SUPPORT: the Phoenix Theater, go to the Guitar Gala

The Phoenix Theater is a place that is important to me. My reasoning for this is extensive but mostly, I feel that Petaluma would be lacking something without it. I was lucky enough to spend many a night at the theater in my youth, watching shows. Because it was right there in town it was easy to go. Do you have any idea how impossible it is for a 14 year old kid to get to the city to see a band perform? I do and I haven’t forgotten.
So many concerts, I might not have ever seen if it weren’t for the Phoenix. Those of you who grew up in the area know what I am taking about. But, have you been to the Phoenix lately? I have, just last year. I went to see hip-hop legends Too$hort, Method Man and Red Man, and for my friend and war casualty Kawika’s memorial. I love the place, it holds memories and it’s got its charm, but is in need of some definite renovation. And since this theater has given so much to the community, it’s only right that we pull together to participate in preserving this historical location and the wonderful programs it offers our youth.
The Phoenix has organized its Carnival and Guitar Gala, scheduled to take place this Saturday. The event will feature close to 20 guitars donated by the Gibson Foundation. Each one has been designed by a different artist, three of whom I know personally: Ricky Watts, Jared Powell and Josh Faure-Brac. I can’t begin to express the pride I take in knowing these three creative individuals and to be blessed with their astonishing work. Other artists include the likes of George Lucas, Seth Green, Stan Lee, Les Claypool, and many others. Please visit, phoenixguitargala.com for the full list.
“I knew in my heart and soul it was something I needed to contribute to. It's such an honor to be a part of this show, with so many great people contributing,” Ricky Watts told me. The artist and local visionary also helped in designing the poster that added to the overall look and feel for the Gala’s promotion and website. “How could I say no? Gibson Guitars donated all the materials and it was a dream come true to deface my very own Les Paul,” he joked.
The Gala is this Saturday, February 28th, at 7pm. It will feature a live Internet auction, cocktail party, silent auction featuring artist memorabilia, and appearances by a few of the artists. Tickets are only $30 each, $50 per couple and information can be found here. 100% of all proceeds will go towards supporting free after-school music, theater and arts programs for at-risk youth of the North Bay and will help to maintain our one and only Phoenix Theater.
Remember: the mission of the Phoenix is to, “foster the emotional, physical and social development of the young people we serve, specifically at risk youth, by enabling them to create and engage in programs for music, the arts, and health and wellness, while preserving and improving the historic Phoenix Theater as a resource for youth and the community at large.” Let that ideal live in your heart and let’s work together to keep it going. After all, children are our future; I was once a Phoenix punk kid who turned out alright.

Cataclysm Hits Petaluma This Month, a show by acclaimed artist Ricky Watts

Forward: I write about many up and coming artists that inspire me, but this article will prove to be of the highest honor to complete. Not only is it about a very talented artist but it is about a dear friend of mine, Mr. Ricky Watts. Who has at times inspired me to pick up a paint brush, forced myself to write when I had no words, and simply to pursue my dreams and do what I love to do. He is a true inspiration to artists of all types everywhere. I’m sorry it took me so long to write it my dear, but I am hopeful it will not disappoint. Much love and respect always...

Cataclysm Hits Petaluma This Month, a show by acclaimed artist Ricky Watts

Ricky Watts has been an artist his whole life, but it wasn’t until his early teens that he found his true passion. Through peers at school he was introduced to graffiti, which would later mark the essence of his desired art form. Later he went on to graduate from the Art Institute of California in San Diego. Since this, he has completed numerous pieces, in multiple mediums, and has had his work displayed in many shows.

This month, Ricky will be participating in his only solo show of the year, including all new pieces- drawings and paintings (acrylics and spray). The show entitled, “Cataclysm” is a series of drawings and paintings based on a drawing he created a few years ago, called “Petaluma 2086.” The piece was created by using Petaluma landmark buildings as studies in combination with images from the artist’s imagination. “I was just going for a futuristic idea of what was in store for Petaluma but the more I thought about it, the more I realized we need to wake up as a society. That drawing is our future if we don't change the way things are going,” Ricky said of the piece. The show’s opening is Friday night, October 10^th, at the Mail Depot, in downtown Petaluma.

When Ricky isn’t making masterpieces or coordinating shows, he’s working a 9-5. During the day he does graphic design and pre-press for a local print shop. But, after work with any and all free time he is drawing or painting. “I have a lot of influences these days. Not just people though. Places I go, things I see or grew up around- life in general,” Ricky said. “Burning Man really opened my eyes to a lot of things this year.”

Open eyes he has and an open mind as well; Mr. Ricky Watts has many definitions of the word “canvas.” You and I would think of a white, blank space; while he might see it as a car, a skateboard deck, a US Postage label- sky’s the limit and the ideas always fresh. One of his most incredible works on a very unusual surface, “Pieces of Me,” is made up of 100 consecutive drawings, each on their own USPS Priority Mail label. The entire work was completed free-style with a Sharpie. When put all together, the piece is 45 feet long.

Painting cars seems like it would be a trying task and a strange assignment, but not if you’re R.Watts. “That one fell into my lap like most ideas. I was approached by some friends of mine to re-paint their truck after some people had vandalized it. I had posted photos of it online and sure enough, a few months later I get approached to paint a delivery van. I've done a few of them now and they've been great publicity for me,” he said.

He makes it look so easy, but is it? Is he ever at a loss for ideas or creatively stifled? “All the time - some days worse than others. I always try to do something else for a little while and take my mind off what I'm working on. Go for a walk, stretch, play online poker for a little while. This usually helps but not always. I've got unfinished paintings that have been sitting around months,” he said.

In addition to his job and his career, Ricky offers a wide variety of freelance services: Graphic design, pre-press and printing, custom art, illustrations, event flyers and posters- just to name a few.He has also contributed to the colorful Four G's (Graffiti, Guns, Girls and Ganja), a young American culture magazine distributed internationally. Ricky and fellow artist, Chris Jehly, designed the cover for the first issue. The easiest place to pick up a copy or a shirt designed by Ricky is at: fourgsmagazine.com.

With his favorite medium, spray paint, 14 years experience and endless other creative skills- "Cataclysm," by Richard Watts is a show not to miss. Aren’t you curious to take a peek into the future? The show will be located at The Mail Depot, 40 Fourth Street, in Petaluma and will hang from Oct. 10^th-20^th. The opening reception will be Friday the 10^th starting at 6:30pm and will feature music by A Case of the Willys, a local dance band will be performing a range of musical styles: "songs you know, songs you have never heard and song you know but have never heard like this before!"

So where will it all go? I asked Ricky what his thoughts were. With Mr. Watts we shouldn’t worry too much. There is no doubt in my mind where ambition like this ends up- there’s no place for it to go but up. “Sure I dream of making it big with shows in Paris and London and then over to New York City for a book signing but honestly, if I make a living doing MY art for the rest of my life, I'd be happy. The wealth and fame are certainly desirable but they're not necessary for me to be happy,” he said.

For more information about the show or Ricky’s work, please visit: rickywatts.com or read his blog.