Pictured right, Chasing the Narwhal by Michael Pukac
9:30am | In its new location on the North West corner of 4th and Linden, Lyon Art Supply continues to be a celebrated regional resource for artists of all kinds. Art Martinez, the store manager, has been quietly organizing local artists to gather tomorrow for a unique presentation of live painting, music, and good times. I asked Art how the event, called Lyon At Night, came to be.
Art: I wanted to use the space to add to the local art scene. I invited 20 or so artist friends to show their work, and a few bands to fill the space. This will be the first event of this kind for us and, if it works, I’m thinking about 2nd Saturday in December as well. I think the store should be involved in the ‘art walk,’ and this is how we’re going to do it. [laughs] I want to offer more than what’s already going on. We’ll offer more to do, see, and experience. More is always better, I think.
Sander: Can you talk about a few of the artists you’re expecting?
Art: Live painters Michael Pukac, Steven Kleindorfer, Steven Amado, with Ray and Cora Vasquez and Margie Darrow painting panels supplied by Tinderbox. Some artists, including Jennifer Tenace, Alex Rips, and Pete Buchan will be selling work. Craft Mafia will be there as well.
Sander: And what about music?
Art: Music starts at 7 PM, and will feature Poe & the Nightingale, Paper Kites, and Dennis Robicheau & The Sophisticates. We’ll also have DJs, on and off, starting at 4 PM. It is a very positive event to add to the Citys growing art scene.
—
Michael Pukac is one of the featured ‘live painters’ scheduled to participate in tomorrow’s gathering. He explained how he discovered that his talents as an artist had commercial potential.
Michael: I’ve been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember, but the first time that I found out that I could benefit from it was in fourth grade. I’d make ‘nudy’ drawings for the eighth graders in exchange for their snack money. They would give me a photograph to work from. I specialized in bathing suit removal.
Sander: Is the process of ‘live’ painting different than the work you do in your studio?
Michael: Yes, a little. The speed and focus is brought up a notch. I feed off of the audience’s energy. Its great!
—
Lyon Art Supply is located at 441 East 4th Street, and Lyon At Night runs from 4 – 10 PM. More information can be found at LyonArtSupply.com