Maui Artists for Peace invaded Venice Beach California and it's home base was the epOxybOx Gallery. The opening on October 27th was a success and very Venice-esque. There were many types morphing together creating the party atmosphere talking about art, design, politics and their functions. But let's take it back a couple of days when I first arrived. I landed at 5am on the 25th, took a nap and then hit the streets. I am often inspired by Venice. There is art everywhere. Even their torn billboards are often done so in a collage that only the imagination can identify. But this time I also saw signs of protest. Huge signs on corregated fences with faded five foot letters reading "NO WAR"
What has already faded there is not even conceived here on Maui. Large sheets hanging from uber modern homes reading "WAKE UP! IMPEACH BUSH" I could never imagine someone doing that in Wailea. The other side existed too. Across a Subaru it read "SUPPORT OUR TROOPS. DESTROY AL QAEDA" It not so much what it reads but just the fact that people are acknowledging that a WAR IS GOING ON! That is why we are doing this show in the first place. So now a couple of days pass and we are getting ready for the opening. Local artists like the Dill Brothers, Guy and Laddie submitted pieces as well as De Wain Valentine. They were integrated perfectly. Debra Green the gallery owner had a strict idea of which pieces were to be chosen despite the whispering grumbles heard from across the sea. Every piece was placed perfectly. It is a very inviting gallery space. Much appreciation to Debra for holding the show there.
SO now it is the night of the opening. Everyone is very excited. I arrive at 7:40 and already people are there and chatting it up about the art. The band from New Orleans Kid Merv and All That Jazz are setting up and the vino starts flowing... (not to mention the Ginger Margaritas) The band was fantastic. I couldn't help but appreciate the irony of a New Orleans band being there at a Anti-War show, when one of the excuses that I heard about the lack of resources and slow reaction time for aide to Katrina victims is because the military had it all tied up. God I can't stand our government. Shame on us! Anyway, thank you again Kid Merv and crew! Job Well Done my friends.
In conclusion, I am happy about the show in Venice, I hope it has a successful month and some press comes out about it. Then on to San Fran... Seattle...Portland?
May the Army of Art march on!!!
What has already faded there is not even conceived here on Maui. Large sheets hanging from uber modern homes reading "WAKE UP! IMPEACH BUSH" I could never imagine someone doing that in Wailea. The other side existed too. Across a Subaru it read "SUPPORT OUR TROOPS. DESTROY AL QAEDA" It not so much what it reads but just the fact that people are acknowledging that a WAR IS GOING ON! That is why we are doing this show in the first place. So now a couple of days pass and we are getting ready for the opening. Local artists like the Dill Brothers, Guy and Laddie submitted pieces as well as De Wain Valentine. They were integrated perfectly. Debra Green the gallery owner had a strict idea of which pieces were to be chosen despite the whispering grumbles heard from across the sea. Every piece was placed perfectly. It is a very inviting gallery space. Much appreciation to Debra for holding the show there.
SO now it is the night of the opening. Everyone is very excited. I arrive at 7:40 and already people are there and chatting it up about the art. The band from New Orleans Kid Merv and All That Jazz are setting up and the vino starts flowing... (not to mention the Ginger Margaritas) The band was fantastic. I couldn't help but appreciate the irony of a New Orleans band being there at a Anti-War show, when one of the excuses that I heard about the lack of resources and slow reaction time for aide to Katrina victims is because the military had it all tied up. God I can't stand our government. Shame on us! Anyway, thank you again Kid Merv and crew! Job Well Done my friends.
In conclusion, I am happy about the show in Venice, I hope it has a successful month and some press comes out about it. Then on to San Fran... Seattle...Portland?
May the Army of Art march on!!!
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