"Recollections" a new exhibit of work by artists, Miguel Garcia and Vivien Segel in the historic Gato Building at 1100 Simonton Street on Tuesday, November 16^th from 5:00- 7:00 p.m.   Join us for cider, cookies and conversation with the artists.

 

Miguel Garcia is a self taught artist who creates relief carvings out of solid woods from mahogany to poplar to Spanish cedar.  He is the proud father and grandfather of several generations of Conchs, whose family arrived from Cuba in 1952 when he was a child. A master welder and electrical contractor whose knowledge and talent with materials has inspired him to create what he sees in his environment. The multi faceted colorful surfaces of his art describe an experience of the Keys that is reminiscent and tells his story of the history of the keys and this island, that we all love. All of the works will be on public view for the first time.  

Vivien Segel developed her painting techniques using brushes and all kinds of materials, "my pieces are made up of several layers of paint which keep building up and forming texture." Recently, she began to experiment with mixed media such as collages, small assembled sculptures and box constructions, using old or found materials which fit in with her longstanding fascination with woodworking.  Ms Segel comments, "The inspiration for my work comes from different sources: crumbling walls, rusted metal pieces, the blurry background of an image, nature decay and others.  Lines, shapes and colors are added intuitively. The results may be abstract compositions or reminiscences of abstract landscapes."

 

The show is part of the Arts Council's Art in Public Buildings program, designed to offer an opportunity for local artists to exhibit their work beyond a traditional gallery space. Please stop by and see what's happening in the historic Gato Building. Free parking is available.