All Entries in the "Art Exhibits" Category

Size Matters Art Show

With images pulled from pop culture of both today and yesterday, the Size Matters art premiere took over NOVA535 on Friday night. The Vitale Brothers were the stars of the show, headlining with a supporting cast of other artists who brought their insight and character to the exhibit. Supporting artists include Bask, Tes One, Andrew Spear, Terribly Odd Frank, Strunk Ill, Davey Montooth, Chris Parks, Hydro 74, Sarah Gail Hutcherson, John Hutcherson, Chad Mize, Phillip Clark, T.W. Curtis, Dolla Bill, Melia White, Mark Michaels, Smilemaker Krystal Ralph, Hug Smugglers, Ron Pieniak, Ever, Cody Meagham, Ricardo Hernandez Marquez, Heinz Hinrighs, Andrea Pawlisz, Joey Vitale, Paul Vitale, and John Vitale.

Appealing to a wide audience, the subjects included a moniker of Lady Liberty with a Burger King parody, the recently deceased pitchman Billy Mays, Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High, an iconic metal structure resembling a rusted boombox from the mid 80s, a headshell and needle brought to life size in a 3d model and a vectorized picture-of-a-picture take on Polaroid’s ad campaign from a decade ago. A trip upstairs revealed a callback to the 80s with Skeletor holding a lollipop. Dozens of pieces, most reasonably priced under $1000, ran the cultural range from the dawn of disco through the modern age.

It was very much an event to see and be seen. Hundreds of people poured into the event over the course of the 4 hour show. The accompanying fashion show was too big for just one post, so I’m running a separate post specifically for it.

Here’s some more photos of the artwork on display:

Here’s some crowd photos as well:

To see more photos from the Art Show, see the whole album:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/denisbaldwin/sets/72157621258657146/

Upcoming Vitale Brothers “Size Matters” show at NOVA535

On Friday July 10th at NOVA 535, local celebrity artists The Vitale Brothers will present their latest art show “Size Matters”! In typical NOVA style, the show will be kicked off with an extravagant party which will combine art, music and fashion.

The artists responsible for the content include Bask, Tes One, Andrew Spear, Terribly Odd Frank, Strunk Ill, Davey Montooth, Chris Parks, Hydro 74, Sarah Gail Hutcherson, John Hutcherson, Chad Mize, Phillip Clark, T.W. Curtis, Dolla Bill, Melia White, Mark Michaels, Smilemaker Krystal Ralph, Hug Smugglers, Ron Pieniak, Ever, Cody Meagham, Ricardo Hernandez Marquez, Heinz Hinrighs, Andrea Pawlisz, Joey Vitale, Paul Vitale, and John Vitale.

$5 admission. Doors open at 9 PM. Music by Dj Mega and Una Slim and fashion by Wear to the Tear.

Housed in a 1920 built five & dime; NOVA 535 is a lush, meticulously renovated 7,000 sqft. versatile event space with two full bars and plenty of convenient parking.

NOVA 535 Unique Event Space and Modern Art Lounge 535 Dr. M.L. K. Jr. St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 www.NOVA535.com

[5]Art Gallery’s New Exhibit “IN WHITE SPACE”

Last week, I went to the (5)Art Gallery’s new exhibit, located in the upstairs of an old warehouse-looking/factory-looking building (1906 N . Armenia Ave. #210 Tampa, FL 33607)

This group exhibition features a variety of works from guest artists. This year’s exhibition will debut in Gallery [5]art in West Tampa located in the Old Santaella Cigar Factory. The exhibition includes work from artists Alex Costantino, Brian Goe, Lauren Alyssa Howard, Vincent Kral, Wes Kline, Sonya McAlister, Justin Nelson, Rebecca Skelton, James Reiman and Christopher Weeks.

Art is such a subjective thing that it’s hard for me to judge what is “good” and what is “bad”, but I can definitely say that a lot of it is interesting. There were a variety of mediums, but most dealt with either print or paint medium. Some of my favorite exhibits included a constantly turning engine on a pedestal, complete with a crown of thorns. An homage to our countries desire to automate and capitalize on religion? A warning of the high horsepower performances by preachers and cult leaders to show that we’re not in the driver’s seat? Maybe it’s just cool looking and shiny. Either way, I loved it.

One room was dedicated entirely to science fiction, with many exhibits being draw from Star Trek. A three level portrait of a green alien woman being sassy was a nice turn-on, if only because it spoke to my inner geek’s sex drive.

There was a pretty well done glass piece in one room as well, relying on light to extend the physical boundary of the glass to create shadows that took on a life of their own. Every angle you look at this piece, the light shines through and you get a deeper perspective.

There was a wolf, tinted green and mouth agape, printed on a mattress. The worn out look of the medium combined with the stark colors takes the trash art concept and gives it some teeth.

There was a whole lot more to see as well. Here’s some photos:

The rest of the photos I took are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/denisbaldwin/sets/72157620059656155/

Downtown Tampa, done in Legos

I saw this on BrassBowl, and it’s the coolest thing I’ve seen in a while.

This awesome creation pictured below is a product of the Greater Florida LEGO Train, on display in the Region’s building at 100 North Tampa Street.

