Take a minute and watch this video. Sarah Gerace is a freelance photographer working for three8six. She is extremely talented and creative, as demonstrated by this video. She was assisted by News-Jorunal staff photographer Sean McNeil, who is a bit of a creative genius himself. 

Oh and by the way this is Sara's scholarship entry. Grand prize of $15 thousand goest to the person who can get the most page views. So help a girl out and forward this to everyone you know!  

"True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative artist." --  Albert Einstein

Art Army marches on Ormond Area artist Perego is marshalling his Art Army for another Vagabond Art party. What's a Vagabond Art party? It's an evening of music, performance art, film and visual art. The party will go from 6 p.m. until late-night Friday July 3 at Caffeine Bistro & Wine Bar, 49 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach. A reception to celebrate the new courtyard mural by Perego, with complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres, will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Information from the venue: 386-672-7277. The party will feature a preview screening of the film "Art Army Reality Show" by Christopher Hansen, music by DJ Danni G, performance art by Perego, a community mural for patrons, and an art exhibit. -- Rick de Yampert perego live

If you've not met him yet you should. He officially holds the title as the most colorful person I've met in the three8six. A working muralist and leader of the Art Army, a local artist movement with a cult-like following, Perego is at the forefront of the local creative movement producing "Art that Rocks." 
 
I caught up with the man himself, through e-mail, and asked a few questions of the self-proclaimed artist extraordinare.    

C: What is your job title? 
P: father, brother, melchizedek and artist extraordinaire.

C: Describe you...  
P: A triple Scorpio, ecstatic, inspired, skilled, passionate and loved.

C: What do you really do at work? 
P: I get down with my bad self, no really. My "work" is creating unforgettable moments, incredible art and rockin' performances.

C: What are you passionate about? 
P: Art and life, which for me is the same thing.

C: Where is your favorite place to eat locally? 
P: Caffeine Bistro and Wine Bar, Ormond Beach and Ronin Sushi and Saki Bar and Siam Spice Thai Restaurant in Daytona Beach 

C: Where do you go for fun? 
P: I participate in amazing art events and throw traveling Vagabond Art Parties.

C: What is your favorite tool? 
P: You really didn't just ask me that.

C: If you could be any person for a day who would it be? Why? 
P: Joshua Ben Yusef ( Jesus' real name yo) cause he rocked the world over.

C: What do you recommend? 
P: I recommend coming to the realization that we are ALL creating this world around us, that "reality" is our creation, we are all artists and we need to consciously create ourselves and it.
C: What do you want to be when you grow up? 
P: Ahem, I believe I am fully grown and I will be done with my body when the last person I inspire has exclaimed "Yes I am an artist!"

C: If you could go any place in the world where would it be? Any place? 
P: I would love to tour the archangel headquarters, as well as the hall of records in the Sphinx.

C: What are you an expert at? 
P: As far as being an "expert" you would need to look at my 23 years of doing cool, creative stuff and let me know. Like a doctor- I am still practicing.

C: What are your favorite web sites (other than three8six.com)? 
P: Besides my own which ROCK (ArtofPerego.com, Peregolive.com and Artarmy.org), I would say the networkers-- myspace, facebook...  And I would definitely hit up Urantia.org if you are interested in knowing about this world, angels and God. 
  
 
  
  
  

Here she is palying: My Heart Belongs To Daddy

Sophie Milman, backed up by a handsome four-piece band, sang sultry jazz during her performance at the Bank & Blues in Daytona  Beach.

The Russian bombshell gave a cool performance and added a bit of urban sophistication to the area of town usually reserved for bikers.

CREDITS AND CAPTIONS: 
Photograph by Sara Gerace
Click here to see full gallery 

Video provided by Linus Entertainment  

"Very cool" were the words that first came to mind as I perused the "Nudes Gone Wild : Art Undressed" exhibition at Razzle's Nightclub in Daytona Beach.

In my line of work, it is very exciting to find progressive events around town. It was especially thrilling to see art lining the walls of a nightclub that until now has been known for techno beats and 21-year-olds. 

I was invited to the show by Perego, leader of the Art Army -- a local group of artists helping to support and excite the local art scene. According to his site, Perego focuses on "Art That Rocks" by fusing creativity with high-energy music.

Jimmy Harper, owner of the 508 Art Gallery in Daytona Beach, explained that the art featured in the show is representative of each artist's interpretation of nudity.

Images bordering on pure pornography hung next to abstract works that barely gestured the outline of the human body, and many focused on sexuality and lovemaking.

I asked Harper why he decided to do the avant-garde show (I should have expected his answer) and he simply responded, " Sex sells."

He continued: "I've been doing events for two years now and I wanted to do something that would get attention."

The show was an effort by Harper and Perego to help promote, support and develop the local art scene. In total, the show represented 160 artists from the local area and from around the country.

It was a good step toward creating cultural awareness in a community that tends to be undecided about its cultural direction. While nudity can be a little shocking for the faint-hearted, a shock is often what it takes to be noticed.