Art Hop 2013 and Upcoming

Art Hop 2013 was a stunning success. Many thanks to Scott Thompson and The Greater Largo Library Foundation and to John Dunn of Art Warehouse for the quick supplies that got me ready in time. The event occurred this past weekend, March 3rd at Largo Public Library. Opening to the public at 6:00PM the Art Hop had fewer exhibitors than last year, due in part to the economy, but this allowed the participants to further expand their exhibits. New to my show area this year was some custom signage designed in Photoshop CS6 and produced by my boss at FASTSIGNS of Lighthouse Point (my new employer). To my judgement, I believe we had better turn out in visitors this year, which resulted in higher sales for me. On that topic, I had offered, for the first time this year, photographic prints and reproductions of my pencil and charcoal sketches. The sketches actually oversold the photography to my surprise and, as I recall, there was a recurrence of the statements "my daughter will love this" and "This looks like my granddaughter." I'll have to devote some more time to drawing this year to boost my collection.

As I type this I'm preparing for my next installation which will be at Pinellas Park City Hall (7600 58th Street N, Pinellas Park, FL) for March 8th through May 8th. Likewise my work will be on display at Saint Petersburg College (9200 113th Street N, Seminole, FL, University Partnership Building) for two upcoming shows presented via my friend Brandy Stark - one hosted by the Exhibiting Society of Artists (Spring-themed) starting on the 16th and another upcoming to be hosted by The Pinellas Park Art Society. In addition to that there is also a plan for PPAS to install a 60-piece show at Stirling Studios Gallery this Fall (730 Broadway, Second Floor Gallery, Dunedin FL).

More news to come.

Thanks for reading!

(2C More art go to www.ArtofLylePolyak or www.TheMindscapeArtFoundry.com)

Carrollwood Cultural Center B&W Exhibit Draws a Crowd

It's one of those events that remains in your memory for years to come as a "remember when..." story. The day before my road trip to Saint Augustine on the other coast, I partook of the enjoyment of meeting friends, patrons and strangers with a shared interest in the arts. I'm looking out a window now at a gray sky and listening to the roar of rain and the distant tinny-sound of thunder as I type.

Let the weather app on my laptop serve as the proof. As I type this article it is pouring in Carrollwood, however, despite the weather, a plethora of guests is present at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, observing a newly installed collection of artwork. The rain falling outside is doing little to impact the high spirits of the guests.

The ride into Tampa from Clearwater was well worth it to see four of my works beside so many other inspired pieces. The theme of this show is Black and White, but it encompasses familiar and no-so-familiar genres - Sketch, Painting, Pastel, Scratchboard, Sculpture and Metalwork, to name a few. Regularly used for plays and recitals the center is tonight hosting a friendly gathering of artists discussing the ways and means they choose to produce their masterpieces.

My favorite piece in the show displays the brilliance of imagination - a full sized bust of a horse amassed like a puzzle of conjoining bits of scrap metal. Hooks, pulleys, cogs and bars, the barrel of a rifle, some other components who original purpose I can only speculate, but joined harmoniously into a unified whole. Other works will leave you puzzling and asking yourself, "I wonder how they thought of that?"

The exhibit will be on display from now until the second of July, so if you are in the area please stop in at Carrollwood Cultural Center to view the collection. The majority of the Black and White artwork is available for sale. with artists contact info supplied on the posted title cards. Carorollwood Cultural Center is located at 4537 Lowell Road Tampa, FL 33618. They have a loaded schedule of events throughout the year which you can browse at their website www.carrollwoodcenter.org, or you can call their office at (813) 269-1310.

Below are a few snapshots from the reception.

Thanks for reading!

Lyle Polyak

(2 C more art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com)

March Madness

It's getting busy again. The spring breakers are in town and the art exhibit schedule is picking up pace. Last week we enjoyed a three day art show hosted by the Largo Community Center. Fine works of art in various genres were presented upon flowing linen curtains which really set off the plenitude of colors. Friday was the reception, free to artists and their families but with a twenty five dollar entry fee to other visitors. It was really very enjoyable and well presented and I had the opportunity to speak with some friends in the artistic community whom I had not seen in some time.

