|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The popular exhibits of local artists hosted by ArtSouth and the Village of Palmetto Bay at the historic Perrine Community House had already showcased seven area artists in the monthly events when the plug was pulled on the program because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Artist Marcelle Zanetti was to be next on the schedule, but her show had to be postponed.
“It was a few days before my one woman exhibition, ‘Transitions,’ at Perrine Community House in Palmetto Bay,” Zanetti said. “All my paintings were wrapped and ready, my invitations were sent, a van was rented for delivery, my help was lined up and we were ready to go.
“I received a call saying the event was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic. I was disappointed but in total agreement. This wasn’t a time to take any chances. I had also been invited to be part of an all women’s show at FIU Biscayne Bay Campus, Glenn Hubert Library. “Art Herstory, A Collective Art Exhibition” celebrating Women’s History Month. We chose a very large ‘Red Croton’ which can be seen on my website and had it delivered.”
Then FIU was put on lockdown and the opening was cancelled, although the exhibition is still hanging in an empty library.
“All of my galleries were on lockdown, my ‘Open Studio’ painting class at Fairchild Garden was cancelled, Miami Dade established a curfew, everything was closing. I decided to immerse myself in creating a new painting series. I was going abstract and minimal. The series of paintings on paper looked fantastic. How could I go from an artist to a promoter of my work?”
Beatriz Herman from ArtSouth called to discuss a virtual event. Zanetti could put all her work online for people to see. The Village of Palmetto Bay and ArtSouth would sponsor the event.
“The timing was perfect,” Zanetti said. “I was thrilled to be asked. It was a lot of work, as Beatriz cautioned, but I was up for the challenge.
“The timing was perfect. I worked editing and downloading images, labels with sizes, medium and price’s were added. Now I had to create a script, work with Palmetto Bay’s Tech department as well as Saylin Paez, director of Events. Everyone was very helpful. The show must go on!”
The event went live on Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. If you missed the live exhibit you can see it for the next two months on The Village of Palmetto Bay’s website at https://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/1217/Virtual-Art-Gallery.
Mayor Karyn Cunningham was pleased that things worked out after the initial disappointment.
“I am glad to see that we were able to bring the community together for another great local Palmetto Bay artist, Marcelle Zanetti,” Mayor Cunningham said. “Marcelle was scheduled to present at Perrine Community House just as we locked down at the beginning of the pandemic. Finally, we were able to pivot this event to a virtual gallery highlighting Marcelle’s artwork. One more example of Palmetto Bay talent. I look forward to many more art opportunities in collaboration with ArtSouth.”
Beatriz Herman of Art South confirmed the plan.
“We are hoping to have the same every two months, therefore March will be the next one,” Herman said. “Also we are going to have, once a month, an exhibit from a different artist at Coral Reef Park on Saturdays at the fresh market area.”
Zanetti was happy that ArtSouth and the village had found a way to come to the rescue.
“I was the first artist showcased in what will be a bimonthly event,” Zanetti said. “I gave it my best shot. The events director was very happy and asked if I would consider doing a one woman show when Perrine Community House opens once again. Sign me up. I can’t wait to show everyone my paintings.”
Zanetti has been painting for more than 30 years. She has managed an art gallery in Wynwood as well as owned a gallery and studio in Palmetto Bay. Zanetti’s work also can be seen on her website at www.marcellezanetti.com.
