Abstract creations at gallery's First Friday exhibit

NEW PORT RICHEY - Art is free expression of what's inside the artist, with no rules or boundaries, says one local artist, Carey Yaskovic, offering his perspective on art.

The downtown Progress Energy Art Gallery, at 6231 Grand Blvd., will showcase Yaskovic's latest lifelike paintings during the gallery's "Fatal Abstraction" exhibit.

The kickoff of the exhibit of Yaskovic's work will take place from 6 - 9 p.m., Jan. 4, during the gallery's First Friday artist's reception.

The art exhibit will run through the entire month of January.

Most of his works are large pieces featuring abstract designs, says Karren Doll Tolliver, gallery director. Some even flow across multiple canvases, she says.

Also featured will be diverse painted items by Yaskovic, like reclaimed furniture and sculptures made from machine parts. In addition, Yaskovic will unveil a new technique he has developed of painting on burlap.

A longtime resident of New Port Richey, Yaskovic attended Gulf High School. In 1996 he graduated with honors from Tampa Technical Institute.

He has operated his own company, Perm-A-Grin T-shirts, since 1998.

Yaskovic creates custom signs and business cards, as well as screen-printed T-shirts sporting his own artwork.

His clients have included Lexington Homes' 2005 "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" project, in Largo, and the Jessica Lunsford memorial playground project In Homosassa Springs, in 2006.

Yaskovic began displaying his artwork in the Orlando area in 1999 and has since exhibited in several places such as the Insomnia Coffee House Lounge, in Palm Harbor and The Art Center, in Holiday.

He has also judged art competitions and has participated as speaker in the Great American Teach-In at both Gulf and Ridgewood high schools.

"I've known Carey for many years," says Tolliver. "His work has evolved considerably over that time. His latest work is unlike anything he's done previously. It is calmer and much more abstract and has a beautiful, energetic flow about it," she says.

Other artists who will exhibit in this show include Michelle Astuto Collins, Suzanna Holland, Klaus Lang and Shannon Thek.

Gallery hours are noon until 8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.

For further information call the Progress Energy Gallery at 727-848-6500 or visit its Web site, www.nprgallery.com.