arts Body Beautiful
Gulfport Art Project Part of Body-Themed Art Walk By Abby Baker
Busty Starting with 10 “naked” and blank human busts, the GMC quickly had to cap participation at 20 sculptures. The artists were given zero guidelines, which resulted in a blend of painted, ceramic, clothdraped and beaded submissions. “It just exploded,” Taylor said.
UNGALA GRACE
Originally coined “Nude Night,” the Gulfport Merchants Chamber is hosting “Body Beautiful” to recognize all physiques and spread positivity for Art Walk on Friday, July 2 from 5-9 p.m. throughout downtown Gulfport. The fourth quarterly event is less of a theme, and more of a citywide art project. “It’s campy, it’s sensuous, it’s just fun,” said Brenda McMahon, GMC Art Committee member and gallery owner. “The idea is, we all have a body – why not celebrate it?”
so sensual,” McMahon said. “It’s very strong work, very emotionally provocative. We’re thrilled to have her.”
The Idea “The Third Eye Mystic,” by Ungala Grace at Sumitra.
For those wondering about the colorful torsos guarding several GMC-affiliated businesses, they’re all part of the fun. “I thought, ‘How can we do art with our bodies?’” Taylor said. “Then came the human canvas idea.” Julie Haura’s fiercely female charcoal paintings will be the face of the event, with Haura the featured artist on Friday and the artist of the month at Brenda McMahon Gallery throughout July. “Her pieces are so intense yet
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JULIE HAURA
The night of the event, patrons will see form-filled canvases, body jewelry and sculpture that reflects a more naked ideal. “I’ve painted a bunch of nudes and there’s not really a place to display them – hotels and restaurants can’t show that type of work,” said Lisa Taylor, a GMC member who pushed for the idea. “I loved the idea of giving people a chance to show art with their bodies.” In addition to the monthly juried art show, there will be four volunteers painted head to toe with body art strolling the streets, a belly dancer and a “sexy” fire performer at the North End Taphouse.
Julie Haura’s charcoal nude paintings encapsulate the essence of Body Beautiful.
“We ended up allowing 22 because we had such a response.” Taylor herself created a Frida Kahlo-inspired female bust, titled simply “Frida,” and draped in painted linen inspired by Kahlo’s Spanish-style garments. Taylor, former owner of the Red Elephant Yoga and Massage Studio, was inspired by Kahlo’s iconic pieces; like Kahlo, she was creating while fighting off an illness that left her bedridden. “Some days I feel like I have a
theGabber.com | June 24, 2021 - June 30, 2021