I'm following a lead I received from friends at the Pinellas Part Art Society. Within the grounds of the Florida Botanical Gardens and Heritage Village is the structure which was once the Gulfcoast Museum of Art. It has been abandoned for some time, but once hosted a number of artists and events that had the surrounding gardens as an inspirational backdrop. This structure is being re-opened as a gallery and interactive museum which will celebrate the area's maritime and fishing history. I am hoping that a collection of my work may be included.

Last night we attended the reception for "Off The Wall," an art exhibit hosted by The Exhibiting Society of Artists at the SunTan Art Center. The Gallery is immediately beside the popular Don Cesar Resort at the south end of the Island Beaches. My new work titled "Fractured Rhythm" joined the collection. The show featured a fine assortment of abstract art, a potluck fare of snacks, good company a casual atmosphere and a belly dancer. Yes, a belly dancer... see my photos below. We all had a great deal of fun after which my family invaded the Don Cesar to browse shops and take in the beach scenery. It was a wonderful night.

I have received my copy of Adobe Photoshop CS5. I recognize the familiar painting and ray tracing tools which I've given some use already, but this program is packed to bursting with features I've never heard of before, so I'm off to Borders to get a "How To" book and I've enrolled in a few classes at SPC to learn from the masters just what other fascinating things this software is capable of producing.

Next week is "Country in the Park" - an art and music fair just behind the Pinellas Park City Hall. PPAS will be present and I will be among them selling art and raising art awareness. The weekend following is the Largo Library Art Hop where I will again be "peddling my wares" and during which one of my works will be held for auction. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at Frame Factory on East Bay Drive. Proceeds will benefit the Library. See you there?

A special thank you to my readers from PPAS and TESA.

To all of you I wish a fun and artful week. Be on guard, you never know when inspiration will hit.

Thanks for reading.

(2 C more art go to www.artoflylepolyak.com or visit www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

A wonderful evening in Dunedin.

The Stirling Studio in Dunedin is a cozy gallery built in the attic of a downtown Dunedin boutique. Downstairs are an assortment of arts and crafts shops catering to the daily crowds. Walk around the back to the parking lot and you'll find an elevator to the second floor. Here the doorway opens to a white walled gallery of astonishing oil paintings, acrylics, watercolors and mixed media work. Cast your eyes upward and you'll see the rafters of the building's roof, which gives the place the airy feel of a lodge.

My time in the Sterling Studio thus far has been so nostalgic. It ushers into my mind images of the fourth floor of Benedictine Hall, where my college art classes took place. That area had been repurposed from an old abbey dormitory (yes, for monks) to a welcoming art studio. We students learned and practiced beneath the wooden beams that supported the original metal roof. As you might imagine, as with any historic structure, there is evidence of the old beside the new - a dichotomy that I so enjoy writing about... and though I could go on for hours on that topic (and I have in the past) I will just say that The Sterling Studio has that very same "feeling" - A fanciful place, overflowing with imagination, with welcoming people and beautiful sights. I'll certainly rent a studio here one day when my passion becomes my full-time job.

The Awards ceremony for the latest TESA show took place here on Friday night. The event was publicized magnificently so the turn-out was very impressive. The participating artists and I myself were very pleased to see so many visitors arrive to view our works. I enjoyed strolling the halls with my family and my friends from PPAS and some delicious snacks were offered by the artists in participation. My thanks goes out to all who made this night a success and, to all reading this blog, the work will continue to hang for the remainder of the month.

Please enjoy the photos below and to learn more about TESA, The Exhibiting Society of Artists visit their website - www.arttesa.org

Thanks for reading!

