art / art

I’m proud to announce my representation with ArtBlend Gallery of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Several art pieces from my Obsessions & Meditations series are on exhibit and available through the gallery. In addition to my artwork on display, I’m excited about the gallery’s upcoming events including a Summer Exhibition and magazine party.

“Staying true to his hyper focused hybrid dream-state style, Vito Bonanno takes his abstract expressionism aesthetic to a level where silent images shout for your attention from off the canvas and demand that you take a closer look into the secrets and treasures hidden in plain sight; leaving you to ponder the wonders of the human mind and psyche as experienced by Bonanno and others who live and work with the daily challenge of autism. Bonanno’s most recent works are comprised of  multiple layers of painted and drawn images on canvas that resemble the multi-layered, chaotic thought process of images and thoughts that call his mind their home.  His mind is a place where images, thoughts and words float around in a bumper-car like world, crashing and speeding in all directions.” -ArtBlend Gallery

ArtBlend’s Summer Exhibition 2015 opens on Saturday, June 27th from 6-8pm. The evening will feature the artworks from the exceptionally talented artists that the gallery currently represents. Boasting an outstanding diversity in paintings, photography and sculpture by artists from around the world, I am very happy to be part of the ArtBlend family.

You can encounter various mediums, subject, styles, colors, sizes and prices. The evening will have complimentary wine & cheese and a special, custom-made cake from Fabulous Cake Couture. The event is free, open to the public and plenty of parking – located at 2736 East Oakland Park Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33306.

The gallery is owned and operated by longtime gallery owners in the neighborhood. The fine art gallery has 4,250 square feet of event space spread across two rooms with contemporary design details such as polished marble floors, granite countertops, and stainless steel track lighting, as well as garage doors that are large enough to fit a car into the space! The gallery has a built-in sound system and Wi-Fi, and the art changes quarterly.

I am proud and honored to have been asked to participate in an exhibition of previous awardees from the VSA Emerging Artists Program in the Kennedy Center’s Hall of Nations with sponsorship from Volkswagen Group of America. This exhibition will be showcased as part of the celebrations for the 25th Anniversary of the ADA and 40th Anniversary of VSA and will open on Friday, July 10, 2015. This exhibition will include the work of up to 20 artists who will represent the past 13 years of the VSA Emerging Young Artist Program. I was an awardee in 2009. Curated by Stephanie Moore. She has chosen Daffy Goes to Waterbury with a Ninja Turtle and SECR Toilet to be part of the exhibition that will run somewhere from June-August.

Stephanie Moore is currently the Executive Director of The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design in Asheville, NC. Moore was previously the Director of Visual Arts for VSA, an affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, for 18 years. While in this post she was responsible for providing the overall direction and production of all visual arts exhibitions and activities at a national level.  Moore established the VSA emerging artist program supported by Volkswagen Group of America in 2002 and curated over 40 exhibitions including Revealing Culture, a groundbreaking exhibition held at the Smithsonian Institution’s International Gallery and designed by Michael Graves & Associates.  Moore holds a BA in art history and studio art from James Madison University and an MA in museum studies/nonprofit management and the art of underrepresented cultures from George Washington University.

Since 2002, VSA and Volkswagen Group of America have teamed up to recognize and showcase the work of emerging young artists living with disabilities, ages 16-25, who are currently residing in the United States. This collaboration creates opportunities for these artists at a critical time when many are making the life-defining choice to pursue arts-based careers. VSA and Volkswagen are committed to sustainability and investing in the future of young artists living with disabilities.

Skate Park Krusty is off to Tokyo, Japan! I’m super excited to announce that my art piece was chosen for Art Olympia – アートオリンピア 2015, an exclusive international art competition. Artworks from approximately 240 artists were selected from three major cities – Tokyo, New York and Paris. All of us who were chosen to participate will undergo the final review in Tokyo by a panel of judges invited from around the world. The exhibition is tentatively scheduled for June 13 – 28, 2015 at the Toshima City Government Office Building in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.

There are two rounds to this contest. The first round is regional, conducted in New York, Paris and Tokyo. 80 pieces (60 open category/20 students) from each regional market base were selected to proceed to the final round in Tokyo. Art Olympia aims to promote global cultural exchanges through art. is an open art competition held as a biennial event with the goal of discovering talented artists around the world and supporting their activities. The judging will be conducted by domestic and foreign art experts as jurors. My art piece was selected for this amazing competition, Skate Park Krusty, from my Obsessions & Meditations series. This piece was made with acrylic, craypas, paint pen, and archival glitter on canvas – 24” x 24” unframed.

