July 2021

July 2021 Issue

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July 2021

FREE

Tracey Ipollito

Serving Up Art, Music, and Culture for the Metro Area’s Enjoyment 1 GessoMagazine.com Gesso Magazine

Editor's Word

July 2021

Editor’s Word:

right now, you can see a collection of Tracey’s Art of Universalism paintings starting on page 20. Also

Straight Up Magazine is now Gesso

revisit Tracey in our Archives at

Magazine and it is here with its 72nd edition ‘Serving Up Art, Music and Culture for the Metro Area’s Enjoyment’. The St. Louis Metro deserves its own arts and entertainment magazine. And here it is. It’s called Gesso!!!

It is our pleasure and privilege to have Tracey Ipollito as our featured cover artist. Tracey is a long-time friend of ours and was previously feature in Issue #47. If you attended pre-Covid Midwest Salute To The Arts in August

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2019, you may have seen Tracey

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painting there in one of the Gesso

see how her work has developed

Artists Demonstration Tents. And

over time.

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We have features on several other Metro artists and art events this month. It is such a pleasure and

their work for consideration in our humble publication. Relish in them with us here.

privilege to be able to provide a

We are excited to again be

platform for regional artist of all

sponsoring the Midwest Salute To The Arts this year as the 33rd Annual Art Fair returns - live - to Longacre Park in Fairview Heights. Reserve August 2729 for this spectacular - though Covid limited - art fair. Along with the 50 juried presenting artists, look for the Gesso Magazine Artists Demonstration Tent. AND for live music on the Gesso Magazine Sound Stage.

Governor French Gallery is on its regularly scheduled Summer

genres to express their passions and creativity with Gesso. We thank all the creatives who submit

Break. And, due to Covid concerns, our Jacque Davis “Dreaming in Color” exhibition at Governor

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Editor's Word

July 2021

French Gallery is still closed to foot traffic. The exhibition is visible from the vast windows at 219 West Main Street in Belleville

We invite you to contact us with ideas, comments, information, etc. that might assist us in our mission to serve you, the residents of the

IL or by appointment.

We thank our writers for their poignant features and all those who contribute to this project. We appreciate all of those individuals who have submitted their works for publication. And “Likes” to all you followers on Facebook!!! We are grateful to you, the reader, for checking out this latest issue of Gesso Magazine – Issue #72 in the Str8Up Magazine legacy!!!

Like Straight Up before it, the mission of Gesso Magazine is to support local arts and artists and the businesses and organizations that support local arts and artists.

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St. Louis Metro area.

WE WANT YOU! - All you artistic and creative types out there! You

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July 2021

should contact us. Show us your

out who’s featured this month.

work. Tell us of your craft and

Next month, that could be you!!

brief personal/artistic history.

Submit any art form that you’d

Enjoy Gesso! Tell your friends.

Send us your work. And visit our website at GessoMagazine. com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook daily for new and additional events and content.

Stay safe and be healthy.

like. Perhaps, you can be one of our next published contributors or even a featured cover artist. Check

P.O. Box 412 Belleville, IL 62222 (314) 266-9199 Editor@ GessoMagazine. com

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Credits

Staff:

July Credits

July 2021

Editors: Jake Bishop, Dylan Seibert, Paul Seibert Layout Design Artists: Jake Bishop, Kayla King, Dylan Seibert, Mark Polege Sales: Jake Bishop, Kayla King, Jennifer Lynn Reida, William Schmitz, Paul Seibert, Dylan Seibert Ad Artists: Jake Bishop, Kayla King, Mark Polege, Dylan Seibert, Wil Sullivan Calendar: Dylan Seibert, Paul Seibert Website Design & Up-Keep: Mark Polege (MarkusDesignWorks.com), Jake Bishop Photography: Mark Polege (PhotographyofMarkPolege.com)

The Gesso Movement Relies on Your Support!!

We a r e c o m m i t t e d t o s u p p o r t i n g l o c a l a r t i s t s , musicians, & businesses and providing this material FREE to readers month after month!!

