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).

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

2018-2019 Calls for Art

Curator John Gascot and The Cider Press Café would like to share with Tampa Bay artists the upcoming art calls for the remainder of 2018 into 2019.

September 2018
Unbound 
Artists reach beyond the boundaries of representational art to explore shape, color, texture, line and composition. Non-representational artworks.
Submission Deadline: Friday, August 17
Delivery: Saturday, August 25

October 2018
Dia de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead
Art celebrating Mexico's iconic holiday.
Submission Deadline: Friday, September 28
Delivery: Saturday, October 6

November/December 2018
Give Art!
No gift is as meaningful as that which reflects the person who receives it and no gift is as personal as that which was made by creative hands. This non-themed show runs through the holiday gift-giving season. Artworks priced at $500 and below.
Submission Deadline: Friday, October 26
Delivery: Saturday, November 3

January/February 2019
The Life Aquatic
Artworks depicting and exploring oceanic themes and marine life.
Submission Deadline: Friday, December 28
Delivery: Saturday, January 5

March/April 2019
Souvenir 
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. Artworks priced at $200 and below.
Submission Deadline: Friday, February 22
Delivery: Saturday March 2

June 2019
Pride Without Prejudice 2
This exhibit celebrates the vast diversity of the Tampa Bay community. We invite artists (LGBTQ and allies) to submit artworks celebrating LGBTQ Pride as well as gender, orientation and racial equality. Keyworkd: DIVERSITY!
Submission Deadline: Friday, May 24
Delivery: Saturday, June 1

July/August
Female Persuasion 3
Artworks by female artists exploring and celebrating the Female Experience.
Submission Deadline: Friday, June 28
Delivery: Saturday, July

Artists may submit up to 5 quality images of available works. Please do not submit sooner than 1 month prior to each exhibit. Each entry should measure no less than 6" x 6" and no larger than 48" x 60". 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.

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: Female Persuasion 2

Curator John Gascot and The Cider Press invite female Tampa Bay artists to submit entries for their upcoming second 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 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 48" x 60". 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 2 will run for the months of July and August 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: Sunday, June 24.

Acceptance Emails will be sent by Monday, June 25.

All accepted work must be delivered on Saturday, June 30 at 11 am (promptly).
An opening reception will be held for this exhibit on Saturday, July 14, 6-9pm.

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 

Double Art Call: Hispanic Heritage Month

Sueños Americanos (American Dreams)
This curated art exhibition will focus on works by Latino artists celebrating contemporary Latino culture. The exhibition is open to visual artists working in a variety of mediums and styles. A common occurrence in Latino culture is the search for a perceived “American Dream”.  Migration into the US is often part of that perception.  Inside the United States, Latino Americans often juggle the traditions of their given heritage with integration into American culture. This exhibit will explore the dualities of the Latino American experience and how they uniquely inform the artistic voice of each artist represented.

Location: COVE Gallery at Pinellas Arts Village, Pinellas Park, FL


Ritmo Latino (Latin Rhythm) 
This curated art exhibition is open to all visual artists working in a variety of mediums and styles. The focus of this exhibit is celebration of Latino culture through representations of music, food, people and general iconography. Tropical imagery is also welcome.

Location: Cider Press Café, St. Petersburg, FL

Artists may submit up to 10 quality images (at least 500x500 and no larger than 1000x1000 pixels) of available works. Each entry should measure no less than 6" x 6" or more than 30" x 40" (a few exceptions might be considered). All work must be properly wired and ready to hang upon delivery.

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: Saturday, August 26.
Acceptance notifications will be sent by Wednesday, August 30.

All accepted works must be delivered on Saturday, September 2. 

-Cider Press Café, 11 am

-COVE Gallery, 1 pm

An opening reception for Cider Press' exhibit will be held on a soon-after TBD date.
Two opening receptions will be held for COVE's exhibit, one on a soon TBD date and the other on September 30 4-8 pm during Pinellas Arts Village 4th Saturday Art Walk.

