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Carson Artist Alexey Steele Unveils Newly Founded Artward Gallery in Scottsdale Neighborhood of Carson on June 27
Noted Southern California artist Alexey Steele will
display two new works from his My Neighbors series, that presents a
passionate and compelling portrayal of representative residents from the
City of Carson, at the newly founded Artward Gallery dedicated to his
ongoing Love My Neighbor public art project. The unveiling will occur
on Tuesday, June 27th from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at Scottsdale Townhomes
located at 23400 Avalon Blvd. in Carson.
Steele’s studio is
located in the heart of Carson, the most racially balanced and diverse
city in the United States. Steele is a proponent of the transformative
nature of art. He also believes that the answer to many of the difficult
issues currently facing society is to get to know and love one’s
neighbor, as inspired by the cherished phrase “love thy neighbor.” His
My Neighbors: Capturing the Soul of America’s Diverse City art series,
which currently totals eight portraits of community members who
represent the strength and soul of Carson. The artist hopes that this
will also encourage visitors to see their own neighbors from a new
perspective and take the message of love for one’s neighbor back to
their own neighborhoods in an effort to inspire social change.
“The
City of Carson is proud of our unique diversity. We are currently
preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our founding with
substantial forward-looking urban development. Alexey Steele’s Love My
Neighbor public art program highlights the city’s civic pride and
showcases Carson’s diversity as we pursue our City motto of ‘Future
Unlimited,’” said Carson Mayor Albert Robles.
“Every street and
every neighborhood has their own widely loved neighbors, and I want
everyone to look around and say ‘Love My Neighbor’ just as I do,” notes
Steele. “With the My Neighbors art series, I have focused on individuals
who are overlooked as the true heroes of our society, as these special
people form the bedrock of the community and provide something real and
solid to hold onto during our troubled times,” he adds, “Everyday people
of diverse backgrounds form the bedrock of the community.”
Steele
was awarded a grant by The City of Carson Cultural Arts Commission for
2015-16 which was followed by the grant for 2016-17 to develop the My
Neighbors series. In this second collaboration between the City and an
artist, Steele focused his attention on the “Scottsdale” neighborhood of
Carson. Following his concept that special neighbors exist in every
neighborhood Steele found a remarkable and inspiring character in
Cirillo Campos, a beloved 75-year old gardener who has been working
continuously in Scottsdale for 31-years and is an icon in the
neighborhood. Steele decided to paint an epic life-size painting
celebrating human dignity shining bright in the world of adversity. To
showcase works of his My Neighbors series to the local community and use
the Love My Neighbor art project as a tool of continuous community
building, Steele established a permanent on-site Artward Gallery.
*Digital images of artwork in the exhibition are available upon request.*
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