolio is as varied as my experiences - both as an artist and art teacher. Many of my recent original artworks are acrylic on canvas; however, my portfolio also contains other water-based media like watercolor and gouache, in addition to oils, oil pastels, India ink, and some artworks that are a combination of one or more from that listing. Creating artwork has been a life-long passion for me; however, it has only been my full-time pursuit since Fall 2020. A common theme throughout many of my artworks is “controlled chaos.” It’s enjoyable to present to the audience: the juxtaposition of bright and vibrant colors against darker and duller ones, smooth painting versus heavily textured areas, smooth color transitions beside hectic and frantic markings. Inspiration for my artwork comes from nature, past destinations and experiences, music, dreams, and my imagination. My artistic styles can vary between abstraction, surrealism, and realism; many of my artworks merge elements from each into the finished composition.

- Craig S. Bomberger, July 2023

As a youngster Craig enjoyed Art by coloring, drawing, and creating his own cards; as a subject in school; and private lessons, which he was enrolled in throughout his schooling. As a High Schooler, Craig received several awards for his artwork from Perry County Council of the Arts [PCCA] Youth Art Day and the Susquenita Arts and Literary Festival. These accolades encouraged Craig to further his education specifically with a focus in the arts. Craig attended Mansfield University for Art Education; while enrolled he participated in several Art Exhibitions, worked within the Art Gallery and Art Department, and served on several art-related clubs and organizations. Craig graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Art Education Degree in May 2005.

That Fall began Craig’s art teaching career where he worked in Harrisburg City School District’s John Harris High School [2005 - 2006 school year] and Marshall School from August 2006 - July 2012. During his tenure, Craig’s students artwork was exhibited locally, regionally, and nationally in over a dozen art exhibitions. Outside the classroom setting, Craig served on the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors of PCCA as well as the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Art Education Association [PAEA]. He also created and exhibited his artwork; one exhibition was entitled, “COLORS of Pride: A Collage of Diversity,” wherein his artwork was one of six artists participating in this LGBTQ+ exhibition.

When Craig left Harrisburg City School District, he transitioned to a role as a Museum Educator for the Susquehanna Art Museum. In Fall 2014, Craig returned to the classroom as an Art Educator at Capital Academy in Harrisburg, PA. His student’s artwork was continually displayed throughout the building for parents and guardians, guests from School Districts, and other academic and corporate visitors. Student artwork was also submitted for regional and statewide art competitions. Leaving the art classroom, Craig transitioned into the role of Educational Specialist at Capital Academy before leaving to gain experience in the corporate world. These changes allowed Craig opportunities to paint and create more artwork during his time and days off. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic, Craig’s position was eliminated in Summer 2020; Craig’s Canvases, LLC was created that Fall. Craig’s Canvases culminates all the years of Craig’s experience across educational and professional settings; for instance, his educational expertise is now being utilized to offer individual or small group art lessons. His background in the artistic studio setting was called upon as he reestablished focused time to creating new artworks on a continual basis. The final months of 2020 were focused on building Craig’s portfolio of artwork and other entrepreneurial tasks associated with getting the business started. 

During 2021, Craig’s Canvases sold over twenty of Craig’s original artworks, two of which were specially created commissioned artworks. In the Spring, Craig’s Canvases began a round-up for charity program to benefit Chelsea’s Charity; which is committed to providing art supplies and art lessons to children. In June and July, Craig had two artworks on display in the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building in Harrisburg, PA. Additional shows and exhibitions at galleries and community venues during 2021 including Annville, Chambersburg, Columbia, Harrisburg, New Cumberland, Newport, Sunbury, and York, PA.

As Summer 2021 dwindled, Craig developed greeting cards for Fall and the Holiday Season featuring his original artwork. Fall 2021 saw the first gathering of a volunteer-based “Arts Advisory Group” to Craig’s Canvases, LLC to get an overview of the past year’s activity and provide suggestions, guidance, and constructive criticism. Before year’s end a collaboration with Metropolitan Community Church of the Lehigh Valley created, “Painted Praise” aired on social media sites. If you’ve not taken opportunity to view these unique worship videos; we recommend you do!

Starting in 2022, Craig’s artwork was exhibited in Carlisle, PA for the first time in addition to continuing at several of the venues already exhibiting his artwork. Spring and Easter Cards were added as available products featuring Craig’s original artworks. Additionally, Paint / Art Nights which had begun in 2021 were continued into 2022 with expanded artwork offerings based-off customer requests. July 2022 was the launch of the first ornament featuring Craig’s artwork. Each customer purchasing an ornament had the opportunity to enter a raffle for the original artwork created for the ornament; the winner was announced on Christmas Day 2022. Based off feedback from customers, Craig’s Canvases just may be producing a series of ornaments yearly featuring Craig’s original artwork!

2023 continued the momentum that was built over the past two years as Craig’s Canvases held additional Paint / At Nights, individual student lessons were booked, numerous group and solo exhibitions of artwork occurred, and new products and merchandise were released. In May 2023, Craig created artwork as part of a worship service at The Journey Church; this was a return to something Craig had been seeking opportunity to do. At one time, this had been part of his regular worship experience and he’s elated to share his part of ‘prophetic’ art with others in the church and community. Additionally, during 2023, two artworks specifically celebrating the LGBTQ+ Community, with which Craig identifies, were created to highlight this area that he’d not focused on celebrating as much.

There’s no clear-cut path as to what will be reported on next as new opportunities occur, possibilities are explored, and ideas come to fruition. We do promise to continue to produce high-quality original artworks, merchandise, and products that you’ve come to expect from Craig’s Canvases, LLC!