Gerleve’ has been consciously and actively creating his art since the age of two, he has been producing professional works of art and winning awards since he was eleven years old. His first love and primary medium of artistic expression is that of oil paint. He does however create in almost every known artistic discipline and medium.
Gerleve’ received his first personal training in art from John Gnagey of 1950’s television fame. At the school he attended, the Catholic nuns awarded Gerleve’ a free piano and a music scholarship. During adolescence, Gerleve’ befriended the renowned artist Juan Ricardo, who convinced the youngster, that it would be wise to peruse his talents. Ricardo taught perseverance and discipline. Gerleve’ was also taught by Ricardo, the importance of learning, understanding and following the evolution of art and stressed the necessity of learning to paint like the masters.
Gerleve’ also studied at the Art institute in Chicago. His works have been shown in special exhibitions at the Museum of the Chicago Art Institute. Some Gerleve’ works are on permanent loan to the museum from the Arthur and Phyllis Choyke art collection, which is the most prominent collection of surrealism in the city of Chicago.
In 1970 Max met the girl of his dreams, Melanie. Melanie, is a free spirited artist, a sculptor, painter and Rock & Roll singer. She has won various awards for her 3 dimensional works. Melanie is listed in "Who's Who in America" for her work in sculpture. Max and Melaine immediately became life partners. They married in 1974 and went on a 12 month honeymoon. Together they are the perfect match. They work well together and with a minimum of arguement, they constantly help each other hone and perfect their skills.
Together the Gerleve’ team began their professional gallery career in 1974. They have exhibited in hundreds of art galleries since that time. Together they have also owned several art galleries, including one on the prestigious “Gold Coast” in the city of Chicago. In 1988 both members of the Gerleve’ team helped pioneer the Hot Springs art community in Arkansas. They participated in group exhibitions or in one man shows in eighteen galleries in Hot Springs between 1988 and 1994. The couple returned to Chicago in 1995 to record their first solo CD Entitled "Wired for Love" which won two cash awards from A.S.C.A.P. Their current project is the construction of their new art gallery in the small, rural, mountain community, of Mena Arkansas. The gallery is now complete and will open this spring or summer. Max and Melanie Gerleve’ in one form or another have had a continual presence on the World Wide Web since 1991.
The works of art by Max and Melanie Gerleve’ truly have a far-reaching global presence, their works can be found on all continents except for Antarctica. Their works have found their place in some of the most prominent and prestigious art collections in the world, including those of President Clinton, David and Ann Penn of the Pennzoil Corp. several notable Hollywood and music celebrities and a billionaire patron whom wished until his death to remain anonymous.
We hope to get the chance to meet you, in the cyber-space of E-Bay.
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