joshua wingerter

Michael Ferrara

mario tennyu

Mario Tennyu is a contemporary artist whose work exists at the intersection of abstraction and figuration. Through a dynamic mixed-media approach, and textured constructs. His creative process is driven by a desire to express the powerful, often contradictory, currents of internal experience—from the struggle of dual natures to the magnetic pull of external forces.

Double Take 1 Mixed Media on Canvas Who is the "you" that looks back when you look within? "Double Take 1" confronts this question head-on. The figure’s two faces are not a flaw, but a feature of a complete self. It is a testament to the war and the peace that can exist within a single soul, a visual representation of the masks we wear and the truths we hide, even from ourselves.

Double Take 2 Mixed Media on Canvas "Double Take 2" feels the heat of an external gaze. This painting is about the electricity of attraction—the kind that makes the back of your neck prickle. It’s that voice, real or imagined, that leans in and disrupts your quiet with a provocative idea. Tennyu captures the moment a thought is no longer your own, but a shared, charged secret hanging in the air or over your shoulder.

WILLIAM BRAEMER

William’s artwork is the result of an amazing life experience and a personality that hungers for rich, character-defining adventures. William’s artwork can be defined as abstract expressionism; notably flavored with valiant colors, rich strokes and provocative themes. From the Caribbean flavored abstract paintings to the ornately crafted sculptures, William’s artwork appeals to a wide cross-section of collectors. As a young man, William was educated in New York and upon graduation, apprenticed in Europe during the 1980’s. While living in Florence, Italy, he was inspired by the city’s rich artistic history and its’ deep-rooted culture. It was this moment in time of William’s life which inspired him to pursue his passion for art; thus, beginning a life-long journey steeped in a love for self-expression.

Artist Statement
“My intense passion and extreme love of life is the foundation of my creativity. Elation, contentment and ultimate satisfaction are the feelings I experience when reaching the completion of one of my pieces, thus granting me the drive and ambition to begin creating a new body of work. I like to define my artistic style as abstract in nature coupled with an expressionist quality.
My interpretation of a subject matter is
transformed into rich, vibrant bold colors
– timeless, awakening the soul, uplifting and radiant. My use of color evokes many moods; each piece I create is a moment in my life and therefore reflects that period of time – my art is the reflection of my eyes looking into my soul.”

David Gildersleeve

David Gildersleeve was born on October 14th, 1968, in the great state of Texas. Through reading comic books in his childhood, he sparked his interest in art at an early age. After earning his MFA, he accepted a position as a teacher of sequential art at SCAD In Savannah, Georgia. David has had a successful career as a painter, illustrator, storyteller, and educator. His work has been featured in many art galleries across the country and has been published in several magazines as well including The Mac Monitor, Comic’s Pro Magazine, and Playboy. David’s other accomplishments include creating the artwork for the Williamsburg Jazz Festival and having his own TEDTalk where he spoke about his artwork. Through his unique style- he is able to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.

David’s work is currently showing in galleries all around the country such as A.T. Hun Gallery in Savannah, GA, Art Mecca in Charleston, SC, The Green Room in Key West, FL, Kress Emporium in Asheville, NC, MedArt Galleries in Dunkirk, Maryland, and Quirks of Art in Williamsburg, Virginia. He has also had various art shows at the Art Fusion Galleries FL, Wilkes Art Gallery in North Wilkesboro, NC, Rocky Mount Art Gallery in Rocky Mount, NC, and Knoxville Emporium in Knoxville, TN.

David sadly passed away in October 2019. His positive, nostalgic artwork has continued to live on and leave a lasting impact on those who find joy in it, thanks to his talented and beautiful wife, Samantha, and his ever on-the-move musicians sons J.D. and Steven, who keep his art and memory alive.