Pierre Marcel | Biography

PIERRE MARCEL

Biography

Pierre Marcel Schmidt, born in Strasbourg, France, 1954.
Lived in South Beach since 1986, became an US Citizen in 1996. Travels frequently to France to work in his paint studio near Giverny, at Saint Clair Sur Epte.

Artist Pierre Marcel came to Florida in 1986 and resided in Miami Beach's Art Deco district for 15 years. While Pierre Marcel was originally brought to South Beach as a muralist to participate in the burgeoning renovation of the district*, he quickly developed a reputation as one of South Florida's premiere decorative painters. In this regard, he was awarded the commission by the City of Miami Beach in 2000 to create the mural "ARTS" at the City's convention center depicting the renaissance of The Arts in Miami Beach.
Little by little, Pierre Marcel evolved from decorative painter into a uniquely imaginative fine artist. His creations, which have delighted multitudes of denizens, tourists and collectors worldwide, are deeply personal and charismatic. His work is honest, sparse in "painterly" mannerism or affectation, and rich in warmth and inimitable eccentric humor.
In 2002, Pierre Marcel went back to Normandie, where he resides in the historical city of Saint Clair Sur Epte, near Giverny, to work more intensively on his painting. By now, Pierre Marcel Gallery, on Espanola Way, is a virtual South Beach landmark.

* In 1986, he decorated the Wet Paint Cafe, then the very first hype venue in South Beach. That same year, he and friend Jacques Olivier opened "Subject to Change, Inc.," a mural and decorative painting company, at 420 Espanola Way where he has loyally remained ever since.
The dilapidated Art Deco District was only starting to be colorfully restored, thanks to Leonard Horowitz, Barbara Capitman and their progeny. It was then an exciting time. A sympathetic landlord, some good friends, and a feverish sense that a new community was arising from a city in the midst of rebirth, made it possible to take on arty projects.

Check it out at 420 Espanola Way,33139 Miami Beach Florida
Phone: 305-672-53 05.

In France, in Saint Clair Sur Epte, 10/12 Place Rollon, 95770

A GROWER AND A SHOW-ER

Article-interview
written by Stephen DiLauro, April 1999.

The art education of Pierre Marcel in France and The U.S.A.

".....at the age when most children today sneak out of their Mom's kitchen to go roller-skating Pierre Marcel spent his after school hours gardening. This was the beginning of Marcel's art education..."
Continued, click here

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