Drag has been in the news for brunches and bans. It’s also a misunderstood art form that has been in existence since William Shakespeare’s choice of men to play female roles.
Exploring drag as art, Craig Mann celebrates local drag artists who bring joy and entertainment to their audiences. 16 portraits of local queens are on display. Craig has transformed his gallery into an immersive event. You’ll enter through ‘Glitter Bar’ to start your drag transformation, proceed through the curtain to larger-than-life-sized paintings of the queens in the main gallery, enjoy a Stonewall tribute of past and present queens, and relax in the ‘Pink Zebra’ lounge backstage.
Are his paintings of men, or are they of women? Are they frightful political tools, or are they beautiful beings?
One thing is for sure: they represent the essence of art as unedited, questioning beauty.
‘Slay: the Art of Drag’
Opens April 22, 2023 4p-7p and through April
Mr. Mann’s Design Gallery 4501 E. Sunny Dunes Rd (Entrance on Vella Rd) Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-409-6388
Impressionism has been one of my favorite movements in the art world. I love how the 19th century masters interpreted an ordinary world with extraordinary results.
Using similar techniques with short and repetitive brush strokes, I’ve interpreted commonplace desert scenes with changing angles and prisms. The result is a reflection of the human experience in desert life.
When looking at the paintings, ask yourself if you are looking through a mirage, or a haboob? Is the barren desert landscape playing tricks on my eyes and allowing me to see color where there is sand and rock?
Spend time gazing and interpreting the art in your own way, and immerse in the experience for another impression of the modern landscapes we live in.
‘Modern Impressions’
Opens Saturday October 21, 2023 4p-7p
Mr. Mann’s Design Gallery 4501 E. Sunny Dunes Rd (Entrance on Vella Rd) Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-409-6388
Follow us @mrmannsdesign on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
‘Faces and Fluid Places' Opens Saturday, January 21, 2023
Craig takes inspiration from fluidity in the human experience. Seasons change, feelings change, people change. And art reflects the joy and conflict and creativity that comes with transition.
From a gender fluid portrait, to an abstract with many meanings, come experience it all in this unique exhibit.
‘Faces and Fluid Places' Opens Saturday, January 21, 2023 12n-4pm
Mr. Mann’s Design Gallery 4501 E. Sunny Dunes Rd (entrance on Vella Rd) Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-409-6388
Follow us @mrmannsdesign on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
‘Festival of the Arts' November 5, 2022 and November 6, 2022
For the City of Rancho Mirage Festival of the Arts, Craig Mann explores new techniques and directions in his art. Common themes which bind them all are vibrant use of color and experimentation beyond a comfort zone of a specific genre or style. Craig believes his art should be approachable, accessible, and attainable.
Craig is one of the 30 artists who have been chosen to participate in this important event.
For purchase details, please call Ossie at 562-522-7100.
‘Festival of the Arts' November 5, 2022 and November 6, 2022 City of Rancho Mirage 71560 San Jacinto Dr Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760-409-6388
‘Color Burst and Earth Bound: Dual Exhibits Opens July 30, 2022
Mr. Mann’s Design Gallery is highlighting Craig Mann’s art in two exhibits: Color Burst in the Main Gallery, and Earth Bound in the Incubator 1 Gallery.
These dual exhibits both complement and compete in playful and provocative ways. Color gradually fades into the colors of the earth.
As the premier painting suggests, two meanings lie beneath one as if to ‘pull back the curtain’.
The exhibits are exclusive to Mr. Mann’s Design Gallery and can be appreciated throughout the virtual gallery above, or the photos below.'
