Hollingsworth Drives Palm Coast's Growing Arts District, Holds Another Exciting Party

PETER A. CERRETA: A RETROSPECTIVE
Opening Reception Saturday, March 10 6 - 9PM
Hollingsworth Gallery, Palm Coast, FL


Evidenced by last month's turn out, word is quickly spreading about the new Arts District here in Palm Coast driven by Hollingsworth Gallery's Co-Directors, John J.J. Graham and Mercedez McCartney. Their continued dedication to bringing the best contemporary art and artists to their galleries and studios, as well as their fun and inspiring Art Parties, which are open to the community the SECOND SATURDAY of each month, has built such a following that those coming late to the party had a difficult time finding a place to park. And if you've ever been to City Marketplace, which is built outside-in - meaning the building rides along the road and encircles within a very large and typically lonesome parking lot - you'd understand. I hear often from visitors who "pop in" to the gallery and/or my studio mid-afternoon that they have heard of the gallery but a) had a difficult time finding City Marketplace (poor signage by the initial builders, we typically have to say it's right after/before the turn to Wal-Mart...not the best image-setter but helpful) and b) once here they are astonished by it's size and the level/quality of art, and c) how they never knew "all this was here." Which still sounds kinda funny to me as over 500 people did find the last art reception where you could feel the energy and excitement bouncing off the walls as a number of paintings were quickly tagged with "red dots" and sold. It was a night of celebration for the three artists, two in the main gallery and one who held a retrospective of 85 works for her 85th birthday, Alice Johnson, in Hollingsworth's S.E.C.C.A. Tree Gallery, had a marvelous party and sold many pieces as well.


Speaking of celebrations, this Saturday Hollingsworth Gallery celebrates the work of award-winning painter / sculptor Peter Cerreta with an opening reception this Saturday from 6 - 9PM. This retrospective spans the last three decades of Peter's art.  Cerreta's whimsical narratives and modern depictions of the plights of men and women and their relationships to society are both thought provoking and often humorous. 

Peter Cerreta's "In The Scheme of Things"

Peter is not only a wonderful artist he was the very first artist appointed the "Flagler County Artist of the Year" in 2000 by the Gargiulo Art Foundation, is a beloved and inspiring teacher of both painting and sculpture at Hollingsworth's S.E.C.C.A. School of Art and Outgoing President of the Beaux Arts of Volusia. His work is widely collected and locally he is one of the featured artists at Hollingsworth's Mini-Gallery within Three Dogs Grille Restaurant in Palm Coast (and I highly recommend the salmon or anything off their specials menu...simply "to die for"...as well as their yummy hamburger and fries plates - YUM!). 

In Hollingsworth's S.E.C.C.A. Tree Gallery, just two doors down from the main gallery, you will delight in the rich color, alluring textures and dimensional work of Kate Miller and Loretta Youngman. Both artists have a strong following, long list of awards and soon will be teaching adult classes at Hollingsworth's SECCA School of Art. Also on display, an installation of wood and copper works by artist Scott Kuszik. Scott's pieces make a rich statement as they exude quality and beauty and have been well received by many collectors. Come on out this Saturday evening and experience the art as well as a stroll around Palm Coast's growing Arts District...just remember you may want to arrive a little earlier for the best parking. See you there!

Kate Miller's "Panic Attack"

Loretta Youngman's "Sahn"

Works by Scott Kuszik