Best of the Bay 2019

Voting is open for this year's Best of the Bay Awards. I am thrilled to share that I received 6 nominations. If you enjoy what I do I would be most grateful for your votes.

Art Call: Turn Disney on its Ear!

Curator John Gascot and The Cider Press invite Tampa Bay artists to submit entries for their upcoming Disney-themed exhibit.
This group exhibit will feature artworks within the theme of Disney. This includes Disney films, characters, amusement park and more...as long as it is Disney related. The goal is not to infringe copyrights by creating works that are direct copies of Disney imagery but to re-interpret in your own individual styles and voices. The work may be celebratory, satirical or commentary in nature. Each entry should measure no less than 6" x 6" and no larger than 40" x  30" (or slightly larger). All work must be properly wired across the back and ready to hang upon delivery. Works not ready to hang or shoddily framed will not be included in the exhibit.

This show will run for the month of September (possibly October) 2019.

Commission is 70% Artist-30% Curator.

Submit all images along with Title/Medium/Size/Price info for each to jgascot@gascot.com

Submission Deadline: Saturday, August 24.

Acceptance Emails will be sent by Monday, August 26.

All accepted work must be delivered to John Gascot's studio (5663 Park Blvd, Pinellas Park) Tuesday August 25-Friday August 30, 2019. (sooner times available with earlier acceptance notices).

Female Persuasion 3

Ladies, let your voices be heard (or rather seen).

Curator John Gascot and The Cider Press invite female Tampa Bay artists to submit entries for their upcoming third installment of Female Persuasion.
This group exhibit will feature artworks by contemporary female artists. While open-themed, expressions and depictions celebrating and exploring the female experience (ESPECIALLY IN CURRENT TIMES) are encouraged. Artists may submit up to 5 quality images of available works. Each entry should measure no less than 6" x 6" and no larger than 40" x  30" (or slightly larger). All work must be properly wired across the back and ready to hang upon delivery. Works not ready to hang or shoddily framed will not be included in the exhibit.

Female Persuasion 3 will run for the months of July and August 2019.

Commission is 70% Artist-30% Curator.

Submit all images along with Title/Medium/Size/Price info for each to jgascot@gascot.com

Submission Deadline: Friday, June 28.

Acceptance Emails will be sent by Monday, July 1.

All accepted work must be delivered to John Gascot's studio (5663 Park Blvd, Pinellas Park) Tuesday July 2-Friday July 5 (sooner times available with earlier acceptance notices).

Call for Art: Souvenir

Souvenir

Curator John Gascot and The Cider Press Café invite Tampa Bay artists to submit entries for their upcoming Souvenir exhibit.
Springtime is peak tourist season and this show offers tourists a chance to take a piece of the Tampa Bay home with them. Think St. Pete beaches, landmarks, events; any and everything which makes the Sunshine City an iconic destination.
Submission Deadline: Friday, February 22
Each entry should measure no less than 6x6" and no larger than 48x60". All works must be properly wired across the back and ready to hang upon delivery. Works not ready to hang or shoddily framed will not be included in the exhibit. 
This exhibit will run March/April 2019
Submission Deadline: Friday, February 22
Delivery: Monday February 25-Friday March 1

 

Commission is 70% Artist-30% Curator.

Submit all images along with Title/Medium/Size/Price info for each to jgascot@gascot.com

Call for Art: The Life Aquatic

Ocean City Surf by Margaret Juul

Curator John Gascot and The Cider Press Café invite Tampa Bay artists to submit entries for their upcoming The Life Aquatic exhibit. This group show will feature artwork which depicts and explores oceanic themes and marine life. Each entry should measure no less than 6x6" and no larger than 48x60". All works must be properly wired across the back and ready to hang upon delivery. Works not ready to hang or shoddily framed will not be included in the exhibit. 
This exhibit will run January/February 2019
Submission Deadline: Friday, December 28
Delivery: Tuesday January 1 through Friday January 4

If you wish to receive email notifications about future artist calls or if you are submitting for this one please join the Artist Call email list via the link below:

http://eepurl.com/bIofsz

Call for Art: Dia de los Muertos

Curator John Gascot and The Cider Press Café invite Tampa Bay artists to submit entries for their upcoming Dia de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead exhibit. This group show will feature artwork celebrating Mexico's iconic and internationally celebrated holiday. In addition to paintings and photography we encourage submissions of (hangable) altars and masks. Each entry should measure no less than 6x6" and no larger than 48x60". All works must be properly wired across the back and ready to hang upon delivery. Works not ready to hang or shoddily framed will not be included in the exhibit. 