With three entry bases in Tokyo, New York, and Paris, Art Olympia is a public art contest open to artists from all over the world with the goal of discovering talent. Established as a biennale, the contest will be held every two years. Prizes will be distributed to the winners to help them advance their path and their creative scope. Using a fair and transparent judging process to determine the winners, Art Olympia aims to achieve an international and multidimensional approach in judging. A universal point system is used and applicants will know their standing, points and ranking.

Having been selected for this prestigious international art competition has officially propelled me into the global art circuit. I’m so proud to participate in this incredible contest and exhibition in Tokyo, it validates for me that my work has mass appeal and crosses cultural borders. I’m really happy that people are able to connect with a part of me through my artwork, and as a globally recognized artist, I now have the opportunity to touch art aficionados all over the world.

It is an honor to have been selected by Saatchi Art for their new collection. My art piece Downtown Traffic Lights Plague the Milford Building from my Obsessions & Meditations series was chosen to be included in Saatchi Art’s ‘In Celebration of Basquiat and Street Art’ – Curated by Jessica McQueen, the Assistant Curator at Saatchi Art.

Write-up via Miami’s No. 1 Art Blog, Miami Art Scene: “New England & New York-based mixed media artist Vito Bonanno‘s Downtown Traffic Lights Plague the Milford Building was selected by Saatchi Art for inclusion in their new collection: ‘In Celebration of Basquiat and Street Art’. Curated by Jessica McQueen, the Assistant Curator at Saatchi Art –> Bonanno’s mix of hyper-focused Autism inspired work blends street art, pop culture and dreams from his unfiltered world. A nationally recognized artist who taps into the daily emotional and social challenges of living with autism, placing his innermost feelings onto canvas.”

Saatchi Art created this new collection in honor of the Basquiat exhibition now on view at the Brooklyn Museum, inspired by street art and the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Saatchi Art is the world’s leading online art gallery, connecting people with art and artists they love. Saatchi Art offers an unparalleled selection of paintings, drawings, sculpture and photography in a range of prices, and it provides artists from around the world with an expertly curated environment in which to exhibit and sell their work. Based in Los Angeles, Saatchi Art is redefining the experience of buying and selling art by making it easy, convenient and welcoming for both collectors and artists.

What a spectacular event in the Miami Downtown Arts District at McCormick Place, Autism Awareness Art Night was held on March 6, 2015 from 6-10pm in the heart of Downtown Miami. The event was hosted in collaboration with the University of Miami Center for Autism and Related Disabilities – (UM-NSU CARD), which is an organization that provides support and assistance with the goal of optimizing the potential of people with autism and related disabilities.

It was an awesome night of art, entertainment and festivities. Thank you to McCormick Place for such a successful event, also a very big thank you to Miami Art Scene™ for the strong media coverage and support! I attached some snippets from social media posts about the event –> “A recap of our March ‪#‎autismawareness‬ art night event here at‪#‎McCormickPlaceMiami‬!! Thank you to all participants! Maridith Imbasala @photographybypaloma Mariana Bara @madchillerworld @azucaricecream @ronbarcelo_rd, the UM Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and of course, @vitobonannoart!!” via McCormick Place on Instagram @mccormickplacemiami

‘What is AUTISM YOU + I? Autism You + I represents the image we at CARD have embraced as an organization since our inception in 1993.  Our mission is all about “You + I” and what we as families, friends and community partners can accomplish together to make our community a better, more inclusive place for people affected by autism and related disabilities. Together, You + I are making a difference every day in the lives of so many.’

I am super excited to be exhibiting once again with Bodell-Fahey at Umbrella Arts of New York City showing at Metro Curates NYC January 22-25, 2015. The show will take place at the Metropolitan Pavilion located at 125 West 18th Street in New York, NY 10011. Opening Preview Night is on the evening of January 21, 2015.

METRO Curates presents a select group of galleries in a setting providing intimate scale, a high level of connoisseurship and a compellingly diverse selection of material. The unexpected crossing of genres provides juxtapositions, both surprising and stimulating. When the 2015 edition of the METRO Show opens for its five-day run on Wednesday evening January 21, at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood, fairgoers will experience a thoroughly engaging concept billed METRO Curates. This all-encompassing theme puts forth single-artist and/or focused presentations curated by METRO dealers to distinctly articulate their point of view and where their specialty lies.

From ethnographic to abstract art, from outsider to Pop Art, folk art to decorative arts, the fair’s message is one of inclusion – that great ideas, great art and great design are best when presented creatively side by side in an integrated fashion. In keeping with the curated concept of the fair, each of the participating galleries is asked to present a single-artist or themed exhibit of artwork.

My work is on display in Miami now through March 2015 at the uber cool McCormick Place in the Miami Downtown Arts District. I have (5) works hanging in the art gallery there and I’m very excited to have work showing in Miami for a 3-month long exhibit. McCormick Place is a multifaceted arts space located in the heart of Downtown Miami. The space consists of a gallery and special events space and also houses artist studios and creative start-ups throughout the building. The venue features indoor and outdoor areas for cocktail receptions, performances, and exhibitions.