To Learn More About How You Can Support Gesso Magazine in their Mission: H i t u s u p o n F a c e b o o k o r a t G e s s o M a g a z i n e . c o m 6

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Contributors: Cover Artist: Tracey Ipollito Cover Logo: Jake Bishop Comics: Danny Houk Photography/ Images: Courtesy of Tracey Ipollito (p.20-25), Valeria Prieto/ Vesna Delevska (p.34-37), Carol Marriott (p.42-45) All material in this publication and its affiiated on-line content are copyrighted to the individual contributors or Gesso Magazine and may not be reproduced without written consent. We are very grateful to those who have submitted material to be considered for publication. However, the opinions and views of those contributing content to Gesso do not necessarily reflect those of Gesso Magazine.

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Table of Contents

July 2021

12 July Comics:

14 Friends of Gesso Membership Program

13 July Fun Page

24 July 2021 Cover Artist: Tracey Ipollito

by Danny Houk

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Table of Contents

July 2021

26 Sunday Morning Game Night

42 July Submissions:

featuring Carol Marriott

by Dank By Design

34 Written Word Submission:

by Janie Bloomer Images by Valeria Prieto & Vesna Delevska

@blvscreenprint 618.277.9600 GessoMagazine.com

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July 2021

Attention Metro East Readers...

Introducing:

Str8 Up Lawn Services (618) 531-8034

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Highly Focused On Customer Satisfaction Now Serving Many Communities in The Metro East Call Today for a Free Price Quote

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Comics

July 2021

By: Danny Houk. See more at https://www.Instagram.com/dannyhoukart/

Facebook.com/GessoMagazine 12

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Fun Page

July 2021

FUN PAGE

Gesso Word Search!

4th of

July

America Banners Barbeque Beach Celebration Country Democracy Fireworks Flag Hamburgers Hot Dogs Ice Cream

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Independence July Parade Patriotic Picnic Sparklers Stars Stripes Summer Travel United States Vacation

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July 2021

Introducing:

The Friends of Gesso membership program * Donate any amount to become a member * Donate $10 or more and receive a Gesso sticker as a thank you gift * Donate $100 or more and receive a Gesso sticker and a T-shirt as a thank you gift All Members will be thanked in print in the next issue (unless they wish to remain anonymous) All members who provide a valid email address will periodically receive invitations to access special bonus content on GessoMagazine.com, as well as other perks!

(No email addresses will be sold to any third party EVER) Gesso Magazine reaches THOUSANDS of people on both sides of the river & serves the local art & music scene by continuing to make this publication available to the public free of charge.

This community project relies on the support of the community it serves. Help us keep LOCAL art and music ALIVE.

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BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

To become a member, send us an email at Membership@GessoMagazine.com Or send us a message on Facebook Or cut out this form and mail it to: Gesso Magazine P.O. Box 412 Belleville, IL 62222 Your name, or that of your business, band, group, or organization: Email (optional): Donation amount: Would you like to have your name excluded from print in the next issue?: (those who do not answer will have their name included) GessoMagazine.com

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July 2021

Empathica Radio Empathica Radio is a talk/music podcast that highlights unsigned/independent Heavy Metal, Punk, & Hardcore artist. Available on iTunes, Google Play Music, Spotify, Stitcher, and more.....

Hosting site: https://empathicaradio.podbean.com/ 16

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July 2021

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Bringing Nashville to Belleville for a night of original music, along with the stories behind the songs and the musicians.

Featuring Kelli Johnson, Kristin Merlin, Emma Zink and John Mullins SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021 AT 7:30 PM CDT LIVE at the Historic Lincoln Theatre 103 East Main Street in Belleville, Illinois. www.facebook.com/lincolntheatrebelleville https://www.lincolntheatre-belleville.com/ 18

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Greetings Gesso Readers!!!

This Month and All Year Around, We are So Very Grateful to You and to EVERYONE Who Has Contributed to this Project...

Thank You!!!

From All of Us to All of You: Thank You So Much for Your Support You Can Keep Up with it ALL via Social Media & GessoMagazine.com

July 2021

Tracey Ippolito Cover Artist It is my life: A long, strange road of perpetual mental illness, spirituality, and struggles throughout that has driven me to pursue my work. First, as a childhood escape, later and today, a calling. A mission.

Within each of my paintings, there is a lifetime’s worth of a story. I call my work “Universalism.” It is a type of art I have developed in which connections can not only be made, but nearly tangibly felt.

From the viewer to the art, the art and viewer as one when something personal connects them. Next, the awareness of their place in the world, the humanity seen within all others as it relates to themselves.