Dia de los Muertos will run through the month of October 2018.

Commission is 70% Artist-30% Curator.

Submit all images along with Title/Medium/Size/Price info for each to jgascot@gascot.com

Submission deadline: Friday, September 28, 2018
Email notices by: Monday, October 1, 2018

Delivery: Saturday, October 6, 2018, 11am (promptly)

An opening reception is usually held during St. Pete's Second Saturday Art Walk.
This exhibit will also serve as setting for an upcoming Equality Florida social event/reception.

If you wish to receive email notifications about future artist calls or if you are submitting for this one please join the Artist Call email list via the link below. All pick up/delivery notices are sent through it.

http://eepurl.com/bIofsz

2nd Annual Come OUT St. Pete Art Exhibit & Contest

This Fall St. Petersburg, FL will come alive in celebration of National Coming Out Day. The 2nd Annual Come OUT St. Pete will be comprised of a series of events in October and will focus on, celebrate and raise awareness about self-truth, pride, community and acceptance. An important preceding event will be Come OUT St. Pete Art Exhibit & Contest, at which prizes will be awarded and an image will be chosen to represent this year's festival on the guide, merchandise and promotions. 

Come OUT St. Pete and curator John Gascot invite Tampa Bay artists to submit entries for the upcoming pop up exhibit, Come OUT St. Pete. Artists may submit up to 5 quality images (at least 500 x 500 and no larger than 1000 x 1000 pixels) of available works. Each entry should measure no less than 8x8" and no more than 30x40". First Place winner agrees to grant Come OUT St. Pete copyright of winning image for use in merchandise and promotion of the festival. Artists must be able to provide high quality 300dpi image of their submission to be considered for prizes as 1st place will be printed on merchandise and promo materials. Note: While submissions should translate well to print and keep in mind the theme of Come OUT St. Pete and what it promotes, this is not a logo contest.

The Come OUT St. Pete Art Exhibit & Contest will run from September 8 to October 11, 2018 at Woodfield Fine Art.

Prizes:

(18 yrs and over):

1st Place- $500 in cash and prizes and inclusion in Come OUT St. Pete 2017 Merchandise.

2nd Place- $150 in cash and prizes.

3rd Place- $75 in cash and prizes.

Young Artist Award (under 18 yrs)- $150 in cash and prizes.

Grand Central Proud Festival Booth- All artists accepted into the exhibit will receive a free booth space at the Grand Central Proud Festival held on Saturday October 6, 12-6pm.

Jurors:

John Gascot, Artist, curator and gallery coordinator at Studios at 5663

Derek Donnelly, Artist and owner COVE Gallery.

1 more juror TBA.

Please  submit images along with Title/Medium/Size information for each to jgascot@gascot.com

Commission split on sold works is 40% to Woodfield Fine Art and 60% to the artist.

Submission deadline: July 31, 2018

Email Notices: August 6, 2018

Delivery of work: September 4 & 5, 11am-5pm

Opening Reception: Saturday September 8, 6-9pm

Call for Artists: One Pride, Two Venues!

June is coming and we are bursting at the seams with pride! St. Pete Pride is just around the corner and we are celebrating with two shows in one night. That's right, there's so much pride it cannot be contained under one roof so I'm curating sister-shows across the street from one another, hosted by Cider Press Café and The Emerald Bar.
You won't want to miss out on these celebrations.

PRIDE WITHOUT PREJUDICE

The Cider Press Cafe, St. Pete and curator John Gascot invite Tampa Bay artists to submit entries for their upcoming exhibit Pride Without Prejudice. 

This group exhibit celebrates the vast diversity of the St. Pete/Tampa Bay community. We invite artists (LGBTQ and Allies) to submit expressions and depictions celebrating LGBTQ Pride as well as gender, orientation and racial equality. Keyword: DIVERSITY!
Eligible Tampa bay area artists may submit up to 5 quality images (at least 500x500 and no larger than 1000x1000 pixels) of available works. Each entry should measure no less than 6" x 6". There is no size limit and medium to larger works are encouraged and welcome. Medium to smaller (easy to travel with) works are also encouraged as the exhibit will run during St. Pete's Pride festivities, which attract large number of tourists. All work must be properly wired and ready to hang upon delivery.

Pride Without Prejudice will run from June 4, 2018 through July 1, 2018. Commission split is 30%,with 70% to the artist. Please submit images along with Title/Medium/Size info for each to: jgascot@gascot.com
Submission deadline: Friday, May 25.
Acceptance emails will be sent by Monday, May 28.
All accepted works must be delivered on Saturday, June, 2, 11 am.
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, June 9, 6-9 pm.

