The work of sculptor and multi-media artist Gary Vulcano is coming to his first solo exhibit in Phoenix.

The exhibit, titled “expressiveVISIONS,” will be on view from Friday, Jan. 5 through Sunday, Jan. 28 at The Herberger Center Gallery, 222 E. Monroe St. The opening reception goes from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5.

The opening coincides with a Phoenix First Fridays live event at the Herberger. The public is invited to attend.

"I don't think outside of the box. I think of what I can do with the box,” Vulcano shared in a press release.

The Gilbert resident has had a 45-year career in the advertising business where he has created campaigns for a variety of industries. He began working in metal sculpture five years ago, during which time he has created hundreds of works and exhibited extensively.

The resulting artworks straddle the two worlds of advertising and fine art and, as a result, Vulcano’s art is always original. The ongoing theme throughout his extensive body of work is the storytelling aspect of his artworks.

“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,” he stated. “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.”

Vulcano will be creating new works for this Herberger Center Gallery exhibit, which will feature approximately 30 of his latest creations on view.

Attendees can enter their name into a drawing to win a piece of the artist’s work.

“Gary Vulcano has shown his work in the Herberger Theater Art Galleries for the last few years. He also served as a guest curator and has donated artwork to the Herberger Theater’s annual fundraiser,” Laurene Austin, Herberger Theater Center director of development & marketing, stated. “His work is truly unique and beckons the viewer in to see even more of the details.”

Through the artist's "Mighty Metal" program, Vulcano donates original artwork to qualified children's nonprofits and charity organizations across the country.

He works from his East Valley studio, and over the past few years, his artwork has been featured in exhibitions across the Valley including Art Intersection, Desert Foothills Gallery, FOUND:RE Contemporary, Herberger Art Galleries, Portland In The Park, Shemer Art Center and The Larsen Gallery.

He has exhibited with Artists in Arizona, Gilbert Visual Art League, Ground Floor Artists, Tempe Artist Guild, and the Sonoran Arts League.

Visit www.herbergertheater.org/art-gallery or contact the artist at www.whitelavametalart.com.

This suspended metal sculpture entitled “Paint” is an example of the Gary Vulcano’s work.

(Photo provided by MW Associates)