There comes a realization of one’s place in the world, in the universe, only to wrap back around to the self with the new understanding that, they too, are creators.

This is my intention at least, and it has proven to work thus far, fueling my hope to help others find a joyful moment.

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Image of my book display. Accompanies my current series, wherever I can find a place to release it. Book displays the entire show, paintings alongside their accompanying poems, as well as a small autobiography and complete course in my form of art, “Universalism.”

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July 2021

These theories, along with the corresponding paintings and poems, are outlined in my book, which is part of my current series, both called “The Art of Universalism.” The book outlines a vast variety of subjects contributing to this type of art, from mathematics to shamanism.

At first glance, my work presents as a mixture of Surrealism, Mannerism, Expressionism, and Symbolism. As with all things in life, it takes looking a little deeper to uncover the truth.With this painting/poetry/book series, I hope to travel, bringing with me the dream of giving something more meaningful than our ordinary lives to people. It is an experience and hopefully produces feelings worth feeling. Doesn’t everyone want to change the world, after all?

I work in many mediums, finding some success in my ARTlery, which is literally fine art as jewelry. They are wearable one-of-a-kind miniature paintings and sculptures. I also enjoy sculpture, collage, drawing, fashion, and carving among other things.

“Integration”, oil on canvas, 24” x 48”, $5750 GessoMagazine.com

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July 2021

Drawing of woman's back with face, “To Hide is to See”, graphite on paper, 12” x 14”, Sold.

“Inactivity”, oil on canvas, 24” x 36”, $1475

“A Craving So Fearful”, Acrylic on canvas, 16” x 20” (pandemic piece) $725 22

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“Sleeping Between Worlds II”, Oil on canvas, 30” x 40”, $3750

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July 2021

“The Shaman Girl”, 24” x 30”, oil on canvas, sold

“The Tower”, 48” x 60” oil on canvas. $6,250

www.facebook.com/artofuniversalism/

www.facebook.com/tracey.ippolito

https://artofuniversalism.com

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“ARTlery”, necklace is one of a kind and titled, “Unmasking the Self”, Canvas stretched on wood frame made from matchsticks, hanging from wires on simple chain.

July 2021

“The God Question”, oil on gallery edge canvas, 30” x 40”, $7250 GessoMagazine.com

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Sunday Morning Game Night

July 2021

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Sunday Morning Game Night

July 2021

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­

“SLEEP WALKER CHRONICLES”

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­ EPISODE THREE: “TO SLEEP”

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PICK ONE (READ ONLY YOUR CHOICE) PRESENT RIGHT AWAY

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­

­

PRESENT AT THE END OF CLASS

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July 2021

gesso magazine would like to announce that...

High quality, full color printed copies of any Gesso Magazine are now available for purchase! Why is this awesome?

- They make a great keepsake, especially if you have been featured in an issue.

- They look professional and gorgeous displayed.

- There is something satisying about reading a tangible issue that you can physicially touch.

- Proceeds from magazine purchases go toward supporting the growing creative community project that is

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July 2021

We are also happy to announce...

GESSO M AG A Z I N E NOW HAS E L B A Z I M O CUST A P PA R E L !

We have T-shirts (traditional and crewneck), long sleeve shirts, and hoodies available to purchase as well as the full color printed copies of any gesso magazine! Designs can be created to showcase your favorite Gesso Magazine cover from any issue on the front or back of any of the previously mentioned clothing items!

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Do You Enjoy Gesso Magazine, with its Daily Calendar of Events on Facebook and Its Showcasing of Local Art, Music, and Culture in the Pages of Each New Monthly Edition Being Added to the Archive on

GessoMagazine.com?

Why Not Show Your Support by Sporting a Durable Gesso Magazine Bumper Sticker on Your Vehicle For Others To See? Gesso Magazine Bumper Stickers Are a Great Way to Help Share Your Love and Support of the Local Art, Music, And Culture of the St. Louis/ Metro East Region!!! To Support Gesso Magazine by Getting Your Hands on Some Gesso Merchandise: Contact Us on Facebook or Send an email to

Merch@GessoMagazine.com.

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July 2021

MIDWEST SALUTE TO THE ARTS IS ON FOR 2021!

Dates: August 27, 28, 29, 2021 *With new protocols in place to ensure the health and safety of our artists, vendors, volunteers, and visitors.