The Emerald Bar and curator John Gascot invite Tampa Bay artists to submit entries for their upcoming exhibit Pride and Joy.
This group exhibit celebrates St. Pete Pride 2018. We invite artists (LGBTQ and Allies) to submit artworks celebrating LGBTQ Pride and love equality in bright, colorful and joyful styles. Cheeky, tongue-in-cheek, humorous imagery encouraged! Eligible Tampa bay area artists may submit up to 5 quality images (at least 500x500 and no larger than 1000x1000 pixels) of available works. Each entry should measure no less than 6" x 6" and no larger than 24" x 30". Easy-to-travel-with sizes are encouraged as the exhibit will run during St. Pete's Pride festivities, which attract large number of tourists. All work must be properly wired and ready to hang upon delivery.

Pride & Joy will run from June 9, 2018 through July 7, 2018. In Emerald tradition there is zero commission on sales of this exhibit. Please submit images along with Title/Medium/Size info for each to: jgascot@gascot.com

Submission deadline: Friday, May 25.

Acceptance emails will be sent by Monday, May 28.

Delivery date TBA.

An opening reception will be held on Saturday, June 9, 6-9 pm.

If you wish to receive email notifications about future artist calls or if you are submitting for this one please join the Artist Call email list via the link below:

 http://eepurl.com/bIofsz

New Gascot Latinpop T-Shirt Designs

Three brand new t-shirt designs are now available exclusively through my Latin Pop Shop online store! Each comes in at least two colors. CHECK THEM OUT.

Charlie's Joint

Good Hair

Midnight Jam

Call for Art: Barbara S. Ponce Library

The Barbara S. Ponce Public Library is currently seeking proposals for solo and group exhibits for their main lobby. Art should be appropriate for a community public space and "family friendly". Submit inquiries, work samples and proposals to Adult Services Coordinator Angela Pietras via email to apietras@pinellas-park.com 

Last Painting of 2017

Wishing you all a new year filled with clarity, peace of mind, laughter and success.

First Light, acrylic, house paint and ink on canvas, 12" x 9"

Call to Artists: Trans Hub Fundraising Auction

Dear Artists,
Local businessman and Trans-activist Andrew Citino and I are organizing a fundraiser for the development of the Trans Hub, a resource site for the Tampa Bay Trans community. It will contain listings of professional and personal services such as Trans-friendly healthcare providers, businesses, events, education and opportunities.
I oversee the curating and organizing a silent auction for the event. We seek artworks which vary in style and price range.
Participating artists will receive payback of 50% of the auction selling price. Those who wish may donate a higher percentage.
The fundraiser will take place in January of 2018 at Freefall Theatre in St. Petersburg. It will include a screening of the documentary The Death and Lifeof Marsha P. Johnson as well as food and drink.
If you are interested in participating please submit up to 3 quality images of available works. Please include Title/Medium/Size info for each as well as what percentage of the auction selling price you wish to donate to: jgascot@gascot.com

Deadline: December 20, 2017

About Trans Hub:
We are local trans community leaders who saw a great need to develop a sustainable mechanism to share resources and events relevant to the Tampa Bay transgender community. We named it The Trans Hub because we envision an all-access website that provides professional and personal resources, education, event info, and opportunities to volunteer - a hub of information for the trans community.

The Trans Hub is continuing to raise funds to hire a professional web designer. Because this website will provide an integral resource to our trans community, it requires an expert who will work with us to ensure a product that is state-of-the-art, user friendly, interactive, fully accessible and robust. The Trans Hub will be a resource that does not currently exist in Tampa Bay and is desperately needed.

New T-shirt: Love & Kisses

Love & Kisses!
Look sharp in this Gascot-designed Pop Art tee. A pattern of off-set stylized lips (a common feature in John Gascot's paintings) make up a heart (another common theme in his work).
The graphic was composed from an original block print design.
Get yours HERE.

