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Exhibits open 6:00pm – 10:00pm during Art Walk on the 1st Fridays of every month.

Gallery hours Monday through Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm

Extended Gallery Hours most Wednesays, Thursdays,  and Fridays until 10pm

Sometimes galleries are closed for private events

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Overview

“Art 4 The Senses”

Experience Marvin D. Rouse Art Through Sight, Touch, Sound, and Scent.

Art for The Senses encompasses works inspired to share art with the seeing and hearing impaired to stimulate the creative experience for all people. “I have created lots of colorful visual art, sculpture and paintings for those with sight who have the privilege to see, but for many years I have wanted to share my art with those that don’t get to experience art like we do and that’s the inspiration behind this show.”

~Marvin D. Rouse

“Art 4 The Senses” is an exhibition for all people, provoking you to experience the arts through Touch, Sight, Sound and Scent, stimulating communication without words. The seeing impaired can experience through touch, feeling the work, art is all about the senses, the feeling we get when we see art and the thoughts it provokes now will be available for those who are without sight. This special exhibition will take you on a journey through the artist’s imagination and passion to share his gift with all people. While those with sight will get to see the amazing colors of Marvin D. Rouse’s works, those that can’t, will see through their fingertips and hands to receive their own one off interpretation of what they are feeling and what their imagination is showing them. This exhibition will have works where the viewer will be a part of the art, making each person a one off new work of art that changes with each person that stands in front of it. Portions of this show will be interactive with the people, making them part of the works of art for a moment that they can capture and share on social media.

ARTIST STATEMENT & BIO

“IN MY ART I LIKE TO CAPTURE THE EMOTIONS AND IMAGINATION THAT WE ALL SHARE, SPEAKING WITHOUT WORDS, CREATING THE SEEN AND THE UNSEEN, USING COLORS AND MOVEMENTS TO EXPRESS MY UNIQUE VOICE.”

Born May 1976, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Marvin D. Rouse first recognized his interest in colors and was inspired by his Uncle’s quick sketch of a racecar to be creative, and began drawing at the age of five. By twelve- years-old, he is excelling in art at his school employing his skills as a young entrepreneur selling his art on t-shirts and jean jackets. In 1995, he started his business at eighteen-years-old, providing local Indianapolis homeowners and businesses his artistic design services, completing everything from album covers to large scale murals, including his young clothing line, Rouse, had become a real local success.

In May of 1998, Rouse relocated from Indianapolis to Naples, FL, with a dream to further his career as an artist with an opportunity came about during spring break with his girlfriend now wife in Spring of 1998, of which they decided to move in 3 weeks from Indianapolis to Naples Fl. Upon moving, he established his business as Rouse Designs, LLC, providing the community a creative service built mostly through word of mouth. Now, 25 years later, the artist has a growing presence, and creative demand in Naples.His art is about us, faces, emotions expressed through color and thought- provoking images to encourage feelings of happiness, joy and imagination, expressing what we all share. A gifted artist with raw talent, as it shows in his signature style mostly present in his abstract works. He is creatively prolific, being commissioned to paint everything from pets to exotic cars. In 2018, he held successful exhibitions downtown at Naples Art, dinner with the Artist, Pop-Up Gallery with UAC in Venetian Village. Group show “Three M’s Synergy” 2021 Sydney Berne Davis Art Center. In April 2022 Rouse moved into his new Downtown Naples Studio * Gallery at 853 4th Ave, S. 34102. Rouse passion for community has supported multiple local organizations of Collier County through his gift and inspiration of the arts, they include: Greater Naples YMCA, Child’s Path, M.S.Centers of SouthWest FL, Special Olympics, Naples Art, Naples Zoo, C’Mon Children’s Museum, Legal Aid of SouthWest FL.

Performances:

Blkbok

Born and raised in the inner city of Detroit, Charles Wilson III, known professionally as BLKBOK, has been immersed in music since a young age. Recognized as a piano prodigy by the age of eight, he won statewide accolades and excelled in college-level competitions. Choosing a path that reflected his deep connection to the piano and rap roots, he adopted the name BLKBOK, a nod to one of the greatest pianists and composers of all time, and an embodiment of the diverse influences that have shaped his artistic identity—from pop and hip-hop culture to groundbreaking, New-Classical expressions.

BLKBOK’s debut album, “Black Book,” marked a significant moment in his career. Critically acclaimed and recognized by The New York Times as one of the “5 Classical Albums to Listen to Right Now,” it laid the foundation for his unique voice and vision. His mixtape releases and collaborations, such as “Angels Watching Over Me” with Lawrence Brownlee, further showcase his innovative presence in the music landscape.

His live performances are a dynamic, piano-driven experience that engages audiences in a dialogue about our collective identity and experiences. A career highlight includes the original track “Stars (Ad Astra),” the first-ever piano duet performed from space, exemplifying BLKBOK’s commitment to pushing musical boundaries.

BLKBOK’s sophomore album “9” is a tribute to the “Little Rock 9,” symbolizing a significant moment in American history of integration and equality. This album is a statement of Universal Love and togetherness, taking listeners through an intimate journey of disparity, equity, and black excellence. It sets the stage for meaningful conversations and emotions of healing and new beginnings, infused with hope and love. “9” is a series of stories told from an inclusive black perspective, designed to celebrate black excellence and contribute to a world where diversity is celebrated.

Through his music, BLKBOK illuminates a path of awareness and invites listeners on a journey that transcends the conventional, celebrating the power of music to unite and inspire.

Steve Blanco

STEVE BLANCO is a Nashville-based dynamic multi-instrumentalist musician, composer, and filmmaker who thrives at the intersection of music and cinema. Raised in a creative environment with a Moroccan belly dancer mother and a father who was a NYC cinematographer, Steve’s early exposure to the arts deeply influenced his path. Growing up alongside a mentally disabled brother instilled in him a profound empathy and a drive to express himself through music and filmmaking.

Starting as a trumpet player and later mastering drums, piano, and electric bass, Steve’s passion for creativity expanded when he discovered filmmaking through his father’s super 8mm camera. He honed his musical talents further, earning a B.F.A. degree in piano performance from Purchase Conservatory of Music.

Beyond his musical achievements, Steve’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found and operate a successful organic cookie company, distributing products nationwide across the USA.

When not immersed in his artistic pursuits, Steve finds solace in nature—whether soaking up the sun at the beach, exploring mountain trails, or cruising on his motorcycle.

As a Century Media recording artist and endorsing leading music organizations like Fender, Gibson, Mesa Engineering, and DR Strings, Steve’s diverse musical journey spans genres and projects. From his role as bassist in the Extreme Metal band Imperial Triumphant and the experimental group PAK, to leading his own Steve Blanco Trio and rocking out with El Chico Blanco, his versatility shines through.

Steve is also a respected filmmaker, directing multiple short films and music videos, including selections for prestigious festivals like the San Francisco International Film Festival. His creative portfolio extends to producing & directing music videos for Imperial Triumphant and writing several feature film scripts.

Steve Blanco’s illustrious career in the vibrant NYC music scene showcases his commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. His passion for music, film, and innovation resonates with audiences worldwide, continually inspiring creativity and excellence.

Awards

Digital Cafe Tour 2008; Steve Blanco Trio received first place out of over 2000 artists.