Tag Archives: Don Gillespie

Artist Don Gillespie Honored by Barbaro-Gould Foundation & Clearwater Arts Alliance

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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!

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Barbaro-Gould raising funds for Artist Don Gillespie’s “Cloning Neptune” Project

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Cloning Neptune

The Barbaro-Gould Foundation is proud to collaborate with Artist, Don Gillespie, on his upcoming creative project, “Cloning Neptune.” The purpose of this project is to recreate the legendary maritime painting, “At the Mercy of Neptune,” and return it to its original home, Oswego, New York, while educating the public on the great marine painters of the Great Lakes Region during the 19th century.

For many years Don was a concept artist for the space program, painting the future of space travel and interstellar exploration. Recently, he became intrigued with the great marine painters of the 1800s, the artists of exploration in their day. In particular, he is drawn to the painters that were born in Oswego, New York, who were nationally recognized artists for their work. Many who now live in Oswego are unaware of the talent that this area produced in the late 19th century, artists such as James G. Tyler and Charles H. Grant. Don desires to inspire others by recognizing and celebrating these kindred spirits.

Don is embarking on an ambitious project this summer in Oswego, where he will recreate a full-scale replica of Charles Henry Grant’s seminal work, “At the Mercy of Neptune.” This 9ft by 5ft marine painting has been lost to the depths of time, but through rare photos and other related works, he will use the techniques of both Mr. Grant and his instructor, the famous Dutch-American master marine painter, Mauritz Frederick Hendrik de Haas to reconstruct this masterpiece.

The H. Lee White Marine Museum has agreed to allow Don to paint the reproduction in residence at their facility. The finished painting will be donated and Oswego will be its permanent home. In conjunction with this ambitious project, Don will give presentations about these artists to interested groups. He also intends to arrange an art show of marine pieces by local and student artists.

Art is an essential ingredient to a healthy community and is a strong economic driver. This project will encourage all ages to express their creativity, while educating through truly inspiring historical figures from Oswego County. The Barbaro-Gould Foundation, a not for profit 501(c)(3), whose mission is to facilitate the global exchange of culture through art, is assisting on this project. All donations through Barbaro-Gould are tax deductible.

Bronze: $50.00 donation
• A project poster personally signed by the artist
• A thank you letter with a short project description
• A ticket to the grand opening event in Oswego

Silver: $100.00 donation
• 9 x 12 signed limited addition art print on high quality paper of the recreated “At the Mercy of Neptune”
• A certificate of authenticity
• A thank you letter with a short project description
• Two tickets to the grand opening event in Oswego

Gold: $500.00 donation
• 11 x 14 signed giclée print on canvas of the recreated “At the Mercy of Neptune”
• A certificate of authenticity
• A thank you letter with a short project description
• Two VIP tickets to the grand opening event in Oswego, including a question and answer session with the artist

Platnum: $1000.00 donation
• 11 x 14 signed enhanced giclée print on canvas of the recreated “At the Mercy of Neptune”
• A certificate of authenticity
• A thank you letter with a short project description
• Eight VIP tickets to the grand opening event in Oswego, including a question and answer session with the artist

Donations can be made to:
www.barbaro-gould.org (online)

The Barbaro-Gould Foundation, Inc. (through mail)
1211 Hamlet Avenue, Studio D
Clearwater, FL 33756

www.mybrushstrokes.com (through Artist’s site)
Cloning Neptune Flyer