Tony Nero’s ArtThe really random newsletter all about my art.

www.tonynerobrushworks.com January 2013 ISSUE 07

If you live in Peterborough town and actually believe that there’s no art scene here, then you really need to step out and look again.

It may be a little chilly out with a dash of snow on the ground but we had a super hot summer as far as art in the city is concerned.

The City Gallery launched it’s open exhibition at the Museum and Art in the Heart opened its doors to the public. Realitas Community Arts Centre is smoking and we got street art with Blok Collective. Also artists are even leaving stuff in the streets for you to take freely on a Friday, via Free art Friday.

Plus there’s always something exciting happening at the Green Backyard and St John’s.

In this issue: Open Studio exhibitionArt in the HeartBlack Heroes exhibition

NEWS

Who says P’town has no art scene?

I know the open studio exhibition took place back in June but with so much happening it’s been hard to cram all this exciting stuff in a little newsletter. So here are a few pix from back then to give you a taste. With plans underway for this year’s PAOS exhibitions my exhibition, last year featured some of the portraits of the local dignitaries and I was pleased to see that some popped in to see their portraits. This included Elisabeth Buck MBE, Cllr John Shearman, Marco Celeste - our City Council leader and Cliff Walker.

As reviewed in the last issue, the kids really went wild for the mini art and enjoyed having a go creating their own masterpiece. There was also a raffle to win some art. I always try to incorporate a raffle in my exhibitions. I guess this is my way of saying thank you to my visitors and also helping my local charity Shine, at the same time. Finally I must say a big thank you to everyone who came along and to friends who helped out.

Stuart Mathers and members from the Inspirations Studios.

Cllr John Shearman with his much talked about portrait.

Lovely to see Cllr Julia Davidson popping in and yours truly getting a cheeky hug.

Beth Bruce, Zainab Arsalani, Shraddha Gohel, TN and Benny Bear of course.

Open Studio Exhibition

Artist Alexander North Airey who is currently busy writing and working on drawings for his new book. Yes, Alex finally saw his painting on the last day of the exhibition. The painting “Contemplating’ was pre-selected for the portrait competition at the Mall Gallery but didn’t make it to the final selection.

It’s always lovely to see people looking at your work. Artist Josie Kelly-Gobuiwang.

And other visitors trying a stint of mini art and having fun.

This drawing of Molly Chambers was done in pastel and pencil. I wanted to do something a bit different for this one and decided not to use her natural skin tones. Molly has been to a few of my exhibitions and just quietly walks in and glides around the room as she takes her time to look at the work. I really love her character with the cool hat.

Most recent painting

This issue’s front cover features another one from the archives, a little watercolour painting of Bob Marley. Although I have producedwatercolours in the past, it is a rare sight to see one of my watercolour paintings. This painting was completed in 1998 and specifically produced for a cd cover entitled ‘Rainbow Country’, a compilation of some old tracks by Bob and the Wailers.

Bob Marley

One from the archives

Molly at my BHM exhibition 2011Mixing it up with the Mayor in Central Park

‘Art in the Park’ was an interesting event to be a part of. During the summer I was asked by local councillor John Shearman to help organise an art exhibition in Central Park. After months of us trying to meet up to discuss plans and set an exhibition date for September, suddenly September was upon us with no plans.

With a quick meeting and immedi-ate decisions we were able to hold a successful weekend’s exhibition in the park. The artists taking part in this event were Veronika Leontyeva, Faye Gagel-Panchal and Josephine Kelly-Gobuiwang as well as myself. With us all showcasing our work, as well as demonstrating our craft in the beautiful grounds of the park.

We were also honoured to have the Mayor Cllr George Simons visit us The drawing I started

Lovely to see Cllr Julia Davidson popping in and yours truly getting a cheeky hug.

Art in the Parkand he stayed long enough to chat with artists and old friends and even had a cuppa at the Buttercross Cafe. Talks are already underway for another event this year.

