POTTSTOWN, Pa. (WLVT) — This week, PBS39's arts segment, Culture Shock, is featuring the work of a local artist who turned his love for music into art.
Artist Alec Friel says he’s always had a passion for music.
"When I was young, I would sing and play piano for my friends and family all the time," Friel told PBS39.
In 2017, he had a discussion with his dad, David Friel, about an idea to turn old records into keepsakes. They call their company Astro Vinyl Art.
"The idea was to take a vinyl record and carve artwork right into it," said Friel. "We take old records, like an original vinyl from Led Zeppelin, and carve the band logo and some album artwork into the record."
At his work space that doubles as a community art center called Cosmic Art Studios in Pottstown, Friel uses a computer aided design or CAD program to make precise carvings on each record.
ALMOST FAMOUS
The father-son duo began to travel to art shows along the east coast with their work. Eventually, they were noticed by some big names in the music business.
"We’ve done business with KISS, Poison, Elton John, Rod Stewart — we’ve made pieces for their personal collections. We also work with the PPL Center in Allentown — our pieces are given as gifts to artists who perform there," said Friel.
Despite the fame, the pieces still sell for reasonable prices in the $60 to $100 range.
"We typically find the records at record stores or flea markets. Sometimes customers send us their own records for us to make a piece out of," Friel explained as he picked up a framed David Bowie piece featuring the artist's “Ziggy Stardust” album. "This one has a lot of character," he added.
CREATING COMMUNITY SPACE
Art is spread around every corner of the building where the Friel’s work. Built in the early 1900's, it was formerly the site of a Fraternal Order of Eagles lodge, a group known for its promotion of the arts.
"This space is part public art studio, gallery and lounge," Friel explained. "We even have an herbal bar. So we have teas, kombucha and we serve snacks like chocolate from Guatemala called kava. We have gatherings here, we call them shindigs, which is a coming together of artists. A shindig is essentially a micro market we set up in our front gallery. Local artisans are invited to come and sell their pottery and paintings. We also have our stage for performing artists."
Cosmic Art Studios is open a few days a week. Friel asks for a $5 donation for each person who visits the space. Guests may also sign up for a free workshop, including painting, yoga and drum circle.
"The energy and vibe of Pottstown is growing," Friel said. "The community has welcomed us. Without the community, this would just be an empty building. The space is meant for the community to find and showcase their passions."
Friel shared this advice for aspiring artists: "When you create, I think you need to have fun and be passionate about what you’re doing. That’s the most important thing."
Support The Artist: Visit the Astro Vinyl Art website and 'Like' the Cosmic Art Studios Facebook page.
Watch our arts segment at the conclusion of PBS39 News Tonight, which airs at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, 2020.
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September 05, 2020 at 05:08AM
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Montgomery County Artist Catches Eye Of Acts Like KISS, Poison, Elton John, Rod Stewart - PBS39.org
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