(2 C More art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com) 

Stirling Studio Exhibit

A fine variety of artwork from The Exhibiting Society of Artists is now on display at the Stirling Studios Gallery at 730 Broadway in Dunedin. This free show is open to the public, so readers should definitely take advantage of the opportunity. The studio is in the attic of the art building; visitors should take the elevator to the second floor. The vast space has been wonderfully converted into a spacious art gallery with a number of private studios rented by local painters and crafters. I have visited twice now and both times have had the opportunity to speak with a fellow artist at work. Everyone here is very congenial and open to questions. I myself would truly enjoy renting a studio here for photographic work one day. The gallery is open from 11AM to 5PM during the week and noon to 3PM on Saturdays. There will be a "Meet the Artists" event on Friday, January 13th from 5:30 to 8 PM. I hope to see you there.

Thanks for reading!

(2 C More Art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com)

Next Up...

Greetings to all my readers. A Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, a joyous Kwanzaa and an Artful New Year to all...

2012 is still a few days off, but already off to a beautiful start. A little lesson for you about life here in the sunshine state - specifically my region of Tampa Bay - our economy is driven by tourism. Coming from a land heralded for its white sand beaches and outlying barrier islands - I myself can attest to the predictable peaks and lapses in activity that come yearly.

From spring to early summer our resorts bustle with activity from the nation's spring-breakers and international guests who fly in from Europe and Australia. This crowd mostly disperses before the summer heat reaches its peak and then in fall and winter the crowds return anew with tourists from the northern states, eager to escape the snow and ice.

From late spring and on through late fall is the typical season of art festivals, galas and exhibits - to market to the tourists and visitors when their numbers peak. Then from Christmas to spring again is that lapse when the best use of an artist's time is to purchase new stock with the profits made earlier.

2012 is off to a refreshingly busy start. There are currently two framed works of mine installed at Ruth Eckerd Hall with my fellow T.E.S.A. Members. Visitors of the theater may browse these works and purchase their favorites while they await the performances. This exhibit has been featured in multiple local newspapers - The Beacon, The Leader and The Bee - and the article is available for you to read on line at...

(http://www.tbnweekly.com/editorial/local_entertainment/arts_museums/content_articles/120611_leart-05.txt?archiveview&print)

...until the link is archived.

Then from the 2nd to the 31st of the New Year, another exhibit will be hosted by T.E.S.A. at the Stirling Studios of Dunedin. This show will feature a new gallery wrap of mine - titled The Macaw. Featuring an inquisitive inhabitant of The Suncoast Parrot Sanctuary - The first of many wildlife portraits that I intend to release in 2012.

And in March of 2012 I shall again participate in that artful night... The Fifth Annual Largo Library Art Hop and Taste Fest. This is one night gala in Largo's Public Library, a spacious, beautiful building, in which local artists, crafters and purveyors of gourmet delights, will cater to the public. A ticket to this exhibition earns visitors free access to view and purchase fine art at the Library, and round trip, on trolleys, to other local businesses for samples of art and gourmet treats. Later that evening visitors may also participate in the silent auction of art and gifts - proceeds benefit the Greater Largo Library Foundation. My piece "Cape of the Twilight" shall be among the auctioned items.

The below articles and invitations have been released by The Greater Largo Library Foundation and T.E.S.A. to advertise these events. I hope to see many of my friends and fellow artists participate and enjoy.

Until my next update, enjoy yourself and be creative. Thanks for reading!

