Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Oakland Center for the Arts Gallery

The Oakland Center for the Arts is located in downtown Youngstown and features a charming venue known as the Star Gallery. Here regional artist have displayed their original artworks for many years. The Oakland has a long history of supporting artists, and one of my first solo exhibitions was at the Oakland when it was located on 5th avenue about 10 years ago. To have such at opportunity at that point in my career was incredibly important to me. It helped to build the confidence, skills and resume' necessary to pursue my career in venues in Cleveland and New York City.
Currently, a true veteran of the Youngstown Art scene, Scott Pergande, is showing a body of recent work in the Star Gallery. There are 23 new works on display which feature classic Pergande imagery, but with a fresh and contemporary twist. Scott never ceases to surprise, entertain, and sometimes embarrass his audience.
The work is 3 dimensional wall pieces that could be described as elaborately decorated framing in a folk art or religious iconographic style. Some work leans toward the Baroque while others have features of Tramp Art. Elements incorporated into this work range from ceramic lion and angel heads to old rusty garden implements and vintage knick-knacks. The framed images are predominately handsome young men gleaned from the pages of GQ magazine and the like, while others are simply mirrors. Scott has made the pieces so that the images can be replaced by mirrors that he provides or any image that the buyer prefers.
Prices are very, Very good for this original work and I urge you to get down there soon and make your Holiday purchases. Most pieces are not over $65. Where else but in Youngstown can you get large, beautiful artworks at such low costs? Personally I think Mr. Pergande is making a mistake pricing work so low, but behind his somewhat gruff facade is a generous heart. The Oakland receives a commission on the sales of what promises to be a sold out show.
Scott Pergande's work can be viewed on theater performance nights. David Sedaris' Season's Greetings and The Santa Land Diaries are performed Dec. 7, 8, 15, and 16 starting at 8pm and on Dec 9 at 2pm on. You Do Not have to attend the performance to visit the Star Gallery. Arrangements can be made for a private viewing of Scott's work by contacting me at artbake777(at)aol.com. Payment for Scott's work can be made with cash or check to Suzie Biersdorfer (or any Oakland board member), or Fran.

3 comments:

Debra Weaver said...

I'll vouch for the art by Scott Pergande. I was at the "Drag Queen who Stole Christmas" and purchased one of his pieces. I love it! and it was very reasonable.

Unknown said...

Nice blog Jason. This kind of information is real valuable to someone like me who tends to forget to look out for new events. It'll be great to have a place to see your writing too. Will you be posting any of your short stories here? I hope so.

susie said...

Great blog. Jason. Thank you for the Oakland plug and for describing Scott and his work so thoughtfully.
One comment- People who wish to purchase Scott's art during an Oakland performance night just need to talk to a Board member or Fran. If people wish to view the works not during Oakland's open hours, have them contact you and together we can arrange a time for a private showing...
Thank you for all you do for art and youngstown and the oakland... Peace susie