Blue Dragon By Xavier Lockett with X Hat By Don Porcella (All Photos By Gail)
Thursday night opening receptions in the Chelsea Gallery District are always a lot of fun for art fans, but last night the hottest exhibit on the Westside was Xavier Lockett and Don Porcella’s Dual Pipe Cleaner Art Exhibit at Ozaneaux Artspace. This exhibit has an excellent back-story.
Xavier and one of his Pipe Cleaner Sculptures
Xavier Lockett, an 18-year old from Central Florida, has been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition and he is currently recovering from a kidney transplant. Xavier has always wanted to dedicate his life to being a professional artist working with pipe cleaners, but never believed he would be able to live out his dream. Was it even possible to be a professional pipe cleaner artist? Those were Xavier’s thoughts when he came across the artwork of Don Porcella on the Internet while working with Make-A-Wish Foundation. Don is, of course, a fine artist whose medium is pipe cleaners. You’ve seen his work here on The Gig!
Rainbow Winged Eagle Holding Diamond Encrusted Skull by Don Porcella
Upon discovering Don’s Pipe Cleaner sculptures, it became the young, aspiring artist’s one true wish to meet Don Porcella. Make-A-Wish contacted Don and asked him to write a letter of encouragement to Xavier while he recovered from his surgery, giving him tips on how to become a professional artist.
White Bread By Don and Action Figure by Xavier
Don offered instead to have Xavier fly to New York City and work alongside him in his studio, where he could teach Xavier his techniques and processes, awakening Xavier’s imagination and opening him up to new possibilities. How awesome is that?
Multiple Action Figures By Xavier Lockett
The work they created together was exhibited last evening at a one-night only celebration on West 20th Street. Ozaneaux Artspace is an alternative venue dedicated to supporting emerging artists and championing social change, and the owners, Nikki and Fred, graciously donated the space for last night’s show. All of Xavier’s work was up for sale and 100% of the proceeds went directly to Xavier.
Art Dealer By Don and Action Figure By Xavier
There was a huge turn out for the exhibit and everyone had fun checking out Xavier’s cool action figures rendered in colorful pipe cleaners. The main attraction of the show though was a large blue Dragon created by Xavier, which was displayed alongside a pipe cleaner Baseball Cap emblazoned with an “X” that Don made especially for his protégé. It was a great night for both artists and everyone involved and attending the exhibit. Thanks to Don and Ginger Porcella and the folks at Ozaneaux Artspace for making Xavier’s wish come true!
Here’s another shot of that amazing Blue Dragon!
Don Porcella Self Portrait