(2 C More art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com)

Room to Grow

Until the economy takes a more upward turn the majority of my artwork and modifications to the website will continue to be made from my workshop out of the home office. Space becoming somewhat limited lately with the amount of projects I have underway and the stock necessary to keep art shows going, it's become necessary to locate storage space elsewhere. I've been on tours of storage facilities and warehouses in the area. I know the combination of services I need, but locating them at the right price was the tricky part. Photography and art on paper needs a low-humidity, cool-environment and I need room to grow with the exciting opportunities coming out of T.E.S.A. and P.P.A.S. I've decided on Metro Storage because they offer just what I'm looking for at a reasonable price and best of all they are close enough to drive to and from in a half hour or less. If you would like to get more information on their offers for your own needs go to www.metrostorage.com

Thanks for reading

(2 C More art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

A Special Thank you to CCC and Gainor Roberts

Recently we were honored with the invitation to present a number of framed works at Tampa's Carrollwood Cultural Center. This TESA-sponsored art exhibit in the theater and lofts of a spacious theater, ran a full month from August 1st to August 31st. As we safely tuck away the artwork for the next exhibit to come we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the people who made this exhibit a marvelous success. Carrollwood Cultural Center is bustling with activity and offerings to the public. On the day TESA began setting-up and preparing to hang framed art, we enjoyed a short rehearsal by a drama club preparing for a Doctor Seuss play. The spacious theater lent well to the acoustics of the clarinet and piano duet on the night of our Artist's Reception. Even as the works came off the walls on the 31st, we were greeted by the melody of a man rehearsing a jazzy saxophone melody upstairs. Thank you to TESA for arranging this event and thank you to Gainor Roberts especially, who coordinated the hanging of the art. The pieces were displayed expertly with complementing colors and themes side by side and ample care and regard was shown to each piece of art.

Again, Thank you all and we look forward to the next time our art may be displayed upon CCC walls.

Lyle Polyak and family.

Art at Carrollwood Cultural Center

The Exhibiting Society of Artists latest open-to-the public venue, is at Carrollwood Cultural Center in Tampa, Florida. The Exhibit has been on since August 1st with an artist's reception on August 19th. This has been an excellent opportunity to showcase my work and see the style of my peers in TESA. This Exhibit will close on August 31st. The artwork has been distributed to both floors of the building so there is amble room to browse. I was able to attend the reception on Friday night, the 19th, and enjoy the clarinet and piano music of Irving Weiner and Margaret-Mary Owens as I walked around. Thankfully, I was able to snap some pictures of my work.and that of others.

Thanks for reading

(2 C more art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

TESA Annouces Art Exhibit at Carrollwood Cultural Center

The Exhibiting Society of Artists (TESA) in cooperation with Tampa's Carrollwood Cultural Center is presenting a members-only fine arts exhibit in the Cultual Centers luxurious galleries. The exhibit will set up on August 1st and closes on August 31st. On August 19th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, TESA will hold a reception party featuring musicians, Irving Weiner and Margaret-Mary Owens, in piano-clarinet duet.

The Cultural Center is located at 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa, FL 33618.
I am proud to have been invited to exhibit in my first exhibition as a member of TESA. I plan to present a number of large scale works including Giclees, color and black and white photos and Computer Graphic enhanced sketches.

For more information on The Exhibiting Society of Artist's please visit the Society's website at www.arttesa.org

For more information on the venue and the efforts of the Carrollwood Cultural Center, please visit their website, www.carrollwoodcenter.org

More news to come!

(this image of Carrollwood Cultural Center is from the center's website)

Thanks for reading!

(2 C More Art Go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

I'm in T.E.S.A.!?!

The Exhibiting Society of Artists (TESA) is a committee of professional artists whose purpose is to promote original, contemporary art and artists in the community. I submitted an application to join them, but deep in my mind a part of me suspected that my chances of acceptance were slim. Why? Of the two members of TESA I know, one is a college professor, who hosts amazing art shows, and presents some of the most spectacular sculptural works I have ever seen, and the other is an acknowledged master of watercolors, who teaches various techniques and manages another art society in Pinellas Park. Some amazing people chair this committee, so to be welcomed by them left me in awe. Already, I'm making plans to exhibit at a TESA venue in August, The Carrolwood Cultural Center, and I will have more news on that shortly.

For more information on TESA check out www.arttesa.org.
Thanks for reading!

(2 C More art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)