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July 2021

About Grief and Healing

Janie Bloomer, A Heartlinks Griever Heartlinks Grief Center: https://myheartlinks.com

A Third Installment in the Therapeutic Series of Written Word Art in dealing with Loss.

The following two pieces on Grief and Healing were written

by Janie Bloomer. She had this to say as an introduction: I lost my partner of 36 years when she died 3-1-2020. These are a sample of some of the things I have written on grief. I don’t want to come across as an expert, because these are just my feelings at the time. Most of what I know has been learned through the mentorship of my grief counselor, Diana Cuddeback, and Megan Devine’s book, “It’s OK That You’re Not OK”. I write what I feel as I’m living this nightmare called Grief. Not only is writing therapeutic for me, but If I can help someone else who is grieving, all the better.

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July 2021 CAN’T When you say you can’t do something,

You can’t seem to ask for help

It means one of three things:

Because you and your loved one have always been self sufficient.

You don’t want to, you don’t know how, Or a combination of the two.

If you can’t go on living without your loved one, That could be a combination of not wanting to And not knowing how, Depending on how long you’ve been together.

It’s possible that you have focused just on each other And estranged yourselves from friends and family.

You can’t imagine life without their presence, Their touch, their love.

But some support people in your tribe are “doers” And are just waiting to be asked to assist you.

If you can’t find purpose in your altered life that lies ahead, It’s undoubtedly because you were content And don’t want to explore new possibilities.

You want your old life back, before your loved one was taken from you.

Living within your grief is excrutiatingly hard, And at times, you will think you can’t do it.

But if you are brave and step off your well-worn path,

You can’t perform some of the mundane tasks

You will find that you can and will learn how.

That were your loved one’s responsibilities, Such as changing the furnace filter or replacing the smoke alarm batteries.

But you will figure it out so you know how next time.

Janie 5-22-21

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July 2021

“Patience Comes From Within” by Valeria Prieto www.facebook.com/valeriaprietoartist 36

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WISHING

The best part of my life was her.

It went so fast; it’s all a blur.

I wish I’d taken time to say How much I loved her every day.

I take her with me all the time, I have her love, and she has mine.

The house, the bills, and come what may - The daily grind got in the way.

Janie 5-21-21

Recalling what my father said When things get hard inside my head, I keep in mind that from the start “We’re too soon old and too late smart.”

If I could live my life again I’d be so patient, especially when She repeats herself or doesn’t know Where the cereal and the dishes go.

She didn’t want to lose her mind Or memories she’d never find.

“I’ll take you home, my child,” God said, And cancer took her life instead.

“Source of Inspiration” by Vesna Delevska www.vesna-art.com

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July 2021

www.JohnnyBBQSauce.com www.Facebook.com/ Johnny-Sauce-502689276810563/

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(303) 524 5729 GessoMagazine.com

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July 2021

Carol Marriott Carol Marriott grew up in Washington Park then spent the next 34 years in Washington state. With her love of nature she became a horticulturist running nurseries and greenhouses. Early on she did a lot of pen and ink sketches while observing all the detail in nature. This led to her love of print making especially “Intaglio”. Intaglio is etching on a copper plate, then inking and printing to heavy paper. She also did a lot of painting from watercolor to acrylic, showing lots of detail and negative space. Coming full circle she moved back to Illinois to be near family.

Carol can be reached at cmarriott0@gmail.com

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"LaPush Beach" 5x7 Intaglio

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July 2021

"On the Beach" 18x24 Acrylic

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Untitled 24x36 Acrylic

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Visit the RenewAudio.com/Music page for links and streaming music for our Artists.

Or Search Renew Audio Music or DrunkMouse Records for Spotify Playlist.

Renew Audio Music is available on all streaming services.

Search “Ian Buechele” on Spotify, iTunes and any streaming platforms to listen to Americana/ Blues songs by Ian Buechele.

Governor French Gallery Exhibition

Dreaming in Color Textile Arts by

Jacque Davis Governor French Gallery 219 West Main Street Belleville IL 62221 Due to the Covid quarantine, the Gallery is closed.

This exhibit is continued indefinitely.

“You can’t come in, but... you can see the exhibit through the windows.”

Sponsored and Curated by Gesso Magazine Regular Gallery Hours: 8am-4pm Monday through Friday or by appointment