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 Award Nominations

Dear Boys & Girls, Ladies & Gents,

The time is here to make your suggestions for this year's Best of the Bay [http://www.cltampa.com/botb2017] nominations. You can do so from any location!

If you enjoy what I create, express, and how I engage with the community through art programming, please consider nominating me for any or all of the following Arts & Entertainment categories:

Best Visual Artist
Best Visual Arts Curator
Best Artist CL Doesn't Cover

Just enter my first and last name, John Gascot, into the nomination slot(s) here [http://local.cltampa.com/vote/59369f9335ab46c46f0e0e1f/59369fcb35ab46c46f0e0e33] and voila!

Also, please consider nominating The Studios @ 5663 for Best Art Gallery (non-museum).

Thank you all so very much!

Call for Art: For the Boys

The Cider Press Cafe, St. Pete and curator John Gascot invite Tampa Bay artists to submit entries for their upcoming exhibit For the Boys. 

This group exhibit will feature artworks by gay, bisexual, trans and queer male artists. While open-themed, it will include expressions and depictions celebrating LGBTQ Pride, equality and the gay male experience. Eligible Tampa bay area artists may submit up to 10 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.

For the Boys will run from May 14, 2017 through June 30th, 2017. 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: Sunday, April 30.

Acceptance emails will be sent by Friday, May 5.

All accepted works must be delivered on Saturday, May 13, 11 am.

An opening reception for this exhibit will be held on Saturday, May 20, 6-9pm.

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: La Gran Frida

The Cider Press Cafe, St. Pete and I (as curator) invite Tampa Bay artists to submit entries for its upcoming exhibit La Gran Frida. 

This group exhibit will begin its run during Frida's last month at the Dali Museum (just minutes away). It will focus on themes and imagery directly or indirectly inspired by Frida Kahlo, the artist, her story and/or her works. You may submit up to 10 quality images (at least 500x500 and no larger than 1000x1000 pixels) of available works. Each entry should measure no less than 10" x 10". There is no size limit and medium to larger works are encouraged and welcome. All work must be properly wired and ready to hang upon delivery.

La Gran Frida will run from February 28th 2017 through April 30th, 2017. 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: Sunday, February 12.

Acceptance emails will be sent by Wednesday, February 15. 

All accepted works must be delivered on Saturday, February 25th, 10 am.

An opening reception for this exhibit will be held on Saturday, March 11, 6-9pm during St. Pete's Second Saturday Art Walk.

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 Awards

Hello all!
The Studios at 5663 and myself have been nominated for Creative Loafing's annual Best of the Bay awards. I ask that you consider taking a few minutes to cast your votes in support of our endeavors. It is greatly appreciated. And tell your friends and fams to vote too! I've included a sample below.
VOTE HERE.

A Canvas on Wheels: NOMAD Art Bus & St. Pete Pride

I have been dying to share this bit of info for a while now. I am honored and super-excited to announce that I have been invited to be the guest artist for NOMADstudio Art Bus' first ride down the St. Pete Pride parade. I will lead a team of volunteer painters in transforming this magnificent vehicle into a rolling canvas featuring a Latinpop design of my very own. I feel humbled and inspired, but mostly....PROUD. I hope that the end result brings some much needed smiles and comfort to our entire community.

ArtMode 2017/Call to Fine and Style/Fashion/Beauty Artists

The Studios at 5663 (5663 Park Blvd, Pinellas Park, FL) will proudly host ArtMode 2017: Art Meets Fashion on Saturday October 22^nd, 2016 (time TBA). This will be the inaugural presentation of what is planned to become a yearly event at the Pinellas Arts Village/Creative District. We are currently accepting submissions from local and regional designers and fine artists who wish to create and showcase 5-10 piece micro-collections of original and unique artwear. Collections may be Avant garde in nature, but they must be wearable, not costumes. Proposed collections may be submitted by teams comprised by members of any given combination of the aforementioned art and style fields or by individual creatives. Everything from artful daywear to dramatic evening pieces and statement jewelry will be considered for showcase in the jurying process. If it’s wearable and artful, it will be considered.
Please submit photos and sketches with a brief description of collection concept as well as a list of team-members (if group submission) to event organizer John Gascot: jgascot@gascot.com
Selected samples of past works which might help support your eligibility or concept are also welcome.