In my last newsletter the headline read ‘From Harriets to Art in the Heart’. Well since Dawn Birch-James took the concept to the Visitors Information Centre, Art in the Heart has now evolved with a bang, in the form of an amazing art gallery and shop. Situated on Bridge Street, the gallery just a few steps from the town hall.

With over 60 artists on the books and others queuing up to get a

chance to display their work, you have to pay a visit to get a real feel of what’s going on in the space. Also, just think the people helping in the shop are all artists and crafters, so not only can you buy great stuff but you can also get some great tips. With its recent Christmas shopping launch visitors were spoilt for gift ideas. As Dawn puts it ‘Art in the Heart, made with love’ and I would say beautiful things made by beautiful people!.

Art in the Heart evolves

Err... just mixing it up with the Mayor Cllr George Simms at Art in the Heart launch.

Artist Veronika Leontyeva and hubby Rizgar looking a bit fruity with a Tony Nero original.

Jane Lang and Dawn Birch-James, keeping an eye and making everything run smoothly.

Revellers looking for that special something.

Realitas goes from strength to strength

Since opening over a year ago out there in sunny Peakirk, Realitas Community Arts centre has grown from strength to strength and now hosts works of art from over 200 local artists. I can only say that when it comes to art and craft it’s a hive of excitement and on a visit you will encounter artists and crafters, daily, working live in the studios.

With so many different artists showing their work in one space how can you not visit? And if you look carefully you may even see some of my work. You can also treat yourself to a nice cuppa and a slice of the good stuff.

Faye Gagel-Panchal, all creative downstairs.

Art in the Heart evolves

playing is so hypnotic that even the youngest visitor to the exhibition danced and rocked her hips to the sound of his pans.

Another year passed by so quickly and another Black Heroes exhibition. This year I was lucky enough to host my Black Heroes exhibition at Shine charity’s head office in Peterborough. Again this year, joined by Stacey-Ann Cole with her beautiful watercolour art, depicting Afro-Caribbean women while Sonya King blessed us with her spoken words of poetry.

Thanks to the mighty King Don for creating magic in the air with his amazing steel drum playing. Don’s

Yours truly, sharing a moment with Cliff Walker, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant

Black Heroes Celebrating Black History

Xidus Pain, Tony Nero and Kamal Ellis Hyman

A special thank you to Cliff Walker, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire who officially opened the event and as his words ‘let us celebrate with pride’ echoed in my ear … we sure did! Also thanks to Kamal Ellis Hyman and Xidus Pain for the memorable moments and to all who came and made it happen.

Just before the final curtain we sure had a ball. Looking forward to the next time.

Stacey-Ann Cole, Tony Nero and Valentine St Aubyn.

Sonya king reciting her poem ‘Heroes Uniting the World’, to the audience.

You can never beat the support of family and friends ... always priceless.

Black Heroes Celebrating Black History

Cliff Walker, Bernadetta Omodi and Sonya King.

King Don, getting in the zone and doing what he does best, in fine style.

Kind Don, John Shearman and Tony Nero with Bob’s portrait in the background.

What’s On !Picture of the dayI bumped into some Eastenders talent in the city quite recently, David Proud and Belinda Owusu aka Adam Best and Libby Fox.

www.tonynerobrushworks.com art@tonynerobrushworks.com

l Summer Exhibition - PAOSSaturday and Sunday 8 & 9, 15 &16, 22 & 23 June 2013. Three big week-ends of art. Shine, 42 Park Road. P’boro. More info in the next issue. Look out for this one.

While chatting to David a few months earlier this is what he had to say about my work. “Tony your painting of Bob Marley is amazing. I love your work sooo much. So talented. I’ve been a fan of original art for years and collected a few pieces. I was honoured that you did a portrait of me last year. Your work is exceptional and you are a very gifted artist.

I hope to be able to commission you to make some bespoke pieces for my house in the future.”

l PAOS application online Now - Application Deadline for artist membership 15th February 2013www.paos.org.uk

Dont forget you can view 100’s of exhibition pictures on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonynerotheartist/

You can also keep up with The Art of Tony Nero on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook or you can always jump on my website.