The Downtown area is the Southern neighbor to Wynwood and has its own blossoming art district. Home to the Perez Art Museum, the Downtown art scene is a whole new look and feel of local artists with smaller galleries and venues, and the businesses that exhibit and support the arts such as the MegaYacht SeaFair docked in Downtown at Bayfront Park, 100 Chopin Plaza in Miami – the world’s first mobile megayacht venue and one of the ten largest privately owned yachts in the United States. Groundbreaking in scale, ingenuity and style, the yacht – which remains dockside during each event, pairs international fine art, jewelry and collectibles with dining and cocktails at Bayfront Park in Downtown, Miami. The SeaFair hosts the 6th Edition of MIA, the Miami International Art Fair from Jan.15-19, 2015.

When I toured the art gallery at McCormick Place, I loved hearing the story and history of the building and learning about how it all evolved. The original building I was told was constructed in 1924, and was first a US Customs Warehouse serving as storage of confiscated goods and look-out post for the nefarious characters coming into Miami via the Biscayne Bay and the Miami River. The property was purchased in 1970 by Edward J McCormick, Sr. and dedicated to his father, Dr. James McCormick. Now, three generations later, Sean McCormick is not only reviving this venue but the Downtown area, creating the epicenter for the cultural crossroads of Miami.

I am happy to have artwork on exhibit at the McCormick Place Art Gallery. My team and I are looking forward to the monthly Downtown Art Walks & Gallery Nights, hoping to make new friends in the Miami market, always open to new opportunities and of course acquiring new collectors.

The excitement was pretty intense for WallBrawl No.5 Art Basel Edition taking place in the heart of Coral Gables on Friday, December 5, 2014 to coincide with Gallery Walk and Giralda Under the Stars from 8 to 11pm. The WallBrawl crew reserved an outdoor space on Giralda Avenue between Ponce De Leon and Galiano St. (Street is closed to Traffic) at 150 Giralda Avenue in Coral Gables, Florida 33134.

The showdown for this edition was an impressive line-up of local, national and international artists. We unleashed our masterful skills for an epic art battle in Miami – from the 305 we had TeePop, Ill Surge, and Vago. Joining us from Orlando was NEHS, along with Tennessee-based BadPanda (Vince Herrera), plus myself, Vito Bonanno from NYC – and last but not least we had Salvador Gomez brawlin’ with us from Spain.

WallBrawl is the ultimate art competition, a local art event that pops up monthly at creative venues in Miami. The event is an exciting paint battle in the flesh, Artist vs Artist + Skill vs Skill + Technique vs Creativity plus Timed Performance with Audience Participation = Wall Brawl.

My whole team and I traveled to Miami, Florida for the Spectrum Art Fair where I exhibited my work Dec.3-7, 2014 during Art Basel Miami Beach – one the most prestigious art shows in the world. We had a great time preparing for this art fair, it was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it and I’m proud we made it happen. Myself and some others from the team drove down in my Artmobile, and Truck’N With Vito! was down in Miami for a week popping-up at local art venues in Wynwood, Downtown Miami and South Beach.

Better known as Miami Art Week, the entire area emanating from the Miami Beach Convention Center in South Beach forms a whole solar system of art fairs that showcase the hottest, most talented contemporary artists and galleries in the world every year during the first week in December in Miami.

This year was the 13th Edition of Art Basel Miami Beach, and it was a phenomenal experience, my show at Spectrum was a huge success and I feel proud to have seen all my hard work and dreams turn out so well.

The week included a long list of things to do and see while in Miami, especially being in the Wynwood Arts District – I wanted to check out the graffiti and the incredible murals saturating Miami’s famous art neighborhood known to the locals as simple, Wynwood. Spectrum Art Fair was located here at 3011 NE 1^st Avenue at NE 30^th Street.

The show’s VIP Opening Preview Party, SPECTRUM After Dark, took place from 6-10pm on Wednesday, December 3, it was great, with music and DJ, a full cash bar, complimentary cocktails and passed hor d’oeuvres, and included the unveiling of my newest collection of mixed media art.

My exhibition  “Obsessions & Meditations”,  at the juried fine art show, Spectrum Miami in Booth S916 from Wednesday, December 3 – Sunday, December 7, 2014 in the heart of the Wynwood Arts District during Art Week in Miami.

We had a great time at City Wide Open Studios (CWOS) in New Haven CT. on Oct.11 & 12, 2014 at Artspace’s Goffe Street Armory for the Alternative Space Weekend Show. I exhibited my artwork along with an art installation titled Anxiety. Anxiety can grow overnight especially in my world. 

