Photo by QUENTIN ROUX // Buy this photo

“Sowing”

Sculptor and teacher Alea has garnered many awards in his young career, and is represented in collections all over the world. The Florida State graduate, received his MFA at Pennsylvania Academy of fine Arts in 2004. He is currently on the faculty for sculpture at the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach, Fla., and provides technical support for the foundry and welding/metal fabrication area at Florida Miami Dade College.

His stainless and steel sculpture, “Sowing,” is currently on display at Exit Charde Realty, 207 N Collier Blvd. Alea says “Emotive posturing is the central idea of my work. I use memories from my life to illustrate the many levels of communication the human body, unencumbered by language can relate. This crosses cultural and historical periods, asserting these emotions as real and provocative.”

Alea also has not one, but two bronze sculptures, both versions of “Aegis,” at Orion Bank at 605 Bald Eagle Drive. The first version, the smaller piece, arrived in time for the official unveiling on November 15, 2007. “Aegis,” originally from Greek mythology, was the name of the protective shield of Zeus. The term has entered modern English to mean a shield, protection, or sponsorship.

A larger version of “Aegis” was installed at Orion Bank on Dec. 27. While based on the same imagery, this bronze is very different from the original. Both are Alea’s expressions of strength and protection – perfect symbols for a bank!

ArtQuest is the biennial feature event of the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts, Inc., a 501(c) (3) all-volunteer charitable organization. This exhibition, which continues through April 15, includes 17 sculptures by artists from far-flung locations such as Switzerland, Maine, New York, and Colorado. Several Florida artists are also represented. All of the sculptures are for sale. Details can be obtained from Juan Munera at the Studio Gallery: 239-394-5452. The ArtQuest 2008 guide and map is available at any of the sponsor’s locations.

For more information about ArtQuest 2008, contact the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts 239-389-1603, or visit our Web site www.marcoarts.org.

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