Sculptor and multimedia artist Gary Vulcano has been selected to provide some of his work in a new exhibit opening in Chandler next weekend.

A free opening reception for the exhibit, titled “Creatures and Cosmos,” will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 13, at Vision Gallery at 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler. The public is invited.

“I am excited to share my work in the “Creatures and Cosmos” exhibit. It captures what I aim to do – spark thought, stir emotion, and have fun doing it. This show gives my creatures a universe to play in,” Vulcano said.

His pieces that were selected by the jury for inclusion into the show include “UF-OH” and “PlanetX,” both metal sculptures, an assemblage titled “I.C.U.2.”

Vulcano began working in metal sculpture six years ago, and since then he has created hundreds of works and exhibited extensively. He now embraces several mediums to create his artwork, including acrylic on canvas, sculpture (stationery and movable), assemblage, AI and digital art.

“The resultant artworks straddle the two worlds of advertising and fine art and, as a result, Gary’s art is always original,” a spokeswoman said. “The ongoing theme throughout his extensive body of work is the story-telling aspect of his artworks, which always evoke a response from the viewer.”

Vulcano attributes his success to his ability to quickly envision an artwork in three dimensions, and spontaneously mold metal into a sculpture, create a painting, assemblage or digital creation.

Vulcano worked for 45 years as a creative director in the advertising business, developing ad campaigns for a variety of industries.

“As a visual communicator, I straddle the two worlds of advertising and fine art in my metal sculptures, acrylics, assemblages and digital creations,” Vulcano said.

“My inspiration is drawn from anything visual, be it a movie, television show, or photograph. My artwork plays on the colorful aesthetic of contemporary icons and subjects that resonate in popular society.

“However, elevating that aesthetic to evoke an emotional response is my real passion. I like to dazzle audiences with a sense of fun and quirkiness or with a dramatic, thought-provoking statement that is inherently found in my artwork, and to surprise them with unexpected dialogue.”

Over the past few years, his art has been featured in exhibitions across the Valley, including in exhibits at Art Intersection, Desert Foothills Gallery, Herberger Art Galleries, Portland In The Park, Shemer Art Center, The Sonoran Arts Gallery, and The Larsen Gallery.

An active member of several art groups and guilds, Vulcano has exhibited with Artists in Arizona, Gilbert Visual Art League, Ground Floor Artists, Tempe Artist Guild, and the Sonoran Arts League. In 2023,

He also was the guest curator for a group exhibit at the Herberger Theater Center titled, “Listen To Your Inner Creative Voice.”

“My artworks pack an emotional punch,” he said, “and I truly enjoy seeing the effect my works have on a viewer. Their reactions usually involve a smile or even a laugh. By creating art that interacts with the viewer and that people relate to, my art be- comes accessible to everyone, which I find very fulfilling.”

Through the artist’s “Mighty Metal” program, Vulcano also donates original artwork to qualified children’s nonprofit and charity organizations across the country. His philosophy is, “Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference!”

The exhibit runs through Aug. 16. Information: visiongallery.org or contact the artist at whitelavametalart.com.