It was a successful weekend show, we sold a lot of artwork and art merchandise. The Artspace art venue’s huge, yearly forum for visual artists in New Haven brings all local creatives together to exhibit their work over three consecutive weekends, starting with the “Alternative Space” Oct. 11 and 12 at the 150,000-square-foot Goffe Street Armory, 290 Goffe St. where I exhibited this year.

We met a lot of cool people who I enjoyed getting to know. Everyone I met responded so positively to me and my work, it was nice to make new friends and expand my collector base. We did very well with my new selection of art pendants and other merchandise, like my Nintendo 1942 T-shirts.

There were 18 site-specific commissions filling up the Goffe Street Armory over the Oct. 11-12 “alternative space” weekend during the 17th edition of Artspace’s Citywide Open Studios (CWOS). The festivities involved more than 300 area artists, about a third of whom exhibited at the armory. We kicked off with the main opening reception on Friday night October 10, 2014 at Artspace.

I’m proud to have been a part of New Haven’s City Wide Open Studios. Artspace has been supporting the arts for almost 30 years, it is a testament to the ever-growing and dynamic landscape of the region’s visual and performing arts scene.

We had two awesome art parties over the Summer at Umbrella Arts Gallery in New York City on June 11 & June 27, 2014. Both events included my Artmobile, Truck’N With Vito! – my traveling art gallery. The Artmobile was parked out front for passerby’s and visitors to enjoy. The gallery was open to all guests and visitors to view the Truck’N With Vito! Series of 50 intimate pieces on display through the month of July.

Umbrella Arts NYC

I’m thankful for these types of social art gatherings, they allow me to establish new relationships. During one of these Summer art parties at Umbrella Arts Gallery, I met art patrons who expressed to me that my art inspired them to start an art collection. It makes me feel good to know that my work inspires people. Fans really loved my jewelry art pendants, someone called it Wearable Art, I really like that description.

The hats and T-shirts were also popular, it’s nice to see so much support for my cultural awareness campaign Truck’N With Vito!.We had a nice turnout both times and the visitors had great energy. The enthusiasm and vibe of good will and support was strong. It was great to spend time with good friends while meeting new fans and collectors in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side Arts District at Umbrella Arts.

Umbrella Arts NYC

Both Art Parties were free to the public with no admission. We offered complimentary wine and both events featured Music by DJ CherishTheLove and Poetry by Galinsky. After the success of our first Art Party on June 11th, we knew we had to have another one, so it happened on June 27th, 2014 – which once again was an excellent night filled with guests showing their support for the Arts & Autism, friends gathered and art-goers came and went.

Thanks to Ty & Lisa from Brooklyn College who filmed and interviewed at the opening of my Art Party at Umbrella Arts Gallery on June 11th in the East Village. What an incredible event, thank you to everyone who came out, such an amazing time – I love the love!

I am proud to announce the launch of Truck’N With Vito!, a Cultural Awareness Campaign. I transformed an ordinary van into a mobile art gallery and I am spreading the word through my art that Autism is a magical gift of secret resources of creativity and inspiration. The event is called TRUCK’N WITH VITO! and we’re launching on Saturday, May 24th at the exclusive Umbrella Arts Gallery in New York’s East Village, located at 317 East 9th Street. The gallery is known for its rare shows of extreme talent and is bringing my art showcase and cultural awareness project into the limelight. Umbrella Arts is a place of discovery, movement and change and they are committed to keeping the artistic spirit alive in the community, I’m very proud and excited about this project.

The exhibition will kick-off on May 24th at Umbrella Arts Gallery and my mobile project TRUCK’N WITH VITO! will travel on wheels to be seen all over Manhattan and Brooklyn at Bushwick Open Studios, The Howl Festival, The Dumbo Arts Festival and in New York’s East Village. The exhibition is taking place from May 24th through July 31, 2014 – the opening reception at Umbrella Arts on May 24th will showcase small, intimate paintings that I made on the road and in my New Haven, Connecticut art studio. View the fundraising campaign here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/truck-n-with-vito – we invite the public to join the movement and help to continue TRUCK’N WITH VITO! going and spreading the word about Autism and artistic talent.

During this traveling exhibition, the Artmobile will make stops at Fountain Gallery, LAND Gallery, the Bushwick Open Studios, and the HOWL Festival in Tompkins Square Park. Additional stops in the Summer of 2014 include the SoNo Arts Festival in Norwalk, CT. In the Fall, we will visit the DUMBO Arts Festival, the IAM Festival, OpSail, Envision Fest, LAMP, the SOFA Fair, and in The Wynwood Arts District during Art Basel Miami Beach at Spectrum Art Fair this December 3-7, 2014, as well as METRO Curates in January 2015.