The Huntington Arts Council will present a new exhibit, Summit: A Solo Exhibition by Diego Garcia, that will be on display from April 6 through April 28. An opening reception will take place on Friday, April 6 from 6 to 8 p.m., and there will also be a closing reception with a performance by Dudley Music on Friday, April 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. All are welcome to attend these free events at the Main Street Gallery, 213 Main Street in Huntington.
A self-taught painter born and raised on Long Island, Garcia has had a passion for art since childhood. He began his artistic journey inspired by Walt Disney, graffiti, and taking honors art classes at Brentwood High School. He started to take his craft seriously around the age of 17, with commission work and group exhibitions.
The now 25-year-old artist finds himself showing his work in numerous galleries and venues on Long Island and in New York City. Since 2015, he has had two successful solo exhibitions, Fire Away in Huntington and Leaving in Chelsea. Garcia’s last show was a private art gala for The Covenant House NY, an organization that provides services for homeless youth in the city.
“Summit is very special to me,” says Garcia. “Since my first solo show in 2015, I have embarked on a journey of self-evaluation and growth. My mission to inspire and depict emotions comes with strong convictions and certainty. I paint children to help advocate to the viewer a message greater than myself: that children need to be nurtured and loved, that they are the future. Over time I realized that as I spread this message, personifying emotions with these innocent subjects, I also subconsciously worked on myself. I have painted extroverted emotions and experiences of joy, wonder and exuberance. I have painted introverted emotions of loneliness, timidness and fear. My insecurity, my confidence, my message all in one. We can all relate to these feelings, both child and adult.”
Mark Coutrade, executive director of the Huntington Arts Council, said the following about the exhibit: “Diego Garcia is a very talented, up and coming, Long Island artist. We are thrilled to present Summit, his solo exhibit. Diego’s passion and appreciation for the opportunity to present his point of view here on Long Island are so inspirational. His use of color and ‘motion’ in his pieces bring his emotion to the surface for all who get to experience his work. Diego’s approach to his art is enhanced by his love of music. The closing reception will feature a performance by his close friend, Dudley Music. An event not to be missed.”
Dudley Music incorporates the genuine artistry of hip hop with jazz style elements, presenting a sound that is completely new. Garcia said, “I have known Dudley since elementary school. We became best friends in high school. It’s important to me for Dudley to preform at this show because his mission and mine are one in the same, just in different fields. Dudley and I want to transcend artistic and cultural boundaries to create positive change in the Long Island art community. He is my brother and is just as important to me and my purpose as the paintings themselves.”
If you would like more information about the exhibition and planned events, go to www.huntingtonarts.org.
