June 7, 2006 – Mitch Gibbs will be the featured artist at "The Art Show" at Alexander's Bella Blu. The "Island Landscapes" exhibit of prints and reproductions of Gibbs' Caribbean images opens Friday with a meet-the-artist reception at Alexander's in Frenchtown from 5 to 7 p.m.
Formally trained at York Academy of Arts in York, Pa., Gibbs graduated with honors, established a fine art career, and moved to the Virgin Islands 21 years ago. The Caribbean landscapes captured his full attention as an artist and he soon established a diverse body of work reflecting his travels throughout the islands, Claire Ochoa, show coordinator and gallery owner, said in a release.
n 1989 he became the artist-in-residence at Marriott Frenchman's Reef St. Thomas, and began painting on site from Morningstar Beach. The interest in his work grew beyond the resort and today he may also be seen in downtown St. Thomas in his Palm Passage venue.
"For the show, I chose the images that are the most popular with collectors and a few of my personal favorites. These images really seem to strike a chord with visitors and locals alike representing everything from favorite beaches and street scenes, to beautiful sunsets,"Gibbs said in the release.
His most recent pieces reflect his interest to paint in an impressionistic style, away from the photo-realistic style that marked his earlier work. His newest originals may be seen in Gallery St. Thomas on Main Street, marking a new stage in his career: establishing an association with a gallery. "Mitch Gibbs and I are both excited about his first permanent showing in a gallery. Collectors have responded enthusiastically and we look forward to working together,"Ochoa said. ."His fine art originals are a must-see in downtown St. Thomas."
When not creating or representing his work, Gibbs relaxes with wife Amy and 2-year-old son, Soren. His other passions include pursuing his artistic development, playing golf, and joining in on volleyball games at Morningstar Beach.
The exhibit will run through July 13, 2006 and is open to the public.
All show images are for sale and prices range from $36 to $950. For more information contact Ochoa at Gallery St. Thomas at 340-777-6363 or toll free 877-797-6363.
