The event will be held in May at the Philip DeAngelo Studio
Michael Cartellone, drummer for the beloved rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, makes his Asheville, NC debut with an exhibit of his newest artwork. The exciting show will be held at the Philip DeAngelo Studio in Asheville’s iconic River Arts District. Adding to the excitement is a reception with the artists on Saturday, May 25th from noon until 3 pm. The event is free and open to the public.
The show, titled Bella Italia will be a unique experience featuring paintings by artists Michael Cartellone of New York City and Philip DeAngelo, of Asheville, NC. Built around an agreed-upon topic for side-by-side paintings in celebration of one of the world’s most beloved and revered locations – Italy. The show will also include a display of additional works by each artist, expanding the depth of the event.
The genesis for Bella Italia can be traced to when the two visual artists met and discovered that they have ancestral roots from the same area of Italy, specifically, Sicily. As they exchanged stories, it became clear that an art show celebrating their beloved shared Italian heritage would be a wonderful way to capture the essence of those conversations. The synergy between their shared experiences and the vibrant culture of Italy became the inspiration for this meaningful project.
“I’m very excited to do my first Art Exhibit in Asheville in the exciting River Arts District. And, sharing the event with the very talented Philip DeAngelo, makes it even better,” Cartellone shares. “My grandparents are from Bronte, Sicily and I have a lot of family still there. Each time I return from a visit I am inspired to paint the places I experienced. Every Italian-themed painting I have done for this show is based off of a spot I have actually stood in. By doing this, through my Art, I can transport myself back to the place of my family origin. That is the emotion I strive to bring to my Artwork … when you look at my work, you feel like you are there.”
DeAngelo details, “The show’s centerpiece comprises two signature paintings that converge on the same perspective: the enchanting Greek Theater in Taormina, Sicily. Each of our paintings will represent the distinct contrast between our individual artistic styles. Every brushstroke and color choice tells a unique story, offering viewers a dual glimpse into the beauty of this iconic location through the lens of two different artists. This intentional duality highlights our diverse but shared exploration of Italian heritage.”
Philip DeAngelo Studio is located at 115 Roberts Street, Asheville NC 28801.
The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour, the first co-headlining tour featuring ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd, continues with 36 additional performances throughout North America in 2024. After the recent death of original founding member Gary Rossington, the Lynyrd Skynyrd band members and estates have decided to continue to honor the musical legacy of the band that is celebrating 50 years of generational history in American rock and roll. The current members, led by Johnny Van Zant, the singer for the past 36 years, were unsure if they would continue following Gary’s untimely passing. After much discussion with the band, the families of Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins, and Dale Rossington, the collective has reached unified support, and feel that continuing to perform live, and keeping the music alive, is in the best interest of the fans and everyone involved.