Exquisite Corpse Games, St. Pete

I was honored to be invited to join the Exquisite Corpse Games this year.
The game is designed to bring the artists out of their comfort zone and create a piece of art JUST FOR FUN.
I attended the introductory meeting for the games at St. Petersburg's Museum of Fine Arts (also where the final pieces were unveiled last week) eager and ready. Well, almost ready. It was a particularly busy month with upcoming exhibits and workshops. Per the rules of this game you only get 17 days in which to complete your section of the corpse so that the next (mystery) artist can get on to their piece. The pieces start at the legs, followed by torso and finally head.
So all through the meeting, during artist introductions, instructions and other pleasantries a record skipped inside my head. "Please don't give me legs. Please don't give me legs. Please don't give me legs."
Not only did I have a hectic schedule and feared having to tackle an extra task would affect the quality of the piece, but vanity also played a role in my anxiety over getting legs. I'm mostly known for "my ladies". Their stylized faces are, for lack of a better word, part of my "brand". What would I do with legs or even a torso?
Finally the envelopes were handed out and I carefully opened mine. Wouldn't you know it??? I got the goddamned legs.
At this point I settled into my role and took on the challenge. I had to remember that I was to create JUST FOR FUN. And I did. I resisted injecting too much thematically into my piece and created out of chaos. The result: a quasi self-portrait. A barefoot artist painting another barefoot artist (or self) among his creations and inspirations (women and music).

Barefoot Artist, my collaboration to Exquisite Corpse Games 2017

The complete 3-painting collaboration.
Photo credit: Freddie Fred, who created the piece's torso.
The head was painted by Tammy Berk.

Don't Blink!

Here is a lovely interview published by ontampa.com about my work.

John Gascot moves at lightning speed.  If you blink, you’ll miss him…but that’s what it’s like to be a man with a mission.  I first met this energetic artist when we were showing at the Twelve Days of Dali.  He had lovely make up on and stood next to his portrait of Frida Kahlo. Since then, I have run into him at several shows that he has curated.  He is such a force that rather than speak for him, I have decided to let the artist speak for himself.

You currently curate Pom Pom’s, Cider Press Café, run Galleries at 5563 and were a runner up for “Best of the Bay” in Creative Loafing.  You are organizing art shows for “Come OUT St. Pete” as well.  Is there anything else that I need to add to this list of jobs that you maintain?
On occasion I curate shows at other spaces, such as Derek Donnelly’s COVE gallery as the opportunities present themselves. About a quarter of my time is dedicated to volunteerism. Community is very important to me and fuels my creativity. I truly believe that art can be a vehicle for social change. I am the Chair  and curator for Equality Florida’s St. Pete Gala art auction. I also launched my non-profit, Diversity Arts which dedicates itself to providing safe environments for disenfranchised and multi-cultural youth to explore and express self-identity. Also to provide opportunities for cross-cultural creative collaboration.
How long have you been doing art?  What got you started in this?
I have been creative all my life and I feel like I could have been happy in any one of several creative fields I studied or worked in. The cards just had painting in store for me. As a child I always drew and wrote stories. Theater was my life all through high school and I went to college in NYC for play writing and acting. Following that I worked as a makeup artist and performed as a female impersonator on stage for about a decade.
My husband and I purchased our first home in the mountains of Northeast PA.  We lived in a small town where there wasn’t much of a career to be had as a makeup artist. There was, however a bit of tourism in the area so we took a stab at being gallerists in the early 2000s. I would paint while gallery sitting and eventually the works made their way on to the walls and then started going home with vacationers. I’ve been painting full time ever since.
What is your main mission, outreach, or message that you wish to impart with your art?
One of the main goals of my art is to promote diversity. I believe that art should be for EVERYbody, regardless of economical status or education level. I also think it’s important that art represent everybody (race, orientation, gender, body types etc.) Art isn’t only about the Reubenesque white ladies frolicking in forests museums are filled with. Every child that visits a museum should be able to find a face like theirs in art.
You know I have to ask this — I ask all of the creatives that I interview:  what advice do you have for new artists?
Be realistic about your goals as an artist. Is it a hobby or do you want to support yourself as a creative? If the answer is the latter then don’t over-romanticize and make the time and effort to learn how to run a business because that is what full-time artists are, small businesses the same as any boutique or restaurant. Organization and time-management are crucial in building a business. Also, be humble. No one wants to do business with a diva. At the end of the day, however deep and meaningful the intentions behind our creations may be we are selling a product. Our product just happens to also often have a certain level cultural importance or relevance behind it.
So, as a small businessman selling art, what advice do you have for art collectors?
Always buy what you love, but support living, and most importantly LOCAL artists. They are creating culture and change in your immediate community and deserve to be supported. Remember that artists are small businesses and your art purchase from a local studio stimulates your local economy just as much as any other business you choose to support.  And if you want to be a collector but think that you can’t afford to be, get rid of that notion altogether. EVERYONE can be an art collector. There are many price points out there. I have small works of art in my collection that cost me less than a dinner for two at McDonald’s.
A glance at his phone and it was time to wrap things up.  He has just sent out acceptance notes and reminders for a show he is putting up at Pom Pom’s this weekend. With a gracious smile and a nod he arose.  And then I blinked…and he was gone.