I wanted to create a picture which celebrated the spirit of those who suffer from disease, specifically breast cancer, and who do so with courage and dignity. When it came to title the piece I could only think of my Magee who would purchase any product, in any store, at any time, so long as it had a pink ribbon adorning the label. Brilliant marketing strategy. I would always tell her that she was a "sucker for a pink ribbon". Perfect title! A Sucker For A Pink Ribbon.
Brother Chuck suggested donating a print to Hewlett House, home of the 1-in-9 Foundation, a non-profit organization which benefits those fighting the fight against ALL cancer. (Check them out at www.1in9.org). Now I didn't think it would be proper for the original A Sucker For A Pink Ribbon title to grace the walls of this 300 year old house, so I renamed it simply "Pink Ribbon". When the picture was presented to Geri Barash, the executive director of Hewlett House, she suggested having a contest at a local elementary school to rename the picture. The contest was won by a sweet third grader with the present title "Beads of Love". I like it but the picture will always be A Sucker For A Pink Ribbon to me. God Bless.

On a side note, this picture was selected by the Long Beach Art League to be "Miss October" for their 2010 calendar. Contact me if you are interested in one.

Trying to steer clear of roadbumps and navigate a steady course as this heavy hearted summer comes to a close. I know I was not in it alone but the upcoming FinnFest 2009 which will be held on the first Saturday of Autumn the 26th of September at Nickerson Beach Park in Lido Beach, NY has allowed me to channel what positive energy I have left.
Go to www.FinnFestLB.com to find out more. Hope to see you there.

On July 09, 2009 at 12:14 in the afternoon, color as I know it has become somewhat faded. I pray that with time it will return to it's near original sharpness and vividness.

The Long Beach Fine Art Show was a total pissa! Alot of friends and family dropped by my booth to shoot the breeze, have a cup of coffee and the ever burning cigar. My display was erected and set up by brothers Chuck and Billy and carefully broken down by older brother Rich. I could not have done it without them. Nor could I have managed without the assistance of my favorite redhead, Bridgid. Thanks.

There was a good amount of positive feedback and many pieces went. The show was topped off with a First Place ribbon and a cash award. A terrific way to spend both St. Anthony Day and Flag Day.

There is still the West End Artist Guild exhibit in the lobby of the Jackson Hotel which runs through the summer and the newly opened space in the West End Library. Both locations boast artwork from local artists. While at Ever's Place Gallery By The Sea there is a mix of local and world renowned artists. Stop in and browse and tell Scott that I sent you.

Stay loose and keep coming back.
-Marck

What's up kids? I want to thank everyone who came to the reception of my exhibit in Chelsea and also those who visited during the three weeks it was up. The curator, Arlene, had commented to me that there were some real unlikely gallery-goers who truly spiced up the night. When I told her that many were active and retired NYPD she freaked out. Not sure but I think she may have been interested in a couple. She has since e-mailed me asking if I would be interested in returning for another show next year. I may just have to take one for the team. You're welcome in advance and I think you know who you are.

The Long Beach art scene is certainly flourishing. Ever's Place Gallery by the Sea nestled in the West End has really made a name for itself. Scott Evers, the owner of the gallery, has been instrumental in sponsoring many fund raisers and wonderful exhibits at the gallery. Two of my pictures are currently hanging for the themed show 'The Sixties'. Stop by and have a cup of coffee with Scott.

Also new to Long Beach is the creation of the West End Visual Artists Guild's own impromtu gallery space inside the lobby of the Jackson Hotel. The Jackson has been a staple of Long Beach and it is a testament to Old World charm. It is open to the public and there is a variety of artwork on display, including three of my own.

Long Beach, Long Beach, Long Beach. Blah Blah Blah. Some say it's the 'center of the universe'. A local LB poet refers to it as 'Bellevue with a liquor license'. Whatever you might think it is where the action is for sun, fun and art. If you are in the area on Saturday June 13 and Sunday June 14 stop by the JFK Plaza outside of City Hall for the 15th Annual Fine Arts Fair. I will be displaying my work there and as in years passed you can find my spot by simply looking for the plume of cigar smoke. Come on by.

-Marck