Halloween themed art show draws large audience to local business

Rocco DiPasquale and his painting of Freddy Krueger are part of the Local Artist Collective’s latest exhibit at The O.

The walls at The O inside of Hotel STRY on Murray St. were lined with Halloween-themed art on Sunday afternoon and it’s just the beginning for a group of local artists known as the Local Artists Collective.

With over a dozen individuals showcasing their skills in the historic brick walled building, it was once again a well-attended cultural event.

“It has been word-of-mouth and people want to take part,” said Dylan White, one of the organizers. “The hotel has been great. They don’t take any commission, and all the money goes to the artists.”

Sculptures, oils, acrylics, mixed media and air brush were just some of the formats used at this show.

“I love the contrast and how everyone has a different style,” said White.

Rocco DiPasquale was one of the many featured artists and his larger-than-life picture of Freddy Krueger was an eye-catcher. He said it took him about a week-and-a-half to do it in acrylic.

“I don’t like doing scary images. I like calming pieces but it was good for me to do it as it brought me out of my comfort zone.”

While DiPasquale was not accustomed to doing Halloween scary art, Andrea Niven seems to be right at home with this particular theme.

Andrea Niven stands in front of her submitted piece at The O. Andrea's exhibition at the Gibson Gallery runs through November 9th, with a closing reception on that date from 2-4pm.

Niven said her dad was a hunter and taxidermist and it was not out of the norm to go down into the family basement and finding deceased animals and birds. What might have been terrifying to visitors was just every day for her.

The painting she had at the show on Sunday was well thought out and had an interesting story to it that involved photos through mixed media.

“I love making things that have texture,” said Nevin.

This is the third show for the Local Collective Art Project and next will be a Remembrance Day-themed display on the walls of Hotel STRY. Nevin already knows what she is planning to bring.

According to White, plans are in the works for a Christmas show as well and he is looking forward to seeing the works of local photographer Merima Agovic.

Halloween themed art show draws large audience to local business

By Fred Groves