The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center announces two art exhibitions opening during Art Walk on Friday, Sept. 1.
Digital (C)age: Recycling and Art In A New Dimension by artist Miguel Vazquez will be on display in the Grand Atrium, where recycling and art come together to create a new dimension of creativity and innovation.
In the second floor Capital Gallery, The Shapeshifting Artist will be displayed as a solo exhibition by Naples-based artist Mary LaGarde. Opening night for both exhibitions will be during Friday, Sept. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. including music under the stars with DJ Julz from 7 to 11 p.m. at Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden.
Digital (C)age: Recycling and Art In A New Dimension is a solo exhibition presenting the groundbreaking works of Miguel Vazquez. Vazquez has pursued a new and innovative approach to art that places an emphasis on sustainability and the preservation of the planet, two vital statements that are crucial in today’s world, where the importance of recycling cannot be overstated. It is a crucial step towards preserving our planet and ensuring a sustainable future. But what if recycling could also be a form of art? In artist Miguel Vazquez’s collection, recycling and art come together to create a new dimension of creativity and innovation. Using repurposed materials that would otherwise end up in landfills, from sculptures made of recycled metal to paintings created with reclaimed wood, the artist creates stunning works of art that not only look beautiful but also carry a powerful message, crafting a beautiful harmony between art and recycled materials. But it’s not just about creating something visually appealing. Recycling and art also have the power to educate and inspire.
Additionally, during Art Walk, Vazquez will present a live demonstration of his water bottle recycling process, ingeniously transforming crushed plastic into a filament material using an extruder. This filament will then be fed into a cutting-edge 3D printer, which will bring to life an awe-inspiring sculpture in real time. Witness the birth of a masterpiece that embodies the spirit of creativity, resourcefulness, and environmental consciousness. Vazquez’s artistry will undoubtedly remind us of the boundless possibilities that lie within the realm of art.
Mary LaGarde
Mary LaGarde refuses to be categorized as one style of artist. She shifts easily between impressionism, cubism, figurative realism, narrative art, landscapes, photorealism and sculpture depending on her ideas and her inspiration. LaGarde’s reluctance to be pigeonholed as an artist is reminiscent of Picasso who was described as the “ultimate shapeshifter” because he refused to settle on a tidy, signature style and stick with it. LaGarde’s exhibition will be showcasing her powerful statements on major topics such as nature, strong women, Native Americans, celebrities, popular culture, religion, mythology, international travel, and more, all of which display her astounding ability to adapt and adjust her artistic skills based on her ever-changing thoughts and ideas, all by Southwest Florida’s own talented shapeshifting artist.
Both art exhibitions will be on display through Sept. 28. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
For more information, call 239-333-1933 or visit the website at www.sbdac.com
