Monday Morning Art: Streetworks "Deco Pop"

For the third year in a row, I have been honored to be asked to contribute to the East End Main Street Streetworks public art program. The last two years, the contributing artists designed bricks which were installed on Charleston's historic East End. This year, EEMS is aiming higher. The contributing artists for 2012 are designing 36" round signs which will be mounted on lamposts on the East End, creating a mile-long outdoor art gallery.

My piece is called "Deco Pop," and depicts a beautiful Art Deco building on Washington Street, in the style of a post-Atomic Age ice cream wrapper graphic. I've loved the look of the West Virginia School Service Personnel building since it was the home of The State Theater, back when I was growing up. It's one of the most distinctive facades on the East End.

Next week in this space, I will show you the process I used to create this design. This week is just a teaser for the auction.

Did I not mention the auction? On Sunday, June 17, the original artwork chosen to be displayed on this public art project will be auctioned at a gala event. The project started in 2009 and made Washington Street, East a mile-long art gallery. Each image, based on the locally designed original pieces up for auction, is displayed in beautiful presentation on large circular signs along Washington Street, East.

The artworks were created in a variety of different media. My digital design is printed on a one-of-a-kind aluminum sheet. At the auction, local musical talent will be showcased along with Mr. Ted Brightwell as the evening’s auctioneer. Cost: $25 (admission includes beer, wine, and hors d'oeuvres). Starting today, you can find out how to bid early on the artworks at a special Facebook page.