CANVAS WPB

SEAN YORO aka HULA

CANVAS Makes Art Matter in WPB

Miami is arguably the center of the South Florida art world– think Art Basel and Wynwood. Now try to think of another place south of St. Lucie evocative of visual creativity and artsy vibes.

Gallery owner Nicole Henry has long recognized the social and economic benefits of a thriving arts community. With the opening of CANVAS Outdoor Museum Show, she hopes to extend those benefits north to West  Palm  Beach.

Henry has brought together a coalition of public and private organizations and a talented army of 20 artists to transform the downtown area. Henry says, “We’re very passionate about infusing art into the community.”

At the October 10 Kick-Off Event/Fundraiser — From left to right, CANVAS artists Cheryl Maeder, Jose Bedia, CANVAS Founder Nicole Henry, HULA / Sean Yoro, and Zeus

When CANVAS opens, West Palm Beach will be infused with international well-knowns like the German street art duo Herakut who specializes in murals that combine words along with imagery. Then there is London based artist D’Face who has collaborated with H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth II and painted a portrait to commemorate the instatement of Pope Benedict XVI. Hawaii born, New York based Sean Yoro (aka Hula) has already been seen paddling around Royal Park Bridge on a surfboard preparing to paint another mesmerizing image of a woman appearing submerged in or about to emerge from the water.

Local artists will also participate during a special event where they will each claim a garage door in a section of the city’s Northwood neighborhood, and some members of the community will have an opportunity to fill in part of a mural.

Henry believes the city of West Palm Beach has yet to realize its potential to become an arts and cultural hub. She says, “Our CANVAS team is very excited to advance that destiny and see the eye-opening effects of our installations.”

At the moment, Miami still gets most of the attention, and there is almost no art event more recognizable than Art Basel. However, CANVAS has a real chance of establishing itself as a major player with an impressive roster of artists and a supportive community.

HERAKUT

KATJA LOHER

WRDSMTH

CANVAS will debut November 8 and continue through November 22. The 14-day event will feature a series of free events open to the public as well as VIP exhibits and parties with tickets ranging from $75 for the closing brunch to $200 for the On-Board CANVAS Yacht Party. An app will also be available that allows voting for your favorite works. You can learn more about the artists and purchase tickets at CanvasWPB.org
~ Jessica Chesler