Art Center Tattoo Exhibit Big Draw

Late Tuesday, January 9th, the Weather Authority was tracking severe storms, but that did not deter the enthusiastic reception that gathered at the Center for the Arts Second Tuesday to view the opening of a new and unique exhibition – Tattoos as Art along with Myriam Kriel’s talented artistry in Photoshop and Clay at the LaPetite Galerie.

According to Hyla Crane, Executive Director for the Center for the Arts, “With such an exceptional and unique exhibition, we are excited that we will have a Second Tuesday reception on February 13th. It will be attended by the three featured tattoo artists, Pollyanna Fernandez and Jose Luis Bermudez from Miami and “Mully” Mulhern of Fort Myers. Additionally, there will be an outdoor art show on February 10 and 11. The gallery will be open and people can come see the exhibition at that time, too. It is an exhibition not to be missed.”

The response on the January 9th reception was truly indicative of the quality of exhibited art at the Marco Island Center for the Arts. Patricia Mills, Communications Manager said, “We had approximately 200 show up to the reception at various times.”

Barbara Parisi, Gallery Chairperson also shared, “I’ve gotten very positive feedback from attendees about the uniqueness of the exhibit.” Over the summer, local photographers Art David and Jim Robellard worked with 33 local residents to capture the tattoo designs inked by local tattoo artists from Southwest Florida.

Jim Robellard, a local photographer, is a full-time resident of Marco Island. He enjoys spending his time exploring and photographing the United States in his motorhome with his wife, Judy Chinski, a noted local watercolorist. With the digital revolution, Jim has given up the traditional darkroom for Photoshop, lightroom and the computer but still loves monochrome imaging for its simplicity, contrast and drama. With this project, Jim explored new ground with studio portraits of people capturing not only the art but the personal investment and feelings of the subjects and their unique tattoo art forms.

Art David, also a local photographer, was part of the Just Another Canvas project. He got to know the models’ personal journey, who they are, and sometimes where they are heading. Art started taking photos in his late teens and for some reason, was attracted to the idea of taking pictures. Art sees the world through the frame of a camera. He notes that wherever he goes, no matter what he looks at, he always places himself in a spot that makes the view fit into his perspective of balance and energy. His photos have appeared in several international photography magazines as well as in Naples Illustrated and Gulfshore Life. He was also the winner of the 2017 Camera USA contest/exhibit formerly sponsored by the Naples Art Association. As long as he has a camera or a smartphone in his hand, Art will be taking photos.

If you missed the opportunity to get a temporary tattoo, artist Henna Magick will be back on February 13th, offering temporary henna tattoos from 4:00 to 6:30 PM – please call to reserve an appointment at 239-394-4221.

Arte Viva Redux

L-Yen brings the Music of Cuba on January 18th at 5:30 PM, an event that promises to bring soulful beats of Cuban music. It is “urban elegante” at its best! This performance is part of the Arte Viva theme in Collier County, celebrating Hispanic Art and Culture.

For February, LaPetite Galerie will feature Margarita Angel, from Cali Colombia, with her Frecuencias Elementales - a visual creator showcasing her tapestry weaving in both traditional and contemporary.