Thursday, May 6, 2010

Scranton graffiti artist has designs on downtown building for First Friday

When Rory Giovannucci met urban artist Eric "Dontey" Williams, he gave the talented young man an offer the artist could not refuse.
Photo: N/A, License: N/A, Created: 2010:05:03 09:38:00"I told Dontey if he could produce 20 pieces of work, we would exhibit him," said Mr. Giovannucci, co-owner of B's Floral Design Inc.
Mr. Giovannucci met Mr. Williams, a locally known graffiti artist, through the county's Community Intervention Center.
The offer made by Mr. Giovannucci not only gave Mr. Williams a new platform to showcase his craft, but also an opportunity to express his artistic ability. In March, Mr. Williams' work was on display in the flower shop as part of a First Friday exhibit.
This month, the art is going a step further - a mural.
"We decided to do urban art and make it conducive for anyone who wanted to paint, so while Dontey is doing the mural, others can add to the design" on Friday evening, Mr. Giovannucci said.
Mr. Williams will complete a mural of urban art just two doors down from B's Floral on the metal facing of a long-closed property at 127 Penn Ave. as part of the First Friday art walk in downtown Scranton. Mr. Williams will start painting at 5 p.m.
B's Floral also will continue its Artists with Disabilities series, which is co-sponsored by Northeast Pennsylvania Center for Independent Living. The series displays works by Deutsch Institute clients.
First Friday art walks are held on the first Friday of every month from 6 to 9 p.m. at galleries and businesses around downtown Scranton. Included are paintings, photography, sculpture, music, performance art and other forms of entertainment, said Lisa Sauder, First Friday executive director. This month, there are activities at more than 20 galleries and businesses.
"We have titled Dontey's show, 'Urban Renewal,' as in urban tag art and the artist's renewal," Mr. Giovannucci said. "He is an interesting individual who came to our attention as an artist for a fundraiser for the Community Intervention Center. His art rendering on tabletop sold quickly and thus we saw there was interest in his work."
Mr. Williams spends much of his time at the center, located in the 500 block of Wyoming Avenue, and is setting his sights on animation and the possibility of someday working for a major Hollywood company, Mr. Giovannucci said.
"We're excited about the mural because we are inviting so many others to participate in working on the mural, which Dontey will finish on First Friday," Mr. Giovannucci said.
"This should be a great First Friday," said Ms. Sauder. "Dontey's mural should be really nice, a real good story."
Contact the writer: sbrown@timesshamrock.comFirst Friday exhibits
Vintage Fashion: by Mollie Berardinelli, Duffy Accessories, 218 Linden St.
Mixed Media, Benefit For Kelly Ruddy: Nicole Barrasse, Megan Lee, Allison Larussa, GreenBeing, 334 Adams Ave.
Urban Art Mural: Dontey, B's Floral Design Inc., 131 Penn Ave.
Student Exhibition: Hope Horn Gallery, University of Scranton, Linden Street at Jefferson Ave.
Stone Fish: The Crazy Pineapple, 317 Linden St.
Dance Showcase: Urban Beats Crew, University of Scranton, Byron Gym.
Various: St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave.
Moments In Italy & Pet Portraits: Jennifer Brandon with Jache, Northern Light Espresso Bar, 536 Spruce St.
When Life Is Still: Various, Laura Craig Galleries, 307 Linden St.
What Is Urban Vibe?: Jennifer Forgione, Urban Vibe Productions, Inc. 326 Spruce St.
Portrait of The Masonic Temple: Students of Mary Lou Chibirka, Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave.
White & Black Magic: Simona Gavern, Carmen's Wine Bar, 700 Lackawanna Ave.
Abstract With Ann Rudy: Ann Rudy, The Fanciful Fox, 342 Adams Ave.
Embassy of Rock: Gallucci Music Student Bands, Gallucci Music, 224 Wyoming Ave.
Art for a Small Planet: Kelly Finan, Jack Harris, Ted Michalowski, Trevor Coleman, Vintage Theater, 119 Penn Ave.
Exteriors: Exteriors, Anthology Books, 515 Center St., 2nd Flr.
Things Kristen Drew: Kristen Leonard, The Bog, 341 Adams Ave.
Reinventing Springtime: Holly Leonard, Julie Loftus, Simona Gavern, Marilyn Kennedy, STAR Gallery, Steamtown Mall second floor.
Earth Day Revival: Juried group exhibition, ArtWorks Gallery & Studio, 503 Lackawanna Ave.
Blow, Paint, Cast: Various, Afa Gallery, 514 Lackawanna Ave.
Time Electric - Moving Perspectives: Michael J. Melisky, Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, 100 Adams Ave.
Movements in Clay and Glass: Gina Rice, The Electric Theatre Company, 326 Spruce St.
Junkyard Photography: Mel Wolk, Penn Furniture, 97-99 Lackawanna Ave. If you go
What: Works by clients of Deutsch Institute
Where: B's Floral Design Inc., 131 Penn Ave.
When: Friday, 6 to 9 p.m.
Details: Part of the Artists with Disabilities series. Admission is free. Also, a mural will be painted on the metal facing of 127 Penn Ave.

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