As can be seen from the photos, Art Gallery 21 celebrated the last weekend of February with lots of visitors to the current exhibit, Traditional Chinese Artist’s Tools Re-examined featuring the art of Tin Ly. The artist was frequently in the gallery greeting visitors and they really enjoyed meeting him. They stated that his clay sculptures evoked harmony and peace with his use of ancient artist’s tools, like brushes, sticks and eyedroppers used in calligraphy. They often commented on his choice of colors produced after the clay is fired in the kiln.
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE, LITERALLY …
Among the many visitors over the weekend were artist Janet Gold, a longtime friend of Tin Ly’s and the person who connected him to Art Gallery 21 when we were seeking to create an exhibit that showcased the work of Asian artists.
Members of Soroptimist International of Davie, a women’s service organization, visited and found Tin’s work beautiful and inspiring. Moreover, they lingered for a while, enjoying the sense of calm that Tin Ly’s work evokes.
Tin entertained visitors with stories about his creative process and memories of his home. Though he was born in Saigon, South Vietnam, he didn’t speak Vietnamese. He spoke Chinese at home and attended a French school. Visitors found it a charming anecdote from his childhood.
OLD FRIENDS MAKE FOR GOOD TIMES!
Tin’s good friend, Francie Bishop Good, and her husband, David Horvitz, spent time in the gallery with Tin catching up and enjoying the ambiance of Art Gallery 21’s home in the Island City Cultural Center. FolksĀ seem to agree that the building has a cool vibe and lends itself well to cultural activities like this extraordinary art exhibit.
Art Gallery 21 will be open free to the public on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4 to 8 PM and Sunday from 12 to 6 PM through March 12, 2023. Find time to stop in and visit. We’d love to see you again or meet you for the first time!
ABOUT ART GALLERY 21
Established in 2012, Art Gallery 21, Inc. is a Florida-registered 501c3 non-profit organization working in partnership with Wilton Manors Leisure Services Department to bring art and cultural experiences to the Island City. Located in the Island City Cultural Center at 600 NE 21st Court in Wilton Manors, Florida, Art Gallery 21 is a volunteer-based organization. To donate to Art Gallery 21, volunteer during an event or exhibit, or for a general inquiry, please email ArtGallery21WCWM@gmail.com or call/text 954.225.5488. Follow us on Facebook, Google and Instagram.