COLOR, IMAGINATION, AND MUSIC FILL CANVASES IN LITTLE HAVANA ARTS DISTRICT

Miami artist Katey Penner has exhibited for over a decade in the South Florida art scene. Her expressionistic style includes bold color choices and loose strokes which create energy and movement that bring her portraits to life. She currently works from her art studio located at Futurama 1637 Art Galleries in Little Havana.

“Growing up in South Florida has influenced my artistic style. The exciting collision of color and culture has converged in my art to create pieces that resonate with passion and life. It is my desire to bring a unique sense of color, imagination, and perspective to each waiting canvas.”  – Katey Penner

“The Tower” by Katey Penner; 36″x 30″ acrylic on canvas

Working with acrylic paint on canvas, Penner creates with a combination of spatulas, brushes, and finger painting. She currently has two signature art series; one features Miami urban landscapes while the other emphasizes the energy and vibrancy of musicians. Penner’s studio has been located at Futurama 1637 Art Galleries in the Little Havana Arts District for several years. “Having my work space in the heart of Little Havana has given me front seat access to view all of the colorful neighborhood characters and activity, which has motivated increased contrast and movement in my artwork,” she explains.

“Miguel Zenon” by Katey Penner; 30×40, acrylic on canvas

In describing her newest work, Penner reveals that she’s developing an interactive and multi-disciplinary experience for her musician series. “Next to each musician,” she describes, “is a small sound box that will play a one-minute piece of a song by that artist.” The exhibition will also include a short bio with some interesting facts about the musician, designed to create a lasting impression on the viewer.

The vibrant Little Havana neighborhood offers the artist “buckets of energy and color,” which can be seen in all of her works, as well as that of other artists located in the area. She describes her work as a bold reciprocity of the energy of Little Havana: the Miami landscapes that she creates are landmark buildings that she sees daily in the lush, culturally-enriched neighborhood..

“The art has always been a great attraction for the visitors coming here to immerse themselves in this unique culture,” Penner recounts. She believes that Little Havana offers a unique blend of cultures and a wide variety of demographics in a very walk-able and central area of Miami. “Mix in the constant flow of tourists from all over the world, and we have an incredibly vibrant  community.”

Little Havana Arts District is the site for Viernes Culturales, a monthly art walk and gallery night, every third Friday of the month. Futurama 1637 Art Galleries, where Penner’s studio is located, stays open late on these nights to welcome locals and tourists alike to enjoy the work of many Miami-based artists. You can learn more about Viernes Culturales by visiting their website at viernesculturales.org.

To see more of Katey Penner’s work, visit her website at www.penner-studio.com. To learn more about Futurama 1637 Art Galleries, visit their Facebook page at Futurama1637.