Old Art Building honors master artist Charles Passarelli in career-spanning retrospective: “A Legacy of Artistic Exploration”
From staff reports
The Old Art Building (OAB) is proud to announce a special solo exhibition, Charles Passarelli: A Legacy of Artistic Exploration , running from March 2-25 . This comprehensive exhibit celebrates the life and work of Leelanau County local and master artist Charles Passarelli, a figure whose career reflects the evolving landscape of American art over the last 70 years.
From the “Mad Men” Era to Fine Art Mastery Charles Passarelli’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of the physical brush. After serving in the Korean War, Passarelli became a titan in the commercial illustration world during the height of the American advertising boom. Working within two of the nation’s largest art studios in Detroit, his illustrations helped define an era of marketing for major national brands. As the digital revolution began to replace hand-painted illustrations with computer-generated graphics, Passarelli made a pivotal choice: he refused to “sacrifice his brush.” Transitioning into fine art, he reclaimed his creative independence, trading client-driven ad solutions for personal expression.
Award-Winning Excellence For the past 20 years, Passarelli has been a dominant force in the national watercolor scene. He has garnered “Best in Watercolor” honors at prestigious shows including the Delray National, Boynton Beach, and Pigeon Key National Art Shows. He is a Signature Member of the Florida Watercolor Society and the Palm Beach Watercolor Society, and a Member in Perpetuity of the Florida Keys Art Society.
A Life of Teaching and Adaptation Passarelli’s legacy extends beyond the canvas into the classroom. Having taught watercolor at Old School Square in Delray Beach fornearly 30 years, he faced a new challenge during the 2020 pandemic. Despite self-identifying as “computer illiterate” at the time, Passarelli adapted to the digital age he once avoided, successfully transitioning his classes to Zoom to continue mentoring students nationwide. “Charles embodies the spirit of a true artist,” says Sarah Mills, OAB Executive Director. “His work shows a relentless desire to keep exploring new techniques and mediums. As Charles often says, he hopes that when his time comes, he is still trying something new.”
Exhibit Details:
What: Charles Passarelli: A Legacy of Artistic Exploration
When: March 2 – March 25 (Weekdays 10 am–4 pm; Saturdays 10 am–1 pm)
Where: Old Art Building, 111 S. Main St., Leland, MI
Cost: Free and open to the public.
For more information about the exhibit or the Old Art Building, please visit www.oldartbuilding.com or call (231) 256-2131.