Submission Deadline: Friday July 1, 2016
Notification: All submitting will be notified of acceptance or otherwise by no later than Friday July 15.
Show Date: Saturday, October 22, 2016.
A fee of $25-$50 per collection (depending on size) will apply to final round artists/designers who commit to showcasing at the event. All fees will be applied to promotion and execution costs.
SUBMISSION IS FREE.

Paint with Mom this Mother's Day!

This Mother's Day (Sunday, May 8th, 2016) I will be offering two Paint with Mom paint party sessions. The first is a Brunch Paint Party 11am-1pm at my Latin Pop Shop Studio located at 5663 Park Blvd. in Pinellas Park, FL. The second will take place at Pom Pom's Teahouse in St. Pete, FL 3-5pm. Click on the links below for details on what is included and to make reservations. You can also use the Buy Now button provided (please specify "brunch" or "afternoon" session in your order details).

$40 per person includes:
-1 12" x 16" canvas per guest
-all paints and creative materials
-project guidance and hosting
-bagel/muffin/juice/tea spread for brunch session or first pitcher of sangria for afternoon session

Mothers' Day Paint Party

1 $40.00 USD 2 $80.00 USD 3 $120.00 USD 4 $160.00 USD

Paint with Mom Brunch Party
Pom Pom's Mothers' Day Paint Party

Best Weekend Ever

How is it that on a Monday I have rolled out of bed, achy, exhausted and worn out yet smiling from ear to ear; invigorated and fueled with excitement?
I blame the best weekend ever.

I don't usually make a huge deal of my birthday, however, this year I decided, back in January upon moving into my new art studio, that I would like to celebrate it by throwing myself a Grand Opening. Some dear long time friends from all over the country made travel arrangements to join us for the occasion. It was a plan.
In the interim, we juried 5 artists into our studio complex. With over half the available studios occupied it the event took a life of its own and it made perfect sense to plan for a Studios @ 5663 Grand Opening. And so we did.

We worked hard at promoting the event. Our director of Cultural Affairs, Debra Rose and I gave many a tour of the studios and developing Pinellas Arts Village. Our studio artists spread the word and so did their friends and their friends' friends and so on. We did television and newspaper interviews. We spread invitations around town and blasted the news on social media. But as anyone with any experience planning an art opening or event knows, there is no guarantee when it comes to attendance.

Because nothing I ever do ever seems to go off without some sort of glitch, I arrived at the studios Saturday afternoon in time to let the caterers in to discover our building had no electric power.
Don't panic, John. Don't panic.
The electric company predicted the issue would be resolved by 6:30pm. Our event was to begin at 6:00pm, of course. I watched nervously as early arrivals began to gather outside of our doors. Not only did we have no lights with which to SEE the art, it was now beginning to warm up inside. We are in Florida, after all.

As 6 o'clock struck, we had no choice but to open up and apologetically welcome guests into the building. "There is electricity next door, so if you'd like to check out their collection first and then come back...we will have live music as well...he he." People seemed undaunted by the conditions at hand. They had heard the buzz about our little growing artist village and wanted to be a part of it. It isn't every day you see visitors so determined to see art that they provide their own lighting. This was the case, exactly, as person after person switched their cell phones to "flashlight" and began illuminating our walls. This community seemed ready to receive what we came to offer.

