PHOTO GALLERY: Bombay Martini’s “artsy” grand opening

Art lovers, customers and well-wishers packed the Bombay Martini Bar Friday night the grand opening party. Attendees made their selection from a well stocked buffet, sampled the various martinis available, enjoyed the music and admired the art of various local artists.

The grand opening allowed local artists the chance to exhibit their works. An appreciating audience moved from one artist to the next admiring their creations.

The featured artists showcasing their works were: Joel Gewirtz, Kathleen Amantea Douglas, Tracy Gudgel, Betty Newman, Arleen (Perrotti) Harris, and Tara O’Neill.

Tracy Gudgel used the evening to showcase her “Mermaids in Martinis” series of paintings. Gudgel found inspiration for the mermaids in her paintings from three of her close friends; Marilyn “Cosmo” Prigge, Sherry “Apple Martini” Allen, and Ella “Queen Rose” Combs. The three added to the excitement of the night by arriving dressed as the mermaids from the paintings.

The Bombay Martini Bar was the ideal location for Betty Newman to showcased three paintings from her “Party People” series. The paintings seemed to be right at home surrounded by martini drinking friends.

Joel Gewirtz used the evening to promote his Marco Island Coffee Table photo book. Gewirtz selected a few of his favorite prints to draw attention to his book

Tara O’Neill displayed some of her favorite paintings. O’Neill’s “Sunburst” from her umbrellas collection drew a great deal of attention.

Bombay Martini Co-Manager Darlene Davies said “I am happy with the turnout”. Davies continued “I am very excited about the new place.” It was very had to catch up with Davies to chat; she was very busy filling all the martini orders.