If you’re looking for something free to do that is interesting, artistic and safe in these days of social distancing, stop by and see the latest artist show at the Welcome Center at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.
Artist Cindi Sherman Vinci is exhibiting over 20 paintings of her colorful, graphically intriguing paintings at the show sponsored by the Pasco Fine Arts Council and hosted by the developer of this master-planned community on State Road 54, located about three miles east of I-75.
Vinci paintings ask the question, “Do artists create reality as they see it, or does reality show the artist what to create?”
“As far back as I can remember, I have always interpreted the world in an abstract manner — I knew nothing I saw and heard was all there was to the story,” Vinci writes on her website. “For me, the world is a jumble of thoughts and ideas that run amok.”
She goes on to explain that her art reflects her idea of life and all of its jumbled aspects.
“My work reflects what I feel about life and all the changes that have occurred in my life. All my pieces tell my story,” she writes.
Vinci has been fascinated with abstract art since she was 6 years old. Born in 1953 in a stereotypical Italian family, her father also was an artist and taught her as a child. Vinci later studied interior and architectural design at Parsons School of Design in New York City, and also studied studio art and art history at State University of New York in Purchase, New York.
Vinci’s show, which runs through Aug.22, is the result of a partnership that Avalon Park Wesley Chapel began with the Pasco Fine Arts Council over a year ago.
“Our goal was to bring art and cultural events, exhibits and educational classes to East Pasco County,” explains Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of the Avalon Park Group. “In our first year, this partnership has led to the discovery of local artists, introduced art workshops to the community and given member artists the opportunity to feature their work in a new venue. We couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome!”
“One of the main goals of this partnership was to introduce people to local artists with monthly exhibits and demonstrations,” said Lerret. “This partnership has allowed us to expand the arts not only to our residents, but also to the entire east side of the county.”
“It has been an overwhelming positive experience as well for the Pasco Fine Arts Council to expand its presence in East Pasco, thanks to the vision and generosity of the Avalon Park Group,” said Jo Baughman, director of the Council.
For Baughman, who has been involved in the Pasco Fine Arts Council for over 20 years, the invitation from Avalon Park West to work together accomplishes a long-held dream.
“This partnership has been a tremendous asset to the artist community and our patrons, and has greatly expanded our ability to bring arts to all of Pasco County,” said Baughman.
It is the vision of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for its planned downtown to be the cultural and event center of East Pasco County. The downtown’s first phase will include a dedicated Arts Gallery that will become the permanent East Pasco home for the Pasco Fine Arts Council.
Artist Cindi Vinci
Gallery Show
Through Aug. 22
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday – Saturday
Reception
“Something Different”
Friday, Aug. 21, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Free – Refreshments Served
East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery
Avalon Park Information Center
33613 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel
Free Fall Workshops
Explore your artistic side at these upcoming seminars hosted by the Pasco Fine Arts Council. Classes are limited to just eight students, and Zoom participation also is welcome.
Beginning Drawing
With Shawn Dell Joyce
Great for beginners and teens
Aug. 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Must sign up by Aug. 17
Avalon Park Amenity Center
Getting Started Powerfully
with Polymer Clay
With Ann Larsen
Great for beginners and teens
Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Must sign up by Sept. 3
Land O’ Lakes location provided at registration
Textures and Mixed Media
With Patricia Garrow
Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Must sign up by Sept. 14
Avalon Park Amenity Center
Published July 29, 2020