The final outcome of the Studios @ 5663 Grand Opening exceeded every expectation and hope I had. My night was officially made when word reached me that our parking lot was full and people were having to park on side streets. What?? We had a full and happy-to-be-there house! The positivity was palpable. Visitors spent time with the art and engaged with the artists. They are invested in what is here and what is still to come. That is all the validation and assurance that we are moving in the right direction we need.

I want to thank my fellow Studios @ 5663 artists Kim Alderman, Bob Canning, Linda Costa-Cheranichit, Loy Khambay-Correa and Isis Navarro as well as Debra Rose, Directors of Cultural Affairs for the city of Pinellas Park for all of their hard work and support. It is invigorating and empowering, sharing common visions and goals for the Pinellas Arts Village. I would also like to thank the city and community who have rallied behind us. The Pinellas Arts Village and creative district is an investment from which we assure you will see many returns.

Art Parties at Pom Pom's

I'm super excited to announce that I have partnered with one of St. Pete's coolest eateries to bring you some fun and fabulous paint parties....Latin Pop style! Pom Pom's Teahouse and Sandwicheria and I will now host monthly and private paint parties. Starting today, you can join one of our ongoing pre-scheduled open parties or book a private one for you and your friends or family.

$35 per guest includes:
-First pitcher of sangria (substitutions and upgrades available)
-1 12" x 16" canvas per guest
-Paint and creative materials
-Hosting and project guidance

Upcoming Parties:

Thursday, April 21st, 2016
6:30-8:30 pm
Theme: Under the Sea
We will be painting an array of whimsical sea creatures during this session. Each guest will create an underwater fantasy scene of their own design.

Number of Guests

1 $35.00 USD 2 $70.00 USD 3 $105.00 USD 4 $140.00 USD 5 $175.00 USD 6 $210.00 USD 7 $245.00 USD 8 $280.00 USD 9 $315.00 USD 10 $350.00 USD

Thursday, April 28th, 2016

6:30-8:30 pm

Theme: Let's Paint Frida!

We will be painting whimsical Frida Kahlo during this session. We will embellish and stylize the image of this iconic artist with an array of mixed media and collage. Each guest will create an Frida of their own design. 

Number of Guests

1 $35.00 USD 2 $70.00 USD 3 $105.00 USD 4 $140.00 USD 5 $175.00 USD 6 $210.00 USD 7 $245.00 USD 8 $280.00 USD 9 $315.00 USD 10 $350.00 USD

Shirley on Central

During my travels last week I saw a flash of Teal and the word AIR to my right while driving up Central Avenue. I slowed a bit and immediately thought I NEED TO PAINT THIS WOMAN! When I was done switching artwork at Pom Pom's, just a block or two up the street, I drove back in hopes she would still be there. I pulled up and rolled down my window. 
"I'm an artist. Can I take your picture? I need to paint you." I said.
"You want MY picture? ME?" she replied, followed by "Tell you what, how about a late birthday present? My birthday was December 2nd."
"I have a few bucks in my wallet."
"5 dollars. Can I get 5 dollars to get me a sandwich?" she negotiated.
Enjoy your sandwich Ms. Shirley Ann. You made my day. I can't wait to paint your picture and I hope I run into you again so I can bring you a print of it when it's done.

Shirley (Central Avenue, St. Pete), acrylic and ink on canvas, 30" x 40"

Under the Sea Paint Party

Join me in my studio (5663 Park Blv., Pinellas Park, FL) for a Latin Pop "Under the Sea" Paint Party on Saturday March 26th, 6-8 pm.

We will be painting an array of whimsical sea creatures during this session. All Latin Pop Paint Party designs are original and created by me in my studio. A Latin Pop Paint Party is never a class, it's a fun experience that allows you to explore and express your creativity! Each guest will create a unique painting of their own design. No two are alike!

Fee: $30 per person. (includes refreshments, nibbles and materials).
Limited spaces available; reserve yours by emailing me or Paypal: jgascot@gascot.com

More details here.