Artist Don Gillespie was honored by the Barbaro-Gould Foundation & Clearwater Arts Alliance in a gathering sponsored by THe Sand Pearl Hotel in Clearwater, Florida last night. Allon Sams treated attendees to music on a piano, on loan from The Barbaro-Gould Foundation during Sun Coast Jazz Classic, and painted by Don during a Clearwater Arts Alliance Community project late last year. The piano is on playable and on view at The Sand Pearl through November and then will return to The Barbaro-Gould Foundation Studio D Art Center (1211 Hamlet Avenue, Studio D, Clearwater, FL 33756) where it remains on display for public use and enjoyment.

After Don shared the details of his Cloning Neptune project and future artistic endeavors, Jennifer Barbaro spoke on the importance of The Clearwater Arts Alliance and what it means to her to be a part of this board; “First of all, I am honored to sit on the board of The Clearwater Arts Alliance, amongst a group of people that are so committed, passionate, and dedicated to positively affecting the Clearwater Community and our youth-through Supporting the arts.

Additionally, as an art lover who co-founded a not for profit art center & foundation based in Clearwater, it is so important to have a group like the Clearwater Arts Alliance that helps all artists and organizations to advocate, foster & promote cultural awareness in Clearwater.

Jennifer went on to speak of the role of The Barbaro-Gould Foundation in the Cloning Neptune project and to honor Don for his accomplishments; “Each year The Barbaro-Gould Foundation recognizes artists who not only show accomplishment in
their personal artistry, but display leadership in public art for their communities and future generations of artists. While working with Don Gillespie and Cloning Neptune to help support the project, the Barbaro-Gould Foundation had the amazing opportunity to visit Don in Oswego, NY and see him as an artist in residence, the project in process, and witness first hand the profound effect Don had and continues to have in that community and beyond, full circle back to Clearwater.”

The Barbaro-Gould Foundation recognized Don Gillespie and his most recent 2015 project, Cloning Neptune for artistic accomplishment, youth mentorship & public art contribution with a celebratory plaque.

Congratulations and Thank you to Don, The Clearwater Arts Alliance for organizing the gathering, The Sand Pearl hotel for sponsoring the event, and for all of the attendees who came out and supported public art!