Feb. 25, 2005 – Alexander's Bella Blu and Gallery St. Thomas present Art Show Monthly featuring Tracy Monsanto-Ortiz and a vivid selection of her orginal works. The show opens Friday evening, March 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Alexander's Bella Blu in Frenchtown, and will continue through Thursday, April 14.
Tracy Monsanto-Ortiz grew up in Trinidad and is thrilled to be exhibiting in the birthplace of her grandfather, Oswald Monsanto. His love for music and art inspired his family to have great respect for the arts. Sunday afternoons were spent with the entire family playing the piano, singing, drawing and learning about various artists working in a variety of mediums.
"St. Thomas and the surrounding islands are like a second home to me. As I prepared for this exhibit, I often took a nostalgic journey remembering times my family spent with Clara O'Neal, the sister of my father, (Cyril Monsanto), her husband, Eric O'Neal, and my cousin Charlene O'Neal Henderson.", Monsanto-Ortiz said.
Monsanto-Ortiz focused primarily on acrylics on canvas and paper for this exhibit. The viewer is drawn into the warmth expressed in each of her paintings, be it realistic or abstract in nature. "I usually begin my paintings by adding texture to the surface about to be worked on. This starts the creative journey that I experience and express. I want the viewer to see the build up of textures and react to these passages."
Monsanto-Ortiz completed her formal art education at Bristol Polytechnic, England. She graduated with a Bachelor of education degree with a specialization in fine art. She resides and has her studio in Tampa, Florida. She is a member of several art organizations in her community. Her paintings are held in private collections in the United States, Europe and the Caribbean.
Art Show Monthly opens with a reception for the artist on Friday March 4, 2005 from 5-7pm at Alexander's Bella Blu. To preview the exhibit go to www.gallerystthomas.com or contact the show coordinator at 777.6363. The exhibit will remain on view through April 14 and is open to the public.