Francesco’s Solo Art Show In St. Petersburg

Tomorrow, April 30th NOVA 535 Unique Event Space & Art Lounge will host Tampa-based artist, Francesco Kroslak’s, solo art show in St. Petersburg. The opening party will feature free admission, WMNF’s DJ Dood, delicious Hors d’oeuvres and of course Francesco himself.

A gracious winner of the 2008 [SOLO] Painting Award, Francesco has wowed art lovers from Florida to Manhattan and Europe with his vibrant and intensely passionate work. Francesco’s art reflects an intense freedom. His works are visceral and fiercely emotional. He draws his inspiration from daily events, emotions and music while expressing his feelings through bright colors and hidden objects.

Now, Francesco is treating St. Petersburg to a solo show at the gorgeous NOVA 535. Dress to impress and join us from 6-7 PM for a VIP viewing before doors open to the public. DJ Dood takes over NOVA 535’s world-class booth from 9 PM-2 AM. Several spectacular massive pieces will help anchor this breathtaking modern art exhibition.

Housed in a 1920 built five & dime; NOVA 535 is a lush, meticulously renovated 7,000 sqft. extraordinary & versatile event space with plenty of convenient parking. It’s unique high-end yet welcoming atmosphere blends classic & cutting edge elements making it the perfect place for a relaxing night out or your next big event.

Unclaimed prize from State of the Art 2.0

I was contacted yesterday by Christine A. Galas, one of the artists from the “State of the Art 2.0″ show. The winner of the raffle for her painting (shown below) has not claimed their prize. If you were at the show and entered the raffle, contact Christine through email at kurtis.marsh at yahoo.com.

“Art Under the Stars” Cigar & Art Show

Our friends at the Creative Native Gallery are at it again. This time, they’ve collaborated with SOHO Cigar (212 S. Armenia Avenue, Tampa FL 33609) for an evening of fine cigars and fine art on May 16th from 7PM-11PM.

The Creative Native Gallery features local Florida artists from all walks of life, backgrounds and mediums. Admission is free.

State of the Art 2.0 Art Show at the Roosevelt

Tek-nique Entertainment continues to put on great shows throughout Tampa Bay, the newest being the State of the Art 2.0 show, put on at the Roosevelt (1812 N 15th St Tampa, FL 33605) in Ybor City on Saturday, 04/25/2009. The show featured a mixed expose of art from local artists, ranging from digital production to living art to traditional canvas pieces.

Last year’s State of the Art showing was voted the Best Art Party of 2008 by the Tampa Bay Times. Version 2 was just as impactful, giving a glimpse into the work of artists including Christine A. Galas and J.E. Feightner.

While waiting for the show to open, an artist was outside painting a mural from scratch. Using spray paint, we watched as he sculpted an image of a robot monster “Meka” for the passing street crowd.

The first exhibit when walking through the door is “Slaves of the 21st Century” an homage of characters living out the sin-filled existence of excess and external fulfillment.

An electronic music show provided the soundtrack to the experience until the band arrived.

Art filled the walls. Some of it thought provoking. Some of it interesting. A lot of the work had political and social overtones that couldn’t be overlooked.

The work wasn’t limited to models and prints. Here you see a frightening sculpture in the upstairs staging area.

The show got crowded quickly. Within 20 minutes of opening, it was packed with art lovers both upstairs and down.

It was a great turnout for a nice show. Tek-nique has really been putting out quality shows in the last several months. If State of the Art 2.0 was any indication of things left to come, I’m very excited for the next exhibit.

Waiting Room Art Show at the Ybor City Social Club

Last night, in the midst of the gaybor district is the Ybor City Social Club (1909 N 15th St Tampa, FL 33605, (813) 242-2717), an upstairs bar, art gallery and lounge that recently hosted the “Waiting Room Art Show”. This night of chill music, surreal themes, dark art and lounging around was a good time, drawing on the ambient vibe I had seen in much bigger art shows previously.

The thing about the Social Club that’s cool is that everything about it speaks of comfort. The whole place is dimly lit with comfortable seating all around. The bit of whirling lights and effects are kept minimal, just like the music, and it works for the Social Club. The seats are arranged to encourage small groups and it’s easy to melt into the furnishings.

Music for the night was from DJ’s Loki, Shard, Sumatra71 and ElliotNess. A mix of ambient sounds, chilled electronic, dub, triphop and lounge music added to the presentation. Being a Tek-nique Entertainment production, everything about the music selection, the environment and the art fit nicely.

The showcase was for Vivid Dark J.E. Feightner. His artwork was a collection of digitally painted works that are part Dali, part H.R. Giger and part slaugherhouse gore. Throw in dashes of nudity and complex layers of themes and you have a collection that speaks to the dark overtones many of us feel inside.

More of J.E. Feightner’s art can be seen on his MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/feightner

“The Waiting Room” Art Show and Electronic Music Night

Tek-nique Entertainment presents “The Waiting Room”, a night of chill music and cool art. Art show by vivid Dark J.E. Feightner with music by DJ’s Loki, Shard, Shumatra71 and ElliotNess.

This Saturday, April 18th. $5 at the door. Held at the Ybor City Social Club.

4/18/2009 9:00 PM at Ybor City Social Club
1909 N 15th St, Ybor City, Florida 33605
Cost: $5