PRIDE COMMUNITY CENTER
will now be hosting month-long art exhibitions of local artists along with a Wine and Cheese opening night premier on the Third Saturday of each month from 7-9pm.
July 17 – August 20, 2010
John Kohlburn - Born outside of St. Louis, Missouri in Bethalto, Illinois, gay artist John Kohlburn has been a student and teacher of art for over 30 years. His work has been shown in Chicago, Nashville and St. Petersburg and is in private collections nation-wide. He earned a degree in Art Education from Southern Illinois University. He currently works out of his home studio in St. Petersburg, FL where he lives with his partner David. His work has varied in content over his career, but he always returns to the male figure as his preferred subject. He creates in diverse styles ranging from classical poses to homoerotic, all inspired by the beauty of the male body and spirit. He works primarily in acrylic on canvas.
"This artwork is a reflection of my commitment to live openly as a gay man and to depict the lives of other gay men. Images of men loving men and the celebration of the male form were taboo in the Midwest where I grew up. The exploration of my passions, interests and fetishes through the subjects of my pieces allows me to overcome the naivety of those days. A sense of playfulness, a shift in perspective, and an unexpected focus are intended to allude to the diversity of gay life in modern America. Our unique perspective has created a culture of expression that welcomes our creativity. Our connection with each other contributes to the artistic spirit of our community and is reflected in my paintings. Gay life is colorful, joyous, whimsical and wild. I hope I have been able to depict these qualities of our lives in my artwork. The circus has always held a special interest for me. What better subject to express this zest for life? We attend to escape. We desire the opportunity to join in the playfulness, thrill, and fun. The visual stimulation of the show offers new ideas in color and perspective- challenging me to create."
August 21 – September 17, 2010
Wendy Lauren Duke - she grew up in the rural Florida Panhandle. Spent her 20's in Atlanta Georgia and has lived in central Florida and Georgia. The work
she is presenting is small studies in color and form done in acrylics on watercolor paper. Ms. Duke's inspiration is her garden and an empathic connection to native people long gone from this land but still here in spirit.
Barbara Tench - Education: UCF, Orlando, BA in Fine Art, Portrait Workshop, Instructor Bob Gerbracht, Drawing classes, Instructor Frank Hudson. Professional Organizations, Past and Present: American Society of Portrait Artists, Gainesville Fine Arts Association, Center for Modern Art member, Council of Arts and Sciences for Central Florida. Awards: First Place Award of Excellence, Center for Modern Art Show, Oaks Mall. Purchase Award, Apopka Art and Foliage Festival. Third Place Art Contest, Kissimmee, Florida. Work History: Portrait Artist, Sea World Orlando, Florida, Tropical Tease Airbrush Artist, West Palm Beach, Florida.
