It’s
no secret Al Capone both lived and operated in Hollywood, Florida back in the
day. As fate would have it he apparently stayed in the very studio space that
Artist Daniel Pontet now calls home!
While
perhaps not as well known as Capone’s other haunt (currently Runas Hemingway’s
Lounge on Dixie Highway), the former Flora Hotel on Polk street ‘drips of
Capone’s presence,’ Daniel told this scribe.
Hearing
these stories of the famous gangster and leader of the Chicago Outfit and his
connection to Hollywood and especially his having lived where Pontet now paints
seems to have really inspired the artist.
“I
feel Al’s energy everywhere around town; and particularly in my art studio.
Frankly, I don’t know if the story is true, but it has certainly ignited my
imagination. And when I was recently invited to participate in the upcoming
Italian Festival, my friend, art impresario, Kent Wallace suggested I created a
portrait of the cigar smoking icon.”
Further
inspired by Lou Rawls song “Goin’ to Chicago Blues,” Pontet created the
masterpiece with the same style and auditory concept he uses when performing
“Impulse Art” with his feet. From the fusion of music and painting, a stunning
painting emerged.
Daniel,
it seems, enjoyed going back to his brushes as is evidenced by every colorful stroke. The Capone canvas and one other featuring Frank Sinatra (flourished
with the same élan), will be debuted among a host of other works by local
artists including Desiree Kim, Larry Joe Miller, Jill Weisberg, Peter Matcau,
Cindy Podgorski, Alissa Alfonso, Gregory McLaughlin, Paola Gallardo, Lisa
Zomaro, Doris White and the members of the L/Mercado Studio Collective.
The
event, titled V3 at AT3 (Vixens, Veterans and Visuals) takes place at Atelier 3
(1901 Harrison street) on Friday, November 11th from 8pm til
midnight.
This
epic art extravaganza, honoring Veterans, features legendary Drag Queen Misty
Eyez, and vocal performances by Melina Almodovar, Brendan John, and John
Anthony with a special appearance from ‘Adele’
The
escapade is hosted by: Kent Wallace, Guy Pagan (Commander American Legion Post
92) and Cobra Joe Productions. The evening is sponsored by Runas Peruvian
Cuisine & Runeros Brasa & Grill
