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

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 

Call for Art: XOXO

A new year is here and before we know it Cupid will be buzzing about aiming his arrows at the rumps of lovers young and old. XOXO celebrates love, romance, hearts, the color red, chocolates and all things VALENTINE. 

Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria, St. Pete invites Tampa Bay artists to submit entries for this upcoming exhibit. Artists may submit up to 5 quality images of their choice of available works. Each entry should measure no smaller than 8" x 8" and no larger than 30" x 40". All work must be properly wired and ready to hang on a display system upon delivery (no sawtooth hangers, wire only). This exhibit will run through the month of February and March 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: January 27, 2018
Acceptance emails will be sent by Monday January 29, 2018.

All accepted works must be delivered on Sunday February 4, 5PM

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

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.

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.  

Call for Art: Creatives Helping Creatives

As we all know by now Hurricane Harvey has caused tremendous devastation to many in Texas. While no one can help everyone, we all can help someone. This art show is all about creatives helping other creatives in their time of need.
The staff of the Alley Theatre has suffered personally as possessions, automobiles, and homes have been damaged and destroyed. We are very concerned about and their recovery during this trying time.
A portion of the proceeds from this exhibit will benefit the Alley Theatre Employee Flood Assistance Fund.

The Cider Press Café and curator John Gascot invite Tampa Bay artists to submit entries for this upcoming exhibit. This will be a non-theme "Artist's Choice "exhibit. Artists may submit up to 5 quality images of available works. Each entry should measure no less than 6x6" and no larger than 24" x 30.
The show will run from September 12, 2017 through November 6, 2017.
Commission split: 50% artist/50% Flood Relief
Please submit images along with Title/Medium/Size information for each to jgascot@gascot.com

Due to the nature of this effort the submission period is shorter than usual.
Submission deadline: Thursday, September 7, 2017.
Acceptance emails will be sent by Friday, September 8, 2017.
All accepted works MUST be delivered on Saturday, September 9, Noon.

A fundraiser event/reception will be held at a soon TBA date.

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

Best of the Bay 2017 Nominations

We've been nominated!

Hello Everyone! I am thrilled to share that I, along with the Studios at 5663 and other artists of the Pinellas Arts Village have been nominated for some awards. If you enjoy my art and community engagement through art, please take a moment to cast your vote for me in the following categories:
Best Local Visual Artist
Best Artist CL Doesn't Cover
Best Visual Arts Curator
and the Studios at 5663 team (Best Gallery-non museum) for this year's Best of the Bay‬ Awards.
Also consider casting a vote for Pinellas Arts Village artists in the following categories:
Best Art Party- Panting with Loy
Best Fashion Designer- Raul Del Castillo Designs
Best Mural- Jackie Robinson by Derek Donnelly
Best Public Art (non mural)- Trojan Horse by Vince Pompei and Derek Donnelly
Best Art Exhibit (non museum)- Female Persuasion (curated by Yours Truly)

You can vote from anywhere.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Use the link below:
VOTE HERE 

And the Nominees Are...

I'm thrilled to say I've been nominated for a Favorite Local LGBT Artist at this year's WAVE Awards.
Sooo...if I'm your favorite Tampa Bay area artist, or just the gayest you know you know what to do! Your vote is so very very very appreciated.

Vote here: http://www.watermarkonline.com/2017/01/01/2017-watermark-wave-awards-tampa-baysarasota/

Frida del Mar/Frida of the Sea

Frida del Mar, acrylic and ink on canvas, 12" x 24"

This painting, from my solo exhibit Se Habla Español includes Latin iconography as well as recurring symbols of healing throughout my work such as water, sea (seashell) and the lotus. She is currently available from my Latin Pop Shop online store.

Call to Artists: Monthly Solo Exhibits at Pinellas Arts Village

Pinellas Arts Village hosts an art walk on the 4^th Saturday of each month. The Pinellas Arts Village currently consists of Studios @ 5663, COVE Gallery and Studio, The Wordier Than Thou live/work unit, The Complete Sweet Shoppe, Swartz Gallery, Pinellas Park Art Society at Park Station...and growing. The Complete Sweet Shoppe is now accepting submissions from local (preferably Pinellas County) artists for upcoming solo exhibits.

The Complete Sweet Shoppe is a small space with approximately 2 ½ walls suitable for display. Collections of 8-10 small/medium pieces (less if including larger pieces) are enough to fill the space. There is no fee to submit. No commission will be taken from sales from this exhibit. We only ask and expect that featured artists exhibit effort in organizing a simple 4^th Saturday Opening Night reception for their show and that they publicize it to at least their friends, family and collectors. Artists are responsible for their own hanging and labeling, promotional materials and social media promotion (ie. Facebook event page).

Shows generally hang during the third week of the month in coordination with the shop owner. Opening receptions are held during Fourth Saturday Art Walk and shows remain until the third week of the following month. Commissions are arranged between artist and shop owner.

Please submit 5-7 images of work that demonstrates the style you intend to exhibit. Also include a short bio and/or website.  Submit to completesweetshoppe@gmail.com

As Seen on TV

Pom Pom's Teahouse and Sandwicheria, St. Pete invites local artists to submit entries for its upcoming exhibit As Seen on TV. 

