Thursday, February 7, 2013

Folk Art Blues Artist Mr. Lennie Jones "Roots & Branches" exhibit opens at Arts for ACT Gallery

Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers on Friday, March 1, 2013 from 6 to 10 pm for the opening reception and art walk for March 2013.

Folk Art Blues Artist Mr. Lennie Jones holding one of the
new Scream Guitars featuring the art of Lennie Jones  


Lennie Jones “Roots and Branches”
A unique visual celebration of America’s original blues music with nationally acclaimed Everglades folk artist, Mr. Lennie Jones.            
Artist Statement: “Paintings for and about them that has lived marginal yet full & made a joyful noise.” ~ Lennie Jones

Seems as if art has always been a most joyous part of Lennie Jones’ daily life, alongside music, it has continually filled his need for soulful expression & redemption. Lennie typically begins his creativity time 'round 3:00am, putting on his good coffee, and then running two wonderful rescue dogs through the black woods. Screech Owls wailing, Tree frogs squealing, Whippoorwills whistling, insects chattering, scurrying night critters, the big Southern moon lighting Spanish Moss hanging from sumptuous Live oaks, these are the things that most inspire him.  Back at his little house, with a massive cup of black coffee, two sleeping dogs alongside him on his sofa, music playing softly, this is when he is the most creative. If studying or working on a specific musicians' portrait or a song themed piece, he prefers to listen to those particular inspirations while initiating the painting. Lennie paints on an old dark wood coffee table, no easel. Acrylic paint and many different brushes, white linen canvas, and his dogs.  These are his favorite tools.   “No studio for me Art is a lifestyle & a joyous part of my simple life, every day,” states Lennie. 
Pearl Rose by Jones
Lennie Jones is an outsider artist, painting the Folk Art of the Blues experience.  Highly collectible, his one-of-a-kind orginal art, (no prints or repros) reflect his self-taught style, his life experience, and holds his soul & sweat in each piece.  Lennie never look at his painting in terms of person-hours, materials, etc. but prides himself by making his work available for all to enjoy.  Lennie was selected as the event artist for the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival for fall of 2013.  He was recently commissioned to create a portrait of Grammy award winning Blues guitarist/songwriter Anders Osborne and was also commissioned to paint a portrait of country music’s’ legendary musician, historian and TV host Marty Stuart for the new Museum of American Music in Mississippi.  Scream Guitars will also be debuting six guitars featuring six paintings by Lennie Jones.  ACT Gallery will display the guitars along with over 50 new works for the “Roots and Branches” exhibit.     

Primal Voodoo by Lennie Jones

This exhibit continues through Monday, April 1, 2013.  

 Arts for ACT Gallery provides a quality, contemporary exhibition gallery featuring original art, limited edition prints, giclees, hand-crafted fine crafts, tee shirts, silver and glass bead jewelry, gourd art, raku, clay, and art cards. It is a “must see” destination for all art lovers and collectors, providing a unique opportunity for everyone to learn and enjoy art.  Highlighting the art of the current featured artist, the front gallery, reminiscent of galleries in SoHo, has 12 to 16 foot high ceilings, distressed brick walls, and warm wooden floors. It is a great opportunity to meet the   featured artists, enjoy some local food and have a glass of wine, and engage in lively artful repartee.

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