Patrick Arena
Artist, Illustrator, Graphic Designer
Experience
Fine Artist at Patrick Arena Art 1993 - Present - Fine artist working in a number of mediums but specializing in acrylic, catering primarily to galleries, private collectors, and interior designers. Past projects have included portraits, book and advertising illustrations, logo design, architectural renderings, and private commissions.
Digital Imaging Specialist at HudsonYards February 2015 - October 2017 - Photo pre-press, color matching, retouching, Photoshop intensive. Image preparation for publication for print and web media.
Photoshop and Imaging Specialist at Damico Frame & Art Gallery 2016 - 2017 - Photo retouching and restoration, giclée layout and printing, Photoshop intensive.
Organizations
Nashville Drawing Group Founder/Director March 2009 to December 2013 - Created an affordable life drawing resource for Nashville area artists and a network to connect to models and venues.
Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School Branch Director June 2011 to October 2013 - Operated the Nashville branch of Dr. Sketchy's, a nationwide drawing group that brings artists together with burlesque style shows, drinking, and prizes for a unique experience for artists.
Untitled Nashville Board Member, Curator November 2008 to November 2013 - Untitled provided a community for artists as well as providing opportunities for artists to show their work. Untitled also provided education for artists, and created new audiences for the arts. Curated numerous shows, directing installation, programming, and logistics.
KC Life Drawing Group, Kansas City, MO Founding Member 2003 to 2005 - Was a founding member of a weekly life drawing group with artists from the Crossroads Arts District.
Arts Incubator Member Studio Artist 2004 to 2005 - Maintained a studio and participated in group shows at the Arts Incubator, an artist work space located in the Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City, MO.
Open Figure Drawing Member October 1993 to May 2003 - Weekly life drawing group located in Syracuse, NY. Participated in annual group shows.
ThINC Artist Group Member 1999 to 2002 - Member of artist group in Syracuse, NY and participated in group shows.
Phoenix Art Group Production Artist 2000 to 2001 - Produced original artwork for clients in the interior design industry.
Meyer Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ; Gallery Assistant 2001 - Assisted in day-to-day operations, shipped and received artwork, assisted in installations.
Honors and Awards
Award of Excellence Mary S. Oakley Area Artists Showcase, Quincy Art Center; Quincy, IL, November 2007 Regional showcase for emerging and established artists living within a 50-mile radius of Quincy, IL.
Best of Show Grand Prize - Mayor’s Purchase Award Midsummer Arts Faire, Quincy, IL, June 2007 - Won best of show, which was subsequently purchased by the City of Quincy, IL, for permanent installation in city hall in the mayor's chambers
Special Projects
2014 Nashville Scene Paper Box, Celebrating 25 Years of the Nashville Scene - 2012 Performance, curation of Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School at the Bonnaroo Music Festival; Manchester, TN - 2010 Installation Chair, Untitled Nashville Artist Group, ‘Mojo’ Spring Show - 2009 Entertainment Chair, Untitled Nashville Artist Group annual GLOW Show - 2008 Quincy Dance Theatre, “What’s Possible?”, guest visual artist during performance; Quincy, IL
Exhibition History
2016 Poly album release event and art show, Club Roar; Nashville, TN - 2014 Yeast Nashville (solo) Nashville, TN - Artist Residency, Float Nashville; Nashville, TN - 2013 2013 Tomato Art Festival booth exhibition, Nashville, TN - 2012 Sip Café, (solo) Nashville, TN - Untitled Nashville GLOW Show, Nashville, TN - Untitled Nashville Spring Show, Nashville, TN - 2011 Tomato Art Festival, Art & Invention Gallery, Nashville, TN - Octane Gallery Group Show, Nashville, TN - Five Dollar Art Show, Nashville, TN - 2010 Untitled Nashville Summer Show, Nashville, TN - Nashville Flood Relief Benefit Art Show, Nashville, TN - Nashville Bicycle Lounge, Nashville, TN - Pancakes and Booze Art Show, Nashville, TN - Untitled Nashville Spring Show, Nashville, TN 2009 Untitled Nashville Spring Show, Winter Show, Nashville, TN - Untitled Nashville Annual GLOW Show, Nashville, TN- Art Space Nashville, Mixed Art Show, Madison, TN - 2008 Midsummer Arts Faire, Quincy, IL- Hannibal Art Council Fall Show - 2007 Mary S. Oakley Area Artists Showcase, Quincy Art Center; Quincy, IL- Midsummer Arts Faire, Mayor’s Purchase Award; Quincy, IL - 2006 Coffee On Broadway, (solo); Quincy, IL - Bella Sante, (solo); Quincy, IL - 2005 Mary S. Oakley Area Artists Showcase, Quincy Art Center; Quincy, IL - Hannibal Art Council’s Originale Local Artists Show; Hannibal, MO - Raven’s Nest Gallery; Hannibal, MO - 2004 Member’s Show, Art Incubator, Crossroads Arts District; Kansas City, MO - 2003 Group Show, Spark Gallery; Syracuse, NY - 2002 Curated showing, Galaxy Communications Headquarters; Syracuse, NY - 2001 Second Hand Man Group Show, presented by ThiNC; Syracuse, NY - 1999 Metaphorestry Gallery; Syracuse, NY - 1995 Happy Endings Café (solo); Syracuse, NY - 1994 Zopie’s Coffee House (solo); Syracuse, NY - Liverpool Free Library, Group Show; Liverpool, NY