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IMAGINE there’s no hunger: John Lennon Art Exhibit returns to Southwest Florida

By Staff | Mar 7, 2012

John Lennon's "On Cloud 9." Image courtesy RUDY SIEGEL.

Now in its third year in Naples, Southwest Floridians will have a chance to browse and even take home a piece of the Artwork of John Lennon collection, coming to Fifth Avenue South, at the Inn on Fifth, Friday to Saturday, March 9 to 11. During that time, art show guests may view the extensive, more-than-2,000-piece collection that has traveled thousands of miles across the country, spreading joy and love to all who have a chance to view it.

For the last 20 years, Yoko Ono and Legacy Fine Art and Productions have brought this exhibit across the country as a way to honor his memory and celebrate his messages of peace, love and truth.

Guests of the exhibit will have an opportunity to see John as an artist in the true sense of the word and not only take a look into his mind, but experience “A Day in the Life” of John Lennon, through his drawings, sketches and written words from prior to his days as a Beatle up until his untimely death.

Yoko Ono, head curator and the love of John Lennon’s life, speaks a little about John’s artwork, and what it means for her to be able to continue displaying his artistic legacy to the world.

“Over the years, John’s artwork has become more and more popular,” she said. “It’s amazing. In the beginning, it was just his very strong fans that were interested. But, then they meet other people at the show who are the same-minded, and then it just grows from there. It’s a bleak time, no peace around the world by coming to John’s exhibit, with his artwork all about peace and love, guests can talk about good things, happy things.”

John Lennon's "Dream Power." Image courtesy RUDY SIEGEL.

Given today’s political climate, both globally and nationally, John’s words ring as true now as they did then, and continue to enlighten, inspire and provoke people all over the world. These exhibits have become meeting places for John’s legions of fans to “Come Together” and share in his spirit through his artwork and songwriting.

Every year his art tour hits the road, Yoko is sure to unveil two or three pieces that have never been seen by the public. That way, art show guests can experience “new” things season after season.

Just as his art exhibits in the past, copies of John Lennon’s artwork are available for purchase. They are sold as “serigraphs,” made from the lithographs each one hand-signed by Yoko, herself, who verifies each and every piece before placing them in the collection.

“I love all of John’s paintings,” she said. “I love them all. I really mean that. John was so talented. They’re all so good. So, when I’m signing them, I’m smiling. It’s a pleasure for me to do this, carrying on what John did,” she said.

As for pricing, don’t think you’re going to have to take out a second mortgage (or a third one, in this economy) to afford to take home one of Mr. Lennon’s pieces. Yoko is sure to keep them affordably priced, so everyone has a chance to bring home some extra peace and love.

“I always keep the prices down, which allows more people to get them,” Yoko said. “His art shows and paintings have been so well-taken, I want to be sure everyone can take some of that home with them.”

Every year, the John Lennon art exhibit raises funds from donations for a local cause. This year, as years past, the local Harry Chapin Food Bank will be the recipient of the proceeds.

“Each time I hold an art show, I like to do something for the local crowd. That’s something that John would have liked,” Yoko said. “”I’m very proud that we can do this, to help the local community while simultaneously displaying his artwork.”

There is no cost to attend the John Lennon art exhibit, but donations for the local charity are greatly accepted.

“We have raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Harry Chapin Food Bank during our prior art exhibits, and proud to raise some more during our next Naples showing March 9 to 11,” said Rudy Siegel, of Legacy Productions. “It’s a very nice tradition we like to continue year after year.”

“John was first an artist, then he became known for rock and roll,” Yoko said. “He was an incredible artist right from the beginning. He always did beautiful work, and his teachers suggested to continue through art school, so he did. So, many people don’t realize how talented he was and how highly sophisticated his artwork was. Some would actually try to imitate his work, but couldn’t. John’s work encouraged them and inspired them to do their own. And, so, he continues to inspire, even to this day.”

The Artwork of John Lennon will be on display at the Inn on Fifth, 699 5th Ave. South, Naples, Friday, March 9, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 10, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 11, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For further information, visit JohnLennonArtwork.com.