Ted Davis's VERY SPECIAL EDITION - Rolando "Out of the BOX" - Word is out it's "JUST FAB" - Got to have ART

 

Thank you Ted Davis!        " I am honored to showcase my friend, fellow artist and flawless gallerist.      ROLANDO CHANG BARRERO He is an extraordinary HUMAN BEING!" - Ted Davis   Launched in April 2020 - Off The Wall has featured 58 South Florida Artists as a platform to help provide financial support to local artists, affected by the COVID19 Pandemic. Enjoy this edition of our Artist Spotlight.

Artist Spotlight OFF THE WALL     Bio/About:    Rolando Chang Barrero Born 1962, Coconut Grove, Florida Currently resides in West Palm Beach, Florida BFA, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 1990 With over 30 years of exprience in in the arts... Rolando Chang Barrero, began his career in the late 70's as graphic designer at  Diamond Dust, Michael T Shirts Inc.  By the early 80's he helped developed a fashion line "Dust" for the company which took them into the New York Fashion Industry and into the trendiest shops in  New York City, Hollywood, Miami, San Francisco, Chicago, and Detroit. Rolando Chang Barrero maintains a working art studio, an emerging artists exhibition space called  ActivistArtistA at the Boynton Bach Art District and owns and operates Rolando Chang Barrero Fine Art at The Box Gallery in West Palm Beach, Florida.

The works featured here are available for purchase directly through the Artist. The Artist makes 100% of the profit of the sale of the artwork, so this is a great time to support them, while enhancing your art collection. The artist will directly pack and ship the product to you.  All works are signed by the artist! For more information on these featured artworks or to make a purchase you can email:   Rolando directly at  rolandobarrero@mac.com

Pride Empowerment Panels $1,000.00 each/  $4,500 all six , 4’ x 8’ each About the panels: The 2019 Palm Beach Pride "Empowerment Panels" created and painted by artist Rolando Chang Barrero with the help and support of artist Kat Janis of were seen during the Compasss sponsored event that honored the 50 years of an amazing journey since the riot in Greenwich Village Ny at the #StonewallInn in 1969 which launched the the #gayrights movement. The amazing event marks the 50 year anniversary of the many struggles towards #freedom, and #equality. The historical importance and impact of our #bisexual, #transgender, #queer, #intersex, #drag and #ally community s in #LGBTQAi Civil Rights movement are never to be lost nor forgotten! As such, this year 2019 Palm Beach Pride and Wynwood Pride , as in years past, we celebrated the contributions of all the members our community that work every day to correct and secure our history. While I am honored to have my work selected by Compass and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County and the AXS Law Group , it is not so much about the work itself, but of the portraits selected for the six "Empowerment Panels." . Red panel (LIFE) is of Michael Brown, who before his tragic death in 2008, Michael Brown owned #WestPalmBeach landmark H.G. Roosters . For years, Roosters was one of the only local gathering places of people in the #LGBTQ community. Michael was a #philanthropist who personally saved the lives of countless people, and traveled the world with the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt to educate others about the spread of #HIVAIDS. His NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Panel is on permanent display at Compass Community Center. May he rest in peace and in our hearts. . Orange panel (Healing) is of Charles Capers/Melissa St John our community's iconic drag queen. Charles was interviewed as part of the Compass/Palm Beach Dramaworks #LegacyProject in 2018, and has worked tirelessly for many years to raise money and awareness to help those living with HIV/AIDS. In the 1980 and 90s she and others ran Mother's Cupboard a food pantry for gays and lesbians surviving with the virus, which fed thousands of people with very little public support. . Yellow panel (SUNLIGHT) is of Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz ( Ruth Berman ) who have been instrumental in fighting for LGBTQ rights for decades. Their pioneering fight for equality started in the New York public school system, and culminated with the re-introduction of the #RuthieandConnieLGBTElderAmericansActBill in the U.S. House of Representatives in #March2019: https\://www.congress.gov/…/115th-con…/house-bill/4222/titles. Connie passed away in May of 2018 but lives on in the enthusiasm and energy Ruthie continues to bring to LGBTQ issues in #PalmBeachCounty. Green panel (NATURE) is of Carole Bloom Benowitz our president and founder of PFLAG - Palm Beach County. Carole has dedicated her life to raising awareness and acceptance of LGBTQ people, especially with their families. She has helped to start #PFLAGchapters in other communities as well, driving hundreds of miles a week to lead the fledgling groups. Carole, a recipient of Compass’ prestigious #MichaelBrownMemorialFacesoftheCommunityAward in 2018, is a dear #ally and friend. . Blue panel (HARMONY/PEACE) is of Andy Amoroso, a local business owner, Vice Mayor of Lake Worth Beach and a member of the community who was instrumental in Compass’ move to Lake Worth, and the long standing relationship Compass shares with the City of Lake Worth Beach. Andy is the first openly gay city commissioner in Lake Worth. . Purple panel (SPIRIT) is of Jazz Jennings, a resident of #SouthFlorida, is a former #PalmBeachPrideGrandMarshal and a tireless #advocate for #transgender equality and visibility. Her show on TLC, “ I Am Jazz ” has brought awareness of trans issues to millions of Americans.

Debutante Dresses, 20” x 20” $600 Custom Painted (commissions only).

Fun Fact     I don’t dream of what could be, should be or can be, I remove obstacles blocking my vision and make it happen.   How Covid-19 has affected my life and inspired their work:   I almost got caught in the COVID trap and went full throttle into a depression after losing three women in my life, my mother included. I didn’t that goodness. Instead I busied myself painting myself out of that trap. I focused on creating joyful “Pajaros” for and upcoming installation at the Mexican Consulate gallery in Miami. Painting has a way to keep me sane, focused and thinking  clearly. Among the 50 pajaros painted there are the three dedicated to the women lost in my family/   What are you most looking forward to, in a post covid world: I’m so looking forward to going out and dancing again…we got to keep dancing in clubs, on tables, wherever-just keep dancing til we can’t any longer. What has inspired you to take so many chances and risks in your career: I was diagnosed as terminally ill at 32, so I guess for the last two decades I just do what ever I can to leave a legacy behind…to inspire our community to never let an illness, or anything else, get in the way of what you want to do in life. How do you stay so motivated: I watch the news to get angry, I got to the park to feel joy, I go to the beach, I do all kinds of things to generate a heightened sense of being and then go to my studio and transfer it into my work. I rely on outside stimulation a lot.   What is on my Playlist: Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf, etc., I should have been a drag queen I live for dramatic songs that I can belt out loud when I’m alone. What I am watching: I’m watching "Taxi zum Klo" again and studying it. It’s a fabulous German flick…very dark humor and sexually very explicit for it time.   What I am eating: Anything that Hello Fresh delivers- meals delivered in a box. How I am exercising and keeping healthy: I stand and sit often, stand while cooking and sit while eating.   Inspiration that you can pass on to others: Just because someone opens a door doesn’t mean you must go through it today... Are you doing anything to help others/organizations: Yes I am, raising money, elevating others, dragging people into the spotlight always! There’s room for everyone to shine.   Anything else you would like to include: EVERYTHING LOL Live life to the fullest! Always keep dancing! Preferred Email Address: PalmBeachFineArtGallery@Gmail.com

Rostro, Acrylic on wood wine box,  $700