Circle of Friends Gallery

Celebrating 5 years of Fine Art!

Press Release

For immediate release

BREAD AND CIRCUS

A gala opening is planned for local artist Mark Bryan at the Circle of Friends Gallery in Atascadero August 22nd. The show, BREAD AND CIRCUS, features a marvelous variety of Mark’s work in Giclee prints on canvas.

Born in Southern California in the fifties, Bryan soaked up the pop culture and angst of those days. Super hero comics, Sci-fi books, Atomic War, the Mouseketeers, Beach Blanket Bingo and the dirty Russkies were just a few of the things one had to deal with. All that was soon followed by the psychedelic movement, the Vietnam War, Tricky Dick, and of course more wars, terrorism, and environmental destruction.  With all that material to work with it’s no wonder Bryan’s work has taken a humorous and satirical direction. 

Bryan has become known as a deadly satirist taking on the villains of the day in surprising and delightful fashion. He is also known for his whimsical surrealistic work and pieces that make comments on human nature, evoke wonder, and ask the big questions. Even though most of the work deals with serious topics it always manages to be entertaining and esthetically pleasing.

Bryan’s work has been widely exhibited and featured on numerous satirical and political web sites across the US and around the globe. The work has also appeared in many publications and magazines as illustration and cover art.  In 2007 Bryan was given a feature article in Juxtapoz magazine.

This fall, Bryan’s well known “Mad Tea Party” painting will be appearing in a new movie. “Lake View Terrace,” starring Samuel Jackson. You can preview his work at www.artofMarkBryan.com.          

The opening night is being held at the Atascadero Circle of Friends Gallery on Friday, August 22nd, from 7 – 9 PM.  The gallery is located at 5529 Tunitas, Atascadero.  The show will run from August 22 - September 27. For information please call 466-4653 or visit www.circleoffriendsgallery.com