Art in Life
The Gulf Coast
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Art in Life
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Join Smithsonian artist Lori K Gordon
in some very special commemorations of the fifth anniversary of
Hurricane Katrina. She is joined by fellow artists Michelle Allee,
Mary-Pat Forrest and Louis, MS during the first two weeks of
August.  Continued next page.
A Class Act....
By Nicholas Carter


As soon as you enter Negrotto's Gallery
& Custom Framing you find that this is
where culture meets class. A long time
favorite of the Mississippi Gulf Coast,
Negrotto's has been providing quality
framing and featuring prominent artist
both local and international for years.
Owner/operator/director Romy & Butch
Simpson take such pride in their business
and it shows in the smiles of all their
satisfied customers.
With over 50 artist creating the
collective works of Negrotto's Gallery,
diverse and eclectic does not begin to describe the over all
aesthetic.  Negrotto's has been growing into a more interactive
artist venue, with their Artist Open House every Saturday where the
featured artist(s) display, discuss & demonstrate their medium. As
well as "A Stroke of Genius" an evening art class held monthly*,
with wine glass painting or my favorite canvas painting with Milo
Stephens. Always a good time to be had.
Negrotto's houses artists such as
American Master Emitt Thames, local
artist Pat Odom, Sandra Halat, Coast
favorite Marlin Miller, quirky sculptor
Spencer Gray and many more. Clay
sculptor Gerrol Benigno represents
Negrotto's Gallery in a special light as
the on site artist, where you can
schedule appointments for custom jewelry, sculpture, and more.
Gerrol also instructs a pottery/sculpture class through the
Handsboro Community Center (one I happen to take), contact
Gerrol for information. The most famous part of Negrottos is
perhaps Denim, a Bedlington Terrier, possibly the most gentle and
friendly dog around, not to mention unique. People pop in just to
visit Denim he is more like the gallery mascot.
As mentioned before the gallery has a variety of artist, artist works
and mediums, not be intimidated by the selection and some high
end priced original works, yes there are $15,000 originals but that
scale works its way down to more affordable alternatives, such as
$10 prints. Providing an option for anyone who comes to
Negrotto's.  A perfect place to customize and display your priceless
memories, with on hand designers such as Nancy Creel, their to
guide you through all your design decisions you really cannot go
wrong when preserving your own history.
As if managing a family of seven wasn't enough Romy Simpson
shows her commitment and dedication to her family, business and
community on a daily basis. Donating art, merchandise and her own
time for causes and fundraisers across the Gulf Coast and beyond.
Recently Romy was nominated for The Top 50 Business Women of
Mississippi, among other nominations for herself and Negrotto's as
well as many previously received certificates and awards. Negrotto's
is more than just local gallery its a family business where it takes
everyone (including Demin) to create this well tuned collective.
So if you are interested in learning about art, maybe creating some
of your own, or investing in our local color Negrotto's should
definitely be on your to do list. With the current expansion of
Negrotto's Custom Framing featured in The Gallery, 700
Washington Ave, OS MS, you can now have more location options
when it comes to your custom framing. If I had to break down the
main focus of Negrotto's , it is not about flashy art but more of
human interest if anything. Thank you to
another local business leading the way to
the rise of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and
contributing to the success of other local
businesses. Visit Negrotto's Gallery &
Custom Framing @ 2465 Executive Place
(just north of Edgewater Mall) Biloxi MS
39531, or call for times and dates
(228)388 8822. Thank you and be sure
to find some art in your world today or
better yet, create some.
Promoting Gulf Coast Functions
by Philip L. Levin


What is an artist to do when he wants to create a function?  On
the Gulf Coast one of the best sources for artistic promotion is
the IP Casino, Resort & Spa, which can provide both funding
and facilities.  IP assists a variety of non-profit organizations
here and across the Southeast United States.  “We send out a
Mississippi Charities Fund form to those requesting cash
contributions, review those applications annually, and decide
how a community partnership could be a win-win for all
involved,” explained Elaine Stevens, Public Relations Manager at
the IP.  “Another way that we help is by donating in-kind
services and gifts to non-profit fundraisers.”  With more than
$10 million dollars in gifts over the past five years, the IP has
supported a cross-section of non-profits, including the Boys
and Girls Club, the Mental Health Association, the Gulf Coast
Symphony Orchestra, the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, and
the Ohr O’Keefe Museum.  For the IP to be interested in
working with an organization, their missions must be aligned
socially and artistically.

If your 501c3 organization contracts to work with the IP, they’ll
use their staff and facilities to create a remarkable event,
providing banquet rooms, culinary staff, floral arrangements,
decorations and advertising.  I’m working personally with Elaine
and IP on this November’s Southern Expressions GCWA Author
Conference and finding their cooperation and expertise “more
than I expected!” (one of their slogans)

For the individual, many of these events are opportunities to
showcase artists’ works through silent auctions.  Here all types
of art are featured, such as literature, pottery, photography,
painting and woodwork.  Consider a tax deduction contribution
of your work to build your reputation as well as help a
worthwhile charity.

Another artistic opportunity Elaine Stevens offers is her weekly
television show titled “Art Beat” www.wkfk.com (click Art Beat).  
Showing on cable in the Eastern Mississippi coastal region and
streaming live on the Internet, the show is entirely dedicated to
the arts, including culinary, performing, literary and visual.
Showcasing local artists, she’s presented such surprises as a
guitar-playing dentist and a casino dealer who creates mural
art.  

If your 501c3 organization would like to work with IP on a
charity event, you’d like to donate to a silent auction, or you
have a talent to showcase for Art Beat, contact Elaine Stevens
at stevense@ipbiloxi.com.
More articles by Philip Levin.
Exploring Local Color       
Galleries of the Gulf Coast
negrottos gallery event
negrottos gallery event
poetry reading negrottos gallery
More inside looks at local galleries here.
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