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DAN CUTRONA
The Creative Genius Behind “Pops on the Beach”
Cleber Stecei Allyson Brainson of Citizens Bank and Julie Wake of the AFCC unveil “Pops on the Beach”
hen Cleber Stecei’s “Pops on the Beach” was auctioned off at our Spring Soirée at the end of May, it was an emotional moment for the painter who was commissioned to create this year’s Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea artwork. Every artist dreams of moments like this: an acknowledgment that their talent is appreciated by others. With Stecei’s Pops piece, there was never any doubt. “The Arts Foundation is so fortunate to work with Cleber. From the moment we saw his work we knew he was the right artist for this year. His style of painting is mysterious, magical, and captivating,” says AFCC Executive Director Julie Wake. Stecei’s inspiration for the painting was to “portray the best of a summer Cape Cod day, which landed the musicians and audience on a pristine beach.”
Originally from Marinaga, Brazil, Stecei came to the Cape, and its pristine beaches, nearly 20 years ago. A decade later, he made another transition — from painting as a hobby to painting as a profession. His reaction to “Pops on the Beach” was a mixture of emotions, ranging from relief to fulfillment. The fact that it has been positively received by so many is the icing on the cake. “It is very satisfying,” he says. Ever the artist, the 40-year-old Stecei refuses to stop here, using his experience with the Pops as motivation to continue perfecting his craft. Last month, he unveiled 20 new pieces as part of a collection of landscapes during a one-man show at Addison Art Gallery in Orleans. With Stecei, the best is yet to come as he continues to tap into his creativity. “For me, art is everything,” he says. “I’m always thinking about art, so for me it’s part of my life.”
“For me, art is everything.” — Cleber Stecei 12
Pops by the Sea 2016
