Preparing an art experience Nick Frasco will unveil his latest work

by Mark Jahne

Editor

Submitted photos

Nick Frasco is an artist who loves to create. But he also understands the business aspect of being a professional artist and the need to market one’s work.

Put the two together and you have a combination of art, performance and live music scheduled for May 2 at the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center. Plumrose will be the musical guest.

Nick Frasco’s art is not limited to canvas.

The two-part event for this Wethersfield resident begins with an exhibit entitled “Jolie-Laide,” an afternoon of art, music, wine and beer. Those French words translate as “pretty” and “ugly.” Hors d’oeuvres and finger food will be served.

He’s also planning to include a military memorial in honor of his late father who died five years ago.

The evening portion of the reception from 7-10:30 p.m. is called “Resurrection.” Frasco is hard at work preparing a one-man show that he hopes will leave a lasting impression.

Frasco’s art is not all of a conceptual style. This is his painting of a blue jay.

“I’m going all out. I hired a lighting crew,” he said. “This night show is going to be crazy.”

Plans call for a stage show with music and a lighting montage during which he will unveil several new pieces. Among them is a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne. He was asked why he is going to so much effort to create this event.

“I had to. I came out of a bad relationship. [My art] is always relationship inspired,” he said. “I’m inspired by Marilyn Manson, Michael Jackson and Elton John.”

An example of Frasco’s art.

Frasco enjoys working in a variety of media including oil and watercolors. This show is costing him $17,000 to produce but he firmly believes this is a valuable investment in promoting his art.

“I want to get myself out there. I want to give them an art show from the future,” he said. “It’s an amalgam of everything I grew up with – concerts, wresting and more. I am letting two of my former students show their work.”

This elephant is another of his creations.

Frasco teaches at the Wethersfield Academy for the Arts and runs its summer youth art program. He honed his skills at the Paier College of Art in Bridgeport, now Paier College. WL

Tickets are $65 per person. Call or text Frasco at 860-918-6071.