GULFPORT, FLORIDA: Domain Home Accessories & Gallery will host a reception to feature Gulfport “Funk” artist Derrick Johnson. This installment of Domain’s monthly “Meet the Artists” events will take place on Saturday, April 18th, 6 until 10 p.m. at 3129 Beach Boulevard South in Gulfport. Complimentary wine, hors d’oeuvre will be offered as well as live music by jazz saxophonist Henry Ashwood.
Popular local artist Derrick Johnson works out of his own “Stankin Studios.” The “stankin” expression was derived during a musician friend’s gig when the word came out of nowhere to describe a particularly passionate and funky moment during the session. Johnson describes, “When ‘stank’ hits your face, it’s the same as having beauty hit you. You go ‘OOOOO-Weeee!’” Johnson’s “stankin” art is a whirl of color and shapes applied to a wide array of objects and materials, including furniture, sunglasses, ironing boards, jewelry, wood, doors, walls and metal. Johnson located to Gulfport from Baltimore in 2004. He has participated in a variety of outdoor markets and art festivals and his work has been shown at venues including Leepa-Ratner Museum of Art (Tarpon Springs) and Divine Excess Folk Art Gallery (Bradenton). He frequently paints objects on commission. For the last few years, Domain has offered pieces in his series of framed metal sculptures resembling three-dimensional “funk” aquariums he calls “Aqua Boogie.” For the “Meet the Artists” event, Johnson will be offering a much wider variety of art works and painted objects for one night only.
Established in March 2001, Domain Home Accessories offers a variety of unique art, décor, lighting, jewelry, cards, home goods and more, earning a reputation as one of Gulfport’s most respected retailers. “& Gallery” opened in 2012 in the adjacent space and showcases the work of over 40 local and regional artists. “Meet the Artists” events at “& Gallery” occur during Gulfport’s popular Third Saturday Art Walk.
Artists and artisans line the sidewalks of scenic Beach Boulevard on Art Walk evenings.
Independent shops and boutiques, live music venues, street performers, and Gulfport’s many popular restaurants are all part of the lively Art Walk scene. Parking in the waterfront village is free and convenient.
Free trolleys are available for visitors parking in remote sites for transportation to and from the hub of Art Walk.
For more information, visit domainhomeaccessories.com.
