On Thursday, October 05, 2006 ArtServe presented a new group of artist’s work featuring more than 38 works from paintings to glass bowls to chairs made of buttons.  The event, hosted by ArtServe—which is different from the well-known ArtsUnited, featured members from their vast membership.  I was proud to be among the 400 plus attendees who mingled, networked, and socialized.  I was able to meet people I have only emailed and made a new friend, Cindy Grayson who happens to be the Marketing Manager for ArtServe, and is an amazing individual.  I met Alisha Riddle, who has a piece named The District Sleeps Alone Tonight, which is shockingly deconstructive and edgy and she informed me of a new show [Friday, October 6, 2006] at the Broward Art Guild in Wilton Manors, where she and others will be on display and I will definitely be attending.   

ArtServe is non-profit organization that is a premier provider of resources for the South Florida Cultural Community and can be located at 1350 East Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.  You can contact them at www.artserve.org if you would like more information or a list of scheduled events to come.  

Here is a list of my favorites, with artists’ names and prices.  See if you agree!
 

Jason Myers

Trinity

Acrylic on Canvas

Sorry—not for sale

What is amazing about this piece is the fact that is hard strokes is the fact that they are almost like Keith Herring and the mysterious man to the right is in the trees is very similar to a Dali.  There are a lot of other things to see in this work and is definitely worth the stop by!

Alisha Riddle

The District Sleeps Alone Tonight

Acrylic and Varnish

Sadly, this too is not for sale

This piece is haunting.  I used to feel like the words on the middle, I am a visitor here, not a permanent resident.  That was until I found my home here.  There are plenty of Temporary Residents in this area and have seen my share of people who leave in the middle of the night.  This also looks like it would the showpiece of a gothic style room or bright white room and centerpiece for shock value. 

Richard Lampasona

Old Man Reading

Ink and Liquid Graphite

$400

This picture is done in both ink and liquid graphite that gives is a pencil and India ink feeling with millions of individual pen strokes.  I recommend definitely seeing this one in person, to witness the true craftsmanship this piece entails.  The only suggestion I have is to have words and a title for the book, but I realize that is petty, but would be the only thing. 

Armando Chacon

Secret Muse

Oil on Canvas

$6,250

This is a large-scale canvas that is the closest thing to feeling like it is a life-size depiction of an actual woman on a Chaise Lounge.   The colors and detailing of this piece is amazing and would be appropriate in all households, whether it be heterosexual or homosexual, gay or lesbian, and the only requirement is that you enjoy simple implied beauty.

Kenneth Moylan

I Took A Vow Of Silence and Girl With The Guilded Fan

Oil on Canvas

Vow of Silence is not for sale

Guilded Fan $250

These two paintings are haunting in two totally different reasons.  I feel that they are depictions similar to the pop culture ads found in magazines and have some hidden meanings behind them and, as a former Advertising student, would be perfect for something where a Public Service Announcement or where some message is the final outcome.  The Girl With The Guilded Fan was awarded a Judges Recognition Award for 2006. 

Marle Donze

Autumn Nostalgia

Glass

$325

I cannot believe that his bowl is glass.  I know there are a lot of glass bowls and are used to showcase the items it contains—but this would be the showpiece.  Since we are currently in autumn and places north of here the leaves turn colors, this would be the perfect items for those who miss the changing seasons.  Funny side note:  Just after taking this picture, an older gentleman came by, put his drink down and refilled it from a flask.  I wish I could have gotten a picture of that.

Mindy Sierra

Chef 1

Acrylic on Mat Board

Not for Sale

Something that you may not know about me is the fact that my first two roommates were both certified/graduated Chefs.  They both took their credentials seriously and my houses were full of either food-themed items or depictions of Chefs or kitchen people.  With that being said I thought of both of my roommates while looking at this and that there are not that many artists out there doing simply kitchen themed art even though food preparation is an art form.  I love the piece, would love it and give it out if there were prints available, but I am not crazy about the frame and matting.  Had the picture been more rustic in nature then they would be appropriate.

Brice Howe

FLW

Acrylic on Canvas

$1,500

This is one of those large-scale canvases that is both bright and colorful but the most amazing thing about this piece is the whether to focus on the red and other focus on the blue.  Stop by and see for yourself.  However, I would love to find out what exactly the title FLW means.  Email me at: stephen@jumponmarkslist.com. 

Bonnie Shapiro

Three Graces

Oil on Canvas

$750

This was an interesting and intriguing piece that caught my eye.  Usually, I am a big fan of realism and that a person should look like a person:  faces, distinct features, accurate portrayals, but this is one that I could not stop looking at.  I am almost imagining a spirit more than a being and this is a multileveled-raised paint canvas item that has nooks and crannies that give it movement and depth.  I love this piece and feel that this would be welcomed in any home—not just a female-orientated one.