Partnership with NOMAD for LGBTQ (+ Ally) Youth

I am honored to partner up with NOMAD Art Bus for this upcoming project.

In the Spring of 2017 I will lead alongside co-lead NOMAD instructor artist Sara Norine James a group of approximately 10 LGBTQ Youths on a 5-week expressive arts program. The workshop will take place at Studios at 5663. For the first 4 weeks Sara and I will provide instruction and guidance as the students create stylized self-portraits. All creative decisions will be made by the students.
On the fifth week an exhibit and opening reception celebrating the youth participants and their works will be held at COVE, where artist Derek Donnelly and Public Art Project will graciously provide gallery space. This will be the first (of hopefully many) artist-led programs directly impacting and benefiting immediate and neighboring youth and community held at the Pinellas Arts Village.

-10 student participants, ages 12-18 per session (approximately)

-Two teaching artists

-One 2hr session per week

-Five week session (1-4 instruction/creative and week 5 exhibit/reception)

Workshop Schedule:
Instruction/Creative
Thursday March 23, 6-8pm
Thursday March 30, 6-8pm
Thursday April 6, 6-8pm
Thursday April 13, 6-8pm

Gallery Exhibit/Opening Reception
Saturday April 22, 3-6pm 

There is no cost to participants. All materials, instruction and guidance as well as artist reception will be provided. This project aims at facilitating free expression, confidence and self-esteem. The workshops provide a safe environment for creative social interaction and sharing.

Project contacts:
John Gascot, jgascot@gascot.com
Sara Norine James, saranorine@gmail.com

Self-portrait Contest: Please Vote for Me

Hello beloved readers,

I ask for a moment of your time. Please vote for me in Jerry's Artarama's 2nd Annual Self Portrait contest. I could SO use the $2,000 art supply prize! As always I greatly appreciate your support.
Vote for me HERE.
John

PS. Feel free to share with your friends and family.

Adventures in Self-Portriature

I've been asked about self portraits before. I've had the desire to dip my toes into that pond but never found the time to explore it fully due to other projects. Or perhaps I haven't allowed myself the time because I struggled with feeling it might be a bit too self-indulgent to paint images of myself. I did include a child figure (partly hidden behind a table) that represents me in En la Cocina and a photograph of my mouth in a constructed tongue-in-cheek piece titled John.

Today I came into the studio without any ideas. I asked my facebook followers "What to paint today?" to which one replied "A man with a beard." Hey, I've got one of those!

OK. Here's my first "official" selfie.