Oct. 18, 2005 – Mango Tango Art Gallery cordially invites the public to the first of the season's Art Parties on Tuesday October 25 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The gallery's monthly Art Party is an informal soiree to view art and enjoy music.
Gallery co-owner Smokey Pratt describes the event as the result of experimenting throughout the summer months with extended hours and live music on Tuesday nights. "Locals seemed to enjoy the atmosphere, especially for visiting friends and family. The monthly Friday night art exhibitions are set up a year in advance. Adding one Tuesday a month for recent art finds gives the gallery flexibility."
The music of 2 Blue Shoes is best described as "Not Top Forties." Smokey Pratt soulfully sings and plays flute and harmonica, with John Brittain playing "mean" guitar. The duo plays interpretive blues and rock n roll, working with the tunes of Tom Waits, Randy Newman, Taj Mahal, and Bob Dylan, as well as their own originals.
Both musicians are science fiction aficionados. Brittain combined his love of art and sci-fi to bid successfully for the original storyboard painting that Michael Straczynski used to convince the sci-fi channel to pick up his epic Babylon 5 series. On Tuesday night, viewers will be able to see the intricate illustration of the interior of the space ship. Prints are available for purchase. In addition, Pratt notes, "We'll see how many Bab Heads are out there."
St. Croix artist Judith King has been working with Mango Tango since it opened 16 years ago. She will be at the Art Party to present her series of paintings entitled "Vincent Takes a Cruise." Using Van Gogh's style of wild colors and broad brushstrokes she captures the interiors, landscapes and florals of the islands, as the post-impressionist artist painted of France. The emotionally charged works on display masterfully pay homage to Van Gogh.
Additionally, she has created a couple of zany wall hangings from seedpods.
The Art Party will be an evening of good art, good music, and good company. Gallery co-owner Jane Coombes adds, "Bring friends and make friends."
Mango Tango Art Gallery is located on Raphune Hill (Rt. 38) at Al Cohen's Plaza. For more information call 777-3060. Click Here to read about the October/November Colon & Grant exhibition.
