Many people enter their 40s with thoughts of ideas, dreams and passions long-past, but one local artist has made a point to keep his dream alive. After years of setbacks, Tommy McMillion’s lifelong passion for art will be realized at the unveiling of his multimedia Art and Signage System (MASS ME) at the 910Arts Gallery in the Santa Fe Arts District on March 16. The exhibit runs through the end of the month.
McMillion developed MASS ME as a new way of channeling the artistic expressions of individuals and businesses. The exhibit, entitled the “Damn U Look Good project,” is aesthetically inspired by Michael Angelo’s “Creation of Adam” and is a fully customized technologically based signage system with elements of music, art and metal infused into one. McMillion explained that MASS ME is designed to inspire art enthusiasts in the creative process of personalized multimedia compositions while providing businesses with a unique and captivating platform to market themselves.
As intriguing as it sounds, the project is one that should be seen in order to get the full effect, and the artist definitely has a large vision as to where Denver residents can expect to view his creation. From DIA to transit stops around the city, to high tech ways to display family photos, McMillion developed MASS ME to help people connect in ways they never thought possible.
The 300-plus pound fusion of metal and power is the culmination of dedication, hard work and tenacity from McMillion-who has worked on the project for more than a year, and with very limited funds. “The project has been full of ups and downs,” he said. “First development of the concept, R&D, getting an investor to believe in a concept, finding the contributors to provide their expertise to work on the project, managing the players, locating and securing a gallery, PR, graphic design and development, image development, music production, and many other variables. It’s made me stronger, but has definitely taken a toll.”
Even so, this sole breadwinner for his family of six (including a boxer puppy named Tyson) has taken it all in stride, always making time for his brood. “I think that the hardest part of all this has been juggling between my family, my full time job and starting this business. Our kids are most important, so we decided that it was important for my wife to stay home and be there for them,” he stated.
Looks like the old saying proves itself once again: “Dreams do come true.” After putting in the time and the work, I’m sure it’ll be worth the wait.
Doni Luckutt is a lifestyle expert who believes by enhancing interpersonal connection, we can stop simply living, and become Simply Alive! If you have a suggestion on what brings you to life, connect with her on Twitter @SimplyAlive, via e-mail Doni@SimplyAliveWorld.com or on her blog:
