Otto Lange checking out my contribution
The (first) opening for the Coca Cola show was on Friday night. Mason Murer Fine Art organized the show for a meeting of Coca Cola's top 200 shareholders to be held later in October, but incorporated the Coke paintings into a larger show entitled Real Things which fills the bulk of the gallery.
Gathered around Teresa Fischer's work.
The exhibition was particularly exciting for me because I was able to suggest a number of names to the gallery owner for inclusion in the show, and nearly all of them were able to contribute paintings. My intent wasn't completely altruistic, because I knew it would give me an opportunity to see, in person, the paintings of artists I admire. It's great viewing art on the internet, but it doesn't compare to seeing it in the flesh.
Coca Cola by David Malan
I don't mean to play favorites, because truly all of the paintings were wonderful, but I have to say that the painting Coca Cola by illustrator/artist David Malan was my pick for best of show. I've been a huge fan of his for years, and it was a real treat to finally see one of his pieces up close.
Otto Lange's crushed Coke can
Another artist I've admired for a long time, and one who was able to make it to the opening, is Otto Lange. His crushed Coke can was spectacular. It was really nice to have the chance to meet him, and talk shop for a good part of the evening. I have to say I've been very lucky in the last couple of months to have the opportunity to meet two of my favorite artists. First I meet Teresa Fischer (who has two paintings in the Coke show) in Cape Cod, and now Otto.
Other artist/colleague's, with an internet presence, that took part in the Coke show are: Alvin Richard, Vic Vicini, Chris Stott, Todd Ford, Sally Tharp and Jelaine Faunce.
Mike Kasper
And last, but not least, two terrific paintings by one of my oldest, and best friends Mike Kasper. Mike is one of those people who seem to be able to do just about anything. A short list of titles I could apply to him would be; artist, sculptor, woodworker, engineer, welder, graphic designer . . .