The show will feature works exploring the theme of television and the imagery it may conjure (television sets, shows, commercials...so many possibilities!). You may submit up to 5 quality images (at least 500x500 and no larger than 1000x1000 pixels) of available works. Each entry should measure no smaller than 8" x 8" and no larger than 30" x 40". All work must be properly wired and ready to hang on a display system upon delivery (no sawtooth hangers, wire only, please).

As Seen on TV will run from February 8th through April 3rd 2016. Commission split is 25%, with 75% to the artist. Please submit images along with Title/Medium/Size info for each to: jgascot@gascot.com
Submission deadline: Monday, February 1st.

Acceptance emails will be sent by Wednesday, February 3rd. 

All accepted works must be delivered on Sunday, February, 6:00 pm.

If you wish to receive email notifications about future artist calls please join the Artist Call email list via this link:

 http://eepurl.com/bIofsz

Ralph Lauren Boyfriend Jeans are Bullshit, Pt. 2

A few weeks ago I got this little rant off my chest:

I want to make it clear that while I called RL paint-splattered Boyfriend jeans "poser-gear", I do appreciate people finding artists's style inspiring and wanting to incorporate it into theirs. It is flattering. My issue is not really with the person who wants to wear a jean that has paint splatters on it, but with that who would rather hand over $165 for a brand name label rather than $20-$30 to an actual working artist who would most-likely be happy to add some authentic flare to a pair of jeans.

Imagine my surprise (and joy) when I heard from one of my collectors who watched the video that she would be sending me a pair of her jeans! She actually sent two. They lived with me in the studio for a week, at times actually "painting" with me as I placed them over my apron while I worked. Below, I am including a screenshot of RL Boyfriend jeans and a few of MY very own Gascot "BF" jeans (why not, I could be your friend, and I am a boy).

Don't be shy. Tell me what you think.
Want an authentic artsy jean? As I mentioned in the video, email me at jgascot@gascot.com and send me yours. I'm happy to do the job at a fraction of what the non-painter big brand name designer guy charges.

Let's make some art!

Gascot BF Jeans

Gascot BF Jeans

Gascot BF Jeans

Ralph Lauren Boyfriend Jeans- $165 per pair

Latin Pop at White Owl Market

You can now find my work at White Owl Market (683 Central Avenue) in the hip and eclectic 600 block of Saint Petersburg, Florida. White Owl Market is my favorite type of retail establishment. As a matter of fact, after an afternoon chat with the store's owner Rande, it became very clear why I immediately felt his space was a good fit for my work (thankfully, he felt the same).
Rande's vision is that of a welcoming ("have a seat and take it all in") retail space that touches upon all aspects of daily life. At White Owl you can find stylishly up-cycled vintage furnishings and home accessories. As you make your way from one inviting display to another, you might pick up some soap or candles (maybe even a jar of crafted local jam) or find a beautiful hand-made top, from which proceeds help the plight of women's rights globally. And then there's the local and unique art. Decorative, yes...but clever and with something to say as well.

This might come back to bite me in my tush (gallery curators and snobby artists please cover your ears now) but as an artist I have always found it more fulfilling to have my works shown in "real" settings. I am not referring to specifically themed art projects, which do show best against the sterility of a dedicated art space, but my to my every day paintings. Art is part of my daily life and this is how I prefer to view and show it.

At the end of a hard day's work I will light that candle that sits on that side table. I will stretch across that couch and put my tired feet up on that ottoman. I will enjoy the candle's relaxing scent while looking at that painting. 

If you are or make it to St. Petersburg, be sure to check out White Owl Market.

Art Faces: Dali

Dali, acrylic on canvas panel, 8" x 10"

This painting is available from Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

Little Frida on Orange

Little Frida on Orange, acrylic on canvas, 8" x 10"

This painting is available through Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

Misunderstood

Misunderstood, acrylic on canvas, 10" x 20", available

This painting is available from Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

I Haz Studio Againz!

YAY!
We moved into our new home in St. Pete, Florida back in October. I have barely lifted a paint brush (excluding the painting of walls) since then. Initially I was going to convert the garage into my studio, but I never was able to settle into that space. The spare bedroom has now become my home studio and I couldn't be happier. I feel re-charged and ready to paint once more.

Studio Space Available in Great Location

Upon reading this, some of you may already know that come summer's end I will be relocating to St. Petersburg, Fl. This means there is a spot open at Studio 4.

Shared studio/show space available- $500
Metro accessible retail location in Crilley Warehouse located in upscale Old Town, Alexandria. The space is one block from Union Street and just 1.5 blocks from bustling King Street. Just one block from the waterfront. Overall space is 525 square feet (reconfigurable to meet artists' needs) and has a large walk in closet. Studio opens to the building's spacious atrium. Movable Walker system-ready display walls. 

In addition to functioning as a working studio, the space also lends itself to various individual profitable artistic endeavors. We currently hold classes, workshops and paint parties. Artists currently in the space are established, accomplished and professional. Studio has been featured on Fox 5 news and was voted 2013 Best Gallery in Washington Post Express. 

Other businesses in Crilley Warehouse include popular restaurants Overwood Grill and La Bergerie.

Contact: jgascot@gascot.com